Genesis 27:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he also had made {H6213} savoury meat {H4303}, and brought it {H935} unto his father {H1}, and said {H559} unto his father {H1}, Let my father {H1} arise {H6965}, and eat {H398} of his son's {H1121} venison {H6718}, that thy soul {H5315} may bless {H1288} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

He too had prepared a tasty meal and brought it to his father, and now he said to his father, "Let my father get up and eat from his son's game, so that you may give me your blessing."

Berean Standard Bible

He too made some tasty food, brought it to his father, and said to him, “My father, sit up and eat of your son’s game, so that you may bless me.”

American Standard Version

And he also made savory food, and brought it unto his father; and he said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s venison, that thy soul may bless me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 27:31](/genesis/27-31 "The KJV text of Genesis 27:31") captures a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Jacob and Esau, where Jacob, disguised as his brother, presents a prepared meal to his blind father, Isaac, in anticipation of receiving the coveted patriarchal blessing. This act is the culmination of a cunning deception orchestrated by Rebekah, Jacob's mother, to secure the blessing for her favored son, Jacob, instead of the elder son, Esau, setting the stage for significant family drama and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
This verse is the climax of a cunning deception orchestrated by Rebekah, Jacob's mother, to secure the blessing for her favored son, Jacob, instead of the elder son, Esau. Isaac, now old and with failing eyesight, had instructed Esau to hunt venison and prepare a savoury meal for him, after which he would bestow the blessing ([Genesis 27:4](/genesis/27-4 "Isaac's instruction to Esau")). Rebekah, overhearing this, quickly devised a plan for Jacob to impersonate Esau, preparing a meal from young goats and covering Jacob's arms and neck with the skins of the goats to mimic Esau's hairiness ([Genesis 27:16](/genesis/27-16 "Jacob's disguise")). Just as Jacob enters, confident in his deception, Esau is still out hunting, setting the stage for the dramatic reveal that follows and the subsequent flight of Jacob.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 27:31](/genesis/27-31 "The KJV text of Genesis 27:31") details Jacob's final step in the deception, presenting the meal to Isaac. The phrase "And he also had made savoury meat" highlights Jacob's active participation in the preparation of the meal, which was crucial for the blessing. The KJV phrase "savoury meat" translates the Hebrew word *maṭʿammīm* (מַטְעַמִּים), which literally means "delicious things" or "delicacies." It refers to food prepared to be especially palatable and pleasing, not necessarily venison specifically. Jacob's claim, "eat of his son's venison," is a key part of his lie, as the meat was from goats, not hunted game.

Jacob's direct address, "Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison," is a bold assertion of his false identity, demanding Isaac's attention and participation. The ultimate purpose of this elaborate ruse is encapsulated in the plea, "that thy soul may bless me." This emphasizes the profound and spiritual nature of the patriarchal blessing. It was not merely a wish or a prayer, but a powerful, irreversible pronouncement believed to emanate from the father's very being, carrying spiritual authority, material prosperity, and the continuation of the covenant lineage. The urgency and directness of Jacob's request underscore the immense value placed on this blessing within the ancient Near Eastern context and the Abrahamic covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Deception and its Consequences:** The verse highlights Jacob's active participation in the deceit, which, while ultimately fulfilling God's sovereign plan for the lineage, brought significant turmoil and separation into his own life and family. This act of deception foreshadows future deceptions Jacob would face, particularly from Laban ([Genesis 29:25](/genesis/29-25 "Laban deceiving Jacob")) and even his own sons concerning Joseph ([Genesis 37:31-35](/genesis/37-31 "Jacob's sons deceiving him about Joseph")).
* **The Pursuit of Blessing:** Jacob's intense desire for the blessing, even through dishonest means, underscores the immense value placed on the patriarchal blessing. This blessing conveyed spiritual authority, material prosperity, and the continuation of the covenant lineage established with Abraham ([Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham")). It reveals humanity's deep-seated longing for divine favor and inheritance.
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Imperfection:** Despite the sinful nature of the deception, God's ultimate purpose for Jacob to inherit the promises is fulfilled. This illustrates how God can work through imperfect human actions to accomplish His perfect will, though He does not condone the sin itself. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people fail morally.
* **The Power of the Spoken Word:** The irreversible nature of Isaac's blessing, once pronounced, emphasizes the power and authority attributed to the spoken word in biblical culture, particularly in a patriarchal context.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 27:31](/genesis/27-31 "The KJV text of Genesis 27:31") serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of deceit and the importance of integrity, even when pursuing seemingly good outcomes. While God's plan for Jacob prevailed, the path of deception led to years of family strife, separation, and personal hardship for Jacob. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and methods, rather than resorting to manipulation or dishonesty to achieve desired ends. Our actions have consequences, and genuine blessings are often found in walking in truth and righteousness, allowing God to work in His perfect way, rather than attempting to force His hand through ungodly means.

### FAQ
**Did God approve of Jacob's deception to obtain the blessing?**

Answer: While God's sovereign plan ensured that Jacob, not Esau, would receive the blessing and carry the covenant lineage, the Bible does not present Jacob's deception as something God approved of or commanded. Rather, it highlights the flawed nature of human agents through whom God often works. The narrative demonstrates that God can accomplish His will despite human sin, not because of it. Jacob faced significant negative consequences for his actions, including years of separation from his family and subsequent deceptions by others, indicating that deceit carries its own painful repercussions, even when God's ultimate purpose is fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jacob's deceptive pursuit of the blessing in [Genesis 27:31](/genesis/27-31 "The KJV text of Genesis 27:31") finds its ultimate fulfillment and contrast in Jesus Christ. While Jacob, the second-born, sought the blessing through a false identity and a prepared meal, Christ, the true and eternal Son, is the rightful heir who brings the ultimate blessing to humanity, not through deceit but through perfect obedience and self-sacrifice. The covenant promises made to Abraham and passed through Isaac and Jacob find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ, who perfectly pleases the Father and bestows spiritual blessings far greater than any earthly inheritance. He is the true "savoury meat" (John 6:51) and the perfect Son, whose life and atoning work secure eternal blessing for all who believe, without any need for human manipulation or disguise.

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.