Old Testament · Patriarchs

Esau

Who was Esau?

Esau was the elder twin son of Isaac who sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a single meal.

RoleElder twin of Jacob
EraPatriarchs
ParentsIsaac and Rebekah
BrotherJacob
Known forSelling his birthright
DescendantsThe Edomites

A skilled hunter and his father’s favorite, Esau came in famished one day and traded his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew — valuing immediate appetite over a lasting inheritance.

He later lost the firstborn’s blessing to Jacob’s deception and wept bitterly, vowing revenge, which drove Jacob into exile. Esau became the father of the Edomites.

Years later the brothers met again, and Esau ran to embrace Jacob and forgive him — one of Scripture’s tender pictures of reconciliation.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Genesis 25:33 ““Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright.” Genesis 33:4 “Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.”
Related people
JacobIsaacRebekah
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.