Genesis 27:14

KJV

And he went, and fetched, and brought [them] to his mother: and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went {H3212}, and fetched {H3947}, and brought {H935} them to his mother {H517}: and his mother {H517} made {H6213} savoury meat {H4303}, such as his father {H1} loved {H157}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he went, got them and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared them in the tasty way his father loved.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jacob went and got two goats and brought them to his mother, who made the tasty food his father loved.

American Standard Version

And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savory food, such as his father loved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 27:14 details Jacob's immediate and decisive compliance with his mother Rebekah's instruction to fetch animals for the "savoury meat." This action marks Jacob's full and active participation in the elaborate deception designed to usurp the patriarchal blessing intended for Esau, setting the pivotal stage for the unfolding narrative of familial betrayal and its enduring consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 27:14 is a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Jacob and Esau, immediately following Rebekah's audacious plan to secure the patriarchal blessing for Jacob rather than Esau. Isaac, old and blind, had just instructed Esau to hunt and prepare a special meal, promising to bestow his blessing upon him ([Genesis 27:1-5](/genesis/27-1-5 "Isaac's Charge to Esau")). Overhearing this, Rebekah, who favored Jacob, quickly devised a scheme, instructing Jacob to fetch two young goats so she could prepare a meal to deceive Isaac ([Genesis 27:6-10](/genesis/27-6-10 "Rebekah's Deceptive Plan")). Jacob initially expressed reservations, fearing discovery and a curse ([Genesis 27:11-12](/genesis/27-11-12 "Jacob's Hesitation")), but Rebekah swiftly took the potential curse upon herself ([Genesis 27:13](/genesis/27-13 "Rebekah Assumes the Curse")). Verse 14 then records Jacob's immediate and unquestioning obedience, transitioning from hesitant participant to active accomplice, thereby setting the stage for the dramatic deception that follows and the subsequent flight of Jacob.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative is deeply embedded in the patriarchal culture of the ancient Near East, where the spoken word, especially a father's blessing, carried immense, irrevocable weight. Such a blessing was not merely a wish but a performative act, believed to convey spiritual power, authority, and inheritance. Primogeniture, the right of the firstborn son to inherit a double portion and the family leadership, was the established norm, making Rebekah's and Jacob's actions a direct subversion of societal and familial expectations. The "savoury meat" was not just any meal; it was a delicacy prepared from game, highly prized and associated with the hunter's skill, making it a fitting offering for a significant occasion like a patriarchal blessing. The act of preparing and consuming such a meal was integral to the ritual of blessing, signifying intimacy and the transfer of authority. The cultural understanding of a blessing's binding nature explains the lengths to which Rebekah and Jacob went, as well as Esau's later profound grief and anger upon discovering the deception ([Genesis 27:34-38](/genesis/27-34-38 "Esau's Bitter Cry")).
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 27:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. The theme of **deception and its consequences** is central, as this verse marks Jacob's full complicity in a scheme that leads to immediate familial strife and Jacob's eventual exile. It highlights how human attempts to manipulate circumstances, even seemingly to fulfill divine prophecy, often result in pain and broken relationships, as seen in the long-lasting animosity between Jacob and Esau ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Esau's Hatred for Jacob")). Another prominent theme is **familial favoritism**, as Rebekah's partiality towards Jacob and Isaac's preference for Esau directly fuel the deceptive plot, demonstrating the destructive power of unequal affection within a family. Furthermore, the passage grapples with the tension between **human agency and divine sovereignty**. While God had declared before their birth that "the elder shall serve the younger" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The Prophecy of Jacob and Esau")), Rebekah and Jacob choose to achieve this divine purpose through deceitful means, raising questions about the righteousness of their actions and God's role in allowing such events to unfold, ultimately demonstrating that God's purposes will prevail despite, not because of, human sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse succinctly states, "And he went, and fetched, and brought [them] to his mother: and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved." This sequence of actions underscores Jacob's immediate and thorough compliance with his mother's instructions, transitioning him from a hesitant listener to an active participant in the manipulation of his blind father.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely physical movement but often implies a decisive, purposeful departure or progression. In this context, Jacob's "going" is an act of immediate obedience and commitment to Rebekah's plan, overcoming his earlier reservations. It indicates his active engagement in the deceptive scheme, moving from passive listening to active participation.
* **fetched (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** Meaning "to take" or "to acquire," this word highlights Jacob's role in procuring the necessary animals. It emphasizes the practical, hands-on nature of his contribution to the deception. He actively "took" the animals, fulfilling his part in the elaborate charade.
* **savoury meat (Hebrew, _maṭʻam'_):** This term refers to a delicacy, a highly desired and delicious food, often prepared for special occasions or to suit a particular taste. The use of this specific word underscores the calculated nature of Rebekah's deception. She wasn't just making any meal; she was meticulously replicating the precise type of dish Isaac loved and associated with Esau's hunting prowess, making it the lynchpin of the scheme to convince Isaac that he was indeed blessing Esau.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went, and fetched, and brought [them] to his mother:"** This clause details Jacob's swift and direct response to Rebekah's command. Despite his earlier fears of being discovered and cursed, Jacob demonstrates immediate compliance, indicating the powerful influence Rebekah held over him and his ultimate willingness to participate in the deception. The repetition of verbs ("went," "fetched," "brought") emphasizes the promptness and completeness of his obedience, highlighting his active role in setting the deceptive plan in motion.
* **"and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved."** This second clause shifts focus to Rebekah's crucial role in preparing the meal. The phrase "savoury meat" (Hebrew: *maṭʻam*) signifies a highly palatable, delicious dish, likely prepared from game, which Isaac particularly relished. Rebekah's ability to replicate this specific, beloved dish was essential for the scheme's success, as it was designed to appeal directly to Isaac's senses and convince him that he was interacting with Esau, thus underscoring the deliberate and calculated nature of the deception.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The **brevity and directness** of the language create a sense of swift, decisive action, emphasizing the immediate progression of the plot. There is a subtle **irony** in Jacob, the "supplanter," actively participating in a scheme that involves a meal designed to deceive his blind father, foreshadowing the complex and often deceptive nature of his future. The "savoury meat" itself functions as a **symbol** of the deception, representing the carefully crafted illusion intended to mimic Esau's offering and appeal to Isaac's specific preferences. The verse also hints at **foreshadowing**, as Jacob's compliance with his mother's manipulative plan sets the stage for a long period of familial strife and separation, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of their actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 27:14, while seemingly a simple narrative detail, is profoundly significant in its theological implications, illustrating the complex interplay between human sin, divine sovereignty, and the enduring consequences of deception. It underscores that while God's ultimate purposes will invariably come to pass, human beings are still held accountable for the sinful means they employ, even if they believe those means serve a divine end. The narrative consistently portrays the destructive power of dishonesty within relationships, demonstrating how Jacob and Rebekah's actions, though perhaps intended to secure a blessing they believed was divinely ordained, led to immediate familial discord, long-term suffering, and separation, rather than the peaceful fulfillment of God's promise. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God does not require or condone human sin to accomplish His perfect will.

* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Lying Lips are an Abomination")
* [Romans 3:8](/romans/3-8 "Do Evil that Good May Come?")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 27:14 serves as a potent reminder that while God's sovereign plan will always come to fruition, He neither condones nor requires human sin to achieve His purposes. This passage challenges believers to reflect on the integrity of their actions, even when pursuing what they believe to be a righteous outcome. It encourages us to trust in God's timing and methods, fostering relationships built on truth and honesty rather than manipulation. The immediate and long-term consequences of Jacob and Rebekah's deception—including Esau's bitter hatred and desire for revenge ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Esau's Hatred for Jacob")) and Jacob's subsequent exile from his family and homeland ([Genesis 28:1-5](/genesis/28-1-5 "Jacob Flees to Haran"))—underscore the destructive nature of deceit and the importance of walking in integrity. We are called to live by faith, believing that God's good purposes will unfold without our needing to resort to unrighteous means, even when the path of righteousness seems less efficient or more challenging. Our character, forged in truth and trust, is more valuable than any perceived immediate gain achieved through compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's swift obedience to Rebekah, despite his initial reservations, challenge my own willingness to compromise integrity for perceived gain or out of familial pressure?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to use "savoury meat"—a seemingly good or convenient means—to achieve an outcome I desire, rather than trusting God's timing and righteous methods?**
* **Considering the long-term consequences of this deception, what does this passage teach me about the enduring impact of dishonesty on relationships and personal peace?**
* **How can I better align my actions with God's character of truth and righteousness, even when I believe I am pursuing a "good" or "divine" outcome?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob obey his mother so quickly despite his initial concerns?**

Answer: Jacob initially expressed concern about being discovered and cursed by his father ([Genesis 27:11-12](/genesis/27-11-12 "Jacob's Fear of a Curse")). However, Rebekah's forceful assurance ("Upon me be thy curse, my son; only obey my voice") and perhaps Jacob's own deep-seated desire for the patriarchal blessing, quickly overcame his hesitation. His swift obedience highlights the powerful influence his mother held over him and his ultimate willingness to participate in the deception, prioritizing the perceived gain of the blessing over the potential moral or relational costs.

**Was Rebekah's action justified because she was trying to fulfill prophecy?**

Answer: While Rebekah may have believed she was helping to fulfill God's prophecy that "the elder shall serve the younger" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The Prophecy of Jacob and Esau")), the Bible consistently condemns deception and manipulation. The narrative does not condone her means; rather, it meticulously details the immediate and long-term negative consequences of her actions—including profound family strife, Jacob's flight, and years of separation from his mother. This demonstrates that sinful means, even for seemingly good ends, lead to destructive outcomes. God's purposes do not require human sin or manipulation to be accomplished.

**What exactly was "savoury meat" and why was it so important?**

Answer: The "savoury meat" (Hebrew: *maṭʻam*) refers to a highly palatable, delicious dish, likely prepared from freshly hunted game, which Isaac particularly loved. Its importance lay in its specific appeal to Isaac's senses and his association of it with Esau's hunting prowess. Rebekah's ability to replicate this beloved dish was crucial for the deception, as it was intended to convince Isaac, who was blind, that he was indeed interacting with Esau and bestowing the blessing upon him. The meal was the central prop in their elaborate charade.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The deceptive acquisition of the blessing by Jacob, the "supplanter," through human cunning and a carefully prepared meal, stands in stark contrast to the true and ultimate blessing found in Jesus Christ. While Jacob's story highlights humanity's flawed attempts to secure divine favor through manipulation and unrighteousness, Christ, the true Son and heir, perfectly fulfilled God's will not through deceit, but through His perfect obedience and ultimate self-sacrifice on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience and Humiliation")). He is the one through whom all nations are truly blessed, offering a spiritual inheritance that is freely given by grace through faith, not earned or manipulated ([Ephesians 1:3-7](/ephesians/1-3-7 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Unlike Jacob's blessing, which was obtained through trickery and led to familial strife, the blessing in Christ is pure, undefiled, and brings reconciliation and eternal peace ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ")). His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection secure for believers an eternal blessing that far surpasses any earthly patriarchal inheritance, obtained through truth and righteousness, not trickery or human schemes ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 27:31

And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me.

Genesis 27:4

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.

Psalms 141:4

Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

Genesis 27:9

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:

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

Genesis 27:17

And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.

Genesis 27:7

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