The meaning of Esau in the Bible
(From Easton's Bible Dictionary)

hairy, Rebekah's first-born twin son (Genesis 25:25). The name of Edom, "red", was also given to him from his conduct in connection with the red lentil "pottage" for which he sold his birthright (30,31). The circumstances connected with his birth foreshadowed the enmity which afterwards subsisted between the twin brothers and the nations they founded (25:22,23,26). In process of time Jacob, following his natural bent, became a shepherd; while Esau, a "son of the desert," devoted himself to the perilous and toilsome life of a huntsman. On a certain occasion, on returning from the chase, urged by the cravings of hunger, Esau sold his birthright to his brother, Jacob, who thereby obtained the covenant blessing (Genesis 27:28,29,36; Hebrews 12:16,17). He afterwards tried to regain what he had so recklessly parted with, but was defeated in his attempts through the stealth of his brother (Genesis 27:4,34,38).


See more on the meaning of Esau in the Bible:
Esau {International Standard Bible Encyclopedia}
Esau {Hitchcock's Bible Name}

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