Esau

The name that is transliterated as “Esau” in English means “covered with hair,” “hairy.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Finnish Sign Language and American Sign Language it is translated with the signs signifying “hairy forearm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm, Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Esau” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

See also hairy (like Esau).

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Esau .

complete verse (1 Chronicles 1:35)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Chronicles 1:35:

  • Kupsabiny: “And Esau, he produced Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The sons of Esau were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The children of Esau were Elifaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Kora.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)

Translation commentary on 1 Chronicles 1:35

This verse lists the sons of Esau, verse 36 lists the sons of Eliphaz, and verse 37 lists the sons of Reuel. Little is known of these descendants of Esau other than what is provided here and in Gen 36.

The sons of Esau …: Once again the Hebrew text lacks a verb, which is fitting for a genealogical list in Hebrew. In languages where verbless sentences are unnatural, the verb “to be” may be supplied as in Good News Translation, New American Bible and other versions, or in some cases it may be possible to say “Esau gave birth to these sons….”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Chronicles 1:35

1:35 The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

Esau’s sons were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, amd Korah.
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⌊Issac’s first son⌋ Esau ⌊was the father of five⌋ sons. ⌊Their names were⌋ Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

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