Genesis 25:33

33 Jacob said, "First, swear to me." And he did it. On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn.

Genesis 25:33 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 25:33

And Jacob said, swear unto me this day
For the more sure and certain confirmation of the bargain; and by this oath oblige himself to let him peaceably enjoy the birthright, nor seek to revoke it, or dispute it with him, or disturb him in the possession of it: and he sware unto him;
that he would abide by the bargain, and never give him any trouble on that account; and hereby he made it over to Jacob as firm as it could be; God himself being appealed to as a witness of it, whose will it was that Jacob should have the birthright, the blessing, and the promises: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob;
with all the privileges and appurtenances of it, and that for one morsel of meat, as in ( Hebrews 12:16 ) .

Genesis 25:33 In-Context

31 Jacob said, "Make me a trade: my stew for your rights as the firstborn."
32 Esau said, "I'm starving! What good is a birthright if I'm dead?"
33 Jacob said, "First, swear to me." And he did it. On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn.
34 Jacob gave him bread and the stew of lentils. He ate and drank, got up and left. That's how Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.