Genesis 25:25
The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The name "Esau" isn't just about being "hairy"; it's deeply connected to his striking red appearance at birth, hinting at a passionate, robust, and perhaps even bloodthirsty nature right from the start. This visual detail isn't just descriptive; it foreshadows the intense, often violent character of Esau and his descendants.
Rebekah's pregnancy is unusually difficult, with the babies struggling inside her. God reveals to her that she is carrying twins, two nations that will be distinct, with the older serving the younger. The first twin is born vividly described as red and covered in hair, leading to his name, Esau.
Esau's entrance into the world wasn't quiet; it was a dramatic unveiling. His first appearance was startlingly unique, setting him apart from the very start.
From the moment of birth, Esau's physical appearance screamed 'different.' The text vividly describes him as 'red, all over like a hairy garment.' This wasn't just a light covering of hair; it was so dense and widespread that it resembled a thick, hairy cloak. Scholars suggest this unusual appearance might have been a premonition of his wild, passionate, and perhaps even violent nature. The very description of his birth foreshadowed the man he would become – a hunter, a man of the field, driven by strong impulses.
Names in the ancient world weren't just identifiers; they were often prophetic declarations. Esau's name hinted at his nature and his future path.
The name 'Esau' is deeply connected to his birth. While some scholars link it to an Arabic word for 'hairy' or 'thick-haired,' others suggest it relates to a verb meaning 'to make' or 'to complete.' This could imply he appeared more fully formed or robust at birth, perhaps even 'made' ready for the world. Regardless of the precise linguistic origin, the name 'Esau' immediately signals a distinct identity, marked by his physical characteristics and his outward-facing, active life. It's as if his name was a seal, acknowledging the physical reality and foreshadowing the man who would be known for his strength, his hunting prowess, and his connection to the wilder aspects of life.
Understand the original words
admoni · Hebrew Adjective
A description of color, specifically reddish or ruddy; it serves as a signifier for the physical characteristics of the descendants of Esau (Edom).
The physical description of Esau at birth—red and hairy—foreshadowed his rugged, perhaps more sensual and outwardly vigorous, nature, in contrast to his twin brother Jacob. This detail also connects to the later name Edom ('red') given to Esau and his descendants, highlighting a significant and enduring distinction between these twin brothers and their peoples.
c. 2000 BC
Birth of Isaac
Abraham's son Isaac is miraculously born to his elderly wife Sarah, fulfilling God's promise of a lineage through whom a great nation would descend.
c. 1970 BC
Isaac Marries Rebekah
Isaac, around 40 years old, marries Rebekah, who is initially barren, highlighting the continued reliance on God for offspring.
c. 1950 BC
Rebekah's Difficult Pregnancy
Rebekah experiences intense struggles within her womb, prompting her to seek God's counsel, revealing that twins would be born, destined to become two nations.
c. 1949 BC— this verse
Birth of Esau and Jacob
Rebekah gives birth to twin sons. The firstborn, Esau, emerges red and covered in hair, leading to his name.
This passage describes Jacob disguising himself as Esau to deceive Isaac, highlighting the physical contrast between them and how Esau's hairy nature was a key identifier.
Genesis 30:20When Leah gives birth to her sixth son, she names him Zebulun, meaning 'dwelling' or 'gift', and states that her husband will now 'dwell with me,' showing how names in these early accounts often reflect immediate circumstances or hopes.
Proverbs 7:22This verse uses imagery of an ox going to slaughter to describe the unsuspecting victim of temptation, mirroring the impulsive and immediate nature displayed by Esau when he sold his birthright.
Malachi 1:3This prophecy explicitly contrasts Jacob and Esau, showing how their descendants, the Israelites and Edomites, were in conflict, and how God favored Jacob's lineage, connecting Esau's physical description to his destiny.
Hebrews 12:16This New Testament passage directly references Esau as an example of a 'profane person' who sold his birthright for a single meal, underscoring the spiritual significance of his birth and the consequence of his actions.
clarkeGenesis 25:25: "And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau."
Red, all over like a hairy garment - This simply means that he was covered all over with red hair or down; and that this must be intended here is sufficiently evident from another part of his history, where Rebekah, in order to make her favourite son Jacob pass for his brother Esau, was obliged to take the skins of kids, and put them upon his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. They…
calvinGenesis 25:1-34: "Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah."
And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.
Et Iocsan genuit Seba, et Dedan. Filii autem Dedan fuerunt Assurim, et Letusim, et Leummin.
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Filii vero Midian, Hephah, et Hepher, et Hanoch, et Abidah, et Eldaah: omnes isti, filii Ceturae.…
The name "Esau" isn't just about being "hairy"; it's deeply connected to his striking red appearance at birth, hinting at a passionate, robust, and perhaps even bloodthirsty nature right from the start. This visual detail isn't just descriptive; it foreshadows the intense, often violent character of Esau and his descendants.
Rebekah's pregnancy is unusually difficult, with the babies struggling inside her. God reveals to her that she is carrying twins, two nations that will be distinct, with the older serving the younger. The first twin is born vividly described as red and covered in hair, leading to his name, Esau.
Rebekah's pregnancy is unusually difficult, with the babies struggling inside her. God reveals to her that she is carrying twins, two nations that will be distinct, with the older serving the younger. The first twin is born vividly described as red and covered in hair, leading to his name, Esau.
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c. 1930 BC
Esau Sells His Birthright
A grown Esau, famished after hunting, carelessly trades his valuable birthright to his brother Jacob for a simple meal of red stew.
"The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau." — The name "Esau" isn't just about being "hairy"; it's deeply connected to his striking red appearance at birth, hinting at a passionate, robust, and perhaps even bloodthirsty nature right from the sta…
