Esau and Jacob
Genesis 25:19-34
Gen.25.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- תולדת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוליד: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 25:12 (structural): A parallel genealogical heading introducing Ishmael ('Now these are the generations of Ishmael'), mirroring the structural formula used for Isaac's line.
- Genesis 21:3 (verbal): Earlier narrative statement that 'Abraham called the name of his son Isaac' and records the birth of Isaac — closely connected to the simple genealogical formula 'Abraham begot Isaac.'
- Matthew 1:2 (verbal): New Testament genealogy begins with the same filial formula ('Abraham begot Isaac'), echoing the patriarchal lineage statement of Genesis.
- Genesis 11:10 (structural): Another example of the 'These are the generations of...' formula (here for Shem), showing the recurring structural device that introduces genealogical or narrative sections.
- Genesis 21:12 (thematic): God's declaration that 'through Isaac shall your offspring be named' highlights Isaac's theological and covenantal significance, which the genealogy heading in 25:19 signals by focusing the narrative on Isaac's line.
Alternative generated candidates
- And these are the generations of Isaac, son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac.
- And these are the generations of Isaac, son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac.
Gen.25.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בקחתו: PREP+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- רבקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- בתואל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארמי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- מפדן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארמי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 24:67 (structural): Same marriage event narrated earlier — Isaac takes Rebekah as his wife; ties the account in 25:20 to the detailed bride‑search and marriage scene in ch. 24.
- Genesis 24:3–4 (thematic): Abraham's charge to his servant to find a wife for Isaac 'from my kindred' explains why Rebekah is brought from Padan‑aram (family/endogamous marriage motif).
- Genesis 25:26 (structural): Chronological cross‑reference: this verse states Isaac was sixty when his sons were born, implying a twenty‑year interval between his marriage (age 40) and the birth — connects the timeline of 25:20 to subsequent family history.
- Genesis 26:34 (thematic): Contrast with Esau's marriages: Esau marries at forty and takes foreign wives; parallels/contrasts generational marriage patterns and ages for marriage within Isaac's family.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean, from Paddan-aram, sister of Laban the Aramean, as his wife.
- And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram, sister of Laban the Aramean, to himself as wife.
Gen.25.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעתר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- לנכח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עקרה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויעתר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותהר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- רבקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 21:1-2 (thematic): Like Isaac’s case, God intervenes when a previously barren wife conceives—’the LORD visited Sarah… and Sarah conceived’ (divine reversal of barrenness in response to God’s promise/concern).
- Genesis 30:22 (verbal): The language echoes here: ‘God remembered Rachel, and opened her womb.’ Both passages use divine initiative (God’s intervention/‘opening’ or ‘remembering’) to bring conception for a previously barren wife.
- 1 Samuel 1:19-20 (thematic): Hannah’s story parallels Rebekah’s: a man’s (Elkanah’s/Hannah’s husband’s) petition and Hannah’s prayer lead to the LORD ‘remembering’ her and her conceiving and bearing a son (Samuel).
- Luke 1:13-14, 57-66 (allusion): The angel tells Zechariah ‘your prayer is heard; your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,’ and Elizabeth later conceives—New Testament fulfillment of the motif where a husband’s/prayer and divine response end a woman’s barrenness, echoing Isaac’s entreaty and God’s granting of conception.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Isaac pleaded with the LORD on behalf of his wife, for she was barren; and the LORD was moved by his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
- And Isaac pleaded with the LORD on behalf of his wife, for she was barren; and the LORD was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
Gen.25.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתרצצו: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,pl
- הבנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בקרבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אם: CONJ
- כן: ADV
- למה: ADV
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- ותלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לדרש: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.25.23 (structural): Immediate continuation: God answers Rebekah’s inquiry, explaining the twins’ struggle and declaring two nations and the elder serving the younger.
- Rom.9:10-13 (allusion): Paul cites Rebekah’s prenatal situation to discuss divine election, referring to the statement about the older serving the younger and God’s choice before birth.
- Mal.1:2-3 (quotation): The declaration 'Jacob I loved, Esau I hated' expresses the outcome established for the twins and is used later as a scriptural judgment about their standing.
- Luke 1:41-44 (thematic): Unborn John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb at Mary’s presence—another biblical instance of prenatal movement as a response to divine action or revelation.
- 1 Sam.1:10-11 (thematic): Hannah’s anguished petition to the LORD over childlessness parallels Rebekah’s going to inquire of the LORD about the condition and destiny of her children.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If so, why then do I live? And she went to inquire of the LORD.
- And the children struggled within her; and she said, If so, why then am I at all? And she went to inquire of the LORD.
