Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau
Genesis 32:1-21
Gen.32.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבקר: PREP
- וינשק: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לבניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ולבנותיו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויברך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתהם: PRON,3,m,pl,acc
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למקמו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.31:54-55 (verbal): Immediate context/parallel scene: Laban and Jacob reconcile; Laban kisses and blesses his children and then returns home — nearly identical vocabulary and action (kissing, blessing, departure).
- Gen.33:4 (verbal): Esau runs to meet Jacob, embraces and kisses him — same motif of kissing as expression of reconciliation and familial affection.
- Gen.46:29 (verbal): Joseph falls on his father's neck and kisses him on reunion — another instance where kissing marks family reunion and deep emotion in the patriarchal narratives.
- Gen.49:1-2 (thematic): Jacob summons and blesses his sons before death — thematically related in the pattern of patriarchal blessings and farewell addresses to family members.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Laban rose early in the morning and kissed his sons and his daughters and blessed them; and Laban went and returned to his place.
- And Laban rose early in the morning, and he kissed his sons and his daughters and blessed them; and he went, and Laban returned to his place.
Gen.32.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעקב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדרכו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויפגעו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מלאכי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.28:12 (verbal): Jacob earlier encounters 'angels of God' ascending and descending on a ladder—similar language and the motif of angels meeting Jacob on his journey.
- Gen.31:11 (allusion): Jacob reports that 'the angel of God' appeared to him in a dream—another instance of angelic visitation guiding and addressing Jacob.
- Exod.23:20 (thematic): God promises to send an angel before Israel to guard and lead them on the way—parallels the idea of divine escort meeting a traveller.
- Ps.34:7 (thematic): 'The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him'—a theme of angels meeting and protecting God's people like the angels who meet Jacob.
- Heb.1:14 (thematic): Angels are described as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation—echoes the role of angels appearing to and aiding faithful individuals such as Jacob.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
- And Jacob went on his way, and the messengers of God met him.
Gen.32.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- ראם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מחנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- מחנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.28:16-19 (verbal): Almost identical wording and motifs: Jacob's recognition of a sacred place, naming it Bethel ('house of God'), and the 'gate of heaven' language.
- Exod.3:5-6 (thematic): Moses recognizes the ground as holy because of God's presence ('take off your sandals'); theme of human awareness of divine presence at a specific place.
- Josh.5:15 (thematic): The commander/angel tells Joshua to remove his sandals because the place is holy—another instance of holiness attached to a geographic location where God or his messenger appears.
- Ps.24:7-10 (allusion): Gate imagery applied to divine access ('lift up your heads, O gates') resonates with Jacob's 'this is the gate of heaven,' linking sacred space and entry into God's realm.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob said when he saw them, “This is God’s camp.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
- And Jacob said when he saw them, "This is God’s camp"; and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
Gen.32.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שעיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.32.5 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the messengers return and report Esau's approach, showing the purpose and result of Jacob's sending of envoys.
- Gen.32.21 (thematic): Jacob sends gifts ahead to Esau as part of his strategy of preparation and appeasement — another use of intermediaries to manage a fraught family encounter.
- Gen.33.1-4 (structural): The meeting and reconciliation with Esau that follows the sending of messengers; shows outcome of Jacob's prior diplomatic moves.
- Gen.27.41-45 (thematic): Context of prior enmity between Esau and Jacob (Esau's intent to kill Jacob) — contrasts the earlier flight with Jacob's later use of messengers to seek rapprochement.
- Gen.24:2-10 (thematic): Abraham sends a servant as an agent to arrange a marriage for Isaac — a parallel use of messengers/agents to conduct important family negotiations on behalf of a patriarch.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.
- And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, to the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
Gen.32.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כה: ADV
- תאמרון: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,pl
- לאדני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,m,poss1s
- לעשו: PREP
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- ואחר: CONJ
- עד: PREP
- עתה: ADV
Parallels
- Gen.32.20 (verbal): Contains the fuller wording of the message Jacob sends to Esau—same self‑designation (“thy servant Jacob”) and appeal that his gifts be received to find favor before Esau.
- Gen.31.36-42 (verbal): Jacob’s earlier account of his years with Laban uses similar language about dwelling/serving with Laban; echoes the factual claim in the messengers’ formula (“I have sojourned with Laban”).
