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 describes Jacob's immediate compliance with his mother Rebekah's instruction, as he fetches the necessary animals for the "savoury meat" intended to deceive Isaac and secure the patriarchal blessing meant for Esau. This act marks Jacob's full participation in the deceptive plan, setting the stage for the pivotal moment of the blessing's usurpation.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 27:14 marks a critical juncture in the narrative of Jacob and Esau, depicting Jacob's swift obedience to his mother Rebekah's plan of deception. Previously, Isaac, now old and visually impaired, had instructed Esau to hunt and prepare a special meal so he could bestow his patriarchal blessing before his death ([Genesis 27:1-5](/genesis/27-1 "Isaac's instructions to Esau")). Overhearing this, Rebekah, who favored Jacob, orchestrated a scheme to ensure Jacob received the blessing instead ([Genesis 27:6-10](/genesis/27-6 "Rebekah's deceptive plan for Jacob")). This verse details Jacob's immediate action, setting the stage for the pivotal deception that unfolds.

### 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 highlights Jacob's direct and prompt action following his mother's instructions. Despite his initial reservations about being discovered and cursed ([Genesis 27:11-12](/genesis/27-11 "Jacob's concerns about the deception")), Jacob quickly complies, demonstrating his complicity and commitment to the scheme. Rebekah's preparation of the "savoury meat" was the lynchpin of the deception, designed to mimic Esau's offering and appeal directly to Isaac's specific preferences.

* **Jacob's Immediate Obedience:** Jacob's swift compliance, despite his expressed fears of being cursed, underscores the powerful influence Rebekah held over him and his ultimate willingness to participate in the deception. This act transforms him from a hesitant listener to an active participant in the manipulation of his blind father.
* **The "Savoury Meat" (_maṭʿammîm_):** The phrase "savoury meat" translates the Hebrew word *maṭʿammîm* (מַטְעַמִּים), which refers to highly desired, delicious food, often prepared for special occasions or for someone with particular taste. This was the precise type of meal Isaac loved and associated with Esau's hunting prowess. Rebekah's ability to replicate this specific dish was essential for the scheme's success, as it was designed to convince Isaac that he was indeed blessing Esau. The culinary detail emphasizes the deliberate and calculated nature of the deception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Nature of Deception and its Consequences:** This verse is a stark illustration of how deception, even when seemingly motivated by a desire to fulfill divine prophecy, leads to profound familial discord and long-term suffering. It underscores the destructive power of dishonesty within relationships.
* **Familial Favoritism and its Destructive Power:** Rebekah's clear favoritism for Jacob, contrasted with Isaac's preference for Esau, fuels the entire deceptive plot, demonstrating how partiality can corrupt family dynamics and lead to unethical actions.
* **Human Agency and Divine Sovereignty:** While God had prophesied that "the elder shall serve the younger" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau")), the narrative clearly shows human actors employing sinful means to achieve what they perceive as God's will. This highlights that God's purposes will prevail, but He does not endorse or require human sin to accomplish them.
* **The Weight of the Spoken Blessing:** The urgency and elaborate nature of the deception underscore the immense cultural and spiritual significance of the patriarchal blessing in ancient Israel, which was considered binding and irrevocable once spoken. This context explains the lengths to which Rebekah and Jacob went.

### 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 ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Esau's hatred for Jacob")) and Jacob's subsequent exile—underscore the destructive nature of deceit and the importance of walking in integrity, even when the path of righteousness seems less efficient.

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

Answer: Jacob initially expressed concern about being discovered and cursed ([Genesis 27:11-12](/genesis/27-11 "Jacob's fear of a curse")), but Rebekah's forceful assurance ("Upon me be thy curse, my son") and perhaps his own desire for the blessing, quickly overcame his hesitation. His obedience highlights the strong influence of his mother and his ultimate willingness to participate in the deception.

**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, and the immediate and long-term consequences of her actions—family strife, Jacob's flight, and years of separation—demonstrate that sinful means, even for seemingly good ends, lead to negative outcomes. God's purposes do not require human sin.

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

Answer: The "savoury meat" (Hebrew: *maṭʿammîm*) refers to a highly palatable, delicious dish, likely prepared from 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 skill. Rebekah's ability to replicate this beloved dish was crucial for the deception, as it was intended to convince Isaac that he was indeed blessing Esau.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The deceptive acquisition of the blessing by Jacob, the "supplanter," through human cunning and a prepared meal, contrasts sharply with the true and ultimate blessing found in Jesus Christ. While Jacob's story highlights humanity's flawed attempts to secure divine favor, Christ, the true Son and heir, perfectly fulfilled God's will not through deceit, but through perfect obedience and self-sacrifice. He is the one through whom all nations are truly blessed, offering a spiritual inheritance that is freely given by grace, not earned or manipulated, and far surpasses any earthly patriarchal blessing. His perfect life and atoning death secure for believers an eternal blessing that is pure, undefiled, and obtained through truth, not trickery.

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.