Genesis 25:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 25:25 meticulously records the birth of Esau, the firstborn twin son of Isaac and Rebekah, highlighting his distinctive physical characteristics as "red" and "hairy." This pivotal verse not only marks the initial, tangible fulfillment of God's prior prophecy to Rebekah concerning two nations within her womb but also immediately sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of divine election, the complex relationship between the patriarchs, and the eventual establishment of the covenant line through Jacob, not Esau.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 25:25 is nestled within the patriarchal narratives, specifically detailing the lineage and early lives of Isaac's sons. It immediately follows Isaac's fervent prayer for Rebekah's barrenness in [Genesis 25:21](/genesis/25-21 "Isaac Prays for Rebekah's Barrenness"), which God graciously answered. Crucially, it comes on the heels of Rebekah's troubled pregnancy and her divine encounter, where the Lord revealed, "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" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's Prophecy to Rebekah")). Thus, Esau's birth, as the firstborn, directly initiates the visible manifestation of this prophetic word, introducing a key figure whose life will dramatically illustrate God's sovereign choice and the unfolding of His redemptive plan despite human expectations. The subsequent narrative, particularly the account of Esau selling his birthright in [Genesis 25:29-34](/genesis/25-29-34 "Esau Sells His Birthright"), immediately establishes the tension and trajectory of his relationship with Jacob.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the status of the firstborn son (primogeniture) carried immense significance. The firstborn typically received a double portion of the inheritance, the patriarchal blessing, and the leadership of the family. This cultural norm made God's prophecy in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Prophecy of the Elder Serving the Younger") particularly counter-cultural and shocking, as it inverted the expected order. The physical descriptions of Esau – "red" and "hairy" – would have been immediately recognizable and symbolic to an ancient audience. "Redness" could denote a robust, earthy, or even fiery disposition, and its later association with Edom (meaning "red") would be a powerful etiological link. Hairiness was often associated with strength, wildness, or a connection to nature, setting Esau apart from the more "plain" Jacob, as described in [Genesis 25:27](/genesis/25-27 "Jacob, a Plain Man"). These descriptions are not merely superficial but carry deep cultural and prophetic weight, shaping the perception of Esau and foreshadowing his character and destiny.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 25:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, where God's purposes are shown to transcend human customs and expectations, as evidenced by the prophecy that the elder would serve the younger, despite Esau's firstborn status. It also introduces the theme of **Distinctive Identity and Character**, as Esau's unique physical appearance immediately sets him apart and foreshadows his later actions and the identity of the nation that descends from him. The verse lays the groundwork for the theme of **Birthright and Blessing**, setting up the dramatic tension surrounding the inheritance and spiritual legacy that would play out between the twin brothers. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **Covenant Continuity**, as the narrative of Isaac's family continues the divine promise made to Abraham, albeit with new challenges and divine interventions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 25:25 vividly describes the emergence of Isaac and Rebekah's firstborn son: "And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau." This verse provides crucial details that are both descriptive and deeply prophetic, laying the groundwork for the subsequent narrative.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **first (Hebrew, _riʼshôwn'_):** From a root meaning "head" or "beginning," this word denotes priority in place, time, or rank. Here, it explicitly states Esau's position as the elder twin, carrying with it the cultural expectation of primogeniture and all its associated rights and privileges, which God's prophecy would dramatically subvert.
* **red (Hebrew, _ʼadmônîy'_):** This adjective, derived from the root for "red" (אדם, _ʼadam_), describes Esau's complexion or hair color. It is a highly significant descriptive term, directly linking to the later name of the nation descended from him, Edom (meaning "red"), and foreshadowing his impulsive act of selling his birthright for "red pottage" in [Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Esau Sells His Birthright for Red Pottage"). This color often symbolizes earthiness, vitality, or even a fiery disposition.
* **hairy (Hebrew, _sêʻâr'_):** This noun refers to hair, specifically in a dishevelled or bristly sense. It emphasizes the remarkable and pronounced hairiness of Esau's body, which was so distinctive that it likely influenced his given name, Esau, and became a critical element in Jacob's later deception of Isaac, who relied on touch to distinguish his sons in [Genesis 27:11](/genesis/27-11 "Jacob's Deception of Isaac").
* **Esau (Hebrew, _ʻÊsâv'_):** This proper noun is the given name of Isaac's firstborn son. While its precise etymology is debated, it is often associated with the Hebrew root for "hairy" or "rough," directly reflecting his physical appearance. It can also imply "completed" or "made," perhaps suggesting a fully formed or robust individual at birth. The name itself becomes a marker of his unique identity and foreshadows the character of the nation that would descend from him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the first came out red,"**: This phrase immediately establishes Esau's birth order as the elder twin, a position of significant cultural privilege. The description "red" is the first striking detail, not merely a physical observation but a powerful symbolic and prophetic identifier. It foreshadows his connection to the land and nation of Edom and subtly hints at his earthly, perhaps impulsive, nature.
* **"all over like an hairy garment;"**: This vivid simile emphasizes the extraordinary extent of Esau's hairiness, describing his body as if covered by a rough, animal-like cloak. This pronounced physical trait distinguishes him sharply from his twin brother Jacob and becomes a crucial plot device later in the narrative, particularly in the deception surrounding Isaac's blessing. It also suggests a robust, perhaps wild or untamed, character.
* **"and they called his name Esau."**: The naming of the child is a significant act, often reflecting circumstances of birth, physical characteristics, or hopes for the future. In Esau's case, his name (Hebrew: *ʻÊsâv*) is widely understood to be connected to his striking hairiness or "roughness." This act of naming solidifies his unique identity within the narrative and sets him on a distinct path from his brother, fulfilling the initial part of God's prophecy to Rebekah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly visual and tactile, through the descriptions "red" and "hairy garment." These vivid details not only create a clear mental picture of the newborn but also serve as **Symbolism**, where Esau's "redness" foreshadows his later association with Edom and his "hairiness" becomes emblematic of his rugged, outdoorsman character, contrasting with Jacob. The phrase "like an hairy garment" is a **Simile**, directly comparing his body to a specific type of clothing, emphasizing the density and texture of his hair. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at future events and character developments, such as Esau's connection to the land of Edom, his impulsive nature, and the role his physical appearance will play in the narrative of the stolen blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 25:25, while seemingly a straightforward birth announcement, is rich with theological implications, primarily highlighting God's sovereign prerogative in election and the distinct paths He ordains for individuals and nations. Esau's physical distinctiveness and firstborn status are immediately juxtaposed with God's prior declaration that "the elder shall serve the younger" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Prophecy of the Elder Serving the Younger")). This establishes a profound theological truth: God's divine plan is not bound by human conventions, cultural norms, or even natural birth order, but is rooted in His unmerited grace and sovereign will. The narrative of Esau and Jacob profoundly illustrates that God chooses whom He will, not based on their works or merits, but according to His purpose, a theme later expounded by Paul in the New Testament. Esau's story thus becomes a foundational example of how human choices (like his valuing of a meal over his birthright) interact with divine election, revealing the significance of spiritual inheritance over temporal gratification.

