Genesis 25:27

25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.

29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
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.
KJV
And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
WEB
The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents.
ASV
And the boys grew. And Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field. And Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.
DARBY
And the boys grew, and Esau became a man skilled in hunting, a man of the field; and Jacob was a homely man, dwelling in tents.
BLB
And the boys grew, and Esau was a skillful man, a hunter and a man of the field; Jacob was a blameless man, dwelling in tents.
ÅB
Da nå guttene vokste til, ble Esau en dyktig jeger, en mann som holdt til i skog og mark; men Jakob var en stillferdig mann, som holdt seg ved teltene.
OTB
Guttene vokste opp, og Esau ble en dyktig jeger, en mann av det åpne landet, mens Jakob var en rolig mann, som bodde i telt.
B1930
Da nu guttene vokste til, blev Esau en dyktig jeger, en mann som holdt til i skog og mark; men Jakob var en stillferdig mann, som holdt sig ved teltene.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Hebrews 11:9

    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:

    Read in context
  • Genesis 21:20

    And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

    Read in context
  • Genesis 28:10–11

    And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran.

    Read in context
  • Genesis 6:9

    These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

    Read in context
  • Genesis 10:9

    He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.

    Read in context
  • Genesis 27:40

    And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

    Read in context
  • Genesis 46:34

    That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

    Read in context
  • Genesis 27:3–5

    Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;

    Read in context