Genesis 25:25
New International Version
The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau.

New Living Translation
The first one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair like a fur coat. So they named him Esau.

English Standard Version
The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau.

Berean Standard Bible
The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat; so they named him Esau.

King James Bible
And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

New King James Version
And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau.

New American Standard Bible
Now the first came out red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau.

NASB 1995
Now the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau.

NASB 1977
Now the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau.

Amplified Bible
The first came out reddish all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau (hairy).

Christian Standard Bible
The first one came out red-looking, covered with hair like a fur coat, and they named him Esau.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The first one came out red-looking, covered with hair like a fur coat, and they named him Esau.

American Standard Version
And the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

Contemporary English Version
the first baby was covered with red hair, so he was named Esau.

English Revised Version
And the first came forth red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The first one born was red. His whole body was covered with hair, so they named him Esau [Hairy].

Good News Translation
The first one was reddish, and his skin was like a hairy robe, so he was named Esau.

International Standard Version
The first son came out reddish—his entire body was covered with hair—so they named him Esau.

Majority Standard Bible
The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat; so they named him Esau.

NET Bible
The first came out reddish all over, like a hairy garment, so they named him Esau.

New Heart English Bible
The first came out red all over, like a hairy garment. They named him Esau.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the first was born red, all over like a hairy garment: and they called his name Esau.

World English Bible
The first came out red all over, like a hairy garment. They named him Esau.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the first comes out all red as a hairy robe, and they call his name Esau;

Young's Literal Translation
and the first cometh out all red as a hairy robe, and they call his name Esau;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the first shall come forth red, wholly as a mantle of hair: and they will call his name Esau.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that came forth first was red, and hairy like a skin: and his name was called Esau. Immediately the other coming forth, held his brother's foot in his hand, and therefore he was called Jacob.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He who departed first was red, and entirely hairy like a pelt; and his name was called Esau. At once the other departed and he held his brother’s foot in his hand; and because of this he was called Jacob.

New American Bible
The first to emerge was reddish, and his whole body was like a hairy mantle; so they named him Esau.

New Revised Standard Version
The first came out red, all his body like a hairy mantle; so they named him Esau.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the first came out red, all covered with ringlets of hair; and they called his name Esau.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And one went out first, red and all ringlets of hair, and he called his name Esau.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the first came forth ruddy, all over like a hairy mantle; and they called his name Esau.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the first came out red, hairy all over like a skin; and she called his name Esau.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob and Esau
24When her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb. 25The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat; so they named him Esau. 26After this, his brother came out grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born.…

Cross References
Genesis 27:11
Jacob answered his mother Rebekah, “Look, my brother Esau is a hairy man, but I am smooth-skinned.

Genesis 27:16
She also put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck.

Genesis 27:23
Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.

Genesis 27:41
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Genesis 36:1
This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom).

Genesis 36:8
So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the area of Mount Seir.

Genesis 36:19
All these are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and they were their chiefs.

Genesis 36:43
Magdiel, and Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their settlements in the land they possessed. Esau was the father of the Edomites.

Obadiah 1:6
But how Esau will be pillaged, his hidden treasures sought out!

Obadiah 1:10
Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever.

Obadiah 1:18
Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame; but the house of Esau will be stubble—Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau.” For the LORD has spoken.

Malachi 1:2-3
“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”

Romans 9:10-13
Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ...

Hebrews 11:20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.

Hebrews 12:16
See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.


Treasury of Scripture

And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

Esau.

Genesis 27:11,16,23
And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man: …

Jump to Previous
Body Born Esau First Foot Forth Garment Hair Hairy Head Mantle Red Robe Ruddy Whole
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Body Born Esau First Foot Forth Garment Hair Hairy Head Mantle Red Robe Ruddy Whole
Genesis 25
1. The sons of Abraham by Keturah.
5. The division of his goods.
7. His age, death, and burial.
11. God blesses Isaac.
12. The generations of Ishmael.
17. His age and death.
19. Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.
22. The children strive in her womb.
24. The birth of Esau and Jacob.
27. Their different characters and pursuits.
29. Esau sells his birthright.














