Genesis 25:32

Translations

Modern

“Look,” said Esau, “I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?”

Traditional

And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

Literal

And Esau said, “Behold, I am going to die; and for what is this birthright to me?”

Latin

Ille respondit: En morior, quid mihi proderunt primogenita?

Original

Hebrew

English

“Look,” said Esau, “I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?”

Notes

Genesis 25:31–33

On this occasion, Jacob proved to be the better hunter. However, strong ambition like this can be dangerous. God’s people should desire what God desires, but they must not try to gain these things by human effort (see Zechariah 4:6; Galatians 5:16–17; Ephesians 6:10–12).

The Lord dealt strictly with Jacob to remove his sinful methods. Later, he received the promise not as Jacob the deceiver, but as Israel (which means “God fights”). God fought on his behalf (Genesis 32:28).

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 Jacob Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Job 34:9
For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’
Malachi 3:14
You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts?
Job 22:17
They said to God, ‘Depart from us. What can the Almighty do to us?’
Job 21:15
Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’
Exodus 22:9
In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor.

People

Esau: Isaac's firstborn son; sold birthright to Jacob; became Edom

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible 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 Craftiness: Jacob, in Purchase of Esau's Birthright 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 Gluttony: Esau Jacob: Obtains Esau's Birthright for Just One Bowl of Stew Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Esau Worldliness: Esau Worldliness: Jacob

Genesis 25:32

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