Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:4

What does Genesis 27:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:4 means

Isaac's request for savory food, such as he loves, is deeply personal and intended to prepare him spiritually and physically for the solemn act of blessing. The phrase "that my soul may bless thee before I die" underscores the profound spiritual significance of this pronouncement. It was believed that such a blessing, once given, was irrevocable and carried divine authority, shaping the destiny of the recipient.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And make me food, good to the taste, such as is pleasing to me, and put it before me, so that I may have a meal and give you my blessing before death comes to me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and make for me tasteful things, <FI>such<Fi> as I have loved, and bring in to me, and I do eat, so that my soul doth bless thee before I die.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Make me a savoury meat thereof, as thou knowest I like, and bring it that I may eat: and my soul may bless thee, before I die.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and prepare me a savoury dish such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, in order that my soul may bless thee before I die.

Context

This verse explicitly states Isaac's purpose in requesting the venison: to bless Esau. It directly follows his instruction for Esau to hunt, providing the motivation for that command. This declaration of intent is overheard by Rebekah, directly leading to her scheme to divert the blessing to Jacob, thus it's a critical turning point in the narrative.

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

v.4This passage

v.5And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 27:27

    And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son Is as the smell of a field which Jehovah hath blessed:

  • Deuteronomy 33:1

    And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

  • Hebrews 11:20

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

  • Genesis 28:3

    And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a company of peoples;

  • Luke 2:34

    and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;

  • Genesis 24:60

    And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let thy seed possess the gate of those that hate them.

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