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 36:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 36:19:

  • Newari: “These are all descendants of Esau and family leaders. They were called Edomites.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “These (are) all the descendants of Esau who (were) leaders of Edom.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “That is the list of the sons of Esau, and the people-groups who were their descendants.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 36:19

If the translator is following closely the form of the Hebrew as reflected in Revised Standard Version, These points back to the names in verses 15-18. Otherwise we may translate, for example, “That is the list of the clans of the Edomites” or “That is the list of the clans that descended from Esau.”

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 .