Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:2

What does Genesis 27:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:2 means

Isaac articulates his awareness of his mortality, a common sentiment in the ancient Near East among the elderly. His statement, "I know not the day of my death," reflects a desire to set his affairs in order and impart a solemn, final blessing while he still had the opportunity. This urgency explains why he initiates the blessing process for Esau at this particular time, before any further decline in his health, underscoring the weight he places on this act.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, See now, I am old, and my death may take place at any time:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he saith, `Lo, I pray thee, I have become aged, I have not known the day of my death;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And his father said to him, Thou seest that I am old, and know not the day of my death.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said, Behold now, I am become old; I know not the day of my death.

Context

Following Isaac's initial call to Esau, this verse elaborates on the urgency behind his desire to bestow a blessing. It provides the rationale for his immediate actions, setting up his subsequent request for Esau to hunt venison. This context helps explain why Rebekah and Jacob felt they had to act quickly, given Isaac's perceived imminent death.

v.1And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Here am I.

v.2This passage

v.3Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me venison;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 4:14

    whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

  • Isaiah 38:3

    and said, Remember now, O Jehovah, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.

  • Mark 13:35

    Watch therefore: for ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at even, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning;

  • Genesis 47:29

    And the time drew near that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found favor in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me: bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt;

  • Isaiah 38:1

    In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Set thy house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

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