New International Version But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. New Living Translation But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob. English Standard Version Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Berean Standard Bible “Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. Berean Literal Bible And Jacob said, “Swear to me today.” And he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. King James Bible And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. New King James Version Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. New American Standard Bible And Jacob said, “First swear to me”; so he swore an oath to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. NASB 1995 And Jacob said, “First swear to me"; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. NASB 1977 And Jacob said, “First swear to me”; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Legacy Standard Bible And Jacob said, “First swear to me”; so he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Amplified Bible Jacob said, “Swear [an oath] to me today [that you are selling it to me for this food]”; so he swore [an oath] to him, and sold him his birthright. Berean Annotated Bible “Swear to me first, Jacob (he grasps the heel) said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. Christian Standard Bible Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore to Jacob and sold his birthright to him. Holman Christian Standard Bible Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore to Jacob and sold his birthright to him. American Standard Version And Jacob said, Swear to me first; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Contemporary English Version But Jacob said, "Promise me your birthrights, here and now!" And that's what Esau did. English Revised Version And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. GOD'S WORD® Translation "First, swear an oath," Jacob said. So Esau swore an oath to him and sold him his rights as firstborn. Good News Translation Jacob answered, "First make a vow that you will give me your rights." Esau made the vow and gave his rights to Jacob. International Standard Version But Jacob insisted, "Swear it by an oath right now." So he swore an oath to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. NET Bible But Jacob said, "Swear an oath to me now." So Esau swore an oath to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. New Heart English Bible Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Jacob. Webster's Bible Translation And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he swore to him: and he sold his birth-right to Jacob. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. World English Bible Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jacob says, “Swear to me today”: and he swears to him, and sells his birthright to Jacob; Berean Literal Bible And Jacob said, “Swear to me today.” And he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Young's Literal Translation and Jacob saith, 'Swear to me to-day:' and he sweareth to him, and selleth his birthright to Jacob; Smith's Literal Translation And Jacob will say, Swear to me this day: and he will swear to him: and he will sell his birth-right to Jacob. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleJacob said: Swear therefore to me. Esau swore to him, and sold his first birthright. Catholic Public Domain Version Jacob said, “So then, swear to me.” Esau swore to him, and he sold his right of the firstborn. New American Bible But Jacob said, “Swear to me first!” So he sold Jacob his right as firstborn under oath. New Revised Standard Version Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jacob said to him, Swear to me this day; and he swore to him; and he sold his birthright to Jacob. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Yaquuv said to him, “Swear to me today”, and he swore to him, and he sold his firstborn birthright to Yaquuv. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jacob said: 'Swear to me first'; and he swore unto him; and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Jacob said to him, Swear to me this day; and he swore to him; and Esau sold his birthright to Jacob. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Esau Sells His Birthright…32“Look,” said Esau, “I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?” 33“Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. 34Then 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.… Cross References “Swear to me first,” Jacob said. Joshua 2:12-14 Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign / that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.” / “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.” Genesis 24:3-4 and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, / but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” Hebrews 6:16 Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. So Esau swore to Jacob Genesis 21:31-32 So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. / After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines. Joshua 9:15 And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. 1 Samuel 20:42 And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. and sold him the birthright. Hebrews 12:16-17 See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. / For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears. Genesis 27:36 So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” Deuteronomy 21:17 Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him. Romans 9:13 So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Genesis 27:33-34 Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!” / When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!” Genesis 27:41 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” Malachi 1:2-3 “I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” Genesis 26:34-35 When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. / And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah. Genesis 28:8-9 And seeing that his father Isaac disapproved of the Canaanite women, / Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had. Genesis 32:28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” Treasury of Scripture And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he swore to him: and he sold his birthright to Jacob. Swear. Genesis 14:22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, Genesis 24:3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: Mark 6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. and he sold. Genesis 27:36 And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? Genesis 36:6,7 And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob… Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Jump to Previous Birthright Birth-Right First Handing Jacob Oath Selleth Selling Sold Sware Swear Sweareth Swore To-DayJump to Next Birthright Birth-Right First Handing Jacob Oath Selleth Selling Sold Sware Swear Sweareth Swore To-DayGenesis 25 1. The sons of Abraham by Keturah.5. The division of his goods. 7. His age, death, and burial. 11. God blesses Isaac. 12. The generations of Ishmael. 17. His age and death. 19. Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren. 22. The children strive in her womb. 24. The birth of Esau and Jacob. 27. Their different characters and pursuits. 29. Esau sells his birthright. “Swear to me first,” Jacob said. Jacob required a binding oath to make the transfer permanent and public before God. The birthright carried more than material inheritance: it included family leadership and the covenant privileges passed from Abraham to Isaac. Jos 2:12-14 Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD… So Esau swore to Jacob Esau agreed without regard for the lasting value of what he was surrendering. His oath confirmed that he willingly gave up the privileges and responsibilities attached to his place as Isaac’s firstborn. Gen 21:31-32 So that place was called Beersheba, because… and sold him the birthright. For a temporary meal, Esau relinquished his claim to the inheritance and to the covenant line through which God’s promises would continue. The exchange fulfilled God’s earlier word to Rebekah that the older son would serve the younger. Heb 12:16-17 See to it that no one is sexually immoral… Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, known for his cunning and desire for the birthright, which was a significant inheritance and blessing in Hebrew culture. 2. Esau The elder twin brother of Jacob, a skilled hunter, who impulsively sold his birthright for a meal, demonstrating a lack of appreciation for its spiritual significance. 3. Birthright In the Hebrew context, the birthright was a special honor given to the firstborn son, which included leadership of the family and a double portion of the inheritance. 4. Swearing an Oath A solemn promise or commitment, often invoking God as a witness, which was binding and taken very seriously in ancient times. 5. The Meal The immediate gratification that Esau sought, which led him to undervalue his birthright, symbolizing the conflict between spiritual blessings and physical desires. Teaching Points Value of Spiritual InheritanceRecognize the eternal value of spiritual blessings over temporary, worldly desires. Consequences of Impulsiveness Understand the long-term consequences of impulsive decisions and the importance of considering future implications. Integrity in Promises Uphold integrity and seriousness in making promises, reflecting the biblical importance of oaths. God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Acknowledge God's sovereignty in His plans while also recognizing human responsibility in making wise choices. Prioritizing God's Promises Encourage prioritizing God's promises and spiritual growth over immediate gratification and material gain. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 25:33?2. How does Esau's decision in Genesis 25:33 reflect on valuing spiritual over physical needs? 3. What does Esau's choice teach about the consequences of impulsive decisions? 4. How does Genesis 25:33 connect to Hebrews 12:16 regarding Esau's character? 5. In what ways can we prioritize eternal blessings over temporary desires today? 6. How can Genesis 25:33 guide us in making decisions aligned with God's will? 7. Why did Esau agree to sell his birthright for a meal in Genesis 25:33? 8. What does Esau's decision in Genesis 25:33 reveal about his character and priorities? 9. How does Genesis 25:33 illustrate the concept of immediate gratification versus long-term blessing? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25? Verse 33. - And Jacob said, Swear to me this day. On the expression "this day" vide supra, ver. 31. The conduct of Jacob in this transaction is difficult to defend Though aware of the heavenly oracle that assigned to him the precedence in his father s house, he was far from being justified in endeavoring, by "cautious, prudent, and conciliatory proposals" (Murphy), but rather by unbelieving impatience, despicable meanness, and miserable craft, to anticipate Divine providence, which in due time without his assistance would have implemented its own designs. And he sware unto him. If Jacob's demand of an oath evinced ungenerous suspicion, Esau's giving of an oath showed a low sense of honor (Lange). And he sold his birthright unto Jacob - thus meriting the appellation of βέβηλος (Hebrews 12:16). Genesis 25:33 records a literal, binding exchange. Jacob demands an oath; Esau swears and relinquishes the birthright. The scene spotlights the value God places on spiritual inheritance, the danger of despising it for temporary satisfaction, and God’s faithfulness to His foretold plan despite human flaws. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Swear to me first,”הִשָּׁ֤בְעָה (hiš·šā·ḇə·‘āh) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear Jacob יַעֲקֹ֗ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc said. וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say So [Esau] swore וַיִּשָּׁבַ֖ע (way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear to Jacob and sold וַיִּמְכֹּ֥ר (way·yim·kōr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4376: To sell him לְיַעֲקֹֽב׃ (lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc the birthright. בְּכֹרָת֖וֹ (bə·ḵō·rā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1062: The firstling of man, beast, primogeniture Additonal Resources Genesis 25:33 Blue Letter BibleGenesis 25:33 Bible Gateway Genesis 25:33 Bible.com Genesis 25:33 NIV |
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