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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 />When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, &#8220We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />After delivering the message, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, “We met your brother, Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you—with an army of 400 men!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men <i>are</i> with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, &#8220We came to your brother Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother, to Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau; he is coming to meet you—and he has four hundred men with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, &#8220We went to your brother Esau; he is coming to meet you—and he has 400 men with him.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the messengers returned, they told Jacob, "We went to your brother Esau, and now he is heading this way with 400 men." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the messengers came back to Jacob, they said, "We went to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you with 400 men."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the messengers came back to Jacob, they said, "We went to your brother Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you. He has four hundred men with him." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, "We went to your brother Esau. He's now coming to meet you—and he has 400 men with him!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The messengers returned to Jacob and said, "We went to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you and has four hundred men with him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother Esau. Not only that, but he comes to meet you, and four hundred men with him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he is coming to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the messengers return to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother, to Esau, and he is also coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the messengers turn back unto Jacob, saying, 'We came in unto thy brother, unto Esau, and he also is coming to meet thee, and four hundred men with him;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the messengers will turn back to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother, to Esau, and also he came to thy meeting, and four hundred men with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying: We came to Esau thy brother, and behold he cometh with speed to meet thee with four hundred men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We went to your brother Esau, and behold, he rushes to meet you with four hundred men.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We found your brother Esau. He is now coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to your brother Esau, and behold he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Messengers returned to Yaquuv and they said to him: “We went on to Esau your brother, and now also he comes to meet you and four hundred men with him.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying: 'We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and lo! he comes to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/32-6.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=8081" 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">5</span>I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’ ” <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: ham·mal·’ā·ḵîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">When the messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šu·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</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/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">“We went</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">your brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6215.htm" title="6215: ‘ê·śāw (N-proper-ms) -- Apparently a form of the passive participle of asah in the original sense of handling; rough; Esav, a son of Isaac, including his posterity.">Esau,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and now</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">he is coming</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·rā·ṯə·ḵā (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 2ms) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">to meet you—</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: wə·’ar·ba‘- (Conj-w:: Number-fsc) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">he and four</a> <a href="/hebrew/3967.htm" title="3967: mê·’ō·wṯ (Number-fp) -- Hundred. Or metyah; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction.">hundred</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with him.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels.…<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="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</a></span><br />Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1-4</a></span><br />Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-42.htm">Genesis 27:42-45</a></span><br />When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. / Stay with him for a while, until your brother’s fury subsides— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-5.htm">Genesis 28:5-9</a></span><br />So Isaac sent Jacob to Paddan-aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, who was the mother of Jacob and Esau. / Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to take a wife there, commanding him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” / and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and gone to Paddan-aram. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-10.htm">Genesis 33:10</a></span><br />But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-36.htm">Genesis 27:36</a></span><br />So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-8.htm">Genesis 33:8-11</a></span><br />“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered. / “I already have plenty, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what belongs to you.” / But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-20.htm">Genesis 28:20-21</a></span><br />Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, / so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-55.htm">Genesis 31:55</a></span><br />Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-15.htm">Genesis 33:15-16</a></span><br />“Let me leave some of my people with you,” Esau said. But Jacob replied, “Why do that? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” / So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/12-3.htm">Hosea 12:3-4</a></span><br />In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God. / Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-21.htm">Hebrews 11:21</a></span><br />By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a></span><br />So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to your brother Esau, and also he comes to meet you, and four hundred men with him.</p><p class="hdg">and four.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-8.htm">Genesis 32:8,11</a></b></br> And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-40.htm">Genesis 27:40,41</a></b></br> And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1</a></b></br> And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/32-4.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/23-16.htm">Four</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/genesis/26-12.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/genesis/32-4.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/30-16.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/31-13.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-8.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Four</a> <a href="/genesis/38-22.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/genesis/32-14.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/genesis/50-16.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/genesis/32-18.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/genesis/32-16.