This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Genesis 25:27-34, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Esau and Jacob were brothers and they very different. Esau liked to hunt and spend time outside, while Jacob preferred to stay inside and take care of the family’s animals.
Their father, Isaac, really liked Esau because he was a great hunter and would bring him yummy food to eat. But their mom, Rebekah, liked Jacob more.
One day, Jacob was cooking some stew and Esau came home from hunting feeling very hungry and tired. He smelled the stew and asked Jacob for some.
Jacob said, “Sure, I’ll give you some stew, but only if you give me your birthright.” A birthright is a special thing that the oldest son in the family gets. It means he gets extra special privileges and a big inheritance when his dad dies.
Esau was so hungry that he didn’t think clearly and agreed to sell his birthright to Jacob in exchange for some stew.
After he ate the stew, Esau realized that he had made a big mistake. He had given away something very important just because he was hungry.
Biblical Lessons
- Our actions have consequences. Esau made a hasty decision that had a big impact on his life and future generations.
- We should be careful not to let our appetites control us. Esau let his hunger lead him to make a bad decision, and we should learn to control our desires and think carefully before acting on them.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
A Call to Spiritual Reformation
Walks through Paul's prayers to teach believers how to pray biblically and God-centeredly.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Grace
Shows how God's grace and our disciplined effort work together in sanctification.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Concise Theology
Short, Scripture-filled summaries of key doctrines, written with clarity and warmth.
View on Amazon
The Attributes of God
Devotional meditations on God's character that stir reverence and worship.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
Spurgeon on the Christian Life
A portrait of Charles Spurgeon's Christ-centered theology and joyful piety.
View on Amazon
All of Grace
A simple, powerful explanation of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon
This Momentary Marriage
Shows how marriage is designed to display the covenant love of Christ and His church.
View on Amazon