# sell one's birthright for a mess of pottage

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To make an unfavorable exchange, especially of something of great, but deferred value, for something of very low, but immediate value.

## Etymology
In allusion to the Biblical character Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal of lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/sell-one-s-birthright-for-a-mess-of-pottage