Everyday words in Bible stories
Birthright — Meaning in the Bible
The special rights of the firstborn son in a family, including a larger share of the inheritance.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Esau, the firstborn, sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob for bread and lentil stew. "So Esau despised his birthright." Genesis 25:29–34
The law gave the firstborn son a double portion of his father's property. Deuteronomy 21:17
Key passages
- Genesis 25:29–34 — Esau sells his birthright
- Deuteronomy 21:15–17 — The firstborn's double portion
- Hebrews 12:16 — Esau's choice remembered
For children
A birthright was the special place of the oldest son in a family. Esau traded his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. Genesis 25:33