Old Testament
The Story of Esau
Also: Edom, Esau (Kiswahili)
Elder twin of Jacob, who sold his birthright; ancestor of the Edomites.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Esau, a skilful hunter and the elder twin, sold his birthright to Jacob for stew and later lost his father's blessing to Jacob. He forgave Jacob when they met again. Genesis 25:27–34Genesis 27:30–40Genesis 33:4
He was also called Edom, and the Edomites descended from him. Genesis 36:1Genesis 36:9
Told in: Genesis
Life at a glance
- Parents
- Isaac and Rebekah Genesis 25:25
- Brother
- Jacob, his twin Genesis 25:26
- Other name
- Edom Genesis 25:30
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Esau
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Sells his birthright
Coming in hungry from the field, Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for bread and lentil stew.
The lost blessing
Esau returns to find Jacob has received the blessing; he weeps and receives a lesser blessing, and resolves to kill Jacob.
Embraces Jacob
Years later Esau runs to meet Jacob, embraces and kisses him, and they weep.
More about this event
People: Jacob
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Esau. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- Hebrews 12:16–17 recalls “Sells his birthright”
Later recollection
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
Family and relationships
- JacobTwin brotherGenesis 25:24–26
- IsaacFatherGenesis 25:25
- RebekahMotherGenesis 25:25
Books associated with Esau
- Genesis Their story appears here
- Obadiah Their story appears here
Obadiah prophesies against Edom, the house of Esau. Obadiah 6
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Read offline
Save this story, then download the Bible books it uses in your version: Genesis. The story uses the books already on your device; it never stores a second copy.