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 36:9)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 36:9:

  • Newari: “Here is the list of the descendants of Esau, ancestor of the Edomites who live in the hills in the country of Seir –” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “This is the story about the family of Esau the father of the Edomnon who live in the mountains of Seir.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Here is/I will now give you another list of the male descendants of Esau. He was the ancestor of the Edom people-group who live in the Seir area.” (Source: Translation for Translators)