While the Bible does not explicitly detail the hair color of many characters, tradition, interpretation, and artistic depiction attribute red hair to several figures associated with biblical narratives. The most prominent individual directly described in the Bible with characteristics interpreted as red is Esau.
Figures Associated with Red Hair
Although direct biblical descriptions of red hair are rare, various traditions and interpretations have linked several notable figures to this characteristic.
Esau: The Hairy and Red Twin
Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah and twin brother of Jacob, is the most frequently cited biblical character associated with red hair. The book of Genesis describes his birth:
"The first came out red, all over like a hairy garment; so they called his name Esau." (Genesis 25:25, Bible Gateway).
The Hebrew word used here, admoni, means "red" or "ruddy," strongly suggesting a reddish complexion and/or hair, particularly given the description "hairy garment" for his body. This direct biblical passage is the primary source for associating red hair with a biblical figure.
Cain: Traditional Depictions
Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve, is another figure traditionally depicted with red hair. While the Bible does not explicitly state Cain's hair color, certain interpretations and legends—including some Jewish legends—attribute red hair to him. This association may stem from efforts to visually represent the "mark of Cain" or to symbolize aspects of his character. The provided reference notes this tradition, stating "Cain with his red hair."
Judas Iscariot: Artistic Convention
Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, is famously depicted as a redhead in many paintings and artistic works throughout history. This artistic convention likely emerged during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, where red hair, particularly combined with a beard, became a visual symbol of deceit, treachery, and villainy. This depiction is explored in scholarly works and is a notorious example of red hair association in post-biblical tradition rather than a direct biblical description.
Lilith: A Figure from Jewish Legend
Lilith is a figure found in Jewish folklore and legend, not directly in the canonical biblical text. According to some Jewish legends, Lilith was Adam's first wife before Eve, and she is often described as having red hair. This association with red hair in legend links it to powerful, often rebellious or demonic, feminine figures.
Summary of Red-Haired Figures
The table below summarizes the figures discussed and the nature of their association with red hair:
| Figure | Source of Association | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Esau | Direct Biblical Description | Genesis 25:25 describes him as "red, all over like a hairy garment" (admoni), making him the most explicit case. |
| Cain | Traditional/Legendary Depiction | While not explicitly stated in the Bible, he is traditionally associated with red hair, especially in certain Jewish legends and interpretations, as noted in the reference. |
| Judas Iscariot | Post-Biblical Artistic Tradition | Often depicted with red hair in European art from the Middle Ages onward, symbolizing treachery and sin. This is an artistic convention rather than a biblical description of his appearance. |
| Lilith | Jewish Legend/Folklore | Described as red-haired in some Jewish legends as Adam's first wife. Not a canonical biblical character, but an important legendary figure in discussions of biblical-era lore. |
While Esau is the only character directly described in the Bible with traits interpreted as red hair, the figures of Cain, Judas Iscariot, and Lilith demonstrate how red hair has been traditionally attributed to or depicted on figures related to biblical narratives through legend, interpretation, and artistic representation.
