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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 25:27 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/25-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/01_Gen_25_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 25:27 - Jacob and Esau" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/25-27.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/25-27.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/25.htm">Chapter 25</a> > Verse 27</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/25-26.htm" title="Genesis 25:26">◄</a> Genesis 25:27 <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm" title="Genesis 25:28">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/25.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/25.htm">New International Version</a> The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. <a href="/nlt/genesis/25.htm">New Living Translation</a> As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home. <a href="/esv/genesis/25.htm">English Standard Version</a> When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. <a href="/bsb/genesis/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/genesis/25.htm">King James Bible</a> And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/25.htm">New King James Version</a> So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a civilized man, living in tents. <a href="/nasb/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1995</a> When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents. <a href="/lsb/genesis/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the boys grew up; Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents. <a href="/amp/genesis/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When the boys grew up, Esau was an able and skilled hunter, a man of the outdoors, but Jacob was a quiet and peaceful man, living in tents. <a href="/csb/genesis/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the boys grew up, Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When the boys grew up, Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. <a href="/asv/genesis/25.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the boys grew: and Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. <a href="/cev/genesis/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> As Jacob and Esau grew older, Esau liked the outdoors and became a good hunter, while Jacob lived the quiet life of a shepherd. <a href="/erv/genesis/25.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. <a href="/gwt/genesis/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They grew up. Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman. Jacob remained a quiet man, staying around the tents. <a href="/gnt/genesis/25.htm">Good News Translation</a> The boys grew up, and Esau became a skilled hunter, a man who loved the outdoors, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. <a href="/isv/genesis/25.htm">International Standard Version</a> As the boys were growing up, Esau became skilled at hunting and was a man of the outdoors, but Jacob was the quiet type who tended to stay indoors. <a href="/msb/genesis/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/genesis/25.htm">NET Bible</a> When the boys grew up, Esau became a skilled hunter, a man of the open fields, but Jacob was an even-tempered man, living in tents. <a href="/nheb/genesis/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. <a href="/wbt/genesis/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the boys grew: and Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man dwelling in tents. <a href="/web/genesis/25.htm">World English Bible</a> The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the youths grew, and Esau is a man acquainted [with] hunting, a man of the field; and Jacob [is] a plain man, inhabiting tents; <a href="/ylt/genesis/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the youths grew, and Esau is a man acquainted with hunting, a man of the field; and Jacob is a plain man, inhabiting tents; <a href="/slt/genesis/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the boys will become great; and Esau will be a man knowing the chase, a man of the country; and Jacob an upright man, dwelling in tents.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when they were grown up, Esau became a skillful hunter, and a husbandman, but Jacob a plain man dwelt in tents. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And as adults, Esau became a knowledgeable hunter and a man of agriculture, but Jacob, a simple man, dwelt in tents. <a href="/nabre/genesis/25.htm">New American Bible</a> When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country; whereas Jacob was a simple man, who stayed among the tents. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the boys grew up; and Esau became an expert hunter, a man of outdoor life; but Jacob was a simple man, living in a tent. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the boys grew, and Esau was a man knowing hunting, a man of the wilderness, and Yaquuv was a harmless man and dwelling in a tent.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the boys grew; and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. <a href="/sep/genesis/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the lads grew, and Esau was a man skilled in hunting, dwelling in the country, and Jacob a simple man, dwelling in a house. <a href="/parallel/genesis/25-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=5958" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/25.htm">Jacob and Esau</a> …26After this, his brother came out grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born. 27<a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: han·nə·‘ā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">When the boys</a> <a href="/hebrew/1431.htm" title="1431: way·yiḡ·də·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To grow up, become great. A primitive root; properly, to twist, i.e. To be large.">grew up,</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/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">became</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">a skillful</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.">hunter,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: śā·ḏeh (N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">of the field,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: wə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">while Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8535.htm" title="8535: tām (Adj-ms) -- Complete. From tamam; complete; usually pious; specifically, gentle, dear.">was a quiet</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">who stayed</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: ’ō·hā·lîm (N-mp) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">at home.