Gen.25.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- גוים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בבטנך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,f,sg
- ושני: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- לאמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ממעיך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+2,f,sg
- יפרדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ולאם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלאם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאמץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ורב: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- יעבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- צעיר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 25:22-26 (structural): Immediate context — the prenatal struggle and birth narrative that explains and introduces the prophecy about two nations and the younger prevailing.
- Genesis 27:40 (verbal): Isaac's blessing to Esau echoes the social reversal: Esau will serve his brother (paralleling 'the elder shall serve the younger').
- Malachi 1:2-3 (quotation): Nation-level divine choice reiterated: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,' reflecting the outcome of the prenatal election of Jacob over Esau.
- Romans 9:10-13 (quotation): Paul cites the Rebekah narrative to illustrate divine election, explicitly referencing the prenatal distinction and quoting the Jacob/Esau contrast ('Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated').
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to her: Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be separated; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the elder shall serve the younger.
- And the LORD said to her, Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; and one people shall be stronger than the other, and the elder shall serve the younger.
Gen.25.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימלאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ימיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,f,suf
- ללדת: VERB,qal,inf
- והנה: ADV
- תומם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בבטנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,f,suf
Parallels
- Genesis 25:21-26 (structural): Immediate context: verse 21 records Isaac's prayer for Rebekah and her conception, and verses 25–26 name the twins (Esau and Jacob). These verses complete the same narrative unit about conception and the twin birth.
- Genesis 38:27-30 (thematic): Another birth of twins (Perez and Zerah) with intrauterine struggle imagery and an unexpected order of coming forth — parallels the motif of twins in the womb and contested birth order.
- Genesis 30:22-24 (thematic): God opens a previously barren woman's womb (Rachel) and grants a son (Joseph). Parallels the theme of divine intervention in conception and the reversal of barrenness leading to childbirth.
- 1 Samuel 1:19-20 (thematic): Hannah's barrenness followed by prayer and the subsequent birth of Samuel echoes the pattern of petition for a child and God's granting of a longed-for birth, as in Rebekah's conception and delivery.
Alternative generated candidates
- And her days were fulfilled to give birth, and behold, twins were in her womb.
- And her days were fulfilled to give birth; and behold, twins were in her womb.
Gen.25.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- אדמוני: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- כלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כאדרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 27:11-16 (verbal): The motif of Esau's hairiness recurs when Jacob and Rebekah use Esau's hairy skin to deceive Isaac (skins on hands/neck); connects to the description 'hairy all over' at birth.
- Genesis 25:30-34 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Esau's name and character ('red', 'Edom') are tied to his impulsive appetite and the sale of his birthright—the birth description sets up these later actions.
- Genesis 36:1, 9 (thematic): Later genealogy and summary identify Esau explicitly with Edom ('Esau, who is Edom'), linking the birth-name and coloration to his descendants and national identity.
- Malachi 1:2-3 (allusion): God’s contrast between Jacob and Esau ('I loved Jacob, I hated Esau') alludes to the twin rivalry introduced at birth and to the electional dynamics originating in Genesis 25–27.
- Romans 9:10-13 (quotation): Paul cites the prenatal oracle about Jacob and Esau ('the older shall serve the younger' and 'Jacob I loved, Esau I hated') to discuss divine election, directly alluding to the Genesis birth narrative.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the first came out ruddy, all of him like a hairy cloak; and they called his name Esau.
- And the first came out ruddy, all of him like a cloak of hair; and they called his name Esau.
Gen.25.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואחרי: CONJ
- כן: ADV
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- וידו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחזת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- בעקב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויצחק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ששים: NUM,card
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בלדת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 25:22-24 (structural): Immediate birth narrative: describes the twins' struggle in the womb and the order of birth, providing the context for Jacob's name and the heel-grasping motif.
- Genesis 27:36 (verbal): Esau's complaint that Jacob has 'taken away' his birthright/blessing echoes the meaning of Jacob's name (heel-grabber/supplanter) and the rivalry that begins at birth.
- Hosea 12:3-4 (allusion): Explicitly alludes to Jacob 'seizing his brother by the heel' and later 'struggling with God,' recycling the Genesis image and interpreting Jacob's life theologically.
- Malachi 1:2-3 (quotation): God's declaration 'I loved Jacob; I hated Esau' invokes the birth-order distinction established in Genesis to make a theological point about election.
- Romans 9:10-13 (thematic): Paul uses the Jacob/Esau example (quoting Malachi) to discuss divine election — 'the older shall serve the younger' — connecting theological significance back to the birth narrative.
Alternative generated candidates
- And afterward his brother came out, and his hand was grasping Esau’s heel; and he called his name Jacob; and Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
- And afterward his brother came out, with his hand grasping the heel of Esau; and his name was called Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
Gen.25.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגדלו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- הנערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ציד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעקב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תם: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אהלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.25:29-34 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Esau impulsively sells his birthright to Jacob, illustrating the character contrast introduced in 25:27 (Esau as a hunter, Jacob as dwelling in tents).
- Gen.27:1-40 (thematic): The deception over Isaac’s blessing develops the brothers’ divergent paths and personalities (Esau’s outdoor/impulsive character vs. Jacob’s domestic/crafty role) first sketched in 25:27.
- Malachi 1:2-3 (quotation): Explicit divine contrast—“Jacob I have loved, Esau I have hated”—echoes and theologically interprets the sibling distinction introduced in 25:27.
- Rom.9:10-13 (quotation): Paul cites Malachi’s ‘Jacob I loved, Esau I hated’ to discuss divine election, using the Jacob–Esau contrast rooted in Genesis 25 as theological precedent.
- Heb.12:16-17 (allusion): Warns against being like Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal; alludes to the character traits and consequences associated with Esau introduced in 25:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the boys grew; and Esau became a skilled hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.
- And the boys grew; and Esau became a man skilled in hunting, a man of the field; but Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.
Gen.25.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאהב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- ציד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בפיו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m
- ורבקה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אהבת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יעקב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Malachi 1:2-3 (verbal): Explicitly states 'I loved Jacob, and I hated Esau,' a direct theological echo of the Jacob/Esau preference established in Genesis 25:28.
- Romans 9:10-13 (quotation): Paul cites Malachi's formula ('Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated') to illustrate divine choice, drawing on the Genesis narrative about the brothers.
- Genesis 27:3-4 (thematic): Isaac's instruction to Esau to hunt and prepare game for him underscores the same reason given in 25:28 for Isaac's affection (Esau as a hunter).
- Genesis 25:34 (structural): Shows Esau's impulsive, appetite-driven character—he 'despised' his birthright for food—which connects to 25:28's reason that Esau was favored because of his eating/game orientation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Isaac loved Esau, for the game was to his taste; and Rebekah loved Jacob.
- And Isaac loved Esau, for he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Gen.25.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויזד: VERB,qal,wayqtl,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נזיד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- עיף: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.25:34 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene: Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for bread and lentil stew — direct resolution of Jacob's cooking and Esau's hunger.
- Gen.27:34-36 (thematic): Later episode in which Esau reacts to Jacob's acquisition of the blessing/birthright; thematically linked to the earlier transfer motivated by Esau's hunger.
- Hebrews 12:16-17 (allusion): New Testament reference to Esau selling his birthright for a single meal and later regretting it — explicitly alludes to Genesis 25’s episode.
- Romans 9:10-13 (quotation): Paul cites (and echoes Malachi’s) reference to Jacob and Esau to discuss divine election, drawing on the Jacob–Esau tradition that begins in Genesis 25.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob cooked stew, and Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted.
- And Jacob cooked stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted.
Gen.25.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יעקב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלעיטני: VERB,hiphil,imp,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- מן: PREP
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עיף: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אדום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.25:34 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Esau sells his birthright for the stew and the narrative explains the consequences of his impulsive hunger.
- Gen.27:36 (thematic): Esau's later grievance over what he lost to Jacob (the blessing); highlights the long-term fallout from the birthright episode and Esau's impulsive/desperate character.
- Gen.36:8-9 (verbal): Later genealogical summary identifying Esau as 'Edom' and recounting his settlement in Seir — echoes the name-origin given in 25:30 ('Edom' = 'red').
- Malachi 1:2-3 (thematic): God's later pronouncement contrasting Jacob and Esau ('I have loved Jacob; I have hated Esau'), reflecting the enduring national/theological significance of the Jacob–Esau distinction rooted in the Genesis narrative.
- Rom.9:13 (quotation): Paul quotes Malachi ('Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated') to interpret God's election; links the Genesis story of Jacob and Esau to New Testament theological reflection.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Esau said to Jacob, Let me gulp down, please, from the red—this red—for I am exhausted; therefore his name was called Edom.
- And Esau said to Jacob, Let me gulp down, please, some of that red, red stuff, for I am exhausted. Therefore his name was called Edom.
Gen.25.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכרה: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,sg
- כיום: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- בכרתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+suff,2,m
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 25:34 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence: after Jacob buys it, the text says Esau ‘despised his birthright,’ completing the episode begun in 25:31.
- Genesis 27:36 (verbal): Esau later accuses Jacob of having ‘taken away my birthright,’ directly recalling the sale and its consequences.
