The topic of red hair in the Bible is primarily associated with the figure of Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob, who is described as having a distinctive appearance. In Genesis 25:25 , it is written: "The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat; so they named him Esau." This description highlights Esau's unique physical characteristic, which is significant in the narrative of his life and his relationship with his brother Jacob.

Esau's red hair and hairy body are not merely physical traits but are also symbolic within the biblical narrative. His appearance is linked to his impulsive and earthy nature, as seen in the account of him selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34). The stew is described as "red," further connecting Esau's physical characteristics to his actions and decisions.

The color red in the Bible often symbolizes earthiness, passion, and sometimes sin or judgment. In Esau's case, his red hair and the red stew he desired can be seen as emblematic of his earthly desires and impulsive nature. This symbolism is further explored in the New Testament, where Esau is mentioned in Hebrews 12:16-17 as a warning against godlessness and the forfeiture of spiritual blessings for temporary, worldly pleasures.

While Esau is the most prominent biblical figure associated with red hair, the Bible does not provide extensive commentary on the significance of hair color in general. However, the mention of Esau's red hair serves as a narrative device to emphasize his distinctiveness and the unfolding of God's plan through the lineage of Jacob, later named Israel.

In the broader biblical context, hair is often a symbol of strength, identity, and consecration, as seen in the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) and the account of Samson (Judges 13-16). While red hair itself is not a focal point in these narratives, the emphasis on hair as a symbol of divine purpose and human identity is a recurring theme.

The account of Esau and his red hair invites reflection on the themes of identity, divine election, and the consequences of prioritizing immediate desires over spiritual inheritance. Through Esau's narrative, the Bible presents a complex interplay between physical characteristics and spiritual truths, encouraging readers to consider the deeper implications of their choices and the nature of their commitments to God.

Westminster Abbey.
... bas-relief of the taking of the heights of Abraham, think, I pray you, that not
only for England, but for you, the 'little red-haired corporal' conquered and ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture i westminster abbey.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... Sit-Typhon was red-haired and white-skinned, of violent, gloomy, and jealous temper.[*]
Secretly he aspired to the crown, and nothing but the vigilance of Isis ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Red-haired (1 Occurrence)
Red-haired. Redemption-price, Red-haired. Redness . Multi-Version
Concordance Red-haired (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 17 ...
/r/red-haired.htm - 6k

Good-looking (7 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Samuel 17:42 And when the Philistine, taking note, saw David, he had a
poor opinion of him: for he was only a boy, red-haired and good-looking. (BBE). ...
/g/good-looking.htm - 8k

Redemption-price (2 Occurrences)
Redemption-price. Redemption-money, Redemption-price. Red-haired . ...
Redemption-money, Redemption-price. Red-haired . Reference Bible.
/r/redemption-price.htm - 7k

Redness (2 Occurrences)

/r/redness.htm - 7k

David (1052 Occurrences)
... As to his personal appearance, we only know that he was red-haired, with
beautiful eyes and a fair face (1 Samuel 16:12; 17:42). ...
/d/david.htm - 93k

Note (129 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Samuel 17:42 And when the Philistine, taking note, saw David, he had a
poor opinion of him: for he was only a boy, red-haired and good-looking. (BBE). ...
/n/note.htm - 37k

Boy (94 Occurrences)
... (BBE NIV). 1 Samuel 17:42 And when the Philistine, taking note, saw David, he had
a poor opinion of him: for he was only a boy, red-haired and good-looking. ...
/b/boy.htm - 35k

Opinion (91 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Samuel 17:42 And when the Philistine, taking note, saw David, he had a
poor opinion of him: for he was only a boy, red-haired and good-looking. (BBE). ...
/o/opinion.htm - 34k

Poor (276 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:42 And when the Philistine, taking note, saw David, he had a poor opinion
of him: for he was only a boy, red-haired and good-looking. (BBE). ...
/p/poor.htm - 60k

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