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Esau

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The elder twin of Jacob in Genesis who impulsively traded his birthright for a bowl of stew, symbolizing shortsightedness and reversal.

Detailed Definition
Hairy and impulsive, Esau despised his inheritance, later reconciling with Jacob. His descendants became the Edomites. In poetry, Esau embodies impulsivity, the tragedy of undervaluing spiritual legacy, and the possibility of forgiveness across deep wounds.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Esau’s loss of birthright (Genesis 25) illustrates the cost of impulsive desire; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "Aurora Leigh," Esau symbolizes the natural man who scorns spiritual inheritance; In William Cowper’s hymns, Esau’s tears (Hebrews 12:17) warn against irrevocable choices; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Esau’s hunger contrasts with Jacob’s cunning faith; In John Keble’s "Lyra Innocentium," Esau represents the tragic figure of rejected privilege; In Christina Rossetti’s "Goblin Market," Esau’s stew prefigures the seduction of immediate gratification.
Additional Notes
Esau: Twin brother of Jacob; sells birthright for stew, loses blessing through deception (Genesis 25–27). Later reconciles with Jacob (Genesis 33). In poetry, Esau embodies impulsive desire, the tragedy of undervaluing sacred inheritance, and the complexity of forgiveness. His redness (“Edom”), hunting prowess, and hairy body offer vivid imagery. Avoid caricature—his tears (Heb 12:17) reveal deep loss. Useful for poems on rivalry, reconciliation, or the cost of momentary choices.
Also Known As
Esau father of Edom Esau the Hairy Edom
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