King James Version

What Does Genesis 27:4 Mean?

Genesis 27:4 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 27:4 · KJV

Love

Context

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.

6

And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,

Read Genesis 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless... 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. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַֽעֲשֵׂה1 of 13

“And make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִ֨י2 of 13
H0
מַטְעַמִּ֜ים3 of 13

“me savoury meat”

H4303

a delicacy

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 13

“such as”

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָהַ֛בְתִּי5 of 13

“I love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וְהָבִ֥יאָה6 of 13

“and bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לִּ֖י7 of 13
H0
וְאֹכֵ֑לָה8 of 13

“it to me that I may eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בַּֽעֲב֛וּר9 of 13
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

תְּבָֽרֶכְךָ֥10 of 13

“may bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

נַפְשִׁ֖י11 of 13

“that my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בְּטֶ֥רֶם12 of 13

“thee before”

H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

אָמֽוּת׃13 of 13

“I die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 27:4 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 27:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:20Genesis 48:9Genesis 49:28Genesis 27:25Luke 24:51Joshua 22:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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