Genesis 25:30

KJV

And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]; for I [am] faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Esau {H6215} said {H559} to Jacob {H3290}, Feed {H3938} me, I pray thee, with {H4480} that same {H122} red {H122} pottage; for I am faint {H5889}: therefore was his name {H8034} called {H7121} Edom {H123}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said to Ya'akov, "Please! Let me gulp down some of that red stuff - that red stuff! I'm exhausted!" (This is why he was called Edom [red].)

Berean Standard Bible

He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.” (That is why he was also called Edom.)

American Standard Version

and Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 25:30 vividly captures Esau's impulsive and desperate craving for food, leading directly to the origin of his alternative name, Edom. This pivotal moment not only highlights Esau's prioritization of immediate physical gratification over enduring value but also sets the foundational narrative for his subsequent, consequential decision to sell his birthright to Jacob, revealing the profound, lasting impact of a momentary physical craving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately precedes the momentous account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob in [Genesis 25:31-34](/genesis/25-31-34 "Esau Sells His Birthright"). The narrative flow establishes Esau's physical exhaustion and hunger as the catalyst for his desperate plea, which Jacob shrewdly exploits. It serves as a crucial setup for understanding Esau's character—driven by immediate desires—and Jacob's opportunistic nature, laying the groundwork for the unfolding drama of sibling rivalry and the fulfillment of God's prophetic word concerning the elder serving the younger, as declared in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's Prophecy to Rebekah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the birthright (Hebrew: *bekorah*) was a highly significant privilege, typically bestowing a double portion of the inheritance, leadership of the family, and, in the patriarchal lineage, the spiritual blessing and covenant promises of God. Esau, as the firstborn, held this esteemed position. His return from hunting, described as "faint," underscores the harsh realities of survival and the intense physical demands of the time. The act of selling a birthright, though culturally shocking due to its immense value, was not entirely unheard of, especially under duress, but Esau's casual disregard for it marks him as distinct.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 25:30 contributes to several major themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It introduces the theme of **impulsivity versus foresight**, illustrating how Esau's immediate physical need overshadowed any consideration for long-term spiritual or familial inheritance. The verse also underscores the **significance of names**, as Esau's new name, Edom, becomes a perpetual reminder of his defining moment of valuing the temporal over the eternal. Furthermore, it subtly foreshadows the theme of **divine sovereignty and human choice**, where Esau's free choice to despise his birthright aligns with, yet does not negate, God's prior declaration regarding the two nations and their destinies, as seen in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's Prophecy Regarding Jacob and Esau").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **red (Hebrew, _ʼâdôm'_):** Derived from the root meaning 'rosy,' this word describes the color of the pottage Esau craved. Its repetition in the original Hebrew text (אדום אדום, *adom adom*) for "red pottage" emphasizes the striking color of the stew, making it a memorable visual and a key element in the subsequent naming. This repetition highlights Esau's singular focus on the immediate, tangible object of his desire.
* **faint (Hebrew, _ʻâyêph'_):** This adjective describes Esau's physical state, indicating he was 'languid,' 'thirsty,' or 'weary.' His extreme exhaustion is presented as the immediate cause of his desperate plea, highlighting his prioritization of immediate physical relief over long-term value. This physical weakness serves as the justification for his subsequent impulsive decision.
* **Edom (Hebrew, _ʼĔdôm'_):** This proper noun, meaning 'red,' becomes Esau's alternative name and the name of his descendants and the region they inhabit. It directly links his identity and future lineage to the "red" pottage and his impulsive decision, serving as a permanent reminder of his character and the transaction that defined him. The naming here is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, marking a turning point.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Esau said to Jacob":** This introduces the direct interaction between the twin brothers, setting the scene for a pivotal exchange. Esau, the elder, is presented as initiating the conversation, but from a position of extreme physical weakness and desperation, which Jacob is poised to exploit.
* **"Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]; for I [am] faint":** Esau's urgent and desperate plea reveals his overwhelming physical exhaustion and hunger. The phrase "red pottage" (אדום אדום, *adom adom*) emphasizes the striking color of the lentil stew, making it distinct and memorable. His declaration "for I am faint" underscores the severity of his physical state, which he uses to justify his immediate demand, prioritizing instant gratification over any other consideration.
* **"therefore was his name called Edom":** This concluding clause provides the etymological origin of Esau's alternative name, Edom. It directly links his new identity, meaning "red," to the "red pottage" he so desperately craved. This naming signifies a pivotal moment in his life, marking him by his impulsive choice and foreshadowing the character of his descendants, who would be known as the Edomites.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Etymological Significance** is paramount, as the name "Edom" (meaning "red") is explicitly linked to the "red pottage" Esau craved, making his new identity a perpetual memorial of his impulsive choice. This serves as a powerful form of **Symbolism**, where the color "red" comes to represent not just the stew, but Esau's earthly, immediate desires and his disregard for spiritual inheritance. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the momentous transaction in the following verses where Esau sells his birthright for this very meal, thereby revealing his character and prefiguring the destiny of his descendants. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between Esau's immediate, physical hunger and Jacob's calculating, long-term ambition, which is a recurring theme in their narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 25:30 serves as a stark illustration of the human tendency to prioritize immediate gratification over enduring spiritual blessings. Esau's desperate craving for the "red pottage" reveals a profound lack of foresight and a devaluation of his privileged position as the firstborn. This incident establishes a foundational theme in the biblical narrative: the contrast between those who live by faith, valuing God's promises and future inheritance, and those who are driven by present, earthly desires. Esau's choice, born of physical exhaustion, carries immense spiritual weight, defining his character and lineage.

* [Genesis 25:34](/genesis/25-34 "Esau Despises His Birthright")
* [Hebrews 12:16](/hebrews/12-16 "Warning Against Worldliness")
* [Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "God's Choice of Jacob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 25:30 serves as a powerful and timeless cautionary tale, urging us to examine our own priorities and the choices we make when faced with immediate desires or pressures. Like Esau, we can be tempted to trade what is truly valuable—our spiritual inheritance, our integrity, our long-term well-being—for temporary comfort, fleeting pleasures, or relief from present discomfort. This verse challenges us to cultivate spiritual foresight, exercising patience, self-control, and discernment to value our eternal inheritance in Christ above all transient earthly satisfactions. Every choice, no matter how small it seems, can have a lasting impact on our character, our destiny, and our walk with God. It calls us to ask: What "red pottage" are we willing to trade our birthright for today?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What immediate gratifications or comforts do I often prioritize over long-term spiritual growth or eternal blessings?**
* **How does Esau's impulsivity challenge me to cultivate greater patience and discernment in my own decision-making?**
* **In what ways might I be "faint" (weary, hungry, stressed) in my life, making me vulnerable to making poor choices?**
* **What does it mean for me to truly value my "birthright" as a child of God, and how can I live in a way that reflects that value?**

### FAQ
**What was the "red pottage" Esau desired?**

Answer: The "red pottage" was a lentil stew, likely reddish-brown in color due to the type of lentils used. The Hebrew phrase *adom adom* (אדום אדום) literally means "the red, red thing," emphasizing its striking color and making it memorable. This simple meal became the object of Esau's intense craving, leading to a pivotal moment in his life, as described in [Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Genesis 25:30 - Esau's Craving").

**Why was Esau's name called Edom?**

Answer: Esau's name was called Edom because of his craving for the "red" (Hebrew: *adom*) pottage. His new name, Edom, meaning "red," became a permanent reminder of his impulsive decision to trade his birthright for a meal. This naming directly links his identity and the future of his descendants (the Edomites) to this act of valuing the temporal over the spiritual, as further detailed in [Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Genesis 25:30 - The Naming of Edom").

**What was the significance of the birthright Esau sold?**

Answer: The birthright in ancient Israelite culture conferred significant privileges upon the firstborn son, including a double portion of the inheritance, leadership of the family, and, crucially, the spiritual blessing and covenant promises of God. Esau's sale of his birthright was a profound act of despising his spiritual heritage, demonstrating a profane disregard for the sacred. This is explicitly noted in [Hebrews 12:16](/hebrews/12-16 "Hebrews 12:16 - Esau's Profanity"), which warns believers against being like Esau.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esau's tragic exchange of his birthright for a bowl of red pottage poignantly foreshadows humanity's inherent tendency to trade eternal spiritual blessings for fleeting earthly satisfactions. Unlike Esau, who despised his heritage and valued a temporary meal over an enduring promise, Christ, the true Firstborn of all creation ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Christ as the Firstborn of All Creation")), never devalued His divine inheritance. Instead, He perfectly fulfilled His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")), thereby securing an imperishable spiritual birthright for all who believe. He is the ultimate "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering eternal sustenance far superior to any temporary physical gratification. Through His sacrifice, we are invited to partake in a divine inheritance that Esau carelessly cast aside, receiving adoption as sons and daughters and becoming co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 23:7

Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he [is] thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

Genesis 36:1

¶ Now these [are] the generations of Esau, who [is] Edom.

2 Kings 8:20

In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.

Genesis 36:43

Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these [be] the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession: he [is] Esau the father of the Edomites.

Numbers 20:14

¶ And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:

Numbers 20:21

Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

Genesis 36:9

¶ And these [are] the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir: