3320. Cause me to sup I pray of the red, this red. That this signifies a longing for doctrinal things, and that this red signifies that which is apparently good, is evident from the signification of “supping,” as being to be communicated and conjoined (see n. 3089); and therefore “cause me to sup I pray” signifies to long for the conjunction with himself of truth or of doctrinal things; and from the signification of “red” as being good (see n. 3300); here, what is apparently good, because doctrinal things however disposed appear in the external form as good, although inwardly they are but a chaotic mass (n. 3316). The reason why these things are mentioned, is also that it was from this that Esau had the name Edom, for in the original tongue “red” is “Edom;” and this in order that by “Edom” may be signified the good to which are adjoined the doctrinal things of truth.

3315. Verses 29-30. And Jacob boiled pottage, and Esau came from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, Cause me to sup I pray of the red, this red, for I am weary; therefore he called his name Edom. “And Jacob boiled pottage,” signifies a chaotic mass of doctrinal things; “and Esau came from the field,” signifies the pursuit of the good of life; “and he was weary,” signifies a state of combat; “and Esau said to Jacob,” signifies the Lord’s perception from the good of the natural; “Cause me to sup I pray of the red,” signifies a longing for doctrinal things; “this red,” signifies that which is apparently good; “for I am weary,” signifies here as before a state of combat; “therefore he called his name Edom,” signifies his quality therefrom as to good, to which were adjoined the doctrinal things of truth.