</a> 28Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16</a> See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. <a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10-13</a> 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.” ... <a href="/malachi/1-2.htm">Malachi 1:2-3</a> “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.” <a href="/hebrews/11-20.htm">Hebrews 11:20</a> By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. <a href="/genesis/27-3.htm">Genesis 27:3-4</a> Take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me. / Then prepare a tasty dish that I love and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die.” <a href="/genesis/27-19.htm">Genesis 27:19</a> Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may bless me.” <a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Genesis 27:30-33</a> As soon as Isaac had finished blessing him and Jacob had left his father’s presence, his brother Esau returned from the hunt. / He too made some tasty food, brought it to his father, and said to him, “My father, sit up and eat of your son’s game, so that you may bless me.” / But his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?” “I am Esau, your firstborn son,” he answered. ... <a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</a> Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” <a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3</a> Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. <a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1-3</a> Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. <a href="/genesis/36-1.htm">Genesis 36:1</a> This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom). <a href="/genesis/49-19.htm">Genesis 49:19</a> Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels. <a href="/obadiah/1-10.htm">Obadiah 1:10</a> Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. <a href="/obadiah/1-18.htm">Obadiah 1:18</a> Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame; but the house of Esau will be stubble—Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau.” For the LORD has spoken. <a href="/1_chronicles/1-34.htm">1 Chronicles 1:34</a> Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.a cunning.<a href="/genesis/10-9.htm">Genesis 10:9</a> He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.<a href="/genesis/21-20.htm">Genesis 21:20</a> And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.<a href="/genesis/27-3.htm">Genesis 27:3-5,40</a> Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison; … a plain main.<a href="/genesis/6-9.htm">Genesis 6:9</a> These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.<a href="/genesis/28-10.htm">Genesis 28:10,11</a> And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran… <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Genesis 31:39-41</a> That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night… dwelling.<a href="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Hebrews 11:9</a> By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/genesis/25-24.htm">Boys</a> <a href="/genesis/25-18.htm">Country</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Cunning</a> <a href="/genesis/24-62.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/genesis/25-25.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/21-20.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/genesis/25-10.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/25-8.htm">Full</a> <a href="/genesis/21-20.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/revelation/9-4.htm">Growth</a> <a href="/genesis/10-9.htm">Hunter</a> <a href="/genesis/10-9.htm">Hunting</a> <a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Inhabiting</a> <a href="/genesis/25-26.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/21-19.htm">Open</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">Peaceful</a> <a href="/genesis/19-29.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/revelation/14-12.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Skilled</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-2.htm">Skillful</a> <a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/genesis/13-18.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">Youths</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/24-13.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/genesis/38-27.htm">Boys</a> <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Country</a> <a href="/exodus/26-1.htm">Cunning</a> <a href="/genesis/27-39.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/exodus/31-3.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/25-30.htm">Full</a> <a href="/genesis/26-13.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/leviticus/2-14.htm">Growth</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Hunter</a> <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Hunting</a> <a href="/joshua/24-18.htm">Inhabiting</a> <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Open</a> <a href="/genesis/34-21.htm">Peaceful</a> <a href="/numbers/15-34.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/genesis/34-5.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/exodus/26-1.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/exodus/26-1.htm">Skilled</a> <a href="/exodus/26-1.htm">Skillful</a> <a href="/genesis/32-4.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/genesis/26-17.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/genesis/48-16.htm">Youths</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 25</div>1. <a href="/genesis/25-1.htm">The sons of Abraham by Keturah.</a> 5. <a href="/genesis/25-5.htm">The division of his goods.</a> 7. <a href="/genesis/25-7.htm">His age, death, and burial.</a> 11. <a href="/genesis/25-11.htm">God blesses Isaac.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/25-12.htm">The generations of Ishmael.</a> 17. <a href="/genesis/25-17.htm">His age and death.</a> 19. <a href="/genesis/25-19.htm">Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.</a> 22. <a href="/genesis/25-22.htm">The children strive in her womb.</a> 24. <a href="/genesis/25-24.htm">The birth of Esau and Jacob.</a> 27. <a href="/genesis/25-27.htm">Their different characters and pursuits.</a> 29. <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Esau sells his birthright.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/genesis/25.