When the boys grew up: here the Hebrew text supplies a discourse opener and transition from the birth report. In some languages this may need to be worded to say, for example, “Many years passed and the two boys became men” or “Many years later the twins grew to be men.”

Esau was a skilful hunter: skilful hunter translates the Hebrew “knowing hunter.” The sense is that Esau had learned the skill, technique, knowledge necessary to be a hunter. Hunter refers here to someone who stalks and kills wild animals with the bow and arrow, and spear.

A man of the field is a second description of Esau, which complements the first and contrasts Esau sharply with the description to be given of Jacob. The expression means “a man who spent his time outdoors,” “a man who roamed the open countryside.” Revised English Bible calls him “an outdoor man,” Moffatt “a man who lived in the open.” In some languages Esau may be called “a man who walks the bush.” In some languages this second description, which is more general, fits better the style of the language when placed before “skilful hunter.”

While Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents: while translates the common Hebrew connective that serves here to contrast Jacob’s style of life, and perhaps occupation, with that of his brother. The contrast may need to be marked in other ways by saying, for example, “on the other hand” or “but Jacob was different.” Quiet translates the Hebrew word for “perfect,” “blameless,” as used in Job 1.1; Psa 37.37. However, in this context most interpreters prefer “quiet,” “tranquil,” or “meditative.” Speiser says “a retiring man,” that is, one who is shy. Dwelling in tents contrasts Jacob’s staying close to the camp with Esau’s roaming through the open countryside. Driver interprets this expression to mean that Jacob was a shepherd. In translation we may say, for example, “Jacob was a quiet man who stayed close to the camp.”

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 .