The first one came out red
This phrase introduces the birth of Esau, the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah. The description of Esau as "red" is significant, as it foreshadows his later association with Edom, a name derived from the Hebrew word for red. This connection is seen in Genesis 36:1, where Esau is identified as the father of the Edomites. The color red may also symbolize Esau's passionate and impulsive nature, which is evident in his later life choices, such as selling his birthright for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34).

covered with hair like a fur coat
Esau's unusual hairiness at birth is noteworthy and sets him apart from his twin brother, Jacob. This physical characteristic is later used by Jacob and Rebekah to deceive Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing intended for Esau (Genesis 27:11-23). The description of Esau's hairiness also emphasizes his connection to the natural, untamed world, contrasting with Jacob's more domestic and refined nature. In a broader biblical context, hairiness can symbolize strength and virility, as seen in the story of Samson (Judges 16).

so they named him Esau
The name "Esau" is believed to be related to the Hebrew word for "hairy," reflecting his distinctive appearance at birth. Naming in the biblical context often carries prophetic or symbolic significance, and Esau's name foreshadows his future as a rugged outdoorsman and hunter (Genesis 25:27). The act of naming also highlights the parental role in shaping identity and destiny, a theme that recurs throughout the Bible. Esau's name and character contrast with his brother Jacob, whose name means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter," indicating the tension and rivalry that will define their relationship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Esau
The firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah, described as red and hairy at birth. His name, Esau, is derived from the Hebrew word "Esav," which is related to "asah," meaning "to do" or "to make," possibly indicating his robust and active nature.

2. Isaac
The father of Esau and Jacob, son of Abraham and Sarah. Isaac's role as a patriarch is crucial in the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham.

3. Rebekah
The mother of Esau and Jacob, wife of Isaac. Her pregnancy was marked by a divine revelation that the older son would serve the younger, setting the stage for future events.

4. Jacob
Esau's twin brother, who was born immediately after him. Jacob's name, meaning "heel-grabber" or "supplanter," foreshadows his future actions in relation to Esau.

5. Birth of Esau and Jacob
This event marks the beginning of a significant biblical account involving themes of birthright, blessing, and God's sovereign choice.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Sovereignty
The birth of Esau and Jacob reminds us of God's sovereign plan and His ability to work through human history to fulfill His purposes. We should trust in God's plan even when it seems contrary to human expectations.

The Importance of Birthright and Blessing
Esau's account highlights the significance of spiritual inheritance and the consequences of undervaluing God's blessings. We should cherish and protect the spiritual gifts and responsibilities entrusted to us.

Character and Choices Matter
Esau's physical description and later actions reflect his character. Our outward actions often reveal our inner character, and we should strive to align our lives with God's will.

Sibling Rivalry and Reconciliation
The relationship between Esau and Jacob is marked by conflict and eventual reconciliation. This teaches us the importance of forgiveness and seeking peace in our relationships.(25) Red.--Heb., admoni, a secondary reason for the name Edom. (See Genesis 25:30,)

All over like an hairy garment.--Heb., all of him--that is, completely--like a garment of hair: words rendered "a rough garment" in Zechariah 13:4, where it is used of the jacket of sheepskin worn by the prophets. It appears, therefore, that Esau's body was entirely covered with red down, which developed in time into hair as coarse as that of a kid (Genesis 27:16), and betokened a strong and vigorous, but sensual nature.

Esau.--The Jewish commentators form this name from the verb to make, and render it well-made; but the usual explanation is hairy, from a word now extant only in Arabic.

Verse 25. - And the first came out red, - Adhoni, πυῥῤάκης (LXX.), rufus (Vulgate), red-haired (Gesenius), of a reddish color (Lange), containing an allusion to Adham, the red earth - all over like an hairy garment. Literally, all of him as a cloak of hair (not, as the LXX., Vulgate, et alii, all of him hairy, like a cloak); the fur cloak, or hair mantle, forming one notion (Gesenius). The appearance of the child's body, covered with an unusual quantity of red hair, was "a sign of excessive sensual vigor and wildness" (Keil), "a foreboding of the animal violence of his character" (Kalisch), "the indication of a passionate and precocious nature" (Murphy). And they called his name Esau - "the hairy one," from an unused root signifying to be covered with hair (Gesenius).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The first
הָרִאשׁוֹן֙ (hā·ri·šō·wn)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

one came out
וַיֵּצֵ֤א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

red,
אַדְמוֹנִ֔י (’aḏ·mō·w·nî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 132: Red, ruddy

covered with hair
שֵׂעָ֑ר (śê·‘ār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8181: Hair

like a fur coat;
כְּאַדֶּ֣רֶת (kə·’ad·de·reṯ)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 155: Something ample

so they named
וַיִּקְרְא֥וּ (way·yiq·rə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

him Esau.
עֵשָֽׂו׃ (‘ê·śāw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac


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OT Law: Genesis 25:25 The first came out red all over (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 25:24
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