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Genesis 25:28

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 25:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison. And Rebekah loved Jacob.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison. And Rebekah loved Jacob.
Genesis 25:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25And the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment. And they called his name Esau.
26And after that came forth his brother, and his hand had hold on Esau`s heel. And his name was called Jacob. And Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.
27And the boys grew. And Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field. And Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.
28Now Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison. And Rebekah loved Jacob.
29And Jacob boiled pottage. And Esau came in from the field, and he was faint.
30And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]. For I am faint. Therefore was his name called Edom.
31And Jacob said, Sell me first thy birthright.
← Genesis 25:27Genesis 25:29 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of [his] venison, etc.] Better than Jacob, not only because he was his firstborn, but because he brought him of the flesh of creatures, which he took in hunting, and being dressed, were savoury food to him: it is in the original, “because venison (or what he hunted) [was] in his mouth” f1399, into which he put it, and was very grateful to his taste: but Rebekah loved Jacob; more than Esau, being more at home with her, and of a milder disposition; and more especially being a good man, a partaker of the grace of God, and to whom she knew by the oracle the blessing and promise belonged.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The parents were divided in their affection; and while the grounds, at least of the father's partiality, were weak, the distinction made between the children led, as such conduct always does, to unhappy consequences.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“25:28 The parents each practiced favoritism. • because: Isaac’s love for Esau was conditioned upon his son’s performance. Rebekah’s love for Jacob was constant and unconditional.”
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Related study paths

Read Genesis 25 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification