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

GENESIS 27:2KJV
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Genesis 27:2 (KJV)

What does Genesis 27:2 mean?

Genesis 27:2 records Isaac telling his son Esau why he wants to act while he still can. Isaac is old and does not know when he will die, so he begins a conversation that leads to his request for a special meal and a blessing for Esau.

The words “Behold now” call Esau’s attention to Isaac’s situation. Isaac’s concern also prepares the reader for the urgency of the events that follow, as Rebekah overhears the conversation.

Why Genesis 27:2 matters

  • Isaac speaks from uncertainty, not from a known date of death. His words “I know not the day of my death” explain why he wants Esau to prepare the meal soon.

  • Isaac’s words set up a private request, but the conversation is overheard. Genesis 27:5 says Rebekah listens while Isaac speaks to Esau, a detail that leads to her plan involving their other son, Jacob.

  • The blessing becomes the central issue in the passage. After Isaac’s statement in verse 2, he asks Esau to bring him food so that he can bless him before he dies (Genesis 27:4).

Where else these words appear

“old” Hebrew H2204 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
  • Ruth 1:12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;
  • 1 Kings 1:1 Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.