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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 32:7 In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/32-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/01_Gen_32_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 32:7 - Jacob's Fear of Esau" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/32-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/32-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/32.htm">Chapter 32</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm" title="Genesis 32:6">◄</a> Genesis 32:7 <a href="/genesis/32-8.htm" title="Genesis 32:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/32.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Jacob was terrified at the news. He divided his household, along with the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that <i>was</i> with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that <i>were</i> with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, the herds, and the camels, into two companies;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and the herds and the camels, into two companies;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and the herds and the camels, into two companies;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and the herds and the camels, into two camps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; he divided the people with him into two camps, along with the flocks, herds, and camels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; he divided the people with him into two camps, along with the flocks, cattle, and camels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed: and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jacob was so frightened that he divided his people, sheep, cattle, and camels into two groups. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jacob was terrified and distressed. So he divided the people, the sheep and goats, the cattle, and the camels into two camps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jacob was frightened and worried. He divided into two groups the people who were with him, and also his sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Feeling mounting terror and distress, Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, doing the same with the flocks, the cattle, and the camels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jacob was very afraid and upset. So he divided the people who were with him into two camps, as well as the flocks, herds, and camels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob was very afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two camps;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid, and distressed: and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks, and herds, and camels, into two bands;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, along with the flocks, the herds, and the camels, into two companies. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Jacob fears exceedingly, and is distressed, and he divides the people who [are] with him, and the flock, and the herd, and the camels, into two camps,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Jacob feareth exceedingly, and is distressed, and he divideth the people who are with him, and the flock, and the herd, and the camels, into two camps,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob will be greatly afraid and it will press upon him: and he will divide the people which were with him, and the sheep and the oxen, and the camels, into two camps.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid; and in his fear divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and the sheep, and the oxen, and the camels, into two companies, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Jacob was very afraid. And in his terror, he divided the people who were with him, likewise the flocks, and the sheep, and the oxen, and the camels, into two companies,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jacob was very much frightened. In his anxiety, he divided the people who were with him, as well as his flocks, herds and camels, into two camps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob was afraid and greatly distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yaquuv was afraid and it was very distressing to him, and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and oxen and camels into two camps;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. And he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two camps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob was greatly terrified, and was perplexed; and he divided the people that was with him, and the cows, and the camels, and the sheep, into two camps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/32-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=8092" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Jacob's Fear of Esau</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">In great</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yî·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/3334.htm" title="3334: way·yê·ṣer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to press, i.e. Be narrow; figuratively, be in distress.">and distress,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/2673.htm" title="2673: way·ya·ḥaṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To divide. A primitive root); to cut or split in two; to halve.">divided</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">his</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: liš·nê (Prep-l:: Number-mdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">into two</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: ma·ḥă·nō·wṯ (N-cp) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">camps,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: haṣ·ṣōn (Art:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">as well as the flocks</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1241.htm" title="1241: hab·bā·qār (Art:: N-ms) -- Cattle, herd, an ox. From baqar; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender; collectively, a herd.">and herds</a> <a href="/hebrew/1581.htm" title="1581: wə·hag·gə·mal·lîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- A camel. Apparently from gamal; a camel.">and camels.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-10.htm">Exodus 14:10</a></span><br />As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/21-12.htm">1 Samuel 21:12</a></span><br />Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1</a></span><br />David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14</a></span><br />And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-3.htm">2 Kings 19:3</a></span><br />to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3</a></span><br />When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a></span><br />I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-5.htm">Psalm 55:5</a></span><br />Fear and trembling grip me, and horror has overwhelmed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-25.htm">Proverbs 3:25-26</a></span><br />Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, / for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/30-5.htm">Jeremiah 30:5-7</a></span><br />Yes, this is what the LORD says: “A cry of panic is heard—a cry of terror, not of peace. / Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale? / How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-37.htm">Matthew 26:37-38</a></span><br />He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. / Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-33.htm">Mark 14:33-34</a></span><br />He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. / Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4-5</a></span><br />I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. / But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;</p><p class="hdg">greatly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/14-10.htm">Exodus 14:10</a></b></br> And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-4.htm">Psalm 18:4,5</a></b></br> The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</a></b></br> For I have heard the slander of many: fear <i>was</i> on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.</p><p class="hdg">distressed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-3.htm">Genesis 35:3</a></b></br> And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/107-6.htm">Psalm 107:6</a></b></br> Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, <i>and</i> he delivered them out of their distresses.</p><p class="hdg">and he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Psalm 112:5</a></b></br> A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11</a></b></br> Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/28-26.htm">Isaiah 28:26</a></b></br> For his God doth instruct him to discretion, <i>and</i> doth teach him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/31-31.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/30-39.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Camels</a> <a href="/genesis/32-2.htm">Camps</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/luke/9-14.htm">Companies</a> <a href="/revelation/16-10.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/genesis/21-12.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/genesis/14-15.htm">Divideth</a> <a href="/genesis/30-43.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/genesis/31-53.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/28-17.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/genesis/30-43.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Groups</a> <a href="/genesis/26-14.htm">Herds</a> <a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/26-35.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/revelation/9-16.htm">Troops</a> <a href="/genesis/5-29.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/genesis/32-15.htm">Camels</a> <a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Camps</a> <a href="/genesis/33-14.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Companies</a> <a href="/genesis/35-3.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/genesis/45-5.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Divideth</a> <a href="/genesis/34-12.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/exodus/2-14.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/genesis/32-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/47-27.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/numbers/26-56.htm">Groups</a> <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm">Herds</a> <a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/37-11.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/genesis/32-14.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/genesis/49-19.htm">Troops</a> <a href="/genesis/35-3.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 32</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-1.htm">Jacob's vision at Mahanaim.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">His message to Esau.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">He is afraid of Esau's coming.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">He prays for deliverance.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-13.htm">He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-31.htm">He halts.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/32.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/32.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>In great fear and distress</b><br>Jacob's fear and distress are rooted in his anticipation of meeting Esau, his brother, whom he had wronged years earlier by deceiving him out of his birthright and blessing (Genesis 27). This emotional turmoil reflects the human condition when facing the consequences of past actions. The fear is compounded by the news that Esau is approaching with 400 men (<a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6</a>), suggesting a potential threat. This moment of fear is a turning point for Jacob, leading him to seek divine intervention through prayer (<a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Genesis 32:9-12</a>). It highlights the biblical theme of reliance on God in times of trouble, a recurring motif throughout Scripture (<a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3</a>).<p><b>Jacob divided his people into two camps</b><br>Jacob's strategic decision to divide his people into two camps is a practical response to his fear, aiming to preserve at least part of his family and possessions in case of an attack. This action reflects the wisdom and prudence often necessary in leadership and crisis management. The division into two camps also echoes the earlier division of Jacob's family and possessions when he initially left Laban (<a href="/genesis/31-17.htm">Genesis 31:17-18</a>). This tactic underscores the importance of preparation and planning, even while trusting in God's protection.<p><b>as well as the flocks and herds and camels</b><br>The mention of flocks, herds, and camels indicates Jacob's wealth, which he had accumulated during his time with Laban (<a href="/genesis/30-43.htm">Genesis 30:43</a>). These possessions are not only a sign of prosperity but also a potential source of conflict, as wealth often was in ancient times. The inclusion of camels, in particular, suggests a level of affluence, as camels were valuable for long-distance travel and trade. This detail provides insight into the economic and social status of Jacob's household. The preservation of these assets is crucial for Jacob's future, as they represent God's blessing and provision, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham regarding prosperity and descendants (<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jacob is returning to his homeland after years of living with his uncle Laban. He is deeply concerned about meeting his brother Esau, whom he had wronged years earlier.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a></b><br>Jacob's brother, whom Jacob fears due to their past conflict over the birthright and blessing. Esau is approaching with 400 men, which causes Jacob's fear and distress.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/two_camps.htm">Two Camps</a></b><br>In response to his fear, Jacob divides his people and possessions into two groups, hoping that if Esau attacks one, the other might escape.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/flocks,_herds,_and_camels.htm">Flocks, Herds, and Camels</a></b><br>These represent Jacob's wealth and livelihood, which he is willing to risk in his strategy to protect his family and himself.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/penuel.htm">Penuel (Peniel)</a></b><br>Although not mentioned directly in this verse, it is the place where Jacob will later wrestle with God, marking a significant spiritual turning point.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/facing_fear_with_faith.htm">Facing Fear with Faith</a></b><br>Jacob's fear is a natural human response, but it also presents an opportunity to trust in God's promises and protection. Believers today can learn to bring their fears to God in prayer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_planning_and_divine_trust.htm">Strategic Planning and Divine Trust</a></b><br>While Jacob's division of his camp shows practical wisdom, it also highlights the need to balance human strategy with reliance on God's sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_forgiveness.htm">Reconciliation and Forgiveness</a></b><br>Jacob's fear of Esau is rooted in past wrongs. This passage encourages believers to seek reconciliation and trust God for healing in broken relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_uncertainty.htm">God's Faithfulness in Uncertainty</a></b><br>Despite Jacob's fear, God had promised to be with him. This reminds us that God's promises remain true even when circumstances seem daunting.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jacob_compare_esau_to_god.htm">Why does Jacob liken seeing Esau’s face to seeing God’s in Genesis 33:10, and does this conflict with other monotheistic teachings? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_many_of_jacob's_house_went_to_egypt.htm">How many members of the house of Jacob came to Egypt? Seventy souls (Genesis 4 - 27) Seventy-five souls (Acts 7:14)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_bought_shechem's_burial_site,_abraham_or_jacob.htm">In Acts 7:16, Stephen says Abraham bought a burial place in Shechem, yet Genesis 33:19 credits Jacob with that purchase. Which account is correct?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_angels_at_mahanaim.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the mention of angels at Mahanaim (Gen. 32:1-2)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Jacob was greatly afraid.</span>--Jacob's message to his brother had been very humble, for he calls Esau his lord, and himself a servant. He hopes also to "find grace in his sight," and by enumerating his wealth shows that he required no aid, nor need claim even a share of Isaac's property. But Esau had given no answer, being probably undecided as to the manner in which he would receive his brother. The "four hundred men with him" formed probably only a part of the little army with which he had invaded the Horite territory. Some would be left with the spoil which he had gathered, but he took so many with him as to place Jacob completely in his power. And Jacob's extreme distress, in spite of the Divine encouragement repeatedly given him, shows that his faith was very feeble; but it was real, and therefore he sought refuge from his terror in prayer.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 7, 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed</span>: - literally, <span class="accented">it was narrow to him</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. he was perplexed. Clearly the impression left on Jacob's mind by the report of his ambassadors was that he had nothing to expect but hostility - <span class="cmt_word">and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands</span>; - according to Gerlach, caravans are frequently divided thus in the present day, and for the same reason as Jacob assigns - <span class="cmt_word">And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape</span>. It is easy to blame Jacob for want of faith in not trusting to God instead of resorting to his own devices (Candlish), but his behavior in the circumstances evinced great self-possession, <span class="accented">non ita expavefactum fuisse Jacob quin res suns eomponeret</span> (Calvin), considerable prudence (Lange), if not exalted chivalry (Candlish), a peaceful disposition which did not wish <span class="accented">vim armata repellere</span> (Rosenmüller), and a truly-religious spirit ('Speaker's Commentary'), since in his terror he betakes himself to prayer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/32-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">In great</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fear</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּירָ֧א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yî·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and distress,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֣צֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3334.htm">Strong's 3334: </a> </span><span class="str2">Be distressed, be narrow, be straitened in straits, be vexed </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֛ב</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">divided</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֜חַץ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·ḥaṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2673.htm">Strong's 2673: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut, split in two, to halve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתּ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into two</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(liš·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Number - mdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">camps,</span><br /><span class="heb">מַחֲנֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(ma·ḥă·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> </span><span class="str2">An encampment, an army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as well as the flocks</span><br /><span class="heb">הַצֹּ֧אן</span> <span class="translit">(haṣ·ṣōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and herds</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבָּקָ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bā·qār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1241.htm">Strong's 1241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Beef cattle, ox, a herd</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and camels.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַגְּמַלִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hag·gə·mal·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1581.htm">Strong's 1581: </a> </span><span class="str2">A camel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">OT Law: Genesis 32:7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 32:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/32-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 32:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>