In brief
Esau is the eldest son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob's twin, in the age of the patriarchs. A hunter and a man of the open country, he gives up his birthright to Jacob for a meal, then loses his father's blessing. At first he wants revenge, but years later he runs to meet Jacob and embraces him. We remember how serious it is to despise what is precious, and that reconciliation is possible.
What does the name Esau mean?
The name Esau is sometimes linked to a word suggesting hairiness or being made, though this is not certain. The Bible stresses that he was born all red, like a hairy garment (Genesis 25:25). He also receives the name Edom, tied to the red stew he asks Jacob for (Genesis 25:30).
The story of Esau
Two twins, two nations
Genesis 25:19-28Rebekah, who is barren, becomes pregnant after Isaac's prayer. The children struggle within her, and the Lord tells her of two nations, the older serving the younger. Esau is born first, all red, then Jacob, holding his heel. Esau becomes a hunter, while Jacob stays among the tents. Isaac loves Esau, and Rebekah loves Jacob.
The birthright given up
Genesis 25:29-34One day Esau comes in from the field, worn out with hunger, while Jacob is cooking a stew. Esau asks for some. Jacob first proposes that Esau sell him his birthright, and Esau agrees. The text concludes that Esau despised his birthright.
The lost blessing
Genesis 27:1-40Isaac, now old, sends Esau to hunt game so that he can bless him. Rebekah overhears, and urges Jacob to present himself in Esau's place, wearing Esau's clothes. Isaac blesses Jacob. Esau returns, lets out a loud and bitter cry and begs his father to bless him too.
Anger and separation
Genesis 27:41-46Esau holds a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing. Rebekah learns of it and sends Jacob away to her brother Laban, until Esau's anger turns away. The family is torn apart, and the two brothers remain separated for many long years, each living his own life far from the other.
Reconciliation
Genesis 33:1-16Jacob returns with his wives and children, and sees Esau coming with four hundred men. Jacob bows down seven times. Esau runs to meet him, embraces him, falls on his neck and kisses him, and they weep. Esau at first refuses the gifts, then sets out again for Seir.
What Esau teaches us
- Despising what is precious to satisfy an immediate need has a cost that we sometimes regret for a long time.
- Parents' preferences create wounds, and each person answers for their own actions despite favoritism.
- God's blessing is not won by trickery: it is received from his hand.
- Anger can fade with time, and reconciliation is possible even after a serious betrayal.
- Esau's tears remind us how urgent it is to value God's gifts before it is too late.
Key verses
Esau asks for some of that red stew, because he is exhausted. The text says this is why he was given the name Edom. A need of the moment takes the place of what truly matters.
On hearing his father's words, Esau lets out a loud and bitter cry and asks to be blessed too. This verse shows the pain of someone who understands too late what he has lost.
Esau runs to meet Jacob, embraces him, falls on his neck and kisses him, and they weep. After years of separation, the text shows an unexpected reconciliation between the two brothers.
Sermons about Esau
Frequently asked questions
Who was Esau in the Bible?
Esau is the eldest son of Isaac and Rebekah, the twin brother of Jacob. He is a hunter, a man of the open country. He sells his birthright to Jacob, loses his father's blessing, then is reconciled with his brother. He is also called Edom.
What does the name Esau mean?
The meaning of Esau's name is debated: it is sometimes linked to the idea of hairiness or being made, though this is uncertain. The Bible reports that he was born red, like a hairy garment. It also explains his second name, Edom, by the red stew that Jacob served him.
Where can I find Esau's story in the Bible?
Esau's story is found in Genesis. His birth and the sale of his birthright are in chapter 25, the lost blessing in chapter 27, and his meeting with the returning Jacob in chapter 33. Hebrews 11:20 also mentions Isaac's blessing on Jacob and Esau.