Genesis 25:27

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob [was] a plain man, dwelling in tents.

And the boys {H5288} grew {H1431}: and Esau {H6215} was a cunning {H3045} hunter {H6718}, a man {H376} of the field {H7704}; and Jacob {H3290} was a plain {H8535} man {H376}, dwelling {H3427} in tents {H168}.

The boys grew; and 'Esav became a skillful hunter, an outdoorsman; while Ya'akov was a quiet man who stayed in the tents.

When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home.

And the boys grew: and Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.

Commentary

Genesis 25:27 introduces us to the distinct personalities and lifestyles of Isaac and Rebekah's twin sons, Esau and Jacob, as they mature. This verse is foundational for understanding the complex relationship and divine purposes that would unfold in their lives and through their descendants.

Context

This verse follows the miraculous birth of Jacob and Esau, sons of Isaac and Rebekah, after years of barrenness. Even before their birth, a divine prophecy indicated that "two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). Verse 27 begins to illustrate the natural differences that would align with this prophetic word, showing how their individual inclinations shaped their early lives and set the stage for future events.

Key Themes

  • Contrasting Natures: The verse sharply contrasts Esau and Jacob. Esau is depicted as rugged, adventurous, and a skilled outdoorsman, thriving in the wilderness. Jacob, conversely, is portrayed as domestic, quiet, and content with a more settled life. These inherent differences would profoundly influence their choices and destinies.
  • Foreshadowing Future Roles: The descriptions are not merely biographical but serve to foreshadow the roles these brothers will play in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant people. Esau's focus on immediate gratification and the physical world (as seen in his hunting pursuits) contrasts with Jacob's more reflective, though sometimes cunning, nature, which would ultimately be tied to the covenant promises.

Linguistic Insights

The description of Jacob as a "plain man" is particularly insightful. The Hebrew word used is tam (Χͺָּם). While "plain" in KJV might suggest simple or unrefined, tam carries a richer meaning. It often implies integrity, completeness, blamelessness, or wholeness. It can mean one who is "quiet," "peaceable," or "wholesome," living a settled, domestic life, contrasting sharply with Esau's wild, untamed nature. This doesn't necessarily mean Jacob was morally superior at this point, but rather that his character was more aligned with a domestic, pastoral existence, potentially more open to the spiritual heritage than Esau's preoccupation with the transient pleasures of the hunt.

Related Scriptures

Esau's identity as "a cunning hunter, a man of the field" highlights his earthly focus, which later leads him to despise his birthright for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34). Jacob's "dwelling in tents" links him to the patriarchal lifestyle of Abraham and Isaac, who also lived as sojourners, looking for a heavenly country (Hebrews 11:9).

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that individuals, even within the same family, possess distinct personalities and inclinations. God often uses these diverse traits for His purposes. It challenges us to recognize and appreciate the unique strengths and weaknesses in ourselves and others. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the concept of valuing what is truly important – whether the immediate gratification of the physical world (Esau) or the long-term spiritual inheritance (Jacob), a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative and our own lives. Our character and choices, shaped by our inclinations, often determine the path we take and the blessings we receive.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:9 (6 votes)

    By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

  • Genesis 21:20 (6 votes)

    And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

  • Genesis 10:9 (5 votes)

    He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.

  • Genesis 6:9 (5 votes)

    These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.

  • Genesis 28:10 (5 votes)

    ΒΆ And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.

  • Genesis 28:11 (5 votes)

    And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put [them for] his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

  • Genesis 46:34 (4 votes)

    That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, [and] also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.