2269. Esau

Lexicon

Esau: Esau

Original Word: Ἠσαῦ
Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
Transliteration: Esau
Pronunciation: ay-sow'
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-sow')
Definition: Esau
Meaning: Esau, elder son of Isaac the patriarch, brother of Jacob.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Esau.

Of Hebrew origin (Esav); Esau, an Edomite -- Esau.

see HEBREW Esav

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2269: Ἠσαῦ

Ἠσαῦ (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

Word Origin: The Greek form of the Hebrew name עֵשָׂו (Esav).

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H6215 עֵשָׂו (Esav) • Esau, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob.

Usage: The name Esau is used in the New Testament to refer to the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. Esau is a significant figure in biblical history, known for selling his birthright to Jacob for a meal and being the ancestor of the Edomites.

Context: Esau is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, primarily found in the Old Testament but also referenced in the New Testament. He is the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah and the twin brother of Jacob. Esau is described as a skillful hunter and a man of the field, contrasting with Jacob, who is depicted as a quiet man dwelling in tents (Genesis 25:27).

The most notable event involving Esau is his impulsive decision to sell his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew when he was famished (Genesis 25:29-34). This act is often interpreted as a demonstration of Esau's lack of spiritual discernment and appreciation for the covenantal blessings associated with the birthright.

Esau's relationship with Jacob is marked by conflict and reconciliation. After Jacob deceitfully receives the blessing intended for Esau from their father Isaac, Esau harbors a grudge against Jacob and plans to kill him (Genesis 27:41). However, years later, the brothers reconcile when Jacob returns from Paddan Aram, and Esau greets him with forgiveness and acceptance (Genesis 33:4).

In the New Testament, Esau is mentioned in Hebrews 12:16-17 as a warning against godlessness and the consequences of despising one's spiritual heritage: "See to it that no one is sexually immoral or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears" (BSB).

Esau is also the progenitor of the Edomites, a nation often in conflict with Israel. His legacy is a complex one, serving as both a cautionary tale and a figure of reconciliation.

Forms and Transliterations

Ησαυ Ἠσαῦ esau esaû Ēsau Ēsaû

Englishman's Concordance

Romans 9:13 N
GRK: 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
GRK: καὶ τὸν Ἠσαῦ
NAS: blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding
KJV: and Esau concerning
INT: and Esau

Hebrews 12:16 N
GRK: βέβηλος ὡς Ἠσαῦ ὃς ἀντὶ
NAS: godless person like Esau, who sold
KJV: profane person, as Esau, who for
INT: profane person as Esau who for

Strong's Greek 2269
3 Occurrences

Ἠσαῦ — 3 Occ.