Genesis 25:26

26 And after that came his brother out; and his hand took hold of Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when they were born.

Genesis 25:26 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 25:26

And after that came his brother out
Out of his mother's womb, either by his own strength, or by the help of the midwife: and his hand took hold on Esau's heel;
to pluck him back and get out first; and this was not casual, but was so ordered in Providence, and had a meaning and mystery in it: and his name was called Jacob;
by his parents and others, and that for the above reason, because he took his brother by the heel, which his name has the signification of, and Esau has respect to in ( Genesis 27:36 ) : and Isaac [was] threescore years old when she bare them;
and so it was twenty years after he had been married to her; so long was his faith tried and exercised about the promised seed that was to spring from him.

Genesis 25:26 In-Context

24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

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

26 And after that came his brother out; and his hand took hold of Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when they were born.

27 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.

28 And Isaac loved Esau, because venison was to his taste; and Rebecca loved Jacob.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heel-holder, or supplanter.