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Esau

Esau in the Bible — firstborn son of Isaac (GEN 25:25-26). Referenced in 25 scripture passages.

Name meaning: he that acts or finishes

Profile

Gender
male
Scripture References
25 references
Known Names
2 names
Relationships
23 connections

Biography

The firstborn twin son of Isaac and Rebekah, Esau was a skillful hunter and his father's favorite. In a moment of weakness, he sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, despising his inheritance. Later, Jacob stole the blessing intended for Esau. Though Esau vowed revenge, the brothers eventually reconciled. Esau became the father of the Edomites.

Significance

Esau represents those who despise spiritual blessings for temporary earthly pleasures. The New Testament uses him as a warning against godlessness and refusing God's grace.

Key Events

Born second, grasping Jacob's heel(Genesis 25:24-26)
Sold birthright for stew(Genesis 25:29-34)
Married Hittite women(Genesis 26:34)
Lost his father's blessing to Jacob(Genesis 27:30-41)
Reconciled with Jacob(Genesis 33:4)

Names & Labels (2)

Esauproper name
Hebrew
עֵשָֽׂו
Transliteration
esau
Meaning
hairy
Greek
Ησαυ
Reference
GEN 25:25
Strong's
H6215
Edomproper name
Hebrew
אֱדֽוֹם
Transliteration
edəom
Meaning
red
Greek
Εδωμ
Reference
GEN 25:30
Strong's
H112b

Family & Relationships (23)

son

Isaac(GEN 25:25)
Rebekah(GEN 25:25)

husband

Judith(GEN 26:34)
Basemath(GEN 26:34)
Mahalath(GEN 28:9)

father

Eliphaz(GEN 36:4)
Reuel(GEN 36:4)
Jeush(GEN 36:5)
Jalam(GEN 36:5)
Korah(GEN 36:5)

ancestor

Husham(GEN 36:34)
Samlah(GEN 36:36)
Shaul(GEN 36:37)
Timna(GEN 36:40)
Alvah(GEN 36:40)
Jetheth(GEN 36:40)
Oholibamah(GEN 36:41)
Elah(GEN 36:41)
Pinon(GEN 36:41)
Mibzar(GEN 36:42)
Magdiel(GEN 36:43)
Iram(GEN 36:43)
King of Edom(NUM 20:14)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Esau in the Bible?

Esau is described in the Bible as firstborn son of Isaac (GEN 25:25-26).

What does the name Esau mean?

The name Esau means “he that acts or finishes” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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