- Gen.33.1-11 (thematic): The ensuing encounter with Esau develops the same themes of humility, servile address (‘my lord’/‘thy servant’), and conciliatory posture that Jacob instructs his messengers to adopt here.
- Ruth 2:10-13 (thematic): Ruth’s humble language to Boaz—calling herself a maid/servant and appealing for favor—parallels Jacob’s use of servile self‑designation and request for grace in approaching a superior.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he commanded them, saying, “Thus you shall say to my lord, to Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob: With Laban I have sojourned, and I have delayed until now.
- And he commanded them, saying, "Thus you shall say to my lord, to Esau: ‘Thus says your servant Jacob: I have sojourned with Laban and have stayed until now;’
Gen.32.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחמור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועבד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושפחה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואשלחה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- להגיד: INF,hiph
- לאדני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,m,poss1s
- למצא: PREP,VERB,qal,inf
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
Parallels
- Gen.33:8-11 (verbal): Jacob again lists flocks and servants and offers gifts to Esau; parallels the catalogue of oxen/donkeys, flocks and servants and the activity of sending/setting gifts before Esau.
- Gen.32:13-20 (structural): The broader episode in which Jacob sends animals ahead as a present to placate Esau; echoes the same strategy and inventory of livestock and servants implied in 32:6.
- Gen.30:43 (verbal): Description of Jacob’s increase in Laban’s household — ‘large flocks, servants, maidservants’ — shares vocabulary and the theme of amassed livestock and retainers.
- Gen.24:35 (thematic): Abraham’s prosperity catalogue (‘flocks, herds, menservants, maidservants’) uses similar terms to describe household wealth and dependents, a common biblical formula for social/economic status.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I have ox and donkey, flock, and male servant and female servant; and I have sent to tell my lord, to find favor in your eyes.”
- ‘and I have ox and donkey, flock, and male and female servants; and I send to tell my lord, in order to find favor in your eyes.’"
Gen.32.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- המלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אל: NEG
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- באנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- אל: NEG
- אחיך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וגם: CONJ
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לקראתך: PREP,NOUN,m,sg,cs,suff,2,m,sg
- וארבע: CONJ,NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 33:1 (verbal): Repeats the narrative moment when Esau approaches Jacob ‘with four hundred men’; parallels the report of Esau’s coming and frames the encounter that follows.
- Genesis 28:12 (verbal): Uses the same phrase ‘angels of God’ (מלאכי־האלהים) and the motif of angels appearing to Jacob—an established heavenly presence around Jacob’s journey.
- Exodus 23:20 (thematic): God promises to send an angel before Israel to guide and protect them; thematically parallels the idea of divine/angelic agents acting as messengers and escorts on a journey.
- Psalm 34:7 (thematic): Speaks of the angel of the LORD encamping around those who fear him—a related motif of angelic protection and intervention on behalf of a person.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother, to Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him.”
- And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother, to Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him."
Gen.32.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויירא: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
- ויצר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויחץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ואת: CONJ
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הבקר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והגמלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לשני: PREP+NUM,card,du
- מחנות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 33:1-2 (structural): Same narrative sequence—Jacob again divides the people/household as he approaches Esau, showing the same precautionary arrangement before the meeting.
- Judges 7:5-7 (thematic): Gideon divides his force into companies and uses a tactical deployment when facing a superior enemy—parallel in prudential military preparation and dividing forces.
- Proverbs 27:12 (thematic): “A prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself” — a wisdom rationale for Jacob’s precaution of separating his people and flocks to mitigate the risk of total loss.
- Psalm 56:3-4 (thematic): Expresses the human response to fear and the turn to trust in God. Jacob’s fear and subsequent actions (division and prayer in the surrounding verses) reflect this pattern of fear prompting measures and appeal to God.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob was very afraid, and it distressed him, and he divided the people who were with him, and the flock and the herd and the camels, into two camps.
- And Jacob was very afraid and distressed, and he divided the people who were with him, and the flock and the cattle and the camels, into two camps.
