King James Version

What Does Genesis 27:3 Mean?

Genesis 27:3 in the King James Version says “Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison ; take: Heb. hunt”

Genesis 27:3 · KJV

Prayer

Context

1

And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.

2

And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:

3

Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison ; take: Heb. hunt

4

And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.

5

And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.

Read Genesis 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and t... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְעַתָּה֙1 of 11
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שָׂא2 of 11

“Now therefore take”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נָ֣א3 of 11
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

כֵלֶ֔יךָ4 of 11

“I pray thee thy weapons”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

תֶּלְיְךָ֖5 of 11

“thy quiver”

H8522

a quiver (as slung)

וְקַשְׁתֶּ֑ךָ6 of 11

“and thy bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

וְצֵא֙7 of 11

“and go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה8 of 11

“to the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וְצ֥וּדָה9 of 11

“and take”

H6679

to victual (for a journey)

לִּ֖י10 of 11
H0
צָֽיִדה׃11 of 11

“me some venison”

H6718

(generally) lunch (especially for a journey)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 27:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 27:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 25:27-28Genesis 10:91 Corinthians 6:12

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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