* [Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "God's Sovereign Choice of Jacob over Esau")
* [Malachi 1:2-3](/malachi/1-2-3 "God's Love for Jacob, Hatred for Esau")
* [Hebrews 12:16-17](/hebrews/12-16-17 "Esau's Profane Rejection of His Birthright")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 25:25 serves as a profound reminder that God's intricate plans often unfold through seemingly ordinary events like birth, yet with extraordinary purpose. Esau's distinctive physical traits emphasize that while individuals are uniquely created, outward appearances do not dictate one's spiritual destiny or character. The subsequent narrative of Esau and Jacob profoundly illustrates God's sovereign choice and purpose, demonstrating that His divine will is not contingent upon human conventions such as birth order or physical attributes. This narrative encourages believers to recognize and trust in God's overarching plan, even when it defies human expectations or cultural norms, and to value spiritual inheritance above all else, understanding that true blessings often transcend immediate gratification. It challenges us to look beyond the superficial and discern God's deeper purposes, embracing His call on our lives regardless of our perceived strengths or weaknesses, and to prioritize eternal values over fleeting earthly comforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Esau's physical description challenge our assumptions about who God might choose or use for His purposes?**
* **In what ways might we, like Esau, be tempted to devalue our spiritual inheritance for immediate gratification?**
* **How does the theme of God's sovereign election, introduced here, shape our understanding of His grace in our own lives?**
* **What "birthrights" or spiritual blessings might we be neglecting or taking for granted in our walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why is Esau described as "red" and "hairy"?**

Answer: Esau's description as "red" (Hebrew: *ʼadmônîy*) and "hairy" (Hebrew: *sêʻâr*) is highly significant, serving both descriptive and prophetic purposes. His "redness" directly links to the nation of Edom, which descended from him, and foreshadows his impulsive choice to sell his birthright for "red pottage" in [Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Esau Sells His Birthright for Red Pottage"). This color also hints at his earthy, robust, and perhaps fiery disposition. His "hairiness" was so pronounced that it likely contributed to his name, Esau (Hebrew: *ʻÊsâv*, possibly meaning "hairy" or "rough"), and became a crucial element in Jacob's later deception of Isaac, who relied on touch to distinguish his sons in [Genesis 27:11](/genesis/27-11 "Jacob Imitates Esau's Hairiness"). These physical traits are not merely superficial but carry deep symbolic and prophetic weight, foreshadowing his character and the destiny of his descendants.

**Did Esau's birth as the firstborn contradict the prophecy that the elder would serve the younger?**

Answer: No, Esau's birth as the firstborn did not contradict the prophecy in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Prophecy of the Elder Serving the Younger"); rather, it established the very tension and narrative context through which the prophecy would be fulfilled. God's declaration that "the elder shall serve the younger" revealed His sovereign choice, indicating that His divine plan would transcend the customary rights and expectations associated with primogeniture in ancient Near Eastern culture. The subsequent events in the lives of Esau and Jacob, including Esau's selling of his birthright and Jacob's obtaining of the blessing, demonstrate how God works through human choices and circumstances to bring about His predetermined purposes, highlighting His sovereignty over human traditions and the ultimate triumph of His divine will. This narrative underscores that God's election is not based on human merit or birth order but on His own gracious purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 25:25 directly describes the birth of Esau, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader narrative of God's sovereign election and the establishment of a covenant line through Jacob, which ultimately leads to the Messiah. Esau's story, marked by his disregard for his birthright and his focus on immediate gratification, stands in stark contrast to the spiritual lineage chosen by God. This narrative underscores that God's redemptive plan is not based on human merit, birth order, or physical attributes, but on His unmerited grace and sovereign choice, culminating in Christ. Just as God chose Jacob over Esau, so too in the New Covenant, God chooses those who are "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" ([John 1:13](/john/1-13 "Born of God")). Through Christ, God perfectly fulfilled His covenant promises, offering a true, eternal birthright to all who believe, far surpassing any earthly inheritance or privilege. He is the ultimate "firstborn" in a new creation, through whom all spiritual blessings flow ([Colossians 1:15-18](/colossians/1-15-18 "Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation")). The narrative of Esau's loss of blessing foreshadows the greater blessing found only in Christ, the true Seed of Abraham, through whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise Made to Abraham and His Seed, Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.