Genesis 27:4

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 27:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Genesis 27:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 27

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4And 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And make me savoury meat, such as I love, etc.] For, though he had lost his sight, he had not lost his taste, nor his appetite for savoury food: and bring [it] to me, that I may eat; this, was enjoined to make trial of his filial affection and duty to him, before he blessed him: that my soul may bless thee before I die; not only that he might do it with cheerfulness and vivacity, having eaten a comfortable meal, and being refreshed with it, but that having had proof of his son’s duty and affection to him, he might confer the blessing on him heartily: this blessing was not an ordinary and common one, but what parents used to bestow upon their children at the time of their death, or a little…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“make . . . savory meat--perhaps to revive and strengthen him for the duty; or rather, "as eating and drinking" were used on all religious occasions, he could not convey the right, till he had eaten of the meat provided for the purpose by him who was to receive the blessing [ADAM CLARKE] (compare Gen 18:7). that my soul may bless thee--It is difficult to imagine him ignorant of the divine purpose (compare Gen 25:23). But natural affection, prevailing through age and infirmity, prompted him to entail the honors and powers of the birthright on his elder son; and perhaps he was not aware of what Esau had done (Gen 25:34).”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification