Genesis 25:33

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 25:33 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jacob said, Swear to me first. And he sware unto him. And he sold his birthright unto Jacob.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jacob said, Swear to me first. And he sware unto him. And he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
Genesis 25:33 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
33And Jacob said, Swear to me first. And he sware unto him. And he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

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 Jacob said, swear unto me this day, etc.] For the more sure and certain confirmation of the bargain; and by this oath oblige himself to let him peaceably enjoy the birthright, nor seek to revoke it, or dispute it with him, or disturb him in the possession of it: and he sware unto him; that he would abide by the bargain, and never give him any trouble on that account; and hereby he made it over to Jacob as firm as it could be; God himself being appealed to as a witness of it, whose will it was that Jacob should have the birthright, the blessing, and the promises: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob; with all the privileges and appurtenances of it, and that for one morsel of meat, as in…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“25:33-34 Esau eagerly took Jacob’s bait and fell into the trap. He ate and left too quickly to have been near death (25:32). The final comment on the passage explains that Esau showed contempt for his birthright, considering it worthless (Heb 12:16). It is foolish to sacrifice spiritual blessings to satisfy physical appetites (cp. Gen 3:6).”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification