Keraia
Genesis 25

Genesis 25:33

Esau Sells His Birthright · Genesis 25:29–34
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Translations

Modern
“Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright.
Traditional
And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
Literal
And Jacob said, “Swear to me today.” And he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
Latin
Ait Jacob: Jura ergo mihi. Juravit ei Esau et vendidit primogenita.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright.

Notes

Genesis 25:33–34

Esau quickly accepted what Jacob offered and fell into his trap. He ate and left so quickly that he could not have been close to death (25:32). The final comment in the passage explains that Esau treated his birthright with contempt, as if it had no value (Hebrews 12:16). It is foolish to give up spiritual blessings just to satisfy physical desires (compare Genesis 3:6).

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

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

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 Oath: Esau Confirms the Sale of his Birthright By Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Esau Sacrilege: Esau Sells his Birthright The First Born: Privileges of Could be Sold Worldliness: Esau Worldliness: Jacob