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 (Genesis 25:32)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 25:32:

  • Kankanaey: “‘Yes all-right, because it will have no use anyway if I die with hunger,’ Esau said.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Esau said — ‘Being hungry to eat I am about to die, so what does that right do for me?'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Esau said, ‘Okay, for what-will- I -do with those rights if I just die of hunger.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Esau replied, ‘Well, I am about to die from being so hungry. If I die now, my birthright will not benefit me./What good will my birthright be to me?'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 25:32

The Hebrew text begins Esau’s quoted statement with the word most commonly translated by Revised Standard Version as “Behold.” Good News Translation represents it as “All right!” Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “As you can see.” But many translations do not represent it. What Esau says in this verse indicates that he is agreeing to do what Jacob wants, even though this is not actually stated until the end of the next verse. So in many languages it will be natural to start this speech as Good News Translation does, with words that signal his agreement; for example, “Yes, you can have it. Just give me that food! ….”

I am about to die: Esau claims he is going to die (of hunger). In translation it may be necessary to make clear that hunger is killing him, so as not to give the impression that he is to be put to death by someone.

Of what use is a birthright to me?: Esau’s question is rhetorical. He is not asking for Jacob to explain the value of his birthright. In the context of a hungry man, this rhetorical question may be expressed as “Can I make a meal of a birthright?” In some languages such a question must be answered in the negative. The question may also be stated negatively; for example, “A birthright is of no use to me.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .