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.
Transliteration:ʻÊsâv
Pronunciation:ay-sawv'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֵשָׂו (ʻÊsâv), Strong's number `{{H6215}}`, is a proper noun referring to Esau, the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah. The base definition provided suggests a derivation from the passive participle of the verb עָשָׂה (`{{H6213}}`), meaning "to do, make, fashion." The specific nuance attributed to עֵשָׂו is "rough" or "sensibly felt," which directly correlates with his physical description at birth as being "red all over like a hairy garment" ([[Genesis 25:25]]). Thus, the name itself encapsulates a prominent characteristic of the individual. Semantically, the term primarily denotes the person Esau himself, but it also extends to encompass his descendants, who became the nation of Edom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The narrative of Esau is predominantly found within the book of Genesis, particularly from chapter 25 through chapter 36. His birth is recounted in [[Genesis 25:24-26]], immediately highlighting his distinctive reddish and hairy appearance, which likely informed his name's meaning. A pivotal moment occurs in [[Genesis 25:29-34]], where Esau, driven by immediate hunger, contemptuously sells his birthright—the privilege and inheritance of the firstborn—to his younger twin brother, Jacob, for a bowl of lentil stew. This act reveals a character who values temporal gratification over spiritual and familial legacy.
The tension between Esau and Jacob escalates in [[Genesis 27]], where Jacob, with his mother Rebekah's help, deceives Isaac into bestowing the patriarchal blessing, intended for Esau, upon himself. This betrayal ignites Esau's deep-seated hatred and a desire for revenge, forcing Jacob to flee. Despite this profound animosity, a remarkable reconciliation takes place in [[Genesis 33]], where Esau, unexpectedly, embraces Jacob with compassion, demonstrating a surprising capacity for forgiveness and brotherly love.
Esau's further life is detailed in [[Genesis 36]], which provides a genealogy of his descendants, the Edomites, and their settlement in the mountainous region of Seir. Throughout the Old Testament, Edom, as the nation descended from Esau, frequently appears as a rival and sometimes an enemy of Israel, reflecting the initial tension between the brothers (e.g., [[Numbers 20:14-21]], [[Obadiah 1:1-21]]). In the New Testament, Esau is referenced in [[Romans 9:13]] within Paul's discourse on God's sovereign election ("Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated"), and in [[Hebrews 12:16]], where he serves as a cautionary example of one who "for a single meal sold his birthright."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for עֵשָׂו (`{{H6215}}`) is to the verb עָשָׂה (`{{H6213}}`), "to do, make, fashion." The suggested derivation points to a passive sense, perhaps "that which is made" or "finished," with the specific nuance of "rough" relating to a tactile quality.
Other related concepts and names include:
* אֶדֹם (`{{H123}}`): "Edom," meaning "red," the name given to Esau and his descendants, which connects both to his reddish complexion at birth and the "red stew" for which he sold his birthright ([[Genesis 25:30]]).
* שֵׂעִיר (`{{H8165}}`): "Seir," the mountainous region where Esau settled, a name that itself can mean "hairy" or "shaggy," further reinforcing the association with Esau's physical characteristic.
* בְּכוֹרָה (`{{H1062}}`): "Birthright," the significant inheritance and spiritual privilege that Esau despised and forfeited.
* יַעֲקֹב (`{{H3290}}`): "Jacob," Esau's twin brother, whose name means "supplanter" or "heel-grabber," highlighting the complex and often adversarial relationship between the two.
### Theological Significance
The story of Esau carries profound theological weight. Foremost, it serves as a primary biblical example of divine sovereignty and election. As articulated by Paul in [[Romans 9:10-13]], God's choice of Jacob over Esau, even before their birth and any actions they had taken, demonstrates that His election is not based on human merit or works, but on His own unconditioned will and purpose. This highlights God's freedom to choose whom He will for His redemptive plan.
Secondly, Esau's impulsive decision to sell his birthright for immediate gratification ([[Genesis 25:34]]) is a powerful warning against despising spiritual blessings and eternal inheritance for transient pleasures. The writer of [[Hebrews 12:16]] explicitly uses Esau as a negative example for believers, admonishing them not to be "godless" like him, who "for a single meal sold his birthright." This underscores the importance of valuing God's promises and exercising spiritual discernment over carnal desires.
Furthermore, the ongoing conflict between Esau's descendants (Edom) and Israel throughout biblical history reflects the broader theological theme of the world's opposition to God's chosen people. Yet, the unexpected reconciliation between Jacob and Esau in [[Genesis 33]] also offers a poignant illustration of grace, forgiveness, and the possibility of overcoming deep-seated animosity, foreshadowing the divine capacity for reconciliation.
### Summary
עֵשָׂו (ʻÊsâv), Esau, Strong's number `{{H6215}}`, is the firstborn son of Isaac, whose name is intrinsically linked to his "rough" or "hairy" physical appearance at birth. His life narrative, particularly in Genesis, is a foundational account for understanding divine election, the consequences of human choices, and the nature of spiritual inheritance. Esau's decision to sell his birthright for a meal and his subsequent loss of his father's blessing serve as a potent biblical caution against valuing temporal satisfaction over eternal spiritual privilege, as echoed in [[Hebrews 12:16]]. Theologically, his story, especially when viewed through the lens of [[Romans 9:13]], powerfully illustrates God's sovereign and unmerited choice in His redemptive plan. Despite the deep-seated rivalry with his brother Jacob, their eventual reconciliation in [[Genesis 33]] offers a profound testament to the power of grace and forgiveness. Ultimately, Esau's legacy extends to the nation of Edom, which frequently symbolizes the world's opposition to God's covenant people throughout biblical history.
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