Morsel
Textsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Hebrew term mashkeh, translated as 'morsel' in Genesis 25:29-34 and Hebrews 12:16, refers to a small portion of food, specifically the lentil stew that Esau traded for his birthright, illustrating ancient Near Eastern dietary habits and inheritance customs.
What is the meaning of Morsel in the Bible?
The Hebrew term mashkeh, translated as 'morsel' in Genesis 25:29-34 and Hebrews 12:16, refers to a small portion of food, specifically the lentil stew that Esau traded for his birthright, illustrating ancient Near Eastern dietary habits and inheritance customs.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the literal meaning of this term highlights the contrast between Esau's immediate physical hunger and his dismissal of his spiritual inheritance, thereby clarifying the moral critique of his actions in both the Old and New Testaments.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Morsel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Morsel clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.