Gen.32.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- האחת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והכהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנשאר: ADJ,ptcp,qal,m,sg,def
- לפליטה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 32:7-8 (verbal): Immediate context: the same scene where Jacob divides his household into two 'camps' out of fear of Esau and expresses the exact contingency—if Esau attacks one group, the other may escape.
- Genesis 33:1-4 (structural): Narrative continuation: Jacob's preparations and fear give way to the actual encounter with Esau, showing how the anticipated attack (feared in 32:9) is resolved when the brothers meet peacefully.
- Genesis 37:18-20 (thematic): Fraternal threat motif: Joseph’s brothers plot to kill him, reflecting the theme of intra-family violence and a younger sibling's fear of lethal hostility from kin, similar to Jacob’s fear of Esau.
- Joshua 8:4-9 (structural): Military tactic of dividing forces/ambush: Joshua arranges troops in separate detachments and an ambush, echoing the strategic idea of splitting forces or camps to meet a hostile advance.
- 1 Samuel 24:3-7 (thematic): Threat from a superior kin/leader and contingency planning: David and his men are confronted with the danger posed by Saul; the passage explores responses to an imminent attack by a powerful relative/rival, thematically tied to Jacob’s apprehension and protective measures.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, “If Esau comes to the one camp and strikes it, then the remaining camp will escape.”
- And he said, "If Esau comes to the one camp and strikes it, then the camp that remains will escape."
Gen.32.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- האמר: PTCP,qal,ptcp,ms,sg,def
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- שוב: ADV
- לארצך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- ולמולדתך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons,2,m,sg
- ואיטיבה: VERB,qal,fut,1,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
Parallels
- Gen.31:3 (quotation): God explicitly told Jacob to "return to the land of your fathers... and I will be with you"—the very promise Jacob invokes in 32:10.
- Gen.28:13-15 (quotation): At Bethel God promises land, offspring, and presence to Jacob; 32:10 echoes this covenant assurance that God would 'do well' by him.
- Exod.3:6 (verbal): God's self-designation as 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac' matches Jacob's invocation, linking the current experience to the patriarchal covenant formula.
- Gen.12:2-3 (thematic): God's promise to Abraham of nation, blessing, and prosperity underlies the covenant continuity Jacob appeals to when recalling God's pledge to 'benefit' him.
- Gen.46:3 (allusion): God again identifies himself as the God of Jacob's fathers and reassures Jacob about going to Egypt, repeating the motif of divine presence and welfare found in 32:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob said, “God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, ‘Return to your land and to your kindred, and I will do good to you,’
- And Jacob said, "God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, YHWH who said to me, ‘Return to your land and to your kindred, and I will do good to you,’
Gen.32.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- קטנתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- מכל: PREP
- החסדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ומכל: CONJ
- האמת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- כי: CONJ
- במקלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,m,sg
- עברתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ועתה: CONJ
- הייתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- לשני: PREP+NUM,card,dual,m
- מחנות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.32:10 (verbal): Almost identical language and sentiment — the speaker admits unworthiness before God and attributes past care to divine kindness (continuation of the same petition).
- Gen.32:9-12 (structural): The wider prayer context: Jacob's plea for protection and reminder of God's past mercies (the verse is part of this unit pleading hesed before meeting Esau).
- Gen.28:20-22 (thematic): Earlier vow at Bethel where Jacob acknowledges God's help and pledges himself — similar motif of remembering divine kindness and responding in humility and commitment.
- Deut.7:9 (verbal): Uses the paired themes of covenantal steadfast love and faithfulness (hesed/emet); echoes the biblical vocabulary and theological claim that God shows loyal kindness over time.
- Psalm 25:10 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD's 'steadfast love and faithfulness' governing his ways toward those who keep his covenant — parallels the language and idea of God's ongoing loyal care referenced by Jacob.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am unworthy of all the steadfast love and of all the faithfulness that you have done for your servant, for with my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.
- I am unworthy of all the loyal love and all the faithfulness that you have done with your servant, for with my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.
Gen.32.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הצילני: VERB,hif,impv,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- מיד: PREP
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- מיד: PREP
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- ירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- פן: CONJ
- יבוא: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- והכני: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- על: PREP
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.27:41-45 (thematic): Esau's vow to kill Jacob and Jacob's subsequent flight—background cause of Jacob's fear and plea for deliverance in 32:12.
