The Hebrew text begins Esau’s quoted statement with the word most commonly translated by Revised Standard Version as “Behold.” Good News Translation represents it as “All right!” Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “As you can see.” But many translations do not represent it. What Esau says in this verse indicates that he is agreeing to do what Jacob wants, even though this is not actually stated until the end of the next verse. So in many languages it will be natural to start this speech as Good News Translation does, with words that signal his agreement; for example, “Yes, you can have it. Just give me that food! ….”

I am about to die: Esau claims he is going to die (of hunger). In translation it may be necessary to make clear that hunger is killing him, so as not to give the impression that he is to be put to death by someone.

Of what use is a birthright to me?: Esau’s question is rhetorical. He is not asking for Jacob to explain the value of his birthright. In the context of a hungry man, this rhetorical question may be expressed as “Can I make a meal of a birthright?” In some languages such a question must be answered in the negative. The question may also be stated negatively; for example, “A birthright is of no use to me.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .