Genesis 27:9 (KJV)

What does Genesis 27:9 mean?

Genesis 27:9 records Rebekah telling her son Jacob to go to the flock and bring her two good young goats, so she can prepare a tasty meal for Isaac, Jacob’s father, just the way Isaac likes it. This is part of Rebekah’s plan to help Jacob receive his father’s blessing instead of Esau.

In this scene, Rebekah is speaking privately to Jacob while Isaac, her husband, is old and nearly blind. She has overheard Isaac planning to bless Esau, the older son, and quickly comes up with a way for Jacob to take Esau’s place. The verse shows Rebekah’s careful instructions and her knowledge of Isaac’s favorite food, setting up the events that follow in the story.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 27:9

• "Go" (יָלַךְ, yalak): This word is a direct command, urging Jacob to act quickly and decisively. It highlights Rebekah’s urgency and determination in her plan.
• "Kids" (גְּדָיֵי, g'dayei): This refers specifically to young goats. The choice of young goats is important because their meat would be tender and suitable for making a special dish, showing Rebekah’s attention to detail.
• "Savoury meat" (מַטְעַמִּים, mat'amim): This word means tasty or flavorful food, not just ordinary meat. Rebekah is planning to make a dish that she knows Isaac loves, which is key to convincing him that Jacob is Esau.
• "Loveth" (אָהַב, ahav): This word means to love or have deep affection for. The verse emphasizes that Rebekah is making the dish exactly as Isaac prefers, using his favorite recipe to help her plan succeed.

Why Genesis 27:9 matters

• This verse highlights Rebekah’s active role and resourcefulness in the story, showing she is not just a passive character but is shaping the outcome for her family.
• The details about the food and Isaac’s preferences reveal how personal and familiar the family relationships are, making the deception possible.
• Understanding the specific words for “kids” and “savoury meat” helps clarify why Rebekah chose these animals and this method, showing her careful planning and knowledge of what would convince Isaac.