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Turn</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>When the messengers returned to Jacob</b><br>Jacob had sent messengers ahead to Esau, his brother, as he was returning to Canaan after years in Haran. This return marks a significant moment in Jacob's life, as he is about to face the brother from whom he fled years earlier. The messengers' return signifies the beginning of a pivotal encounter. In biblical context, messengers often played crucial roles in communication, especially in times of potential conflict or reconciliation.<p><b>they said, “We went to your brother Esau</b><br>The reference to Esau as "your brother" highlights the familial bond that still exists despite past conflicts. Esau, the elder twin, had previously been wronged by Jacob, who deceived him out of his birthright and blessing. This phrase underscores the tension and unresolved issues between the two brothers. The mention of Esau also brings to mind the prophecy given to Rebekah in <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a> about the two nations in her womb, which foreshadows the ongoing struggle between their descendants.<p><b>and now he is coming to meet you</b><br>Esau's approach to meet Jacob could be interpreted in multiple ways. It could signify a desire for reconciliation or, conversely, an intention to confront Jacob. The ambiguity of Esau's intentions creates a sense of suspense and anxiety for Jacob. This moment is reminiscent of other biblical encounters where individuals must face their past actions and seek reconciliation, such as Joseph with his brothers in <a href="/genesis/45.htm">Genesis 45</a>.<p><b>he and four hundred men with him</b><br>The mention of four hundred men accompanying Esau suggests a formidable force, which could imply a threat. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such a number often indicated a military presence, which would naturally alarm Jacob. This detail heightens the tension and fear Jacob might feel, as he prepares to meet Esau. The number four hundred is also significant in other biblical contexts, such as the four hundred years of Israelite slavery in Egypt, symbolizing a period of trial and testing.<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 apprehensive 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 elder brother, from whom Jacob had deceitfully taken the birthright and blessing. Esau's approach with four hundred men causes Jacob great fear and distress.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/messengers.htm">Messengers</a></b><br>Sent by Jacob to Esau to gauge his brother's disposition towards him. Their report back to Jacob is the focus of this verse.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/four_hundred_men.htm">Four Hundred Men</a></b><br>The number of men accompanying Esau, which suggests a formidable force and heightens Jacob's anxiety about their meeting.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/return_to_canaan.htm">Return to Canaan</a></b><br>The broader context of this event is Jacob's return to the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's command to return to the land of his fathers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a></b><br>Jacob's fear of Esau's approach with four hundred men challenges us to consider how we respond to fear. Do we turn to God in prayer and trust, as Jacob eventually does?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation.htm">Reconciliation</a></b><br>The passage highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation with those we have wronged. Jacob's actions remind us of the need for humility and initiative in mending broken relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_promises.htm">God's Promises</a></b><br>Despite Jacob's fear, he is acting in obedience to God's command to return to Canaan. This teaches us to trust in God's promises and guidance, even when circumstances seem daunting.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_prudence.htm">Preparation and Prudence</a></b><br>Jacob's sending of messengers and gifts to Esau shows a balance of faith and practical wisdom. We are encouraged to prepare wisely while trusting in God's sovereignty.<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/is_it_possible_for_a_man_to_rob_god.htm">What is Mount Seir's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jacob_wrestle_with_god.htm">What is the significance of Jacob wrestling with God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob_and_esau_reconcile_quickly.htm">How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau’s 400 men? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_was_jacob's_struggle_recorded.htm">If Jacob was alone during the struggle, how was this event recorded in such detail (Gen. 32:22-31)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1</a>), <span class="cmt_word">and four hundred men with him</span>. That Esau was attended by 400 armed followers was a proof that he had grown to be a powerful chieftain. If the hypothesis be admissible that he had already begun to live by the sword (<a href="/genesis/27-40.htm">Genesis 27:40</a>), and was now invading the territory of the Horites, which he afterwards occupied (Delitzsch, Keil, Kurtz), it will serve to explain his appearance in the land of Seir, while as yet he had not finally retired from Canaan. That he came with such a formidable force to meet his brother has been set down to personal vanity, or a desire to show how powerful a prince he had become (Lyra, Menochius); to fraternal kindness, which prompted him to do honor to his brother (Peele, Calvin, Clarke), to a distinctly hostile intention (Willet, Ainsworth, Candlish), at least if circumstances should seem to call for vengeance (Keil), though it is probable that Esau's mind, on first hearing of his brother's nearness, was simply excited, and "in that wavering state which the slightest incident might soothe into good will, or rouse into vengeance" (Murphy). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/32-6.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">When the messengers</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mal·’ā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">returned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·šu·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jacob,</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֖ב</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">they said,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאמֹ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(lê·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“We went</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֤אנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(bā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your brother</span><br /><span class="heb">אָחִ֙יךָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Esau;</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵשָׂ֔ו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·śāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6215.htm">Strong's 6215: </a> </span><span class="str2">Esau -- oldest son of Isaac</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he is coming</span><br /><span class="heb">הֹלֵ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(hō·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to meet you—</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְרָֽאתְךָ֔</span> <span class="translit">(liq·rā·ṯə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7125.htm">Strong's 7125: </a> </span><span class="str2">Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way </span><br /><br /><span class="word">he and four</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַרְבַּע־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ar·ba‘-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hundred</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵא֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3967.htm">Strong's 3967: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hundred</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֖ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with him.”</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">OT Law: Genesis 32:6 The messengers returned to Jacob saying We (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/32-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 32:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/32-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 32:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:7" /></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>