And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

GENESIS 25:31KJV
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Genesis 25:31 (KJV)

What does Genesis 25:31 mean?

Genesis 25:31 records Jacob asking his brother Esau to sell him his birthright in exchange for something Jacob has. Jacob is making a direct and bold request, wanting Esau to give up his special rights as the firstborn son.

In this verse, Jacob is speaking to Esau, who has just come in from the field feeling extremely hungry. The birthright in their culture included leadership in the family and a double portion of inheritance. Jacob sees an opportunity and asks Esau to make a serious trade, showing how valuable the birthright is considered.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 25:31

  • "Sell" (מָכַר, mākar): This word means to sell or transfer ownership, often used in legal or business settings. Jacob is not asking for a favor—he wants a formal, binding exchange.
  • "Day" (יוֹם, yom): The word for "day" here can mean "today" or "right now," stressing the urgency and immediacy of Jacob’s request.
  • "Birthright" (בְּכֹרָה, bəkhorah): This term refers to the rights and privileges of the firstborn son, which included both material inheritance and family authority. Jacob’s request is about much more than just food; it is about a major shift in family status.

Why Genesis 25:31 matters

  • This verse highlights how seriously the birthright was taken in ancient times, showing it was something that could be bought and sold, not just inherited automatically.
  • The exchange sets up a turning point in the story of Jacob and Esau, leading to long-term consequences for both brothers and their descendants.
  • Understanding the legal and cultural weight of the birthright helps explain why this moment is so significant in the larger story of Genesis.

Where else these words appear

“birthright” Hebrew H1062 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
  • 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?
  • Deuteronomy 14:23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

“Sell” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
  • Leviticus 25:42 For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
  • Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.