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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 25:28 Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/25-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/01_Gen_25_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 25:28 - Jacob and Esau" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of <i>his</i> venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Isaac loved Esau because he ate <i>of his</i> game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Isaac loved Esau because he had an appetite for <i>hunted</i> game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Isaac loved [and favored] Esau, because he enjoyed eating his game, but Rebekah loved [and favored] Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for wild game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for wild game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: and Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Esau would take the meat of wild animals to his father Isaac, so Isaac loved him more, but Jacob was his mother's favorite son. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: and Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Because Isaac liked to eat the meat of wild animals, he loved Esau. However, Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Isaac preferred Esau, because he enjoyed eating the animals Esau killed, but Rebecca preferred Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Isaac loved Esau, because he loved to hunt, while Rebekah loved Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for fresh game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for wild animals, but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Isaac loved Esau, because he ate of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now Isaac loved Esau, because he ate his venison. Rebekah loved Jacob. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Isaac loves Esau, for [his] game [is] in his mouth; and Rebekah is loving Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Isaac loveth Esau, for his hunting is in his mouth; and Rebekah is loving Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Isaak will love Esau for the chase in his mouth: and Rebekah loved Jacob.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Isaac loved Esau, because he ate of his hunting: and Rebecca loved Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Isaac was fond of Esau, because he was fed from his hunting; and Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Isaac preferred Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah preferred Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Isaac was fond of Esau, because he ate of Esau's game; but Rebekah was fond of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Isaaq loved Esau because he ate his game, and Raphqa loved Yaquuv.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison; and Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Isaac loved Esau, because his venison was his food, but Rebecca loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/25-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=5967" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/25.htm">Jacob and Esau</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3327.htm" title="3327: yiṣ·ḥāq (N-proper-ms) -- He laughs, son of Abraham and Sarah. From tsachaq; laughter; Jitschak, son of Abraham.">Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: bə·p̄îw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">had a taste</a> <a href="/hebrew/6718.htm" title="6718: ṣa·yiḏ (N-ms) -- The chase, game, lunch. From a form of tsuwd and meaning the same; the chase; also game; lunch.">for wild game,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: way·ye·’ĕ·haḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">he loved</a> <a href="/hebrew/6215.htm" title="6215: ‘ê·śāw (N-proper-ms) -- Apparently a form of the passive participle of asah in the original sense of handling; rough; Esav, a son of Isaac, including his posterity.">Esau;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7259.htm" title="7259: wə·riḇ·qāh (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- Wife of Isaac. From an unused root probably meaning to clog by tying up the fetlock; fettering; Ribkah, the wife of Isaac.">but Rebekah</a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ō·he·ḇeṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">loved</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">Jacob.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1-29</a></span><br />When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied. / “Look,” said Isaac, “I am now old, and I do not know the day of my death. / Take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3-4</a></span><br />Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. / When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-2.htm">Malachi 1:2-3</a></span><br />“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10-13</a></span><br />Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16-17</a></span><br />See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. / For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-30.htm">Genesis 29:30</a></span><br />Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17-19</a></span><br />When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he was displeased and took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s. / “Not so, my father!” Joseph said. “This one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” / But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/21-15.htm">Deuteronomy 21:15-17</a></span><br />If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, / when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. / Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-4.htm">1 Samuel 1:4-5</a></span><br />And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. / But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-6.htm">1 Samuel 16:6-13</a></span><br />When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.” / But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” / Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-21.htm">2 Samuel 13:21</a></span><br />When King David heard all this, he was furious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1-3</a></span><br />King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. / He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Proverbs 28:21</a></span><br />To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Matthew 10:37</a></span><br />Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.</p><p class="hdg">he did eat of his venison.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-4.htm">Genesis 27:4,19,25,31</a></b></br> And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring <i>it</i> to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die… </p><p class="hdg">Rebekah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-6.htm">Genesis 27:6</a></b></br> And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/24-54.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/genesis/24-54.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/genesis/25-27.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/25-26.htm">Esau's</a> <a href="/luke/23-36.htm">Game</a> <a href="/genesis/24-35.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/genesis/25-27.htm">Hunting</a> <a href="/genesis/25-26.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Isaac's</a> <a href="/genesis/25-27.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/genesis/24-27.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/genesis/24-33.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/genesis/24-57.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Rebecca</a> <a href="/genesis/25-26.htm">Rebekah</a> <a href="/revelation/10-9.htm">Taste</a> <a href="/psalms/78-25.htm">Venison</a> <a href="/genesis/16-12.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/25-34.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/genesis/25-30.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/27-23.htm">Esau's</a> <a href="/genesis/27-3.htm">Game</a> <a href="/genesis/30-30.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Hunting</a> <a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/26-19.htm">Isaac's</a> <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/27-14.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/genesis/29-20.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/genesis/27-3.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/genesis/29-2.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Rebecca</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Rebekah</a> <a href="/genesis/27-4.htm">Taste</a> <a href="/genesis/27-3.htm">Venison</a> <a href="/genesis/27-3.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 25</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-1.htm">The sons of Abraham by Keturah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-5.htm">The division of his goods.