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Genesis 25:30 - Red stew defines Esav's fate?

Genesis 25:30 - בראשית 25:30

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר עֵשָׂו אֶל־יַעֲקֹב הַלְעִיטֵנִי נָא מִן־הָאָדֹם הָאָדֹם הַזֶּה כִּי עָיֵף אָנֹכִי עַל־כֵּן קָרָא־שְׁמוֹ אֱדוֹם׃

English Translation

and ῾Esav said to Ya῾aqov, Give me to swallow, I pray thee, of that red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom (red).

Transliteration

Va'yomer Esav el-Yaakov hal'iteini na min-ha'adom ha'adom hazeh ki ayef anochi al-ken kara-shmo Edom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר עֵשָׂ֜ו אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֗ב הַלְעִיטֵ֤נִי נָא֙ מִן־הָאָדֹ֤ם הָאָדֹם֙ הַזֶּ֔ה כִּ֥י עָיֵ֖ף אָנֹ֑כִי עַל־כֵּ֥ן קָרָֽא־שְׁמ֖וֹ אֱדֽוֹם׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר עֵשָׂ֜ו אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֗ב הַלְעִיטֵ֤נִי נָא֙ מִן־הָאָדֹ֤ם הָאָדֹם֙ הַזֶּ֔ה כִּ֥י עָיֵ֖ף אָנֹ֑כִי עַל־כֵּ֥ן קָרָֽא־שְׁמ֖וֹ אֱדֽוֹם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Nature of Esav's Request

Rashi explains that Esav's demand, "הלעיטני" ("Give me to swallow"), reflects his impulsive and gluttonous nature. The term "הלעיטני" is derived from the root meaning "to gulp down," indicating that Esav was not interested in eating with dignity but rather in satisfying his immediate hunger without restraint. This contrasts sharply with Yaakov's more measured and thoughtful character.

The Significance of the "Red Pottage"

The verse emphasizes the color red ("האדום האדום הזה"), which becomes the basis for Esav's alternate name, Edom. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 63:12) notes that Esav's fixation on the red lentils symbolizes his bloodthirsty and materialistic tendencies. The red color is also associated with sin and impulsiveness, as seen in Yeshayahu (1:18), where sins are described as "red like crimson."

Esav's Exhaustion and Spiritual Weakness

Esav claims, "כי עיף אנכי" ("for I am faint"), which the Ramban interprets as not merely physical exhaustion but spiritual weariness. According to the Sforno, Esav was weary from a life of hunting and violence, demonstrating his lack of spiritual stamina. This stands in contrast to Yaakov, who was "איש תם יושב אוהלים" ("a wholesome man, dwelling in tents")—devoted to study and reflection.

The Naming of Edom

The verse concludes by stating that Esav was called Edom due to this incident. The Talmud (Bava Batra 16b) elaborates that Esav's obsession with the red pottage revealed his true nature—prioritizing immediate physical gratification over lasting spiritual values. The name Edom thus becomes a lasting symbol of Esav's character, as later generations of his descendants (the Edomites) would also be associated with cruelty and materialism.

Lessons from the Episode

  • Impulsiveness vs. Patience: Esav's rashness in trading his birthright for food teaches the danger of acting without foresight (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 1:4).
  • Materialism vs. Spirituality: The red pottage represents worldly desires, while Yaakov's stew symbolizes Torah and wisdom (Midrash Tanchuma, Toldot 8).
  • The Power of Names: Names in Tanach often reflect essence—Edom's name forever ties him to his impulsive choice (Malbim on Bereshit 25:30).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 117b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the naming of Esau as Edom due to his request for red pottage.
📖 Megillah 6a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the characteristics and names of Esau and his descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Esav ask for the red pottage from Yaakov?
A: According to Rashi, Esav was exhausted from a sinful day of hunting and wanted immediate gratification. The red pottage (lentil stew) symbolized his impulsive nature and lack of concern for spiritual matters, as he prioritized temporary physical needs over eternal values.
Q: Why was Esav called 'Edom' after this incident?
A: The name 'Edom' (meaning 'red') was given to Esav because of his excessive focus on the red pottage. The Midrash explains that this name reflects his materialistic and impulsive character, as he was willing to trade his birthright for something as fleeting as a bowl of stew (Genesis Rabbah 63:12).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Esav's behavior in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 16b) teaches that Esav represents someone who prioritizes physical desires over spiritual responsibilities. His impulsive decision to trade his birthright for food warns us against making hasty choices for temporary pleasure instead of valuing long-term spiritual blessings.
Q: Why was the pottage specifically red?
A: Rashi explains that the red color symbolized bloodshed and violence, hinting at Esav's future nature as a ruthless hunter and warrior. The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 63:12) also connects it to Esav's sinful tendencies, as red often represents sin and impulsiveness in Jewish thought.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish values today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of self-control and prioritizing spiritual inheritance over momentary desires. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) emphasizes that a person should train themselves to avoid impulsive behavior, just as Yaakov valued the birthright while Esav disregarded it for temporary satisfaction.