New International VersionThen Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.
New Living TranslationThen Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.
English Standard VersionThen Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Berean Standard BibleThen Jacob gave some bread and lentil stew to Esau, who ate and drank and then got up and went away. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
King James BibleThen Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
New King James VersionAnd Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
New American Standard BibleThen Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and got up and went on his way. So Esau despised his birthright.
NASB 1995Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
NASB 1977Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Legacy Standard BibleSo Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank and rose and went away. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Amplified BibleThen Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and got up and went on his way. In this way Esau scorned his birthright.
Christian Standard BibleThen Jacob gave bread and lentil stew to Esau; he ate, drank, got up, and went away. So Esau despised his birthright.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen Jacob gave bread and lentil stew to Esau; he ate, drank, got up, and went away. So Esau despised his birthright.
American Standard VersionAnd Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: so Esau despised his birthright.
Contemporary English VersionJacob then gave Esau some bread and some of the bean stew, and when Esau had finished eating and drinking, he just got up and left, showing how little he thought of his rights as the first-born.
English Revised VersionAnd Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: so Esau despised his birthright.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen Jacob gave Esau a meal of bread and lentils. He ate and drank, and then he got up and left. This is how Esau showed his contempt for his rights as firstborn.
Good News TranslationThen Jacob gave him some bread and some of the soup. He ate and drank and then got up and left. That was all Esau cared about his rights as the first-born son.
International Standard VersionThen Jacob gave Esau some of his food, along with some boiled stew. So Esau ate, drank, got up, and left, after having belittled his own birthright.
NET BibleThen Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew; Esau ate and drank, then got up and went out. So Esau despised his birthright.
New Heart English BibleJacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way: thus Esau despised his birth-right. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Jacob gave some bread and lentil stew to Esau, who ate and drank and then got up and went away. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
World English BibleJacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Jacob has given bread and stew of lentils to Esau, and he eats, and drinks, and rises, and goes; and Esau despises the birthright.
Young's Literal Translation and Jacob hath given to Esau bread and pottage of lentiles, and he eateth, and drinketh, and riseth, and goeth; and Esau despiseth the birthright.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jacob gave Esau food, and the boiling of lentiles; and he will eat and drink and will rise and go forth: and Esau will despise the birth-right. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd so taking bread and the pottage of lentils, he ate, and drank, and went his way; making little account of having sold his first birthright.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so, taking bread and the food of lentils, he ate, and he drank, and he went away, giving little weight to having sold the right of the firstborn.
New American BibleJacob then gave him some bread and the lentil stew; and Esau ate, drank, got up, and went his way. So Esau treated his right as firstborn with disdain.
New Revised Standard VersionThen Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage; and he ate, and drank, and rose up and went his way; thus Esau despised his birthright.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Yaquuv gave to Esau bread and stew of lentils to eat, and he ate and drank, and he stood and went; and Esau despised concerning the firstborn inheritance. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Jacob gave bread to Esau, and pottage of lentiles; and he ate and drank, and he arose and departed; so Esau slighted his birthright.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Esau Sells His Birthright… 33“Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. 34Then Jacobgavesome breadand lentilstewto Esau,who ateand drankand then got upand went away.Thus Esaudespisedhis birthright.
Cross References Hebrews 12:16-17See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. / For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.
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.”
Philippians 3:19Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
1 Corinthians 15:32If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
Matthew 16:26What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Luke 16:25But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.
James 4:14You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
2 Timothy 3:4traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Proverbs 1:32For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
Proverbs 15:27He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
Ecclesiastes 8:15So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.
Isaiah 22:13But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”
Jeremiah 6:13“For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.
Ezekiel 16:49Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy.
Treasury of Scripture Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. eat. Ecclesiastes 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. Isaiah 22:13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die. 1 Corinthians 15:32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. thus Esau. Psalm 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: Zechariah 11:13 And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirtypieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD. Matthew 22:5 But they made light ofit, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: Jump to Previous AteBirthrightBirth-RightBreadCaringDespisedDrankDrinkEatEatethEsauFoodJacobLentilsLittlePottageRoseSoupStewWayJump to Next AteBirthrightBirth-RightBreadCaringDespisedDrankDrinkEatEatethEsauFoodJacobLentilsLittlePottageRoseSoupStewWayGenesis 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.Then Jacob gave some bread and lentil stew to EsauThis phrase highlights the transaction between Jacob and Esau, where Jacob provides a simple meal in exchange for Esau's birthright. The bread and lentil stew symbolize the immediate, tangible satisfaction that Esau chooses over his long-term inheritance. In the cultural context of the time, a birthright was a significant privilege, granting the firstborn son a double portion of the inheritance and leadership of the family. This act foreshadows the later tension between Jacob and Esau, as well as the broader theme of God's sovereignty in choosing Jacob over Esau, as seen in Romans 9:13. who ate and drank and then got up and went away
Esau's actions here are quick and dismissive, indicating his lack of appreciation for the birthright. The verbs "ate," "drank," "got up," and "went away" suggest a transactional and indifferent attitude. This reflects a broader biblical theme of valuing spiritual blessings over immediate physical needs, as seen inMatthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches to seek first the kingdom of God. Thus Esau despised his birthright
The word "despised" indicates a deep disregard and contempt for something valuable. InHebrews 12:16, Esau is described as "godless" for trading his birthright for a single meal, serving as a warning against prioritizing temporary desires over eternal blessings. This moment is pivotal in the narrative of Genesis, as it sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham through Jacob, rather than Esau. The birthright, in a typological sense, can be seen as a precursor to the inheritance believers receive through Christ, emphasizing the importance of valuing spiritual heritage. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, known for his cunning and desire for the birthright and blessing. 2. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, a skilled hunter, who impulsively traded his birthright for a meal. 3. BirthrightA significant inheritance right in ancient Hebrew culture, typically given to the firstborn son, including leadership of the family and a double portion of the inheritance. 4. Lentil StewThe meal Jacob prepared, which Esau accepted in exchange for his birthright, symbolizing Esau's shortsightedness. 5. DespisedThe Hebrew word used here is (bazah), meaning to hold in contempt or to regard as worthless, indicating Esau's disregard for his birthright. Teaching Points Value of Spiritual InheritanceJust as Esau undervalued his birthright, we must be careful not to undervalue our spiritual inheritance in Christ. Our eternal inheritance should be prioritized over temporary, worldly desires. Consequences of ImpulsivenessEsau's decision was made in a moment of physical hunger, teaching us the importance of self-control and foresight in our decisions, especially those affecting our spiritual lives. God's Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityWhile God’s sovereign plan unfolds, human choices have real consequences. Esau's choice to despise his birthright had lasting implications, reminding us to make choices aligned with God's will. The Danger of Despising God's GiftsEsau's contempt for his birthright serves as a warning against taking God's blessings for granted. We should cherish and steward the gifts and responsibilities God entrusts to us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 25:34?
2.How does Esau's choice in Genesis 25:34 reflect on valuing spiritual over physical needs?
3.What does "despised his birthright" reveal about Esau's understanding of God's promises?
4.How can we avoid making impulsive decisions like Esau in Genesis 25:34?
5.Compare Esau's actions with Hebrews 12:16-17. What warnings can we learn?
6.How can prioritizing spiritual inheritance over worldly desires impact our daily lives?
7.Why did Esau despise his birthright in Genesis 25:34?
8.How does Genesis 25:34 reflect on the value of spiritual inheritance?
9.What does Esau's decision in Genesis 25:34 reveal about human nature?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25?
11.What is the significance of Jacob's pride?
12.How did Jacob's life unfold in biblical narratives?
13.Why would God’s chosen lineage pass through someone who blatantly deceived his father (Genesis 27:35–36)?
14.Who is Jacob, also known as Israel?What Does Genesis 25:34 Mean Then Jacob gave some bread and lentil stew to Esau• Jacob immediately fulfills the bargain he has just struck (Genesis 25:29-33). • The simple meal contrasts sharply with the immense value of the birthright—leadership of the clan, double inheritance, and covenant blessing first promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 27:28-29). • The scene highlights Jacob’s shrewdness, but Scripture does not commend deceit; rather, it shows how God’s purposes advance even through flawed people (Romans 9:10-13). • The physical focus of Esau versus the covenant focus of Jacob foreshadows later contrasts between flesh and spirit (Galatians 4:28-31;Philippians 3:19).
who ate and drank• Esau satisfies an immediate appetite without a second thought for what he has forfeited—an example of living “for the moment” (Hebrews 12:16). • Eating and drinking, legitimate in themselves (Ecclesiastes 2:24), become spiritually dangerous when placed above God’s promises (Matthew 4:4). • The wording is terse and matter-of-fact, underscoring the casual nature of Esau’s decision.
and then got up and went away• No regret, prayer, or reflection follows; Esau simply moves on, displaying indifference. • His actions mirror later Israelites who “soon forgot His works” (Psalm 106:13). • Walking away from covenant privilege prefigures those who receive the word with joy yet have no root (Luke 8:13).
Thus Esau despised his birthright• Scripture interprets the event: Esau’s attitude was contempt, not ignorance. • To despise in this context means to treat as worthless (1 Samuel 2:30). •Hebrews 12:17 recalls that when Esau later sought the blessing, “he found no place for repentance.” Choices made in impulse can bear irreversible consequences. • The verse warns believers against undervaluing spiritual inheritance in Christ (1 Peter 1:4;Revelation 3:11).
summaryEsau traded eternal privilege for momentary satisfaction, displaying contempt for God’s covenant. Jacob, though imperfect, valued what God had promised.Genesis 25:34 shows the grave cost of elevating immediate desires over spiritual birthright and calls every believer to treasure God’s promises above all temporary cravings. (34) He did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way.--These words graphically describe Esau's complete indifference to the spiritual privileges of which he had denuded himself. There is no regret, no sad feeling that he had prolonged his life at too high a cost. And if Jacob is cunning, and mean in the advantage he took of his brother, still he valued these privileges, and in the sequel he had his reward and his punishment. He was confirmed in the possession of the birthright, and became the progenitor of the chosen race, and of the Messiah; but henceforward his life was full of danger and difficulty. He had to flee from his brother's enmity, and was perpetually the victim of fraud and the most cruel deceit. But gradually his character ripened for good. He ceased to be a scheming, worldly-minded Jacob, and became an Israel, and in his pious old age we see a man full of trust and faith in God, unworldly and unselfish, and animated by tender and loving feeling. Purified from his early infirmities, and with all his better nature strengthened and sanctified by sorrow, he shows himself worthy of his second name, and becomes "a prince with God." Verse 34. -Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils. "Lentiles (עֲדָשִׁים;Ervum lens) were and are extensively and carefully grown in Egypt, Syria, and Palestine (2 Samuel 17:28;2 Samuel 23:11); those of Egypt were, at a later period particularly famous; and the manner of cooking them is even immortalized on monuments" (Kalisch). "The lentil does not grow more than six or eight inches high, and is pulled like flax, not cut with the sickle, When green it resembles an incipient pea-vine, only the leaves are differently arranged, smaller and more delicate-somewhat like those of the mimosa, or sensitive plant" (Thomson, 'Land and Book,' p. 596).And he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way. A graphic portrait of an utterly carnal mind, which lives solely in and for the immediate gratification of appetite.Thus Esau despised his birthright - and thus Scripture both proclaims his guilt and describes his offence.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Jacob
וְיַעֲקֹ֞ב(wə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc
gave
נָתַ֣ן(nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, set
some bread
לֶ֚חֶם(le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3899:Food, bread, grain
and lentil
עֲדָשִׁ֔ים(‘ă·ḏā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5742:A lentil
stew
וּנְזִ֣יד(ū·nə·zîḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5138:Something sodden or boiled, pottage
to Esau;
לְעֵשָׂ֗ו(lə·‘ê·śāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of Isaac
he ate
וַיֹּ֣אכַל(way·yō·ḵal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eat
and drank,
וַיֵּ֔שְׁתְּ(way·yê·šət)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8354:To imbibe
and then got up
וַיָּ֖קָם(way·yā·qām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, stand
and went away.
וַיֵּלַ֑ךְ(way·yê·laḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walk
Thus Esau
עֵשָׂ֖ו(‘ê·śāw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of Isaac
despised
וַיִּ֥בֶז(way·yi·ḇez)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 959:To disesteem
his birthright.
הַבְּכֹרָֽה׃(hab·bə·ḵō·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1062:The firstling of man, beast, primogeniture
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OT Law: Genesis 25:34 Jacob gave Esau bread and stew (Gen. Ge Gn) |
