Genesis 25:34

Then 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.

Then Jacob {H3290} gave {H5414} Esau {H6215} bread {H3899} and pottage {H5138} of lentiles {H5742}; and he did eat {H398} and drink {H8354}, and rose up {H6965}, and went his way {H3212}: thus Esau {H6215} despised {H959} his birthright {H1062}.

Then Ya'akov gave him bread and lentil stew; he ate and drank, got up and went on his way. Thus 'Esav showed how little he valued his birthright.

Then 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.

And 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.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 25:34

This verse concludes the narrative of Esau selling his birthright to his younger brother, Jacob. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the birthright was incredibly significant. It bestowed upon the firstborn son a double portion of the family inheritance, the position of headship for the family, and, crucially for Abraham's lineage, the spiritual blessings and covenant promises God had made with Abraham (see Genesis 12:2). Esau, returning famished from hunting, casually bartered this invaluable heritage for a simple meal of bread and lentil stew, highlighting a profound difference in values between the two brothers.

Key Themes in Genesis 25:34

  • The Value of Spiritual Blessings: The central message is the stark contrast between Esau's disregard for his spiritual and familial inheritance and Jacob's cunning pursuit of it. Esau prioritized immediate physical comfort over a future, intangible, yet immensely valuable spiritual legacy.
  • Immediate Gratification vs. Long-Term Significance: Esau's hunger (a temporary physical need) led him to make a permanent, irreversible decision. This serves as a powerful cautionary tale against sacrificing enduring blessings for fleeting desires.
  • Despising the Sacred: The KJV's use of "despised" is critical. It implies more than just a trade; it indicates a profound contempt or scorn for something that should have been held sacred.

Linguistic Insight: "Despised"

The Hebrew word translated "despised" is Χ‘Χ•Χ– (buz), which means to hold in contempt, to scorn, to treat as worthless, or to show disdain. It's a strong word that conveys a deep lack of appreciation or respect. Esau didn't just make a bad deal; he actively showed contempt for his birthright, treating it as something of no consequence. This attitude is later echoed in the New Testament, where Esau is called a "profane person" (Hebrews 12:16) for selling his birthright for a single meal.

Practical Application of Genesis 25:34

Esau's story in Genesis 25:34 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Examine Your Priorities: What do we value most in our lives? Do we prioritize temporary pleasures, material possessions, or immediate comfort over eternal spiritual blessings and our relationship with God? Like Esau, it's easy to undervalue what truly matters when faced with pressing, but ultimately fleeting, desires.
  • Beware of Immediate Gratification: The desire for instant satisfaction can lead to poor decisions with lasting consequences. This verse encourages us to consider the long-term implications of our choices, especially concerning our spiritual walk and inheritance in Christ.
  • Cherish Your Spiritual Heritage: As believers, we have an invaluable spiritual birthright through Christ, including forgiveness, eternal life, and adoption into God's family (see Ephesians 1:5). This verse reminds us not to take these precious gifts for granted or trade them for anything of lesser value. We are called to seek first the kingdom of God, rather than the temporary 'pottage' of the world.
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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 12:16 (6 votes)

    Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

  • Hebrews 12:17 (6 votes)

    For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:32 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Isaiah 22:13 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Philippians 3:18 (4 votes)

    (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:

  • Philippians 3:19 (4 votes)

    Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

  • Luke 14:18 (3 votes)

    And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.