King James Version

What Does Genesis 25:25 Mean?

Genesis 25:25 in the King James Version says “And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.”

Genesis 25:25 · KJV

Context

23

And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

24

And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

25

And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

26

And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

27

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

Read Genesis 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֵּצֵ֤א1 of 9

“came out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הָֽרִאשׁוֹן֙2 of 9

“And the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

אַדְמוֹנִ֔י3 of 9

“red”

H132

reddish (of the hair or the complexion)

כֻּלּ֖וֹ4 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּאַדֶּ֣רֶת5 of 9

“garment”

H155

something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)

שֵׂעָ֑ר6 of 9

“all over like an hairy”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

וַיִּקְרְא֥וּ7 of 9

“and they called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֖וֹ8 of 9

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עֵשָֽׂו׃9 of 9

“Esau”

H6215

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 25:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 25:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 27:11Genesis 27:23Genesis 27:16

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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