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>When the boys grew up This phrase marks a transition from the early childhood of Esau and Jacob to their adulthood. The Hebrew word for "grew up" is "gādal," which implies not just physical growth but also maturation and development in character. This sets the stage for the unfolding of their distinct personalities and destinies. In the biblical narrative, this growth is not merely biological but also spiritual and moral, indicating the time when their individual paths begin to diverge significantly.Esau became a skillful hunter The description of Esau as a "skillful hunter" highlights his prowess and affinity for the outdoors. The Hebrew word for "skillful" is "yāḏaʿ," which means to know or to be knowledgeable, suggesting that Esau was not only physically adept but also knowledgeable about hunting. This aligns with the cultural context of the time, where hunting was a respected and necessary skill for survival. Esau's identity as a hunter foreshadows his impulsive nature and his later decisions, which are driven by immediate physical needs rather than spiritual considerations.a man of the field This phrase further emphasizes Esau's connection to the natural world. The "field" in Hebrew is "śāḏeh," which can refer to open country or wilderness. Esau's life in the field contrasts with the settled, domestic life, symbolizing a life led by instinct and immediate gratification. This lifestyle choice reflects his character and sets up the narrative tension between him and Jacob, who represents a different set of values and priorities.while Jacob was a quiet man Jacob is described as "quiet," with the Hebrew word "tām" suggesting completeness, integrity, or simplicity. This characterization of Jacob as "quiet" or "peaceful" indicates a contemplative nature, one that is more introspective and perhaps more strategic. Jacob's quietness is not a sign of weakness but rather a reflection of his thoughtful and deliberate approach to life, which will become evident in his later actions and decisions.who stayed at home The phrase "stayed at home" contrasts Jacob's lifestyle with that of Esau. The Hebrew word "ʾōhel" refers to a tent, symbolizing domesticity and stability. Jacob's choice to stay at home suggests a preference for the settled life, one that is more focused on family and tradition. This choice aligns with the biblical theme of the younger son who, despite societal norms, is chosen by God to carry forward the covenant promises. Jacob's home-centered life foreshadows his role in the continuation of God's plan through the lineage of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHARACTERS OF ESAU AND JACOB. ESATU SELLS HIS BIRTHRIGHT.(27) The "boys grew.--With advancing years came also the formation of their characters. Esau became a skilful hunter, a "man of the field": not a husbandman, but one who roamed over the open uncultivated wilderness (see <a href="/genesis/4-8.htm" title="And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.">Genesis 4:8</a>) in search of game; but "Jacob was a plain man." This is a most inadequate rendering of a word translated perfect in <a href="/job/1-1.htm" title="There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.">Job 1:1</a>; <a href="/job/1-8.htm" title="And the LORD said to Satan, Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews evil?">Job 1:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/37-37.htm" title="Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.">Psalm 37:37</a>, &c, though this rendering is as much too strong as that in this verse is too weak. On <a href="/genesis/6-9.htm" title="These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.">Genesis 6:9</a>, we have shown that the word conveys no idea of perfection or blamelessness, but only of general integrity. Both the word there and in <a href="/genesis/17-1.htm" title="And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be you perfect.">Genesis 17:1</a>, and the slightly different form of it used here, should in all places be translated upright. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 27. - And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, - literally, skilled in hunting; εἰδὼς κυνηγεῖν (LXX.); gnarus venandi (Vulgate); a sportsman - a man of the field; - not a husbandman, homo agricola (Vulgate), who is differently denominated - ish haadhamah (<a href="/genesis/9-20.htm">Genesis 9:20</a>); but one addicted to roaming through the fields in search of sport - ἀγροικὸς (LXX.); an indication of the rough, fiery nature and wild, adventurous life of the elder of the two brothers - and Jacob was a plain man, - תָּם = ἄπλαστος (LXX.); simplex (Vulgate); integer, i.e. mitis, of mild and gentle manners (Rosenmüller); blameless, as a shepherd (Knobel); pious (Luther); righteous (Kalisch); obviously intended to describe Jacob as, both in character and life, the antithesis of Esau - dwelling in tents - i.e. loving to stay at home, as opposed to Esau, who loved to wander afield; preferring a quiet, peaceable, domestic, and pious manner of existence to a life of "excitement, adventure, and danger," such as captivated Esau. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/25-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When the boys הַנְּעָרִ֔ים (han·nə·‘ā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> A boy, lad, youth, retainer grew up, וַֽיִּגְדְּלוּ֙ (way·yiḡ·də·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1431.htm">Strong's 1431: </a> To grow up, become great Esau עֵשָׂ֗ו (‘ê·śāw) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6215.htm">Strong's 6215: </a> Esau -- oldest son of Isaac became וַיְהִ֣י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a skillful יֹדֵ֥עַ (yō·ḏê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know hunter, צַ֖יִד (ṣa·yiḏ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6718.htm">Strong's 6718: </a> The chase, game, lunch a man אִ֛ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of the field, שָׂדֶ֑ה (śā·ḏeh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land but Jacob וְיַעֲקֹב֙ (wə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc was a quiet תָּ֔ם (tām) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8535.htm">Strong's 8535: </a> Complete, pious, gentle, dear man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person who stayed יֹשֵׁ֖ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry at home. אֹהָלִֽים׃ (’ō·hā·lîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> A tent <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/25-27.htm">Genesis 25:27 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/25-27.htm">OT Law: Genesis 25:27 The boys grew (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/25-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 25:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/25-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 25:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:28" /></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>