Download Your Free Jacob and Esau Word Search Printable

Do something different and bring the Bible to life for your kiddos or Sunday school class. Use this Jacob and Esau word search printable to enhance the learning experience.

Go beyond just reading the Bible. Your kids will love this simple activity! This word search highlights key terms from the story of Jacob and Esau making it an interactive way for children to learn and remember some of the key biblical stories. 

Plus, it's a fantastic way to keep kids entertained while reinforcing their understanding of the story.

The Story of Jacob and Esau

Jacob and Esau were the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau was born first which technically made Esau the heir to their father's wealth and blessings. However, these brothers couldn't have been more different.

• Esau was known for his outdoorsy nature. Esau was a skilled hunter and his father's favorite.
• Jacob: Jacob was more reserved, preferring to stay close to home and he was favored by his mother, Rebekah.

This family dynamic set the stage for many of the significant events that soon followed.

One of the most notable events is when Esau had just returned hungry after a hunting trip. He asked Jacob for some stew. Jacob seized the moment to negotiate, asking Esau to sell his birthright in exchange for the food. Because of his hunger, Esau agreed.

Later in life, when Isaac grew old and blind, he wanted to bless Esau before his death. Rebekah wanted Jacob to receive the blessing so she helped him deceive Isaac. Jacob disguised himself as Esau using goat skins and Esau's clothes to feel and smell like his hairy brother. Isaac was fooled by the disguise and ended up blessing Jacob instead.

The deception led to Esau harboring deep resentment against Jacob. Jacob eventually had to flee for his life. 

The Design of the Word Search Printable

This word search printable features a short story on Jacob and Esau. The bolded words within the word search are the words your children should search.

The Story

There was a pair of twins named Jacob and Esau. They were brothers, but they were different from each other right from the start. Esau was the older twin who loved to hunt and was favored by his dad Isaac. Jacob was quieter and liked to stay at home, and he was favored by his mom, Rebekah.

One day, Esau came back from hunting and was hungry. Jacob was home cooking some stew. 

Jacob told his brother to give him his birthright in exchange for some stew. A birthright meant he would get the bigger share of his father's inheritance when he passed away. But Esau was so hungry, he just didn’t care and traded his birthright for a bowl of stew.

When Isaac was old and his eyesight was bad, he wanted to bless Esau before he died. Rebekah heard this and had a plan. She told Jacob to dress up like his brother and go to his dad, Isaac. She told him that Isaac would think Jacob was Esau and give Jacob the blessing. Jacob went along with the plan, put on some of Esau’s clothes, and even used goatskins to mimic Esau’s hairy arms.

Jacob tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing that was meant for Esau. When Esau found out, he was upset. He was so angry that Jacob had to run away to avoid his brother's wrath. But years later, they did make up, which shows that even in families where things get really tricky, there's always room for forgiveness.

The Words

JACOB	ESAU	ISAAC
REBEKAH	HUNTING	HUNGRY
EXCHANGE	INHERITANCE	BIRTHRIGHT
STEW	DRESS UP	CLOTHES
GOATSKINS	BLESSING	ANGRY
WRATH	FAMILIES	FORGIVENESS

Answer Key

To save you some time, I included an answer sheet even though the word search puzzle isn’t too difficult.

How to Use the Word Search

This Jacob and Esau word search puzzle makes the task of creating a fun and educational environment a little more easier. Here are some ways you can use this word search:

• Start with the Story: Begin by reading the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible. It starts at Genesis 25:19. Make sure the children understand the key events and characters before moving to the word search.
  
• Discuss Key Themes: Highlight the major themes and lessons from the story, such as the consequences of deceit.
  
• Small Group Activity: Simply give each child a word search puzzle, explain the directions for any child who may be unclear and allow the kids to complete the word search.
  
• Follow-Up Discussion: After completing the word search, have a discussion about the words they found. You can ask questions like, “Why is the birthright important?” or “What can we learn from Jacob and Esau's relationship?” This reinforces the lessons and encourages a deeper level of thinking.
  
• Homework Assignment: Print out copies and send them home with the children. Encourage them to discuss the story with their parents and complete the word search together.
  

Reflection Questions

Reflecting on the story of Jacob and Esau can deepen our understanding and provide valuable life lessons. Here are some questions to consider asking your kids. 

Why did Esau sell his birthright?

Background: Esau was very hungry and thought that immediate satisfaction was more important than his long-term inheritance. 

Application: Talking about this can help children understand the importance of thinking ahead and valuing long-term gains over temporary pleasures.

What were Jacob's reasons for deceiving his father?

Background: Jacob wanted the blessing that traditionally belonged to the firstborn which would have been Esau. 

Application: Ask the children if they think his actions were justified and what Jacob might have felt as he pretended to be Esau.

What were the consequences of Jacob's deception?

Background: Jacob gained his father's blessing but had to run away because of Esau's anger toward him. 

Application: This question can lead to a discussion about how lies can turn relationships upside down and the long-term effects of deceit. 

Other Jacob and Esau Activities

You can combine multiple resources to teach the story of Jacob and Esau. 

Storybooks

Storybooks are a nice way for kids to engage with the story. They use vivid illustrations and simple language that children can easily understand.

• “Isaac Blesses Jacob and Esau” – a book that ultimately teaches children that even if they make mistakes and sin against god, God still loves them.

Interactive Activities

Incorporating interactive activities can disguise learning for fun with kids.

• Role-Playing: Create small skits where children can act out the story of Jacob and Esau. 
• Craft Activities: Give kids clay or playdough and allow them to make stew pots. 

Benefits to Using this Word Search to Tell the Story of Jacob & Esau

Incorporating the Jacob and Esau word search printable into your lesson is a great way to bring the Bible stories to life for children. This activity entertains, educates, and helps young learners connect with the story of Jacob and Esau on a deeper level.

This word search helps kids learn to understand and remember important biblical words.

It also helps them recall major events of the story making it easier for them to retell it.

The word search is so versatile that it can be used for Sunday school lessons, Bible study at home and as an educational supplement.

So be sure to download yours today, and if you’re not ready to print it out yet… save it to one of your Pinterest boards.