Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:20

What does Genesis 27:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:20 means

Isaac's question regarding the speed with which the venison was acquired reveals his lingering suspicion. He knows that hunting takes time. Jacob's cunning reply, attributing the quick success to "Jehovah thy God," adds a layer of blasphemous irony to his deception. He uses a religious justification for his lie, paradoxically invoking God's name to sanction his fraudulent actions, which likely momentarily eased Isaac's doubts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because Jehovah thy God sent me good speed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord thy God brought it to me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because Jehovah thy God sent me good speed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Isaac said, How is it that you have got it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord your God made it come my way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Isaac saith unto his son, `What <FI>is<Fi> this thou hast hasted to find, my son?' and he saith, `That which Jehovah thy God hath caused to come before me.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Isaac said to his son: How couldst thou find it so quickly, my son? He answered: It was the will of God, that what I sought came quickly in my way:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Isaac said to his son, How is it that thou hast found [it] so quickly, my son? And he said, Because Jehovah thyGod put [it] in my way.

Context

This verse captures Isaac's continued suspicion, directly questioning Jacob's claim from the previous verse. Jacob's clever, but deceitful, answer invoking God immediately follows, illustrating his quick thinking under pressure. This exchange directly leads to Isaac's decision to physically examine Jacob further, as his doubts about the voice persist.

v.19And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy first-born; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.

v.20This passage

v.21And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 20:7

    Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

  • Genesis 24:12

    And he said, O Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, send me, I pray thee, good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham.

  • Job 13:7

    Will ye speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him?

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