New International VersionThe boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents.
New Living TranslationAs the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home.
English Standard VersionWhen the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.
Berean Standard BibleWhen the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home.
King James BibleAnd the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
New King James VersionSo the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents.
New American Standard BibleWhen the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a civilized man, living in tents.
NASB 1995When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents.
NASB 1977When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd the boys grew up; Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents.
Amplified BibleWhen the boys grew up, Esau was an able and skilled hunter, a man of the outdoors, but Jacob was a quiet and peaceful man, living in tents.
Christian Standard BibleWhen the boys grew up, Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen the boys grew up, Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home.
American Standard VersionAnd the boys grew: and Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.
Contemporary English VersionAs Jacob and Esau grew older, Esau liked the outdoors and became a good hunter, while Jacob lived the quiet life of a shepherd.
English Revised VersionAnd the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey grew up. Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman. Jacob remained a quiet man, staying around the tents.
Good News TranslationThe boys grew up, and Esau became a skilled hunter, a man who loved the outdoors, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home.
International Standard VersionAs the boys were growing up, Esau became skilled at hunting and was a man of the outdoors, but Jacob was the quiet type who tended to stay indoors.
NET BibleWhen the boys grew up, Esau became a skilled hunter, a man of the open fields, but Jacob was an even-tempered man, living in tents.
New Heart English BibleThe boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the boys grew: and Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man dwelling in tents. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home.
World English BibleThe boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the youths grew, and Esau is a man acquainted [with] hunting, a man of the field; and Jacob [is] a plain man, inhabiting tents;
Young's Literal Translation And the youths grew, and Esau is a man acquainted with hunting, a man of the field; and Jacob is a plain man, inhabiting tents;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the boys will become great; and Esau will be a man knowing the chase, a man of the country; and Jacob an upright man, dwelling in tents. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they were grown up, Esau became a skillful hunter, and a husbandman, but Jacob a plain man dwelt in tents.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd as adults, Esau became a knowledgeable hunter and a man of agriculture, but Jacob, a simple man, dwelt in tents.
New American BibleWhen the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country; whereas Jacob was a simple man, who stayed among the tents.
New Revised Standard VersionWhen the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the boys grew up; and Esau became an expert hunter, a man of outdoor life; but Jacob was a simple man, living in a tent.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the boys grew, and Esau was a man knowing hunting, a man of the wilderness, and Yaquuv was a harmless man and dwelling in a tent. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the boys grew; and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the lads grew, and Esau was a man skilled in hunting, dwelling in the country, and Jacob a simple man, dwelling in a house.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jacob and Esau… 26After this, his brother came out grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born. 27When the boysgrew up,Esaubecamea skillfulhunter,a manof the field,while Jacobwas a quietmanwho stayedat home.28Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.…
Cross References Hebrews 12:16See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.
Romans 9:10-13Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ...
Malachi 1:2-3“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”
Hebrews 11:20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.
Genesis 27:3-4Take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me. / Then prepare a tasty dish that I love and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die.”
Genesis 27:19Jacob 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.”
Genesis 27:30-33As soon as Isaac had finished blessing him and Jacob had left his father’s presence, his brother Esau returned from the hunt. / He too made some tasty food, brought it to his father, and said to him, “My father, sit up and eat of your son’s game, so that you may bless me.” / But his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?” “I am Esau, your firstborn son,” he answered. ...
Genesis 27:41Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Genesis 32:3Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
Genesis 33:1-3Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
Genesis 36:1This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom).
Genesis 49:19Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels.
Obadiah 1:10Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever.
Obadiah 1:18Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame; but the house of Esau will be stubble—Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau.” For the LORD has spoken.
1 Chronicles 1:34Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel.
Treasury of Scripture And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. a cunning. Genesis 10:9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD. Genesis 21:20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. Genesis 27:3-5,40 Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take mesome venison; … a plain main. Genesis 6:9 Theseare the generations of Noah: Noah was a just manand perfect in his generations,and Noah walked with God. Genesis 28:10,11 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran… Genesis 31:39-41 That which was tornof beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it,whether stolen by day, or stolen by night… dwelling. Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, asin a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: Jump to Previous AcquaintedBoysCountryCunningDwellingEsauExpertFieldFullGrewGrowthHunterHuntingInhabitingJacobOpenPeacefulPlainQuietSkilfulSkilledSkillfulStayingTentsYouthsJump to Next AcquaintedBoysCountryCunningDwellingEsauExpertFieldFullGrewGrowthHunterHuntingInhabitingJacobOpenPeacefulPlainQuietSkilfulSkilledSkillfulStayingTentsYouthsGenesis 25 1.The sons of Abraham by Keturah.5.The division of his goods.7.His age, death, and burial.11.God blesses Isaac.12.The generations of Ishmael.17.His age and death.19.Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.22.The children strive in her womb.24.The birth of Esau and Jacob.27.Their different characters and pursuits.29.Esau sells his birthright.When the boys grew upThis phrase marks the transition from childhood to adulthood for Esau and Jacob, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. In biblical times, reaching adulthood was significant as it often meant taking on family responsibilities and roles. The narrative of their growth sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan through their lives, highlighting the importance of God's sovereignty in choosing Jacob over Esau despite cultural norms favoring the firstborn. Esau became a skillful hunter
Esau's identity as a hunter connects him to the outdoors and the wild, reflecting a lifestyle that was admired in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Hunting required strength, skill, and bravery, traits that were valued in a patriarchal society. This description of Esau foreshadows his impulsive nature, as seen later when he sells his birthright for a meal. His skills also contrast with Jacob's, setting up the tension between the brothers. a man of the field
This phrase emphasizes Esau's connection to the land and nature, suggesting a rugged, independent character. The "field" symbolizes the untamed world, contrasting with the domestic life. Esau's preference for the field over the home environment may indicate a lack of interest in the spiritual and familial responsibilities that were traditionally passed down to the firstborn. while Jacob was a quiet man
Jacob's description as "quiet" suggests a contemplative, perhaps introverted nature. The Hebrew word used here can also mean "complete" or "perfect," indicating a contrast to Esau's more impulsive character. Jacob's demeanor aligns with his later role as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, showing a disposition more suited to leadership and spiritual matters. who stayed at home
Jacob's preference for staying at home highlights his connection to family and domestic life. This setting is where he learns from his mother, Rebekah, and possibly gains insight into the spiritual heritage of his grandfather Abraham. The home represents stability and continuity, aligning with Jacob's future as the inheritor of God's covenant promises. This phrase also foreshadows Jacob's role in the continuation of the Abrahamic line, as he becomes the father of the nation of Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, known for being a skillful hunter and a man of the field. His lifestyle reflects a rugged, outdoorsman character. 2. JacobThe younger twin brother of Esau, described as a quiet man who stayed at home. His character is more contemplative and domestic. 3. IsaacThe father of Esau and Jacob, son of Abraham. His favoritism towards Esau is later revealed in the account. 4. RebekahThe mother of Esau and Jacob, who favors Jacob, setting the stage for future family dynamics and conflicts. 5. The FieldRepresents the outdoors and the life of a hunter, associated with Esau's character and lifestyle. Teaching Points Understanding Character and CallingEsau and Jacob had distinct personalities and callings. Recognize and appreciate the unique gifts and callings God has given each person. The Dangers of FavoritismIsaac and Rebekah's favoritism towards their sons led to family strife. Avoid favoritism in relationships to promote harmony and fairness. The Importance of Spiritual PrioritiesEsau's focus on the physical and immediate (hunting, the field) contrasts with Jacob's more contemplative nature. Prioritize spiritual growth and long-term values over immediate gratification. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human actions and preferences, God's purposes prevail. Trust in God's sovereignty and His plans for your life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 25:27?
2.How does Esau's lifestyle in Genesis 25:27 reflect his character and priorities?
3.What can we learn from Jacob's temperament in Genesis 25:27 for our lives?
4.How does Genesis 25:27 foreshadow future events in Jacob and Esau's relationship?
5.What scriptural connections can be made between Genesis 25:27 and Hebrews 12:16?
6.How can we apply the lessons from Jacob and Esau's differences today?
7.Why does Genesis 25:27 emphasize the contrasting lifestyles of Jacob and Esau?
8.How does Genesis 25:27 reflect the cultural values of ancient Israel?
9.What theological significance does the description of Jacob and Esau hold in Genesis 25:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25?
11.Why is there minimal archaeological evidence for the “chiefs of Edom” referenced in Genesis 36:15–19?
12.What is the significance of Jacob and Esau's story?
13.Why did Esau sell his birthright to Jacob?
14.How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men?What Does Genesis 25:27 Mean When the boys grew up•Genesis 25:27 opens with a simple milestone: “When the boys grew up.” Time has passed since their birth turmoil (Genesis 25:22-26). • Scripture often pauses at life-stages to mark God’s unfolding plan—compare Isaac’s weaning inGenesis 21:8, Samuel’s childhood growth in1 Samuel 2:26, and Jesus’ own progress inLuke 2:52. • Here, the twins reach an age where character becomes visible. God’s covenant purposes will now move from prophecy (Genesis 25:23) into observable personalities and choices.
Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field• “Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field”. The verse highlights: – Practical mastery: Esau excels in taking game, echoing the hunter figure inGenesis 10:9 (Nimrod). – Outdoor identity: “man of the field” suggests independence and ruggedness (Proverbs 12:27). • These traits later shape events: Isaac asks Esau for wild game before giving a blessing (Genesis 27:3-4); Esau’s time afield gives Jacob opportunity to secure that blessing (Genesis 27:30). •Hebrews 12:16 warns that Esau, though vigorous, became “godless” by selling his birthright—showing how unchecked natural strengths can mask spiritual shortsightedness. • His life mirrors the flesh-oriented mindset Paul contrasts with the Spirit inRomans 8:5.
Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home• “Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home”. Key nuances: – Composed temperament: “quiet” implies settled, complete—seen positively inDeuteronomy 33:12 and negatively when complacent (Amos 6:1). – Dwelling in tents: a life anchored near family, recalling the patriarchal lifestyle of Abraham (Hebrews 11:9). • Jacob’s nearness to home positions him for spiritual formation under Rebekah’s influence (Genesis 25:28) and for receiving covenant promises later at Bethel (Genesis 28:13-15). • Scripture upholds intentional quietness as fertile soil for godliness (Psalm 46:10;1 Thessalonians 4:11). Jacob’s domestic posture contrasts Esau’s roaming, foreshadowing their divergent destinies—one line embracing covenant, the other fading into Edom (Genesis 36:1).
summaryGrowing up revealed the brothers’ divergent paths: Esau, vigorous hunter of the open fields, displays human ability yet spiritual negligence; Jacob, steady and home-oriented, becomes the vessel for God’s covenant line.Genesis 25:27 underscores that natural temperament is real and literal, yet God’s sovereign choice and faithful purposes stand above human preference, steering history toward redemption. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHARACTERS OF ESAU AND JACOB. ESATU SELLS HIS BIRTHRIGHT. (27)The "boys grew.--With advancing years came also the formation of their characters. Esau became a skilful hunter, a "man of the field": not a husbandman, but one who roamed over the open uncultivated wilderness (seeGenesis 4:8) in search of game; but "Jacob was a plain man." This is a most inadequate rendering of a word translatedperfectinJob 1:1;Job 1:8;Psalm 37:37, &c, though this rendering is as much too strong as that in this verse is too weak. OnGenesis 6:9, we have shown that the word conveys no idea of perfection or blamelessness, but only of general integrity. Both the word there and inGenesis 17:1, and the slightly different form of it used here, should in all places be translatedupright. . . . Verse 27. - And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, - literally, skilled in hunting; εἰδὼς κυνηγεῖν (LXX.); gnarus venandi (Vulgate); a sportsman - a man of the field; - not a husbandman, homo agricola (Vulgate), who is differently denominated - ish haadhamah ( Genesis 9:20); but one addicted to roaming through the fields in search of sport - ἀγροικὸς (LXX.); an indication of the rough, fiery nature and wild, adventurous life of the elder of the two brothers - and Jacob was a plain man, - תָּם = ἄπλαστος (LXX.); simplex (Vulgate); integer, i. e. mitis, of mild and gentle manners (Rosenmüller); blameless, as a shepherd (Knobel); pious (Luther); righteous (Kalisch); obviously intended to describe Jacob as, both in character and life, the antithesis of Esau - dwelling in tents - i. e. loving to stay at home, as opposed to Esau, who loved to wander afield; preferring a quiet, peaceable, domestic, and pious manner of existence to a life of "excitement, adventure, and danger," such as captivated Esau.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew When the boysהַנְּעָרִ֔ים(han·nə·‘ā·rîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retainergrew up,וַֽיִּגְדְּלוּ֙(way·yiḡ·də·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1431:To grow up, become greatEsauעֵשָׂ֗ו(‘ê·śāw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of Isaacbecameוַיְהִ֣י(way·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bea skillfulיֹדֵ֥עַ(yō·ḏê·a‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3045:To knowhunter,צַ֖יִד(ṣa·yiḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6718:The chase, game, luncha manאִ֛ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof the field,שָׂדֶ֑ה(śā·ḏeh)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704:Field, landbut Jacobוְיַעֲקֹב֙(wə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descwas a quietתָּ֔ם(tām)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8535:Complete, pious, gentle, dearmanאִ֣ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personwho stayedיֹשֵׁ֖ב(yō·šêḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryat home.אֹהָלִֽים׃(’ō·hā·lîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 168:A tent
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OT Law: Genesis 25:27 The boys grew (Gen. Ge Gn) |