- Gen.33:1-4 (structural): Immediate resolution of the threat: Jacob's fearful expectation gives way to an encounter in which Esau embraces him—shows outcome of the plea and divine protection.
- Ps.3:1-8 (thematic): David's prayer for rescue while fleeing a close kin (Absalom); similar situation of fear of a relative and appeal to God for protection.
- Ps.59:1-2 (verbal): A direct plea for God to 'deliver me from my enemies' and to protect from those who rise against the speaker—verbal and thematic parallel to Jacob's request for salvation from Esau.
Alternative generated candidates
- Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, lest he come and strike me, mother with children.
- Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, lest he come and strike me—the mother with the children.
Gen.32.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- אמרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- היטב: ADV
- איטיב: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- ושמתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- זרעך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- כחול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הים: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- יספר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.22:17 (verbal): God's promise to Abraham: 'I will surely bless you... and will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore' — nearly identical imagery of innumerable descendants.
- Gen.26:4 (verbal): Promise to Isaac: uses the same pair of images ('as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore') to describe the multiplication of seed.
- Gen.28:14 (quotation): God's earlier promise to Jacob at Bethel that his offspring will be numerous ('your descendants shall be like the dust of the earth'/'you shall spread abroad') — the source tradition Jacob evokes in 32:13.
- Heb.11:12 (allusion): New Testament reflection on the patriarchal promise: speaks of descendants 'as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is by the seashore,' explicitly echoing Genesis' imagery to describe Abraham's seed.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted for multitude.’”
- And you said, ‘I will surely do good to you, and I will make your seed like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted for multitude.’"
Gen.32.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- בלילה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- מנחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לעשו: PREP
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.32.20–21 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Jacob organizes and sends the detailed list of the animals and goods described as the ‘present’ he had taken for Esau.
- Gen.33:8–11 (structural): Resolution of the gift motif: Jacob offers the present to Esau in their meeting and Esau’s gracious response shows the intended conciliatory function of the gift.
- 1 Sam.25:18–31 (thematic): Abigail brings provisions to David to avert wrath and secure reconciliation—parallel function of a timely gift used to placate a potential opponent.
- Prov.21:14 (allusion): Proverbial reflection of the same social principle: a gift (given to appease) can pacify anger, echoing Jacob’s use of a present to placate Esau.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he lodged there that night, and he took from what came to his hand a gift for Esau his brother:
- And he lodged there that night, and he took from what was at hand a gift for Esau his brother:
Gen.32.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עזים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מאתים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ותישים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- רחלים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מאתים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ואילים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
Parallels
- Gen.32.13-21 (verbal): Immediate context: the full catalogue of gifts (count of goats, ewes, rams) and Jacob's stated purpose of appeasing Esau — the same list and function as v.15.
- Gen.32.17-20 (structural): Continues the action connected to the gift list: Jacob arranges and sends the animals ahead in droves as part of the plan to defer Esau and test his disposition.
- Gen.33.1-11 (thematic): Jacob's meeting with Esau, where the gifts (flocks and herds) figure in the reconciliation narrative; shows the social and diplomatic role of livestock as presents and signs of wealth.
- Gen.30.43 (thematic): Earlier account of Jacob's prosperity: 'the man grew exceedingly prosperous and had large flocks, female servants, and camels and donkeys' — background for the abundance from which the gift animals derive.
- Gen.31.38-42 (allusion): Jacob's retrospective claim about his labor and the increase of Laban's flocks highlights the accumulation of animals and serves as an antecedent explanation for the numbers and value of the livestock he now possesses and can give.
Alternative generated candidates
- two hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
- two hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
Gen.32.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גמלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מיניקות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ובניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- פרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- ופרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- אתנת: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- ועירם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 32:5 (verbal): Jacob's message to Esau lists his possessions (oxen, flocks, camels, servants) — a verbal and contextual parallel to the specific inventory given in 32:16.
- Genesis 32:13-21 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Jacob arranges and sends these animals as gifts to Esau, so 32:16 functions as the concrete inventory that is then divided and dispatched.
- Genesis 30:43 (thematic): Summary statement that Jacob became prosperous and grew large flocks — 32:16 is a detailed manifestation of that prosperity described here.
