Translations
Original
Notes
Jacob was actually more cunning than Esau. The word for cooking (Hebrew wayyazed, meaning “boiling”) sounds like the word for hunter (Hebrew tsayid). While Jacob was boiling stew, he was also setting a trap for Esau, who is described as hairy and red. He may have waited a long time for this moment.
The word for cooking can also describe acting without proper limits, like water boiling over a pot. In this way, Jacob went too far when he took the promise for himself. By contrast, Abraham trusted that the promise was already his, so he was willing to give the land to others (see study note on 13:8–13).
Esau was tired and hungry, but his life was not in danger (25:32; see study note on 25:33–34).
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.
People
Esau: Isaac's firstborn son; sold birthright to Jacob; became Edom Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Birthright Ebla Tablets Esau Family Life and Relations Genesis, Book of Lentil Mishma Nathanael Nuzi, Nuzi Tablets Patriarchs, Period of the Pottage Rebecca, Rebekah
Topics
Birthright: Sold by Esau Dishonesty: Jacob Obtains his Brother's Birthright by an Unjust Advantage Esau: Sells his Birthright for a Single Meal Firstborn: Birthright of The: Sold by Esau Jacob: Obtains Esau's Birthright for Just One Bowl of Stew Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Esau