²⁷ When the boys grew up, Esau became a ·skilled [experienced] hunter. He ·loved to be out in the fields [^Lwas a man of the fields]. But Jacob was a ·quiet [or mild; or blameless] man ·and stayed among the [^Lliving in] tents. ²⁸ Isaac loved Esau because ·he hunted the wild animals that Isaac enjoyed eating [^Lgame was in his (Isaac’s) mouth]. But Rebekah loved Jacob.

²⁹ One day Jacob was ·boiling a pot of vegetable soup [or preparing stew]. Esau came in from hunting in the fields, ·weak from hunger [famished; starving]. ³⁰ So Esau said to Jacob, “Let me ·eat [gulp down] some of that red ·soup [or stuff], because I am ·weak with hunger [famished; starving].” (That is why people call him Edom [^Csounds like Hebrew for “red”].)

³¹ But Jacob said, “·First [^LAs the day; ^Can idiom meaning, “First of all…”] ·sell [or exchange with] me your ·rights as the firstborn son [birthright; ^Cthe firstborn had special inheritance rights and became the head of the family in the next generation].”

³² Esau said, “I am ·almost dead from hunger [^Lgoing to die]. ·If I die, all of my father’s wealth will not help me [^LWhat will my birthright be to me?].”

³³ But Jacob said, “First [v. 31], ·promise [swear to] me that you will give it to me.” So Esau ·made a promise to Jacob [^Lswore to him] and ·sold [exchanged] his ·part of their father’s wealth [^Lbirthright] to Jacob. ³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau bread and ·vegetable soup [stew], and he ate and drank, and then left. So Esau ·showed how little he cared about his rights as the firstborn son [^Ldespised/showed contempt toward his birthright; Heb. 12:16–17].