- Genesis 31:38-41 (allusion): Jacob's recounting of his years with Laban explains how his flocks and camels increased under his care, providing the background for the holdings itemized in 32:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- thirty milking camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals.
- thirty nursing camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty she-donkeys and ten donkey colts.
Gen.32.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- עדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לפני: PREP
- ורוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תשימו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- בין: PREP
- עדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- עדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.30:37-43 (thematic): Jacob earlier arranges and manipulates flocks (using rods and selective breeding) to produce and separate flocks under his care — similar concern with organizing and controlling animals for his household.
- Gen.33:1-2,13-14 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel: after the meeting with Esau Jacob again sets people and animals in order and asks that the cattle go before him (’lead on softly…according as the cattle that goeth before me’), echoing the action of sending flocks ahead and spacing them.
- Gen.31:38-41 (thematic): Jacob’s account of tending Laban’s flocks highlights his continual management, separation and care of animals (and appropriation of particular animals as wages), paralleling the practical shepherding and ordering in Gen 32:17.
- Ezekiel 34:17-22 (thematic): God’s judgment imagery includes separating sheep from sheep and distinguishing flocks; thematically parallels the motif of sorting and spacing flocks and the responsibility of arranging animals under a shepherd/owner.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he put them into the hand of his servants, herd by herd apart, and he said to his servants, “Pass on before me, and put a space between herd and herd.”
- And he put them into the hand of his servants, herd by herd by itself, and he said to his servants, "Pass on before me, and you shall put a space between herd and herd."
Gen.32.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כי: CONJ
- יפגשך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj2
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- ושאלך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj2
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- למי: PREP,interr
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואנה: ADV,interr
- תלך: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ולמי: CONJ+PREP,interr
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- לפניך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.33:5-7 (verbal): Esau asks Jacob essentially the same questions—Who are these with you?—echoing the inquiry of ownership/association that Jacob anticipates in 32:18.
- Gen.32:27-28 (thematic): Shortly after 32:18, Jacob himself is asked his name by the divine wrestler; both passages feature direct questions of identity and status in a pivotal encounter.
- Gen.24:47 (verbal): Abraham’s servant asks Rebekah about her family (“Whose daughter art thou?”). Like 32:18, this is a travel/meeting context in which kinship/ownership questions determine reception and hospitality.
- Gen.37:15-17 (thematic): When Joseph wanders and is questioned by a man (and later approaches his brothers), the motif of a traveler being asked ‘What seekest / where goest thou?’ parallels the anticipated interrogation Jacob prepares for in 32:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he commanded the first, saying, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going, and whose are these before you?’
- And he commanded the first, saying, "When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘Whose are you, and where are you going, and whose are these before you?’
Gen.32.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לעבדך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ליעקב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- מנחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- שלוחה: PART,qal,ptcp,f,sg
- לאדני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,m,poss1s
- לעשו: PREP
- והנה: ADV
- גם: ADV
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אחרינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- Gen.32.5 (verbal): Same messenger-formula — Jacob sends word to 'my lord Esau' identifying himself as 'thy servant Jacob.' Direct verbal/functional parallel to the phrasing in 32:19.
- Gen.33:4-10 (structural): Continues the encounter: presentation of gifts, use of 'servant' language, and the face-to-face meeting/reconciliation — parallels the gift-offering and conciliatory intent of 32:19.
- Gen.43:11-14 (verbal): Joseph's brothers are instructed to present gifts and call themselves 'servants' to the unknown ruler — similar diplomatic language and the practice of sending presents to appease or gain favor.
- 2 Sam.10:3-5 (thematic): David's envoys carry a conciliatory present to Hanun/Ammon — an instance of gift-bearing diplomacy with envoys like in Gen 32, here showing differing outcomes and the diplomatic use of gifts.
- Prov.21:14 (thematic): 'A gift in secret pacifies anger' — proverbial summary of the strategy behind Jacob's gifts: using presents to appease a potentially hostile party (Esau).
Alternative generated candidates
- then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob; it is a gift sent to my lord, to Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.’”
- then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob; it is a gift sent to my lord, to Esau; and look, he also is behind us.’"
