Keraia
Genesis 25

Genesis 25:28

Jacob and Esau · Genesis 25:19–28
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Translations

Modern
Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Traditional
And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Literal
And Isaac loved Esau because of the game in his mouth, and Rebekah loved Jacob.
Latin
Isaac amabat Esau, eo quod de venationibus illius vesceretur: et Rebecca diligebat Jacob.

Original

Hebrew
English
Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Notes

Genesis 25:28

  • Each parent had a favorite child.

  • Because: Isaac loved Esau because of his hunting ability. Rebekah had a constant and unconditional love for Jacob.

Genesis 25:27–34

Jacob and Esau developed according to their early traits (25:24–26).

Esau, the reddish, hairy man, cared about physical things rather than spiritual things (see Hebrews 12:16). His desires eventually overcame him and he sold his birthright.

Jacob, the heel grabber, knew the birthright’s value. He made a ruthless deal to win it from his brother.

Theme notes and profiles

Esau Isaac Jacob Rebekah Symbolic Numbers

Parallels

Malachi 1:1–5 Romans 9:6–29

People

Esau: Isaac's firstborn son; sold birthright to Jacob; became Edom Isaac: Son of Abraham; father of Jacob and Esau Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Rebekah: Wife of Isaac; mother of Jacob and Esau

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Birthright Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Jacob Mishma Nathanael Nuzi, Nuzi Tablets Patriarchs, Period of the Rebecca, Rebekah

Topics

Esau: A Hunter Esau: Beloved by Isaac Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Isaac and Rebekah Parents: Partiality of Isaac for Esau Parents: Partiality of Rebekah for Jacob Rebekah (Rebecca): Mother of Esau and Jacob The First Born: Objects of Special Love