King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The first to come out was reddish and covered all over with hair, like a coat; so they named him 'Esav [completely formed, that is, having hair already].
Berean Standard Bible:
The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat; so they named him Esau.
American Standard Version:
And the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And the first{H7223} came out{H3318} red{H132}, all over like an hairy{H8181} garment{H155}; and they called{H7121} his name{H8034} Esau{H6215}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 27:11
- And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother [is] a hairy man, and I [am] a smooth man:
Genesis 27:16
- And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:
Genesis 27:23
- And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 25:25
Genesis 25:25 is part of the narrative concerning the patriarch Isaac and his wife Rebekah. The verse describes the birth of their twin sons, with Esau being the firstborn. Here are the themes and historical context:
**Themes:**
1. **Promise and Election:** The birth of Esau and his twin brother Jacob is a continuation of the theme of God's promise to Abraham, which is passed down to Isaac and his offspring. The narrative sets the stage for the unfolding story of God's election and covenant with the Israelites.
2. **Birthright and Blessing:** Esau's physical characteristics (red and hairy) are notable and contrast with his brother Jacob, who is born holding Esau's heel. These details foreshadow the theme of the struggle over the birthright and blessing, which are traditionally given to the firstborn.
3. **Character Traits:** The description of Esau may symbolize his nature as a man of the field, a hunter, and someone who values immediate gratification, as seen later when he sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34).
**Historical Context:**
1. **Patriarchal Era:** The events take place during the patriarchal period, which is characterized by the stories of the founding fathers of the Israelite people. This era is marked by nomadic lifestyles, clan rivalries, and the establishment of covenantal relationships with God.
2. **Ancestral Narratives:** Genesis 25 is part of the ancestral narratives that trace the lineage of the Israelites from Abraham through Isaac and eventually to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel. These narratives serve to explain the origins and relationships between different tribes and nations.
3. **Cultural Practices:** The significance of birthright and blessing reflects the ancient Near Eastern cultural practices regarding inheritance and family dynamics. The firstborn son traditionally received a double portion of the inheritance and family leadership.
In summary, Genesis 25:25 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Israelite patriarchs, highlighting themes of divine promise, the significance of birthright and blessing, and the character traits of the twins Esau and Jacob, all set against the backdrop of the patriarchal era with its particular social and cultural norms.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7223
There are 174 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רִאשׁוֹן
Transliteration: riʼshôwn
Pronunciation: ree-shone'
Description: or רִאשֹׁן; from רִאשָׁה; first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun); ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. - Strong's Number: H3318
There are 992 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָצָא
Transliteration: yâtsâʼ
Pronunciation: yaw-tsaw'
Description: a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.; [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. - Strong's Number: H132
There are 787 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַדְמֹנִי
Transliteration: ʼadmônîy
Pronunciation: ad-mo-nee'
Description: or (fully) אַדְמוֹנִי ; from אָדַם; reddish (of the hair or the complexion); red, ruddy. - Strong's Number: H8181
There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׂעָר
Transliteration: sêʻâr
Pronunciation: say-awr'
Description: or שַׂעַר; (Isaiah 7:20), from שָׂעַר in the sense of dishevelling; hair (as if tossed or bristling); hair(-y), [idiom] rough. - Strong's Number: H155
There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַדֶּרֶת
Transliteration: ʼaddereth
Pronunciation: ad-deh'-reth
Description: feminine of אַדִּיר; ; also the same as אֶדֶר; something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress); garment, glory, goodly, mantle, robe. - Strong's Number: H7121
There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרָא
Transliteration: qârâʼ
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. - Strong's Number: H8034
There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁם
Transliteration: shêm
Pronunciation: shame
Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - Strong's Number: H6215
There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֵשָׂו
Transliteration: ʻÊsâv
Pronunciation: ay-sawv'
Description: apparently a form of the passive participle of עָשָׂה in the original sense of handling; rough (i.e. sensibly felt); Esav, a son of Isaac, including his posterity; Esau.