Genesis 27:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And make {H6213} me savoury meat {H4303}, such as {H834} I love {H157}, and bring {H935} it to me, that I may eat {H398}; that my soul {H5315} may bless {H1288} thee before {H2962} I die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make it tasty, the way I like it; and bring it to me to eat. Then I will bless you [as firstborn], before I die."

Berean Standard Bible

Then prepare a tasty dish that I love and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die.”

American Standard Version

and make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 27:4 records the pivotal instruction from the aging and visually impaired patriarch Isaac to his elder son, Esau. Believing his death to be imminent, Isaac requests Esau to prepare a specific, savory meal, a traditional prerequisite for the solemn patriarchal blessing. This act was intended to be an irrevocable declaration of spiritual and material inheritance, thereby setting the stage for the dramatic family deception orchestrated by Rebekah and Jacob, which ultimately diverted this profound blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the beginning of a critical narrative arc in Genesis, immediately following the earlier prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's Prophecy to Rebekah about Jacob and Esau"). Isaac's instruction to Esau here initiates the central conflict of Genesis 27, where the patriarchal blessing, a cornerstone of the Abrahamic covenant, becomes the object of familial intrigue and deception. The subsequent verses detail Rebekah's overhearing of Isaac's plan, her swift action to orchestrate Jacob's impersonation of Esau, and the eventual, albeit deceptive, bestowal of the blessing upon Jacob. This narrative highlights themes of divine sovereignty, human deceit, and the complex dynamics of family relationships, setting the stage for Jacob's subsequent flight and the long-term estrangement between the brothers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the patriarchal blessing was far more than a mere good wish; it was a formal, legally binding, and spiritually potent declaration of inheritance, authority, and destiny. It was believed to convey divine favor and shape the recipient's future, often with a spiritual dimension tied to the family's covenantal relationship with God. The eldest son typically received the primary blessing, inheriting a double portion and the family headship. The act of sharing a meal, particularly one prepared by the recipient, often preceded such significant transactions, symbolizing covenantal agreement, intimacy, and the sealing of the pronouncement. Isaac's advanced age and failing eyesight would have reinforced the cultural expectation that he was settling his affairs and passing on his legacy, making his words carry immense weight and finality.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 27:4 introduces several significant themes that resonate throughout the book of Genesis and beyond. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **parental favoritism**, as Isaac's preference for Esau (due to his hunting prowess and the "savoury meat" he provided) is explicitly contrasted with Rebekah's preference for Jacob, a dynamic that tragically fuels the family's discord. Secondly, it highlights the **power and irrevocability of the spoken word**, particularly a blessing from a patriarch, demonstrating its binding nature even when given under false pretenses, as seen in [Genesis 27:33](/genesis/27-33 "Isaac Trembles After Blessing Jacob"). Thirdly, the verse sets in motion the narrative that ultimately demonstrates **divine sovereignty** working through human imperfection and deceit. Despite Isaac's intentions and the subsequent human manipulation, God's earlier prophecy regarding the two brothers (see [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's Prophecy Concerning Jacob and Esau")) is ultimately fulfilled, showcasing God's ability to achieve His purposes through flawed human agents and circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **savoury meat (Hebrew, _maṭʻam'_):** From the root meaning "to taste," this term refers to a delicacy or highly palatable food, emphasizing a specific, preferred dish that would bring pleasure and satisfaction to Isaac. It highlights his personal craving and the sensory aspect of his preference for Esau, the skilled hunter, whose ability to provide such food was a source of Isaac's affection.
* **love (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** This primitive root signifies deep affection, whether sexual or otherwise. In this context, it expresses Isaac's profound personal fondness and preference for Esau, which was directly tied to the "savoury meat" Esau provided. This highlights the emotional and relational dimension of Isaac's intention to bless his elder son.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Properly, "a breathing creature" or "vitality," this word is used very widely to refer to the inner self, the seat of emotions, desires, and the very essence of a person. Isaac's declaration, "that my soul may bless thee," indicates that the blessing was not a mere formality but an outpouring from the deepest part of his being, conveying his personal commitment and spiritual energy into the act of bestowing his legacy.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to kneel," by implication "to bless God" (adoration) or "man" (benefit). Here, it signifies a formal, powerful pronouncement of favor, prosperity, and spiritual endowment, issued from a position of authority. This blessing was understood to be binding and irrevocable, a solemn transfer of spiritual and material heritage, carrying immense weight in ancient Israelite culture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And make me savoury meat, such as I love":** Isaac, in his advanced age and failing sight, issues a specific and personal request to Esau. The emphasis on "savoury meat" (מַטְעַמִּים, *maṭʻamim*) and "such as I love" (אֲשֶׁר אָהַבְתִּי, *ʼăsher ʼâhavtî*) underscores Isaac's particular fondness for Esau, the hunter, whose skill provided him with such delicacies. This highlights Isaac's sensory preference and emotional attachment, which played a significant role in his decision to bless Esau.
* **"and bring [it] to me, that I may eat":** This clause details the practical steps required before the blessing could be conferred. The act of eating the specially prepared meal was not merely for sustenance but was a ritualistic prerequisite. It was intended to bring Isaac pleasure and satisfaction, preparing him emotionally and spiritually for the weighty act of bestowing the patriarchal blessing. The meal served as a tangible expression of Esau's devotion and a catalyst for Isaac's solemn pronouncement.
* **"that my soul may bless thee before I die":** This final clause reveals the profound purpose and urgency behind Isaac's request. His perception of imminent death (though he would live many more years, see [Genesis 35:28-29](/genesis/35-28-29 "Isaac's Death")) underscored the gravity he attached to settling his affairs and passing on his legacy. The phrase "my soul may bless thee" (תְּבָרֶכְךָ נַפְשִׁי, *təvārekḵā nap̄šî*) emphasizes that the blessing was to emanate from the deepest part of his being, a full and complete spiritual endowment. This blessing was understood to be an irrevocable transfer of divine favor, authority, and material inheritance, shaping the recipient's destiny.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 27:4 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic tension and thematic depth. The verse employs **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the impending deception and conflict. Isaac's urgent desire to bless Esau "before I die," coupled with his specific request for "savoury meat," sets the stage for Rebekah and Jacob's subsequent manipulation, as they exploit Isaac's blindness and Esau's absence. There is a profound **Irony** in Isaac's conviction of imminent death, as he lives for many more years, yet this perceived urgency drives the narrative's critical turning point. The "savoury meat" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a meal, but Isaac's carnal preference for Esau, which stands in stark contrast to God's earlier spiritual choice of Jacob. This meal becomes the catalyst for the transfer of a spiritual blessing, highlighting the tension between human desire and divine purpose. Furthermore, the emphasis on Isaac's "soul" blessing Esau uses **Metonymy**, where "soul" represents the entirety of Isaac's being, signifying the deep, personal, and spiritual weight he intended to convey through the blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 27:4 is a foundational verse for understanding themes of inheritance, divine sovereignty, and human agency within the patriarchal narratives. Isaac's intention to bestow a blessing, deeply rooted in the cultural understanding of its binding nature, highlights the profound significance of generational transfer of covenant promises. However, the subsequent events reveal that human plans, even those driven by genuine desire (like Isaac's) or flawed motivations (like Rebekah and Jacob's), are ultimately subsumed by God's overarching sovereign will. This narrative demonstrates that God's purposes are not thwarted by human imperfection or deception but can, in fact, be accomplished through them, albeit often with painful consequences. The verse therefore serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful or misguided.

* [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's Prophecy to Rebekah about Jacob and Esau") - God's prophetic declaration to Rebekah, "the elder shall serve the younger," directly contrasts with Isaac's intention, highlighting divine sovereignty over human preference.
* [Hebrews 11:20](/hebrews/11-20 "Isaac Blesses Jacob and Esau by Faith") - This New Testament passage affirms Isaac's act of blessing Jacob and Esau as an act of faith, despite the circumstances, underscoring the spiritual significance of the patriarchal blessing.
* [Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "God's Choice of Jacob Over Esau") - Paul references the story of Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice and election, independent of human works or merit, directly connecting to the unfolding narrative initiated in Genesis 27:4.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 27:4, though ancient, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary life. Isaac's desire to impart a blessing before his perceived death underscores the vital importance of intentional legacy-building and the passing on of spiritual and moral heritage to the next generation. It challenges us to consider what values, wisdom, and blessings we are actively cultivating and transmitting to those who follow us, urging us to be deliberate in our mentorship and spiritual parenting. Furthermore, the subsequent narrative, set in motion by this verse, serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of parental favoritism. Isaac's clear preference for Esau, mirroring Rebekah's for Jacob, demonstrates how such imbalances can sow seeds of resentment, jealousy, and destructive behaviors, leading to deep familial discord and long-lasting estrangement. This prompts us to examine our own relationships, ensuring we extend equitable love, affirmation, and opportunity to all, fostering unity rather than division. Ultimately, the unfolding drama reminds us that even amidst human frailty, poor judgment, and outright deception, God's ultimate plan and purpose prevail. This offers immense comfort and assurance, reminding us that God can work through our imperfections and even our sins to accomplish His divine will, demonstrating His unwavering sovereignty and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "savoury meat" or preferences might be subtly influencing my decisions or relationships, potentially leading to unintended consequences?**
* **In what ways am I intentionally passing on a spiritual or moral legacy to the next generation, and how can I be more deliberate in this process?**
* **Do I exhibit favoritism in my relationships, and what steps can I take to ensure I am fostering unity and love rather than division?**
* **How does the knowledge that God can work through human imperfections and even deception impact my understanding of His sovereignty in my own life and in the world?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "savoury meat" in Isaac's request?**

Answer: The "savoury meat" (Hebrew: *maṭʻam*) was not just any meal but a delicacy, a highly palatable food specifically loved by Isaac. Its significance lay in its role as a traditional and personal prerequisite for the patriarchal blessing. It was a sensory act intended to bring Isaac pleasure and prepare him spiritually and emotionally to bestow such a profound and binding blessing. This preference also highlights Isaac's favoritism towards Esau, the skilled hunter, whose ability to provide such food was a source of Isaac's affection, as detailed in [Genesis 25:28](/genesis/25-28 "Isaac's Love for Esau").

**Why was the patriarchal blessing considered so important and binding?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern culture, a father's blessing was far more than a mere good wish; it was a formal, powerful, and often irrevocable pronouncement of spiritual and material inheritance, prosperity, and divine favor. It was believed to convey authority and destiny, shaping the recipient's future, and was seen as a solemn act of transferring legacy from one generation to the next, often with a spiritual dimension tied to the covenant promises made to Abraham. The gravity of such a blessing is evident in Isaac's distress upon realizing his deception in [Genesis 27:33](/genesis/27-33 "Isaac Trembles After Blessing Jacob").

**Did Isaac actually die soon after giving this blessing?**

Answer: No, Isaac did not die soon after this event. Although he believed his death was imminent, he lived for many more years, eventually dying at the age of 180, as recorded in [Genesis 35:28-29](/genesis/35-28-29 "Isaac's Death and Burial"). His perception of imminent death, however, highlights the gravity and urgency he placed on bestowing the blessing and settling his affairs, which inadvertently set the stage for the dramatic events that followed.

**How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?**

Answer: This verse sets the stage for a narrative where human actions, including Isaac's favoritism and Rebekah and Jacob's deception, are deeply flawed. Yet, despite these imperfections, God's sovereign plan to elevate Jacob over Esau (as prophesied in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's Prophecy about Jacob and Esau")) ultimately prevails. It illustrates that God can work through human sin and poor judgment to accomplish His divine purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over human history and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 27:4, with its focus on a father's solemn blessing and the subsequent narrative of its misdirection and ultimate fulfillment through God's sovereign plan, powerfully points forward to the ultimate spiritual blessing found in Christ. The earthly, material inheritance Isaac sought to bestow upon Esau, which was then deceptively diverted to Jacob, foreshadows the far greater and truly irrevocable spiritual inheritance and eternal life that believers receive through Jesus Christ. Just as God worked through the flawed human actions of Jacob and Rebekah to ensure the Abrahamic covenant line continued through Jacob, demonstrating His sovereignty over human sin, so too does God's perfect plan of salvation through Christ unfold, despite humanity's rebellion and sin. Jesus is the true heir of all things, the one through whom all the families of the earth are truly blessed, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham to Bless All Families"). In Him, we receive an eternal, unshakeable blessing that far surpasses any earthly inheritance, a blessing secured not by human works or deception, but by divine grace through faith, as articulated in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Blessed in Christ with Every Spiritual Blessing") and [Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "The Blessing of Abraham Comes Through Christ").

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

Hebrews 11:20

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

Genesis 48:9

And Joseph said unto his father, They [are] my sons, whom God hath given me in this [place]. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

Genesis 49:28

¶ All these [are] the twelve tribes of Israel: and this [is it] that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

Genesis 27:25

And he said, Bring [it] near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought [it] near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank.

Luke 24:51

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Joshua 22:6

So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents.

Genesis 27:7

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