A name for life?

The Hairy Firstborn Son

Esau and Jacob are the Bible’s most famous set of twins and the names given to these two boys reveal a deeper meaning of the story. The name Esau (עשו) comes from the Hebrew verb asah (עשה) meaning “to do.” This is fitting since according to Scripture at the time of his birth “his whole body was like a hairy garment” (Gen. 25:25). In other words, already in his infancy, he was fully “done.” 

The Grasping Second Son

Jacob, the name of Isaac’s second – and ultimately dominant – twin son is also deeply meaningful. Ya’akov (יעקב), as it is pronounced in Hebrew, comes from the word akev (עקב) meaning “heel.” This is clearly due to the fact that according to the very next verse, Jacob came out “with his hand grasping Esau’s heel” (Gen. 25:26). Unlike his muscular older twin, Jacob is a quiet, studious boy who prefers to follow the leader.
 

Learn to see the Hebrew behind the names

Jacob and Esau’s roles reversed when Esau sold Jacob his birthright in exchange for a red stew and their names changed to reflect this transition. Jacob was renamed Israel, he who “strives with God.” Esau became Edom (אדום), the “red” one. These later became two neighboring nations who dominated the Land of Canaan for centuries. Unlock the genuine richness of Scripture by reading these stories in Hebrew - enroll in our live online Biblical Hebrew courses and appreciate the depth of the Bible!