Genesis 27:20
New International Version
Isaac asked his son, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” “The LORD your God gave me success,” he replied.

New Living Translation
Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” “The LORD your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied.

English Standard Version
But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He answered, “Because the LORD your God granted me success.”

Berean Standard Bible
But Isaac asked his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?” “Because the LORD your God brought it to me,” he replied.

King James Bible
And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought it to me.

New King James Version
But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the LORD your God brought it to me.”

New American Standard Bible
Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the LORD your God made it come to me.”

NASB 1995
Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the LORD your God caused it to happen to me.”

NASB 1977
And Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the LORD your God caused it to happen to me.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because Yahweh your God caused it to happen to me.”

Amplified Bible
Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found the game so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the LORD your God caused it to come to me.”

Christian Standard Bible
But Isaac said to his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son? ” He replied, “Because the LORD your God made it happen for me.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Isaac said to his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?” He replied, “Because the LORD your God worked it out for me.”

American Standard Version
And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because Jehovah thy God sent me good speed.

Contemporary English Version
Isaac asked, "My son, how did you find an animal so quickly?" "The LORD your God was kind to me," Jacob answered.

English Revised Version
And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God sent me good speed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Isaac asked his son, "How did you find it so quickly, Son?" "The LORD your God brought it to me," he answered.

Good News Translation
Isaac said, "How did you find it so quickly, son?" Jacob answered, "The LORD your God helped me find it."

International Standard Version
"How did you get it so quickly, my son?" Isaac asked. Jacob responded, "…because the LORD your God made me successful."

Majority Standard Bible
But Isaac asked his son, ?How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?? ?Because the LORD your God brought it to me,? he replied.

NET Bible
But Isaac asked his son, "How in the world did you find it so quickly, my son?" "Because the LORD your God brought it to me," he replied.

New Heart English Bible
Isaac said to his son, "How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?" He said, "Because your God gave me success."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Isaac said to his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought it to me.

World English Bible
Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He said, “Because Yahweh your God gave me success.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Isaac says to his son, “What [is] this you have hurried to find, my son?” And he says, “That which your God YHWH has caused to come before me.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Isaac saith unto his son, 'What is this thou hast hasted to find, my son?' and he saith, 'That which Jehovah thy God hath caused to come before me.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Isaak will say to his son, How this, thou wert quick to find my son? and the will say, Because Jehovah thy God caused to meet before me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Isaac said to his son: How couldst thou find it so quickly, my son?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And again Isaac said to his son, “How were you able to find it so quickly, my son?” He answered, “It was the will of God, so that what I sought met with me quickly.”

New American Bible
But Isaac said to his son, “How did you get it so quickly, my son?” He answered, “The LORD, your God, directed me.”

New Revised Standard Version
But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He answered, “Because the LORD your God granted me success.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Isaac said to his son, How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD your God brought it my way.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Isaaq said to his son, “What is this that you have found so quickly, my son?” And he said, “That which LORD JEHOVAH your God has prepared before me.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Isaac said unto his son: 'How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son?' And he said: 'Because the LORD thy God sent me good speed.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Isaac said to his son, What is this which thou hast quickly found? And he said, That which the Lord thy God presented before me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Isaac Blesses Jacob
19Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may bless me.” 20But Isaac asked his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?” “Because the LORD your God brought it to me,” he replied. 21Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come closer so I can touch you, my son. Are you really my son Esau, or not?”…

Cross References
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.

Proverbs 21:6
Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit.

Jeremiah 9:5
Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Hosea 12:3-4
In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God. / Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there—

Malachi 1:14
“But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations.

Matthew 15:4
For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’

Matthew 19:19
honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 23:16-22
Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ ...

Mark 7:10
For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’

Luke 18:20
You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’”

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.


Treasury of Scripture

And Isaac said to his son, How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD your God brought it to me.

Because.

Exodus 20:7
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Job 13:7
Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?

to me.

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Caused Find Found Good Granted Hasted Isaac Quickly Speed Success
Genesis 27
1. Isaac sends Esau for venison.
6. Rebekah instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing.
14. Jacob, feigning to be Esau, obtains it.
30. Esau brings venison.
33. Isaac trembles.
34. Esau complains, and by importunity obtains a blessing.
41. He threatens Jacob's life.
42. Rebekah disappoints him, by sending Jacob away.














