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.
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.
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."
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.”
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.
Cross-References
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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.
Commentary
Genesis 27:31 captures a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Jacob and Esau, where Jacob, disguised as his brother, presents the meal to his blind father, Isaac, in anticipation of receiving the coveted patriarchal blessing.
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). 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). Just as Jacob enters, confident in his deception, Esau is still out hunting, setting the stage for the dramatic reveal that follows.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
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. The request "that thy soul may bless me" emphasizes the solemn and spiritual nature of the blessing, which was believed to be a powerful, irreversible pronouncement from the father's very being.
Practical Application
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.
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