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Genesis 25 · a question people ask

Was Jacob wrong to take the birthright this way?

In the text

Genesis doesn't comment on Jacob here. It records his words, "First, sell me your birthright" (25:31) and "Swear to me first" (25:33), and it passes judgment only on Esau: "So Esau despised his birthright" (25:34). Hebrews warns against being a "profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal" (Hebrews 12:16). Later Esau says of Jacob, "He took away my birthright" (27:36).

The verses

“Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.” Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob. Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.”
Genesis 25:31-34 · World English Bible
“lest there be any sexually immoral person or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal.”
Hebrews 12:16 · World English Bible
“He said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. See, now he has taken away my blessing.” He said, “Haven’t you reserved a blessing for me?””
Genesis 27:36 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 25

Genesis 25: Two nations in the womb

Abraham died full of years, and Isaac and Ishmael buried him together; Ishmael's twelve princes matched God's promise about him. Isaac entreated the LORD for barren Rebekah, and twenty years after their marriage she bore twins; the LORD said the elder would serve the younger. Jacob was born holding Esau's heel, the word first used in 3:15, and Esau sold his birthright for a meal.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions