Hebrews 12:17

Would have. That is, “desired to.”

Rejected. Greek apodokimazō, “to reject [after testing, because of failure to measure up to required standards].” For the record of the incident here referred to see Genesis 27:1-40.

No place of repentance. Long years of living for earthly pursuits had deprived Esau of the capacity to bear the more serious responsibilities of life. By his own choice his mind and character had become fixed. The writer of Hebrews does not imply that Esau actually desired to repent of his worldly ways, but simply that he repented of having sold his birthright. He wished he had it back again, but realized that his decision was irrevocable. He had lost it forever. No arbitrary act of God kept Esau from receiving the inheritance that would normally have been his. His own character disqualified him for its privileges and responsibilities.

With tears. When Esau realized what he had lost “he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry” (Genesis 27:34).