King James Version
What Does Genesis 25:25 Mean?
“And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.”
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(25) **Red.**—Heb., admoni*, *a secondary reason for the name Edom. (See Genesis 25:30,)
**All over like an hairy garment.**—Heb., *all of *him—that is, completely—*like a garment of hair: *words rendered “a rough garment” in Zechariah 13:4, where it is used of the jacket of sheepskin worn by the prophets. It appears, therefore, that Esau’s body was entirely covered with red down, which developed in time into hair as coarse as that of a kid (Genesis 27:16), and betokened a strong and vigorous, but sensual nature.
**Esau.**—The Jewish commentators form this name from the verb *to make, *and render it *well-made; *but the usual explanation is *hairy, *from a word now extant only in Arabic.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge