The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Esau I Hated

I was curious if anyone could enlighten me as to this text in Greek or Hebrew. Is the word hate accurately translated? Is is perhaps just stronger? The meaning of the text is clear, but this detail piqued my curiosity.

This probably has nothing to do with this, but I was just reading tonight how Esau took as a wife.. the daughter of Ishmael. It is interesting that God always refers to Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel.) Not just Abraham. It was just interesting to see the comparison of Jacob and Esau and Isaac and Ishmael. One a godly line, the other was not. It makes me think of the differences between spiritual fruit and the "leaves" of our work. One is a work of God, the other is the work of our flesh. Comparing the promise of Isaac and that being a spiritual "fruit" and Ishmael being a "work," I suppose saying "Esau I hated" makes sense. Esau married into that.

Anyway.. hope that made sense.. and sorry for straying a bit off topic. I don't thinkt that's what you were looking for LOL.

Michele

The English translation of the Greek word, misew is spot on, i.e., "hate" is exactly what the word means. If there is any doubt as to how you should understand the word, that is, if it might be something other than hate, e.g., "love less", etc.. just read the context of where the original passages is found, Malachi 1:2-4. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,

Thank you for replying just the same Heath. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Pilgrim, thank you brother! Precisely what I needed.