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-7.htm">His age, death, and burial.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-11.htm">God blesses Isaac.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-12.htm">The generations of Ishmael.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-17.htm">His age and death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-19.htm">Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-22.htm">The children strive in her womb.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-24.htm">The birth of Esau and Jacob.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-27.htm">Their different characters and pursuits.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Esau sells his birthright.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Because Isaac had a taste for wild game</b><br>Isaac's preference for wild game reflects the cultural practices of the time, where hunting was a respected skill and source of food. This preference indicates a personal bias that influenced his affection for Esau, who was a skilled hunter. The patriarchal society often valued physical prowess, and Esau's ability to provide game would have been seen as a valuable trait. This favoritism based on personal taste foreshadows the familial tensions and divisions that arise later in the narrative.<p><b>he loved Esau</b><br>Isaac's love for Esau is rooted in his appreciation for the tangible benefits Esau's hunting skills brought. This partiality is significant in the broader biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for the conflict between Esau and Jacob. The favoritism shown by Isaac contrasts with the divine preference for Jacob, highlighting the theme of God's sovereignty in choosing the less likely candidate to fulfill His purposes. This choice echoes other biblical instances where God chooses the younger or less obvious candidate, such as David over his brothers.<p><b>but Rebekah loved Jacob</b><br>Rebekah's love for Jacob introduces a familial division that becomes central to the unfolding story. Her preference is not based on material benefits but perhaps on a deeper understanding of God's purposes, as she had received a prophecy regarding her sons (<a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a>). This favoritism aligns with God's plan, as Jacob is the one through whom the covenant promises will continue. Rebekah's role in the narrative is pivotal, as she later orchestrates the deception that secures Jacob's blessing, reflecting the complex interplay of human actions and divine will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a></b><br>The son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is one of the patriarchs of Israel. He is known for his faith and obedience to God, but in this verse, we see a human side of him, showing favoritism towards Esau.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/rebekah.htm">Rebekah</a></b><br>Isaac's wife and the mother of Esau and Jacob. She is known for her role in ensuring Jacob received Isaac's blessing, as she favored Jacob over Esau.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a></b><br>The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, known for his skills as a hunter. He is favored by Isaac, which sets the stage for future family conflict.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is favored by Rebekah. His life is marked by struggle and transformation, eventually becoming Israel, the father of the twelve tribes.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/favoritism.htm">Favoritism</a></b><br>The event of parental favoritism is central in this verse, highlighting the division it causes within the family.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_favoritism.htm">The Dangers of Favoritism</a></b><br>Favoritism can lead to division and conflict within families and communities. As believers, we are called to love impartially, reflecting God's love for all His children.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite human preferences and actions, God's plans and purposes will ultimately prevail. Trust in His sovereignty even when circumstances seem contrary.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/parental_influence_and_responsibility.htm">Parental Influence and Responsibility</a></b><br>Parents have a significant impact on their children's lives. It is crucial to nurture each child uniquely while maintaining fairness and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_desires.htm">The Role of Desires</a></b><br>Isaac's preference for Esau was based on his taste for wild game. This highlights how personal desires can influence decisions, reminding us to align our desires with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_unity.htm">The Importance of Unity</a></b><br>Strive for unity within families and communities by addressing favoritism and promoting love and understanding among all members.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_favor_jacob_over_esau.htm">Why did God favor Jacob over Esau?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_sibling_rivalry.htm">What does the Bible say about sibling rivalry?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_isaac_deceived_by_jacob.htm">How could Isaac be so easily deceived by Jacob’s voice and skin when blessing him (Genesis 27:21–22)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob_and_esau_reconcile_quickly.htm">How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">Because he did eat of his venison.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">because the venison</span>--that is, the produce of Esau's hunting--<span class= "ital">was in his mouth; </span>in our phrase, <span class= "ital">was to his taste</span>--was what he liked. The diet of an Arab sheik is very simple (see Note on <a href="/genesis/18-6.htm" title="And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes on the hearth.">Genesis 18:6</a>); and Isaac, a man wanting in physical vigour and adventurousness--as is usually the case with the children of people far advanced in years--both admired the energy which Esau had inherited from Rebekah, and relished the fruits of it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison</span>: - literally, because <span class="accented">his hunting</span> (<span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. its produce) <span class="accented">was in his mouth</span>; <span class="greek">ὁτι ἡ θήρα αὐτοῦ βρῶσις αὐτῳ</span> (LXX.); not perhaps the sole reason for Isaac's preference of Esau, though mentioned here because of its connection with the ensuing narrative. Persons of quiet and retiring disposition, like Isaac, are often fascinated by those of more sparkling and energetic temperament, such as Esau; mothers, on the other hand, are mostly drawn towards children that are gentle in disposition and home-keeping in habit. Accordingly it is added - <span class="cmt_word">but Rebekah loved Jacob.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/25-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Isaac</span><br /><span class="heb">יִצְחָ֛ק</span> <span class="translit">(yiṣ·ḥāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3327.htm">Strong's 3327: </a> </span><span class="str2">Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had a taste</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפִ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄îw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for wild game,</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֣יִד</span> <span class="translit">(ṣa·yiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6718.htm">Strong's 6718: </a> </span><span class="str2">The chase, game, lunch</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he loved</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye·’ĕ·haḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Esau;</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵשָׂ֖ו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·śāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6215.htm">Strong's 6215: </a> </span><span class="str2">Esau -- oldest son of Isaac</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but Rebekah</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרִבְקָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·riḇ·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7259.htm">Strong's 7259: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rebekah -- wife of Isaac</span><br /><br /><span class="word">loved</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹהֶ֥בֶת</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·he·ḇeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jacob.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">OT Law: Genesis 25:28 Now Isaac loved Esau because he ate (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/25-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 25:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/25-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 25:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>