### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ēsaû**, represented by `{{G2269}}`, is of Hebrew origin and refers to the biblical figure **Esau**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. In the New Testament, his story is used as a powerful illustration for theological arguments concerning faith, divine choice, and the danger of profanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G2269}}` in scripture presents a complex picture of its subject. In [[Hebrews 11:20]], **Esau** is a recipient of a blessing, as Isaac, by faith, **blessed** `{{G2127}}` both him and Jacob regarding future events. However, a contrasting view is offered in [[Romans 9:13]], which states, "Jacob have I loved, but **Esau** have I **hated** `{{G3404}}`," highlighting a distinction in divine purpose. Finally, [[Hebrews 12:16]] uses **Esau** as a negative example, warning against becoming a **profane person** `{{G952}}` who, "for one morsel of meat **sold** `{{G591}}` his **birthright** `{{G4415}}`."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words are central to understanding the context of **Esau**'s appearances:
* `{{G4415}}` **prōtotókia** (birthright): This word for "primogeniture (as a privilege)" is the invaluable inheritance that **Esau** relinquished, as noted in [[Hebrews 12:16]].
* `{{G952}}` **bébēlos** (profane person): Defined as "heathenish, wicked," this term is applied directly to **Esau** to characterize his act of trading his spiritual inheritance for physical sustenance [[Hebrews 12:16]].
* `{{G3404}}` **miséō** (hate): This term, meaning "to detest" or "to love less," is used in [[Romans 9:13]] to describe God's disposition toward **Esau** in the context of divine election.
* `{{G2127}}` **eulogéō** (bless): Meaning "to speak well of" or "invoke a benediction upon," this word is used to describe the blessing Isaac conferred upon **Esau** by faith [[Hebrews 11:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2269}}` is significant, serving as a basis for several key teachings.
* **Warning Against Profanity:** **Esau** functions as the primary biblical example of a **profane person** `{{G952}}`, one who despises sacred things. His trade of a **birthright** `{{G4415}}` for a meal serves as a warning against prioritizing temporary, worldly satisfaction over spiritual inheritance [[Hebrews 12:16]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The declaration in [[Romans 9:13]], "Esau have I **hated** `{{G3404}}`," is used to illustrate God's sovereign choice in carrying out His purposes, a theme central to the chapter's argument.
* **The Nature of Faith and Blessing:** Despite the negative contexts, the fact that Isaac **blessed** `{{G2127}}` **Esau** "by faith" demonstrates the power and function of faith-based declarations concerning "things to come" [[Hebrews 11:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2269}}` **Ēsaû** is not merely a historical name but a figure of profound theological importance in the New Testament. He is presented as both a recipient of a patriarchal blessing and, more pointedly, as a symbol of divine election and a cautionary tale against profanity. His actions provide a stark illustration of the choice between the sacred and the profane, the eternal and the temporal, making his brief mentions a cornerstone for understanding faith, inheritance, and God's sovereignty.
TRV