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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻÊsâv**, represented by `{{H6215}}`, is defined as **rough** or **sensibly felt**. It appears **97 times** across **82 unique verses** and refers to Esau, a son of Isaac, and his posterity. He is a key figure in the patriarchal narratives, primarily known as the twin brother of Jacob.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6215}}` is introduced at his birth as the first of Isaac's twin sons, coming out **red** `{{H132}}` and like a **hairy** `{{H8181}}` garment [[Genesis 25:25]]. He grew to be a **cunning** `{{H3045}}` **hunter** `{{H6718}}` and a **man** `{{H376}}` of the **field** `{{H7704}}` [[Genesis 25:27]]. His life is marked by a pivotal conflict with his brother, Jacob, beginning when **Esau** despised his **birthright** `{{H1062}}`, selling it for bread and pottage of lentiles [[Genesis 25:34]]. This conflict escalated when Jacob secured the blessing meant for **Esau**, leading **Esau** to **hate** `{{H7852}}` his brother and plan to **slay** `{{H2026}}` him [[Genesis 27:41]]. Though Jacob later fled from the **face** `{{H6440}}` of **Esau** [[Genesis 35:1]], they eventually reconciled in a dramatic meeting where **Esau** **ran** `{{H7323}}` to embrace his brother, and they **wept** `{{H1058}}` [[Genesis 33:4]]. **Esau** is also identified as the progenitor of the Edomites, dwelling in **mount** `{{H2022}}` **Seir** `{{H8165}}` [[Genesis 36:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial to understanding the narrative surrounding `{{H6215}}`:
* `{{H3290}}` **Yaʻăqôb** (Jacob): As Esau's twin brother and supplanter, Jacob is his narrative counterpart. The relationship between the two brothers, from rivalry to reconciliation, is a central theme [[Genesis 27:41]].
* `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm** (Edom): This name, meaning red, was given to Esau and became the name of his descendants and their territory. Scripture explicitly states, "these are the generations of **Esau**, who is **Edom**" [[Genesis 36:1]].
* `{{H8165}}` **Sêʻîyr** (Seir): The mountainous region where Esau and his descendants settled. God gave **mount** `{{H2022}}` **Seir** unto **Esau** for a **possession** `{{H3425}}` [[Deuteronomy 2:5]].
* `{{H1062}}` **bᵉkôwrâh** (birthright): This represents the primogeniture that Esau impulsively sold to Jacob, an act that shaped the destiny of both brothers and their descendants [[Genesis 25:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6215}}` is significant, often placing Esau in contrast to the line of covenant promise.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The distinction between the brothers is attributed to divine choice. The LORD states, "Was not **Esau** Jacob's brother? ... yet I **loved** `{{H157}}` Jacob, And I **hated** `{{H8130}}` **Esau**" [[Malachi 1:2-3]].
* **Prophetic Judgment:** The "house of **Esau**" becomes a subject of divine judgment in later prophecy. The house of Jacob is prophesied to be a **fire** `{{H784}}` and the house of **Esau** as **stubble** `{{H7179}}`, with none remaining [[Obadiah 1:18]]. This judgment is described as the "calamity of **Esau**" [[Jeremiah 49:8]].
* **Worldly versus Spiritual:** Esau's character is often depicted as prioritizing immediate, physical gratification over spiritual inheritance, exemplified by his choice to satisfy his hunger rather than preserve his **birthright** `{{H1062}}` [[Genesis 25:32]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6215}}` **ʻÊsâv** is far more than a historical individual. He is the progenitor of the Edomites and a foundational figure whose life illustrates profound theological truths. His story, intertwined with that of his brother Jacob, explores themes of family conflict, divine election, the consequences of shortsighted choices, and the fulfillment of God's sovereign purposes through nations. The narrative of **Esau** serves as a lasting scriptural archetype for the one who is set aside in favor of God's chosen line.
TRV