But Isaac asked his son,
Isaac, the son of Abraham and father of Esau and Jacob, is a patriarch in the biblical narrative. At this point in Genesis, Isaac is elderly and visually impaired. His question to his son reflects his suspicion and curiosity about the speed of the hunt. This moment is pivotal in the story of Jacob and Esau, highlighting themes of deception and blessing. Isaac's role as a father and patriarch is central, as he is about to bestow a significant blessing that carries covenantal implications.

“How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?”
Isaac's question underscores the improbability of the situation. In the cultural context, hunting was a time-consuming task, and the quick return would naturally raise doubts. This question sets the stage for Jacob's deception, as he impersonates his brother Esau to receive the blessing. The speed of the hunt is a key element in the narrative, emphasizing the urgency and tension in the unfolding events.

“Because the LORD your God brought it to me,” he replied.
Jacob's response is a bold use of divine providence to justify his actions. By invoking the name of the LORD, Jacob attempts to lend credibility to his deceit. This phrase reflects a deeper theological theme of God's sovereignty and the complex interplay of human actions and divine will. The use of "your God" rather than "my God" may indicate Jacob's awareness of his own spiritual journey and relationship with God at this point. This moment foreshadows Jacob's later encounters with God, where his personal relationship with the divine becomes more pronounced.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaac
The son of Abraham and father of Esau and Jacob. In this passage, he is old and nearly blind, preparing to bless his son.

2. Jacob
The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who deceives his father to receive the blessing meant for his brother Esau.

3. Esau
The elder son of Isaac, who is entitled to the birthright and blessing but is deceived by his brother Jacob.

4. Rebekah
The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, who orchestrates the deception to ensure Jacob receives the blessing.

5. The LORD
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whom Jacob invokes to justify his quick success in the deception.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Deception
Jacob's lie to Isaac, invoking God's name, shows the gravity of deceit and its long-term consequences on relationships and trust.

God's Sovereignty and Human Actions
Despite human deception, God's sovereign plan unfolds. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our lives.

The Importance of Integrity
As Christians, we are called to live with integrity, reflecting God's truth in our words and actions.

The Role of Family Dynamics
The account highlights the complexities of family relationships and the need for honesty and communication within families.

Invoking God's Name
Using God's name to justify wrongful actions is a serious offense, reminding us to honor God in truth and sincerity.(20) Because the Lord thy God brought it to me.--Jacob does not keep up his acting well here, for it was not in accordance with Esau's character to see anything providential in his success in hunting. This may have helped to arouse Isaac's suspicions, who immediately proceeds to examine him.

Verses 20, 21. - And Isaac (still dissatisfied, but still resolving to proceed with caution) said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? Giving expression to a natural surprise at the speedy success which had attended Esau's hunting expedition; an interrogation to which Jacob replied With daring boldness (Murphy), with consummate effrontery (Bush), not without perjury (Calvin), and even with reckless blasphemy (Kalisch, Alford). And he said, Because the Lord thy God brought it to me. Literally, caused it to come before me; by the concurrence, of course, of his providence; which, though in one sense true, yet as used by Jacob was an impious falsehood. Solemn as this declaration was, it failed to lull the suspicions or allay the disquiet of the aged invalid. And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, - the very thing which Jacob had suggested as likely to happen (ver. 12) - whether thou be my very son Esau (literally, this, my son Esau) or not.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But Isaac
יִצְחָק֙ (yiṣ·ḥāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327: Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah

asked
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

his son,
בְּנ֔וֹ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

“How
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

did you ever find
לִמְצֹ֖א (lim·ṣō)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

it so
זֶּ֛ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

quickly,
מִהַ֥רְתָּ (mi·har·tā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4116: To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly

my son?”
בְּנִ֑י (bə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

“Because
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

brought [it]
הִקְרָ֛ה (hiq·rāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7136: To light upon, to bring about, to impose timbers

to me,”
לְפָנָֽי׃ (lə·p̄ā·nāy)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face

he replied.
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT Law: Genesis 27:20 Isaac said to his son How (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 27:19
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