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

GENESIS 27:7KJV
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Genesis 27:7 (KJV)

What does Genesis 27:7 mean?

Genesis 27:7 records Isaac’s request to Esau to bring him wild game and prepare a tasty meal, so that Isaac can eat and then give Esau a blessing from God before Isaac dies. This sets the stage for the events where Jacob and Rebekah intervene to secure the blessing for Jacob instead.

In the story, Isaac is speaking to his son Esau. Isaac, feeling that his death is near, asks Esau to hunt for venison and make a special dish. Isaac’s intention is to eat the meal and then pronounce a formal blessing on Esau in the presence of the LORD, which in their culture carried great significance for the future of the family.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 27:7

  • "Venison" (צַיִד, tsayid) refers specifically to hunted game, highlighting Esau’s skill as a hunter and the special nature of Isaac’s request.
  • "Bless" (בָּרַךְ, barakh) means to bestow favor or speak words of prosperity and well-being, which in this context is more than a casual wish—it is a formal, spiritual act with lasting impact.
  • "Before the LORD" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, lifnei YHWH) underscores that the blessing is not just a family matter but is done with an awareness of God’s presence, giving it spiritual weight.

Why Genesis 27:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Isaac’s blessing is intended to be a deliberate, ceremonial act, not something given casually or by accident.
  • The mention of “before the LORD” shows that the blessing is understood as having God’s involvement, not just a father’s wish for his son.
  • Understanding Isaac’s request helps explain why Rebekah and Jacob’s actions in the following verses are so significant and why the blessing could not simply be undone or repeated.

Where else these words appear

“meat” Hebrew H4303 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 27:4 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.
  • Genesis 27:14 And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved.
  • Genesis 27:31 And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me.

“venison” Hebrew H6718 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 10:9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.
  • Genesis 27:19 And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.
  • Joshua 9:5 And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy.