Esau
Gentile Edomite (father of Edom); son of Isaac · Creation & Patriarchs · Old Testament
- Also called
- Edom
- Name means
- Hairy
- Role
- Elder twin of Jacob; father of the Edomites
- When
- c. 1900 BC (traditional)
What they did
A cunning hunter who sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal and later lost his father's blessing. Years later he ran to meet Jacob, embraced him and wept.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
He warns against despising spiritual blessings (Hebrews 12:16). Yet God told Israel not to abhor an Edomite, 'for he is thy brother' (Deuteronomy 23:7).
And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. Genesis 33:4 (KJV)
Bible references
And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. Genesis 25:25 (KJV)
Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34 (KJV)
And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. Genesis 33:4 (KJV)
Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom. Genesis 36:8 (KJV)
Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land. Deuteronomy 23:7 (KJV)
Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Hebrews 12:16 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Isaac
- Mother
- Rebekah
- Spouse(s)
- Judith, Bashemath, Mahalath; also listed as Adah and Aholibamah
- Children
- Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jaalam, Korah
- Brothers / sisters
- Jacob (twin)
His wives are listed in Genesis 26:34, 28:9 and 36:2-3.