Esau

Esau (Hebrew עֵשָׂו, Standard Hebrew ʿEsav, Tiberian Hebrew ʿĒśāw) is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the older twin brother of Jacob in the biblical Book of Genesis, whom in the Torah, was tricked by Jacob into giving up his birthright (leadership of Israel) for a "mess of pottage" (meal of lentils). (Genesis 25:29-34). From this, "Esau" in western religions has metaphorically stood for anyone who is tricked into a worthless bargain.

Related Topics:
Hebrew - Standard Hebrew - Tiberian Hebrew - Isaac - Rebekah - Jacob - Biblical - Book of Genesis - Torah - Lentils

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The root of the name in Hebrew is derived from the word asuy denoting "completion", made and complete, since Esau was born hairy and very strong, being "completed" and not infantile. Esau has also been called Edom, which is also the name of the land where his descendents settled (Gen 36:16). The Book of Genesis connects this name with the red stew for which Esau exchanged his birthright (Gen 25:27-34). Edom means 'red'.

Related Topics:
Hebrew - Edom - Book of Genesis

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~