23. The Lord said to her, [The founders of] two nations are in your womb, and the separation of two peoples has begun in your body; the one people shall be stronger than the other, and the elder shall serve the younger.
24. When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
25. The first came out red all over like a hairy garment, and they named him Esau [hairy].
26. Afterward his brother came forth, and his hand grasped Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob [supplanter]. Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them.
27. When the boys grew up, Esau was a cunning and skilled hunter, a man of the outdoors; but Jacob was a plain and quiet man, dwelling in tents.
28. And Isaac loved [and was partial to] Esau, because he ate of Esau's game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
29. Jacob was boiling pottage (lentil stew) one day, when Esau came from the field and was faint [with hunger].
30. And Esau said to Jacob, I beg of you, let me have some of that red lentil stew to eat, for I am faint and famished! That is why his name was called Edom [red].
31. Jacob answered, Then sell me today your birthright (the rights of a firstborn).
32. Esau said, See here, I am at the point of death; what good can this birthright do me?
33. Jacob said, Swear to me today [that you are selling it to me]; and he swore to [Jacob] and sold him his birthright.