21 Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; wand the Lord granted his plea, xand Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” ySo she went to inquire of the Lord.

23 And the Lord said to her:

z“Two nations are in your womb,

Two peoples shall be separated from your body;

One people shall be stronger than athe other,

bAnd the older shall serve the younger.”

24 So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. 25 And the first came out red. He was clike a hairy garment all over; so they called his name 4Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out, and dhis hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so ehis name was called 5Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

27 So the boys grew. And Esau was fa skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was ga 6mild man, hdwelling in tents. 28 And Isaac loved Esau because he iate of his game, jbut Rebekah loved Jacob.

Esau Sells His Birthright

29 Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called 7Edom.

31 But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.”

32 And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so kwhat is this birthright to me?”

33 Then Jacob said, 8“Swear to me as of this day.”

So he swore to him, and lsold his birthright to Jacob. 34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then mhe ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau ndespised his birthright.