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 33:16)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 33:16:

  • Newari: “So Esau went back to Seir that day.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So Esau just now returned to Seir that very day.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So on that day Esau left to return to Seir.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 33:16

So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir: as in verse 11, Esau silently gives way to his brother’s objections. Revised Standard Version is again very literal here. The meaning is “That same day Esau returned to Seir” or “That very day Esau started back to Seir.” Note Good News Translation “Edom,” as in verse 14.

Jacob and Esau now go their separate ways, but they will come together again to bury their father in chapter 35.

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 .