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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Genesis 25  › Genesis 25:25

Genesis 25:25

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Genesis 25:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat; so they named him Esau.

King James Version KJV

And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

American Standard Version ASV

And the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the first came out red from head to foot like a robe of hair, and they gave him the name of Esau.

Free Bible Version FBV

The first baby to be born was red, and covered with hair like a coat. So they named him Esau.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So he that came out first was red, and he was all ouer as a rough garment, and they called his name Esau.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the first cometh out all red as a hairy robe, and they call his name Esau;

World English Bible WEB

The first came out red all over, like a hairy garment. They named him Esau.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the first was born red, all over like a hairy garment: and they called his name Esau.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He that came forth first was red, and hairy like a skin: and his name was called Esau. Immediately the other coming forth, held his brother’s foot in his hand, and therefore he was called Jacob.

Translation for Translators T4T

The first one born was red, and his body had hair all over it, like a garment made of hair. So they named him Esau, which sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘hairy'.

Plain English Version PEV

The 1st baby that was born, his skin colour was a bit red. He also had hair all over his body, like an animal skin. Isaac and Rebekah named that baby Esau.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 25:25

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 25:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א הָ/רִאשׁוֹן֙ אַדְמוֹנִ֔י כֻּלּ֖/וֹ כְּ/אַדֶּ֣רֶת שֵׂעָ֑ר וַ/יִּקְרְא֥וּ שְׁמ֖/וֹ עֵשָֽׂו
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/רִאשׁוֹן֙ riʼshôwn H7223 first Art | Adj
אַדְמוֹנִ֔י ʼadmônîy H132 red Adj
כֻּלּ֖/וֹ kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff
כְּ/אַדֶּ֣רֶת ʼaddereth H155 clothing Prep | N-fs
שֵׂעָ֑ר sêʻâr H8181 hair N-ms
וַ/יִּקְרְא֥וּ qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff
עֵשָֽׂו ʻÊsâv H6215 Esau N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 25:25

וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הָ/רִאשׁוֹן֙ riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
אַדְמוֹנִ֔י ʼadmônîy H132 "red" Adj
The Hebrew word for red describes Esau's appearance at birth, as well as someone with a reddish complexion or hair. It is used to describe Esau in Genesis. The word is also translated as ruddy.
Definition: red, ruddy (of Esau as infant)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: red, ruddy. See also: Genesis 25:25; 1 Samuel 16:12; 1 Samuel 17:42.
כֻּלּ֖/וֹ kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כְּ/אַדֶּ֣רֶת ʼaddereth H155 "clothing" Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for glory or a cloak, often referring to a prophet's garment, as seen in the clothing of Elijah and Elisha in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) glory, cloak 1a) glory, splendour, magnificence (of a vine, shepherds) 1b) mantle, cloak made of fur or fine material 1b1) prophet's garment
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: garment, glory, goodly, mantle, robe. See also: Genesis 25:25; 2 Kings 2:13; Zechariah 13:4.
שֵׂעָ֑ר sêʻâr H8181 "hair" N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to hair on people or animals, like in Leviticus 13:30 where it talks about hair loss. It can also describe a hairy garment.
Definition: 1) hair 1a) hair (of animals, man) 1b) hair (of garment made of hair) Aramaic equivalent: se.ar (שְׂעַר "hair" H8177)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hair(-y), [idiom] rough. See also: Genesis 25:25; Leviticus 14:8; Psalms 68:22.
וַ/יִּקְרְא֥וּ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 "name" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
עֵשָֽׂו ʻÊsâv H6215 "Esau" N-proper
Esau was the son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, and his name means 'hairy'. He sold his birthright to Jacob and lost the divine blessing, as told in Genesis 25:29-34, and became the ancestor of the Arab peoples.
Definition: § Esau = "hairy" eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: Esau. See also: Genesis 25:25; Genesis 33:9; Jeremiah 49:8.

Study Notes — Genesis 25:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 27:11 Jacob answered his mother Rebekah, “Look, my brother Esau is a hairy man, but I am smooth-skinned.
2 Genesis 27:16 She also put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck.
3 Genesis 27:23 Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.

Genesis 25:25 Summary

Genesis 25:25 tells us that Esau was born red and covered with hair, and his parents named him Esau, which means 'hairy'. This unusual birth may symbolize Esau's wild and untamed nature, as seen in his later actions and lifestyle (Genesis 25:27). Just like Esau, we are all born with unique characteristics and traits, and God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives, as stated in Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139:13-16. As we reflect on Esau's birth, we can remember that God is sovereign over all aspects of our lives, and we can trust Him to guide and direct us, even from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Esau born red and covered with hair?

The Bible does not provide a clear reason for Esau's unusual birth, but it may symbolize his wild and untamed nature, as seen in his later actions and lifestyle, as described in Genesis 25:27 and Genesis 27:1-4.

What is the significance of Esau's name?

Esau's name, which means 'hairy', was given to him because of his appearance at birth, as stated in Genesis 25:25, and it may also reflect his future character and actions as a hunter and outdoorsman.

How does Esau's birth relate to the prophecy in Genesis 25:23?

The birth of Esau and Jacob fulfills the prophecy spoken to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23, where God declared that two nations would come from her womb, and the older would serve the younger, as seen in the lives of Esau and Jacob, particularly in Genesis 27:29-40 and Genesis 33:1-17.

What can we learn from Esau's introduction in the Bible?

Esau's introduction in Genesis 25:25 teaches us that God is sovereign over all aspects of our lives, including our birth and upbringing, as stated in Psalm 139:13-16 and Jeremiah 1:5, and that our lives have a purpose and plan, even from the beginning.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Esau's unusual birth reveal about God's sovereignty and plan for his life?
  2. How does Esau's name and appearance reflect his character and actions later in life?
  3. What can we learn from the contrast between Esau and Jacob, even from their birth, in terms of their personalities and lifestyles?
  4. In what ways can we see God's hand and purpose in our own lives, even from the beginning, as we reflect on Genesis 25:25 and other scriptures?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 25:25

And the first came out red,.... Either his body, or rather the hair it was covered with, red; which was a sign, as Jarchi observes, that he would be a shedder of blood, fierce and cruel as were he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 25:25

And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 25:25

Red; with red hair upon all the parts of his body. From him the Red Sea is supposed to receive its name, it being so called, as the heathen writers tell us, from one who reigned in those parts, and was called Erythras, or Erythrus, which signifies red, the same with Edom or Esau. Esau, i.e. made or perfect; not properly a child, but rather a man as soon as he was born, having that hair upon him which in others was an evidence of manhood.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 25:25

Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.Ver. 25. And the first came out red.] Red and rough, cruel and crafty, as that red old dragon who inhabited in him, and both acted and agitated him. Ab ascensore suo daemone perurgebatur, saith Bernard. And so are those Romish Edomites, Esauites, Jesuites, &c. And they called his name Esau.] Factus et perrictus pilis, a bearded man, one that had everything more like a man than a babe; a manly child.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 25:25

(25) Red.—Heb., admoni, a secondary reason for the name Edom. (See Genesis 25:30,) All over like an hairy garment.—Heb., all of him—that is, completely—like a garment of hair: words rendered “a rough garment” in Zechariah 13:4, where it is used of the jacket of sheepskin worn by the prophets. It appears, therefore, that Esau’s body was entirely covered with red down, which developed in time into hair as coarse as that of a kid (Genesis 27:16), and betokened a strong and vigorous, but sensual nature. Esau.—The Jewish commentators form this name from the verb to make, and render it well-made; but the usual explanation is hairy, from a word now extant only in Arabic.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 25:25

Verse 25. Red, all over like a hairy garment] This simply means that he was covered all over with red hair or down; and that this must be intended here is sufficiently evident from another part of his history, where Rebekah, in order to make her favourite son Jacob pass for his brother Esau, was obliged to take the skins of kids, and put them upon his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. They called his name Esau.] It is difficult to assign the proper meaning of the original עשו esau or esav; if we derive it from עשה asah it must signify made, performed, and, according to some, perfected; [Arabic] esa in Arabic signifies to make firm or hard, and also to come to man's estate, to grow old. Probably he had this name from his appearing to be more perfect, robust, &c., than his brother.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 25:25

25. red] R.V. marg. ruddy. The adjective refers to the skin rather than to the hair, as in the case of David (1 Samuel 16:12). The Heb. for “red,” admoni, is intended as a play on the word “Edom,” as if the Edomites were known as “the Reds,” or “Redskins,” on account of their warm complexion. like an hairy garment] Cf. the description in Genesis 27:11-12; Genesis 27:16; Genesis 27:23. The word for “hairy” (sê‘ar) contains a play on the word “Seir,” the country of the Edomites. Esau] The origin of the name is uncertain, but it may possibly be connected with an Arabic word meaning “thick-haired.” More doubtful is the suggested identification with Ïὐ ?óῶ ?ïò, a hunter in Phoenician mythology. Esau appears as the poetical name for Edom. See Jeremiah 49:8-10; Obadiah 1:6; Obadiah 1:8 ff.; Malachi 1:2-3.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 25:25

25. Red, all over like a hairy garment — “His whole body was as if covered with a fur, with an unusual quantity of hair, (hypertrichosis,) which is sometimes the case with new-born infants, but was a

Sermons on Genesis 25:25

SermonDescription
Jacob Prasch Midrash - First Born and Second Born by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker addresses the desire for instant gratification and quick-fix solutions in Christianity. He warns against being susceptible to false preachers who promis
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