Genesis 27:3 kjv

Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;

Genesis 27:3 nkjv

Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me.

Genesis 27:3 niv

Now then, get your equipment?your quiver and bow?and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me.

Genesis 27:3 esv

Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me,

Genesis 27:3 nlt

Take your bow and a quiver full of arrows, and go out into the open country to hunt some wild game for me.

Genesis 27 verses

Genesis 27 3 Meaning

Genesis 27:3 records Isaac's direct instruction to his elder son, Esau, to prepare for receiving his patriarchal blessing. Isaac commands Esau to equip himself with his hunting gear, specifically mentioning his quiver and bow, and to go into the open country to hunt game. This particular hunt is for Isaac's enjoyment, as he desires a specific, savory meal prepared from the hunted game, intending for this sensory pleasure to be the prelude to bestowing the crucial blessing upon Esau. The verse highlights Isaac's preference for Esau, influenced by his love for the taste of game meat.

Genesis 27 3 Context

Genesis 27:3 is embedded within the dramatic narrative of Isaac's attempt to pass on his patriarchal blessing to Esau, the firstborn, before his impending death due to old age and failing eyesight. Immediately preceding this, Genesis 27:1-2 describes Isaac's advanced age and his desire to give the blessing. This verse follows directly from Isaac's statement that he doesn't know the day of his death.

Historically and culturally, the patriarchal blessing in ancient Near Eastern society was immensely significant, often viewed as an irrevocable spiritual transfer of authority, inheritance, and future prosperity. It was a binding declaration, believed to profoundly shape the recipient's destiny. Isaac, though having been told by God before the twins' birth that the elder would serve the younger (Gen 25:23), and despite Esau having carelessly sold his birthright for a bowl of stew (Gen 25:29-34), persists in his intent to bless Esau. This is fueled by Isaac's partiality towards Esau, particularly his fondness for Esau's hunting skills and the wild game he provided (Gen 25:28). Isaac's instruction to Esau for a specific meal reveals a carnal motivation influencing what should be a spiritually discerning act. This scene sets the stage for Rebekah and Jacob's subsequent deception, an act that, though flawed, ultimately aligns with God's stated purpose for the younger to rule the older.

Genesis 27 3 Word analysis

• Now then (וְעַתָּה, vĕ'attah): An introductory phrase, often transitional, meaning "and now." It links Isaac's preceding contemplation of his death (Gen 27:2) directly to the instruction given to Esau. It gives immediacy and purpose to the command.

• take (קַח־נָא, qach-na): The verb qach means "to take, to receive, to lay hold of." The particle na (often translated as "please" or "pray") functions as an entreaty or emphasis, making the command more persuasive or urgent, as if Isaac is making a solemn request. It emphasizes the importance Isaac places on this particular act.

• your weapons (כֵּלֶיךָ, keleyḵā): Refers to "vessels, articles, implements, gear." While it can have a general meaning, in this context, it specifically refers to hunting equipment. This highlights Esau's primary occupation and skill set, which endeared him to Isaac. It emphasizes the specific, physical task Isaac expects.

• your quiver (תְּלִיךָ, tĕliḵā): A specific item of hunting equipment, a case for holding arrows. This detail underscores Esau's identity as an expert hunter, confirming his known expertise (Gen 25:27).

• and your bow (וְקַשְׁתֶּךָ, wĕqashteḵā): Another precise piece of hunting gear, used for shooting arrows. The specific mention of bow and quiver further emphasizes that Isaac wants Esau to perform a specialized hunting task unique to his skillset.

• and go out to the field (וְצֵא הַשָּׂדֶה, wĕtseh haśśāḏeh): The verb tsah means "to go out, to go forth." Haśśāḏeh refers to the "field," "countryside," or "open country," contrasting with the enclosed tents or settled areas. This shows Isaac's expectation that Esau utilize his outdoor skills.

• and hunt game for me (וְצוּדָה לִּי צָיִד, wĕtsuḏah lî tsayid):

  • tsuḏah: The verb "to hunt, to catch, to ensnare." It highlights the active and often challenging nature of Esau's livelihood.
  • li: "for me." This possessive indicates that the purpose of the hunt is solely for Isaac's personal pleasure and preparation.
  • tsayid: "game," "prey," or "food caught by hunting." This refers to the desired outcome – a specific type of meal.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow": This opening instruction clearly identifies the task Esau is to undertake, immediately establishing his role as the hunter favored by Isaac. The specific mentioning of hunting tools emphasizes Isaac's desire for a particular, authentic experience from Esau's renowned skills. It shows Isaac's immediate and purposeful directive rooted in his personal preference for his hunter-son.
  • "and go out to the field and hunt game for me": This phrase succinctly outlines the specific action and its beneficiary. "Go out to the field" conveys Esau's known domain and activity as a man of the open country. "Hunt game for me" underlines the selfish nature of Isaac's request – the act is not just for sustenance, but a highly specific, personally desired savory meal. It highlights Isaac's appetite dictating a moment of profound spiritual significance.

Genesis 27 3 Bonus section

• The detail of Isaac's request for hunting and preparation highlights the sensory elements associated with covenant blessings in some ancient cultures, emphasizing a personal and almost ritualistic involvement of the giver's body and soul. Isaac explicitly links his ability to bless to consuming this specific meal ("that my soul may bless you," Gen 27:4).
• Isaac's instruction here demonstrates a profound theological tension: human desire versus divine purpose. While Isaac believed he was exercising his prerogative as patriarch, his actions inadvertently allowed the providential outworking of God's prior declaration regarding Jacob and Esau. God often works through, and sometimes despite, human choices and failings to achieve His ultimate plan.
• This verse provides context for why Esau was away and unable to immediately receive the blessing, creating the window for Rebekah and Jacob's plot. It shows how specific human actions, seemingly mundane (like going hunting), can be strategically important in God's broader narrative.
• The incident highlights the dangers of parental favoritism. Isaac's preference for Esau, linked directly to the pleasure he derived from Esau's hunting, bred resentment and rivalry, ultimately disrupting familial peace and fostering deception.

Genesis 27 3 Commentary

Genesis 27:3 is a pivotal command that ignites the dramatic events leading to Jacob's acquisition of Esau's blessing. Isaac, nearing the end of his life and blind, sets the stage for this transfer of authority. His instruction for Esau to hunt game reveals not only his carnal appetite (Gen 25:28) overriding his spiritual discernment (he apparently forgot or ignored God's earlier prophecy in Gen 25:23), but also his unwavering partiality towards Esau, despite Esau's contempt for his birthright. Isaac seeks sensory gratification before a profound spiritual act.

This verse emphasizes Esau's identity as a "skillful hunter," confirming his role as the man of the field. Isaac’s specific request for the hunt and the subsequent meal underscores the ritualistic significance placed on shared meals in that culture as a bond and a prerequisite for solemn acts like a patriarchal blessing. However, it also exposes Isaac’s human flaw—allowing personal preference and bodily craving to potentially bypass God's divine plan. Though God's sovereignty ultimately ensures His purpose is fulfilled (Rom 9:10-13), this human attempt to circumvent divine will sets in motion a chain of deceptions and familial strife.