- Hebrews 12:16–17 (quotation): The author cites the Esau story (sale of the birthright and his inability to repent) as a moral example and warning to his readers.
- Malachi 1:2–3 (thematic): God’s declaration ‘Jacob I loved, Esau I hated’ reflects the long-term theological significance of the Jacob–Esau rivalry tied to election and the birthright.
- Romans 9:10–13 (quotation): Paul cites the Jacob/Esau episode (quoting Malachi) to argue divine election — appealing to the siblings’ destinies established apart from human works.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob said, Sell me today your birthright.
- And Jacob said, Sell me this day your birthright.
Gen.25.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הנה: PART
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- למות: VERB,qal,inf
- ולמה: CONJ
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- בכרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Hebrews 12:16-17 (allusion): Explicitly alludes to Esau's sale of his birthright for a meal and adds that he could not repent of his decision—uses the Genesis episode as a moral warning.
- Genesis 27:36 (verbal): Esau's later complaint that Jacob 'took away my birthright' and then his blessing echoes the sale recorded in 25:32–34 and shows its immediate narrative consequences.
- Malachi 1:2-3 (thematic): 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated' reflects the theme of God's choice between the brothers that is set up by the birthright/blessing material in Genesis 25.
- Romans 9:10-13 (allusion): Paul cites God's choice of Jacob over Esau (quoting Malachi) to discuss election—drawing on the birthright/blessing motif originating in Genesis 25.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Esau said, Look, I am going to die; and of what use is the birthright to me?
- And Esau said, Look, I am going to die; and what is the birthright to me?
Gen.25.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- השבעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כיום: ADV
- וישבע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- וימכר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בכרתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ליעקב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- Hebrews 12:16-17 (quotation): Explicitly cites the Genesis episode: Esau is condemned for selling his birthright for a single meal and for later regretting it, directly referencing the sale narrated in Gen 25:33.
- Genesis 25:29-34 (structural): Immediate narrative context that records the full transaction: Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for bread and stew and swears the oath mentioned in 25:33.
- Genesis 27:36 (verbal): Esau charges Jacob with having 'supplanted' him twice—an explicit reference back to the loss of the birthright (Gen 25:33) and the subsequent deception over the blessing.
- Romans 9:11-13 (allusion): Paul invokes the Jacob/Esau pair (quoting Malachi) to illustrate divine election ('Jacob I loved, Esau I hated'), echoing the theological significance attached to the brothers' unequal fortunes that begin with the birthright episode.
- Deuteronomy 21:17 (structural): Legal background on the rights of the firstborn (double portion and precedence) which explains why Esau's sale of the birthright was a momentous forfeiture.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob said, Swear to me today; and he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Jacob.
- And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
Gen.25.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעקב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעשו: PREP
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונזיד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עדשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וישת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויבז: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הבכרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 25:29–33 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel: the earlier verses record the actual bargain in which Esau sells his birthright for the stew/bread that Jacob gives him — same action and language.
- Genesis 27:34–38 (structural): Later consequence of the sale: Esau's anguish and loss when Jacob obtains Isaac's blessing, showing the gravity of having despised the birthright.
- Hebrews 12:16–17 (quotation): New Testament reference to Esau as an example of one who 'sold his birthright' and could not repent — directly cites and interprets the Genesis episode as a moral warning.
- 1 Chronicles 5:1–2 (thematic): Discusses firstborn rights and their transfer (Reuben/Manasseh/Joseph), thematically related to issues of birthright entitlement, forfeiture, and blessing in the Genesis tradition.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank and rose and went; and Esau despised the birthright.
- And Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank and rose and went; and Esau despised the birthright.
And these are the generations of Isaac, son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean, from Paddan-aram, sister of Laban the Aramean, to himself for a wife. And Isaac pleaded with the LORD on behalf of his wife, for she was barren; and the LORD was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her, and she said, “If so, why then am I like this?” And she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be separated; and one people shall be stronger than the other, and the elder shall serve the younger.” And the days were fulfilled for her to give birth, and behold, twins were in her womb. And the first came out ruddy, all of him like a cloak of hair; and they called his name Esau. And afterward his brother came out, his hand grasping Esau’s heel; and he called his name Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. And the boys grew, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, for game was to his taste; and Rebekah loved Jacob. And Jacob cooked a stew, and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me gulp down, please, some of that red, red stuff, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom. And Jacob said, “Sell me today your birthright.” And Esau said, “Look, I am going to die; and what is a birthright to me?” And Jacob said, “Swear to me today.” And he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went; and Esau despised the birthright.