Genesis 27:31

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ

H6213

And he also had made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הוּא֙

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מַטְעַמִּ֔ים

H4303

savoury meat

a delicacy

וַיָּבֵ֖א

H935

and brought it

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אָבִי֙

Let my father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אָבִי֙

Let my father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

יָקֻ֤ם

H6965

arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#10

אָבִי֙

Let my father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#11

וְיֹאכַל֙

H398

and eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#12

מִצֵּ֣יד

H6718

venison

(generally) lunch (especially for a journey)

#13

בְּנ֔וֹ

H1121

of his son's

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

בַּֽעֲבֻ֖ר

H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

#15

תְּבָרֲכַ֥נִּי

H1288

may bless

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

#16

נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃

H5315

that thy soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 27 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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