Overview
The Bible addresses birthright across 13 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Deuteronomy and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Esau, Jacob, Gluttony and Children. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jacob and Esau.
Key Bible verses about birthright
Old Testament
Genesis
And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:
And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. with: Heb. with that red, with that red pottage Edom: that is Red
And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? at: Heb. going to die
And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Deuteronomy
If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated:
Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn:
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. that: Heb. that is found with him
1 Chronicles
Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.
For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:) chief: or, prince
People in the Bible and birthright
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying birthright for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 25:29, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Genesis, Deuteronomy and 1 Chronicles each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jacob and Esau and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Esau, Jacob, Gluttony and Children.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about birthright?
The Bible addresses birthright across 13 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Deuteronomy and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Esau, Jacob, Gluttony and Children. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jacob and Esau.
How many Bible verses are about birthright?
The Bible references birthright in 13 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention birthright?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 25:29: “And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:”
Which people in the Bible are associated with birthright?
Jacob and Esau.
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