Who was Esau?

Impulsive hunter with a loyal heart.

The story of Esau

Esau - Prophet
Esau - Prophet
147 yearsBorn: -1652Died: -1505From: CanaanProphet

Esau was the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah in the Bible. He was born in the land of Canaan and was known for being a skilled hunter and outdoorsman. He also had a twin brother named Jacob. Esau is famous for selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup. According to the Bible, Esau lived to the age of 147 and died in the land of Seir.

Name meaning

The name "Esau" is of Hebrew origin and is found in the Bible. In Hebrew, Esau (עֵשָׂו, `Esav`) is traditionally understood to mean "hairy" or "rough," which is fitting given the biblical description of Esau as being red and hairy at birth. Esau is a significant biblical character, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah and the twin brother of Jacob. The story of Esau and Jacob, detailed in the Book of Genesis, includes themes of birthright and blessing, with Esau famously selling his birthright to Jacob for a meal. The name Esau can therefore also symbolize impulsiveness and a connection to earthiness and physical strength.

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Prophet

First mention

Genesis 25:25

Appearances in the Bible

85 mentions

Family

Relatives of Esau

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Esau in the Bible

Explore all 17 chapters where Esau appears

Genesis

Chapter 25

The Birth of Esau and Jacob

Abraham has more children with Keturah and then dies at the age of 175.

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Genesis

Chapter 26

Isaac Deceives Abimelech

Isaac moves to Gerar and tells people that Rebekah is his sister, just as his father Abraham did. He becomes very wealth...

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Genesis

Chapter 27

Jacob Gets Esau's Birthright

Isaac plans to bless his older son Esau, but Rebekah and Jacob conspire to deceive Isaac so that Jacob receives the bles...

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Genesis

Chapter 28

Jacob's Ladder and Covenant with God

Jacob runs away to his mother's family and has a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. God confirms his promise to Jacob...

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Genesis

Chapter 32

Jacob's Wrestle with God

Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau and he wrestles with God.

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Genesis

Chapter 33

Jacob Meets Esau

Jacob and Esau are reconciled and Jacob moves his family to Bethel.

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Genesis

Chapter 35

Jacob's Return to Bethel

God tells Jacob to move to Bethel and to get rid of foreign gods. Jacob renames the place Bethel and builds an altar to ...

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Genesis

Chapter 36

The Genealogy of Esau

This chapter lists the descendants of Esau, also known as Edom.

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 2

Israel's Wanderings and Encounters

Moses reminds the Israelites of their journey through the wilderness and their defeat of King Sihon and King Og.

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Joshua

Chapter 24

Covenant Renewal at Shechem

Joshua gathers all the Israelites at Shechem and reminds them of God's faithfulness and calls on them to choose to serve...

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Romans

Chapter 9

God's Sovereignty and Election

Paul teaches that God's choice of some people for salvation is based on His own purpose and grace.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 1

Genealogy from Adam to Abraham

A genealogy of the descendants of Adam through Jacob, including the tribes of Israel.

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Obadiah

Chapter 1

The Judgment of Edom

Obadiah prophesies the judgment of Edom, a neighboring nation that had rejoiced at the destruction of Jerusalem and oppr...

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Malachi

Chapter 1

The Lord's Love for His People

The Lord expresses his love for the Israelites despite their unfaithfulness, but also reprimands them for their injustic...

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Hebrews

Chapter 11

Examples of Faith

This chapter provides examples of people from the Old Testament who lived by faith, inspiring readers to follow their ex...

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Hebrews

Chapter 12

Running the Race of Faith

This chapter encourages readers to run the race of faith with perseverance, focusing on Jesus and His example of enduran...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 49

Prophecies against the Nations

In Jeremiah chapter 49, the prophet receives prophecies from God regarding several nations neighboring Israel, including...

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Showing all 17 chapter appearances