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
This verse captures Esau's desperate, immediate desire for food, leading to the origin of his alternative name, Edom, and setting the stage for the pivotal sale of his birthright to Jacob. It highlights the stark contrast between Esau's impulsive nature and Jacob's opportunistic foresight, revealing how a momentary physical craving can lead to profound, lasting consequences.

### CONTEXT
[Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Context of Genesis 25:30") immediately precedes the account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob. Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, returns from hunting exhausted and famished. Jacob, the younger, is preparing a lentil stew. Esau's desperate plea for the "red pottage" sets the stage for a transaction that would have profound implications for his future and the lineage of the Abrahamic covenant. This incident highlights the contrasting characters of the two brothers: Esau, driven by immediate physical desires, and Jacob, shrewd and opportunistic, keen to acquire spiritual advantages.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Analysis of Genesis 25:30") records Esau's urgent demand: "Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]; for I [am] faint." This exclamation reveals his intense physical exhaustion and overwhelming hunger, leading him to prioritize immediate gratification above all else. His desperate state sets the stage for the momentous exchange that follows, where he trades his invaluable birthright for a simple meal. The verse concludes by stating, "therefore was his name called Edom," directly linking his new identity to this pivotal moment of impulsive desire.

* **Linguistic Insight:** The KJV phrase "red [pottage]" directly translates the Hebrew *adom adom* (אדום אדום), which literally means "the red, red thing," emphasizing the color and likely the appearance of the lentil stew. The name *Edom* (אֱדוֹם) is derived from this same root word, *adom*, meaning "red." Thus, Esau's new name is a perpetual reminder of the transaction that defined his character and lineage, linking his identity forever to his craving for the red stew and the impulsive choice he made.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Immediate Gratification vs. Enduring Value:** Esau's demand for the pottage demonstrates a desire for instant relief over any consideration for the long-term value of his birthright. This foreshadows his later decision to trade his spiritual inheritance for a meal, a theme further explored in [Genesis 25:34](/genesis/25-34 "Esau sells his birthright in Genesis 25:34").
* **Consequences of Impulsivity:** Esau's "faint" state led him to make a hasty decision, prioritizing physical comfort over his privileged position as the firstborn. This impulsive choice had lasting consequences, demonstrating how seemingly small decisions can alter one's destiny and relationship with God's plan. His later regret is evident in [Genesis 27:34](/genesis/27-34 "Esau's bitter cry in Genesis 27:34").
* **The Significance of Names:** The explicit naming of Edom in this verse highlights the biblical practice of names reflecting character or pivotal life events. Esau's new name serves as a constant reminder of his defining moment of valuing the temporal over the eternal.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Choice:** While God's sovereign plan for Jacob was declared before their birth ([Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10 "God's choice of Jacob in Romans 9:10-13")), Esau's active choice to despise his birthright demonstrates human responsibility in fulfilling or hindering divine purposes.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Application of Genesis 25:30") serves as a powerful cautionary tale about prioritizing immediate gratification over enduring spiritual blessings. Like Esau, we can be tempted to trade what is truly valuable for temporary comfort, pleasure, or relief from pressure, whether it be fleeting desires, worldly success, or avoidance of discomfort. This verse calls us to cultivate spiritual foresight, exercising patience and discernment to value our eternal inheritance in Christ above all transient earthly satisfactions, understanding that every choice, no matter how small it seems, can have lasting impact on our lives and our walk with God.

### 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* literally means "the red, red thing," emphasizing its color and making it memorable.

**Why was Esau's name changed to 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, forever linking his identity to this act of valuing the temporal over the spiritual.

**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, in the case of Abraham's descendants, the spiritual blessing and covenant promises of God. Esau's sale of his birthright was a profound act of despising his spiritual heritage, as noted in [Hebrews 12:16](/hebrews/12-16 "Esau's profane nature in Hebrews 12:16").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esau's tragic exchange of his birthright for a bowl of red pottage poignantly foreshadows humanity's tendency to trade eternal spiritual blessings for fleeting earthly satisfactions. Unlike Esau, who despised his heritage, Christ, the true Firstborn of all creation ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Christ as Firstborn in Colossians 1:15")), never devalued His divine inheritance but rather secured ours through His perfect obedience and sacrifice. He is the ultimate "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Christ as the Bread of Life in John 6:35")) who offers eternal sustenance far superior to any temporary physical gratification, inviting us to partake in an imperishable spiritual birthright that Esau carelessly cast aside.

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.