King James Version

What Does Genesis 27:7 Mean?

Genesis 27:7 in the King James Version says “Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death.”

Genesis 27:7 · KJV

Context

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,

7

Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death.

8

Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.

9

Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:

Read Genesis 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my... 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 this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הָבִ֨יאָה1 of 12

“Bring”

H935

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

לִּ֥י2 of 12
H0
צַ֛יִד3 of 12

“me venison”

H6718

(generally) lunch (especially for a journey)

וַֽעֲשֵׂה4 of 12

“and make”

H6213

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

לִ֥י5 of 12
H0
מַטְעַמִּ֖ים6 of 12

“me savoury meat”

H4303

a delicacy

וְאֹכֵ֑לָה7 of 12

“that I may eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַאֲבָֽרֶכְכָ֛ה8 of 12

“and 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

לִפְנֵ֥י9 of 12

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 12

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לִפְנֵ֥י11 of 12

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מוֹתִֽי׃12 of 12

“my death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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 27:7 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 27:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 6:26Deuteronomy 33:11 Samuel 24:19

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