Gen.32.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- גם: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- השלישי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- גם: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ההלכים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אחרי: PREP
- העדרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- תדברון: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- אל: NEG
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- במצאכם: PREP+VERB,qal,ptcp,2,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- Gen.32.4-5 (structural): Same episode — earlier Jacob sends messengers to Esau with an instructed message; both passages show Jacob directing intermediaries what to say to Esau.
- Gen.32.21-22 (structural): Immediate continuation — Jacob arranges the gifts and further instructs the droves and his household, showing the broader plan behind the spoken directions in v.20.
- Gen.24:48-50 (thematic): Abraham’s servant recounts presenting himself and speaking on behalf of his master to secure a marriage — parallels the pattern of sending a servant with prescribed words to negotiate a personal relationship.
- 1 Sam.25:23-28 (thematic): Abigail sends gifts and speaks through messengers to David to turn away his wrath — similar tactic of using gifts plus instructed speech by intermediaries to appease a powerful figure.
- Gen.33:9-10 (verbal): Jacob’s actual spoken words to Esau when they meet; shows the outcome/result of the preparatory instructions given to his servants in 32:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he also commanded the second, also the third, also all who were going after the herds, saying, “According to this word you shall speak to Esau when you meet him,
- And he also commanded the second, and the third, and all who were going after the herds, saying, "In this way you shall speak to Esau when you find him,
Gen.32.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- גם: ADV
- הנה: PART
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אחרינו: PREP,suff,1,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אכפרה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- במנחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההלכת: REL+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- ואחרי: CONJ
- כן: ADV
- אראה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- אולי: ADV
- ישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Genesis 33:1-11 (structural): Direct continuation of the episode: Jacob's gifts and conciliatory language lead to the face-to-face meeting in which Esau accepts and embraces him.
- Genesis 32:9-12 (structural): Earlier in the same chapter Jacob's prayer expresses the same fear of Esau and appeal to God for deliverance; sets the motive and theological background for sending the present.
- 1 Samuel 25:18-35 (thematic): Abigail brings provisions and gifts to appease David's wrath and avert bloodshed — a parallel motif of using gifts to pacify an offended or potentially violent party.
- Genesis 45:1-15 (thematic): Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers after fear and estrangement; like Jacob/Esau, the scene centers on brotherly reconciliation and provision that helps restore relationship.
- Matthew 5:23-24 (thematic): Jesus' instruction to reconcile with a brother before presenting a gift at the altar echoes the priority and moral importance of settling offenses between kin before formal offerings.
Alternative generated candidates
- and you shall say, ‘Moreover, behold, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ For he said, “I will appease his face with the gift that is going before me; and afterward I will see his face—perhaps he will lift up my face.”
- and you shall say also, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ For he said, "I will appease his face with the gift that goes before me; and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will lift my face."
And Laban rose early in the morning and kissed his sons and his daughters and blessed them; and Laban went and returned to his place. And Jacob went on his way, and angels of God met him. And Jacob said when he saw them, "This is God’s camp"; and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom. And he commanded them, saying, "Thus you shall say to my lord, to Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob: I have sojourned with Laban and have stayed until now. And I have oxen and donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants, and I have sent to tell my lord, that I might find favor in your eyes." And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother, to Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him." And Jacob was very afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and the cattle and the camels, into two camps. And he said, "If Esau comes to the one camp and strikes it, then the camp that remains will escape." And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, ‘Return to your land and to your kindred, and I will do you good,’
I am unworthy of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown your servant; for with my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.
Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, lest he come and strike me, the mothers with the children. And you said, ‘I will surely do you good and make your offspring like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted for multitude.’" And he lodged there that night, and took from what was at hand a gift for Esau his brother:
two hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
nursing camels with their young, thirty; cows forty and bulls ten; female donkeys twenty and male donkeys ten. And he put them in the hand of his servants, each drove by itself, and he said to his servants, "Pass on before me, and put a space between drove and drove." And he commanded the first, saying, "When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘Whose are you, and where are you going, and whose are these before you?’
then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob; it is a gift sent to my lord, to Esau; and look, he also is behind us.’" And he also commanded the second, also the third, and all who were going after the droves, saying, "According to this word you shall speak to Esau when you find him,
and you shall say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ For he said, ‘I will appease his face with the gift that goes before me; and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will lift my face.’"