The birth of Isaac and Rebecca’s twins is marked by highly unusual physical phenomena that reveal the character and destiny of the first child to emerge. Commentators offer several perspectives on why Esau is born first. One approach compares the womb to a narrow tube: the first object to enter is inevitably the last to exit. By this logic, Jacob is formed from the very first drop, making him the true firstborn of the pregnancy, even though this physical reality dictates that he emerges last [חזקוני, צאינה וראינה]. Another perspective views Esau's prior exit as a process of spiritual cleansing for Jacob. Just as a peel precedes the fruit, or a servant washes the bathhouse before the king arrives, Esau absorbs the physical impurities of the womb, clearing the path so his brother can be born pure [מלבי״ם, חזקוני, בית הלוי]. Furthermore, his rapid emergence reflects an intense eagerness to grab his share of the material world, while Jacob is destined to inherit the eternal, spiritual world [כלי יקר, צרור המור, שפתי כהן].
The newborn is defined by two striking physical features. The first is a deep red complexion or red hair [רד״ק, שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This redness is not merely a passing color, but a permanent trait defining his very essence [הכתב והקבלה]. The primary approach among commentators views this as an ominous sign of a stormy temper, anger, and a natural leaning toward cruelty and bloodshed, hinting that he will ultimately live by his sword [רש״י, מלבי״ם, רקנאטי, קונטרס חיבה יתירה]. Some suggest this redness is the result of a violent birth, where the infant actually wounds his mother's womb in his frantic rush to be born [פענח רזא, צאינה וראינה]. Practically, this alarming red appearance causes Isaac to delay the child's circumcision, fearing that the newborn's blood has not yet been properly absorbed into his limbs [הדר זקנים, דעת זקנים, פרדס יוסף].
The second defining feature is a thick covering of hair, resembling a heavy wool cloak with hanging threads [רד״ק, מזרחי, דברי דוד]. This excessive hair represents an overabundance of physical vitality, where material forces are so dominant that they sprout hair even during the fetal stage [רש״ר הירש]. While the redness points to violence, the hair symbolizes a total immersion in physical desires, marking a person entirely focused on matter rather than intellect or spirit [מלבי״ם, כלי יקר]. Additionally, since such a hairy mantle is historically associated with the garments of hypocrites and deceivers, it serves as an early warning that he will become a deceptive hunter, misleading his father with false displays of righteousness [כלי יקר].
The bizarre appearance of the infant, born as both placentas burst simultaneously [אבן עזרא], astonishes everyone present. Consequently, it is the onlookers, or the general public, who give the child his name [אבן עזרא, רשב״ם, רש״י], with his brother Jacob being the only one who does not participate in the naming [ריב״א]. The name Esau stems from a root meaning "made" or "completed," as he appears fully formed, bearing the hair and physical maturity of an older youth [רש״י, העמק דבר, בכור שור], though in related languages, the name simply translates to "hairy" [שד״ל]. Yet, this physical perfection carries a profound spiritual tragedy. A person born with his physical tools fully developed and ready for immediate gratification is entirely bound to this material world. He lacks the essential potential for intellectual and spiritual growth, which can only be achieved gradually through effort, choice, and time [כלי יקר].