Lexical Summary Esau: Esau Original Word: Ἠσαῦ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Esau. Of Hebrew origin (Esav); Esau, an Edomite -- Esau. see HEBREW Esav Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2269: ἨσαῦἨσαῦ (Ἠσαῦ Romans 9:13 Rst Tr; Hebrews 12:16 Rst; Hebrews 11:20 Relz), ὁ (עֵשָׂו i. e. hairy (Genesis 25:25; Josephus, Antiquities 1, 18, 1)), indeclinable, Esau, the firstborn son of Isaac: Romans 9:13; Hebrews 11:20; Hebrews 12:16. Topical Lexicon Historical BackgroundEsau, firstborn son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob (Genesis 25–36), became patriarch of the nation of Edom. In the Old Testament narrative he embodies an earth-bound, sensual disposition that ultimately forfeits covenant privileges for immediate gratification (Genesis 25:29-34). His later reconciliation with Jacob (Genesis 33) demonstrates personal growth, yet the nations that spring from the brothers—Israel and Edom—remain in tension throughout Scripture. Intertestamental and Rabbinic Memory Second-Temple literature frequently employs Esau/Edom as a cipher for forces opposed to the covenant community. This backdrop informs the mind of New Testament readers: Esau is more than an individual; he represents a spiritual trajectory contrasting with the electing grace shown to Jacob. New Testament Usage The name appears three times in the Greek New Testament: • Romans 9:13 cites Malachi 1:2-3: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” The quotation supports Paul’s argument that divine election is rooted in God’s sovereign purpose, not human effort or lineage. Esau functions as the negative counterpart to Jacob, illustrating how God’s plan progresses through selective mercy. • Hebrews 11:20: “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.” Here Esau is included within Isaac’s prophetic blessing, reminding readers that even those outside the ultimate covenant line were not ignored in God’s unfolding purposes. • Hebrews 12:16 warns, “See to it that no one is sexually immoral or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.” Esau is a moral example, standing for profane disregard of spiritual inheritance. Theological Themes Election and Mercy: Esau’s role in Romans 9 underscores the mystery of divine choice. God’s elective love is free and purposeful, aiming to display His glory and to secure redemption history. Birthright and Inheritance: Esau’s surrender of his status typifies the peril of trading eternal blessings for temporal satisfaction. Hebrews uses the episode pastorally to exhort perseverance when believers face pressures to abandon their confession. Profanity versus Holiness: Hebrews 12:16 designates Esau as “godless” (βέβηλος), highlighting a life oriented toward the immediate and physical rather than the sacred and eternal. Typological Significance 1. Flesh versus Spirit: Esau often symbolizes life “according to the flesh,” whereas Jacob represents life shaped by promise. Practical and Ministry Applications Perseverance in Grace: Like Esau, believers may be tempted to barter eternal hope for immediate relief. Pastors can employ Hebrews 12:16-17 to guard congregations against apostasy rooted in complacency or sensuality. Discipleship and Values: Esau’s narrative invites serious evaluation of priorities—food, comfort, reputation—vis-à-vis the weight of spiritual calling. Counseling the Wounded: Esau’s eventual reconciliation with Jacob encourages efforts toward familial and communal peace, reminding believers that strained relationships can be restored under God’s providence. Evangelism and Assurance: Romans 9 recognizes God’s sovereign initiative, freeing evangelists to proclaim the Gospel confidently while urging hearers to respond in repentance and faith. Eschatological Considerations Old Testament prophecies of Edom’s demise point forward to the consummation when every opposition to Christ is overthrown. Esau’s line serves as a historical precursor to the final separation between the redeemed and the reprobate. Key Cross-References Genesis 25:29-34; Genesis 27:30-40; Obadiah 1-21; Malachi 1:2-3; Romans 9:10-18; Hebrews 11:20; Hebrews 12:15-17. Forms and Transliterations Ησαυ Ἠσαῦ esau esaû Ēsau ĒsaûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 9:13 NGRK: τὸν δὲ Ἠσαῦ ἐμίσησα NAS: JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED. KJV: have I loved, but Esau have I hated. INT: but Esau I hated Hebrews 11:20 N Hebrews 12:16 N |
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