Homilies on Genesis, Homilia X

Origen of Alexandria · c. 240–245 · Baehrens, Origenes Werke VI = GCS 29 (1920) · Original English Translation

Isaac prays; Rebecca conceives§1

1Isaac prayed for barren Rebecca; she conceived. Two nations in the womb — church and synagogue, or spirit and flesh.

Latin · §1

Oravit Isaac pro Rebecca sterili; concepit. Duae gentes in utero — ecclesia et synagoga, vel spiritus et caro.

Esau and Jacob born§2

2The first came out red and all hairy — Esau; Jacob holding the heel. Names match their deeds.

Latin · §2

Primus rufus et totus pilosus — Esau; Iacob calcaneum tenens. Nomina gestis congruent.

Isaac loves Esau; Rebecca loves Jacob§3

3Isaac loves Esau for game; Rebecca loves Jacob. Differing affections in the household of faith.

Latin · §3

Isaac diligit Esau propter venationem; Rebecca Iacob. Diversitas affectuum in domo fidei.

Birthright sold for pottage§4

4Esau: Give me of that red stew. He sells the birthright. Profane is the one who for a meal sells spiritual primacy.

Latin · §4

Esau: da mihi de rubro. Vendit primogenita. Profanus qui pro cibo temporary primatum spiritus vendit.

Despising the birthright — Homilia X CLOSEOUT§5

5Esau despised his birthright. Whoever scorns heavenly things for earthly ones imitates Esau. This is Homily X’s close. Amen.

Latin · §5

Despexit Esau primogenita. Qui caelestia pro terrenis contemnit, imitatur Esau. Haec Homiliae X clausula. Amen.

Contents ↑