Ἠσαῦ (Ēsau)
Ēsau
Esau
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Ēsau (Strong’s G2269) is a proper noun referring to the biblical figure Esau, the elder twin son of Isaac and brother of Jacob. The sources note that the name derives from Hebrew, where it carries the meaning "hairy," a detail that connects directly to his birth description in Genesis 25:25.
In the New Testament, this name appears only three times, primarily in the letters to the Romans and Hebrews. Paul uses the reference in Romans 9:13 to illustrate God’s sovereign choice, quoting the phrase "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." Similarly, the author of Hebrews cites Esau in chapters 11 and 12, highlighting his faith at birth but contrasting it with his later disregard for his spiritual birthright.
These limited occurrences show that the name functions less as a character study and more as a theological symbol. It represents the human tendency to prioritize immediate physical satisfaction over long-term spiritual inheritance, serving as a cautionary example in early Christian teaching on faith and election.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Esau appears in the New Testament not to give us a full biography, but to offer a sharp warning about how we value what is permanent versus what is temporary. In Romans 9:13, Paul uses this reference to show that God’s choices are rooted in His own sovereign purpose, reminding us that our standing before Him depends on His grace, not merely our birth order or human effort.
Hebrews paints a different picture of the same man, describing him as someone who became "profane" by trading his spiritual inheritance for immediate comfort. This story invites us to examine our own hearts: are we willing to sacrifice long-term faithfulness for short-term relief? The text suggests that true faith requires a perspective that looks beyond the present moment.
Ultimately, this word challenges us to guard our spiritual birthright with the same seriousness Isaac showed when he blessed his sons. It is a call to prioritize eternal promises over fleeting desires, trusting that God’s plan for our lives is far greater than any immediate gratification we might seek.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Esau.1×
- Esau,1×
- Esau1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἠσαῦ.¶1×
- Ἠσαῦ,1×
- Ἠσαῦ1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 9:13
Even as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
This verse uses Esau to illustrate the principle of divine election, contrasting God's sovereign choice with human expectations of primogeniture.
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Hebrews 12:16
lest there be any sexually immoral person or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal.
Here Esau serves as a negative example of profanity, defined specifically by his willingness to despise his spiritual inheritance for temporary physical satisfaction.
-
Hebrews 11:20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come.
This occurrence highlights that even though Esau is mentioned in the context of faith, it underscores Isaac's faithful blessing rather than Esau's own enduring trust.