CINXE.COM
Genesis 32:23 He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.
<!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 32:23 He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/32-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/01_Gen_32_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 32:23 - Jacob Wrestles with God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions." /><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/32-23.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/32-23.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 23</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="/ad3.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/32-22.htm" title="Genesis 32:22">◄</a> Genesis 32:23 <a href="/genesis/32-24.htm" title="Genesis 32:24">►</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 />After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream. And he sent across whatever he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream. And he sent across whatever he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he took them and sent them across the stream. And he sent across whatever he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he took them and sent them across the stream. And he sent across whatever he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then he took them and sent them across the brook. And he also sent across whatever he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />After he sent them across the stream, he sent everything else across.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />After he had sent them across, he also sent across all that he owned, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He took them across the river, along with all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream along with all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream, and sent over all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that which he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he takes them, and causes them to pass over the brook, and he causes that which he has to pass over.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he taketh them, and causeth them to pass over the brook, and he causeth that which he hath to pass over.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will take them and will cause them to pass through the torrent, and he will cause to pass through what is to 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 when all things were brought over that belonged to him, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And having delivered over all the things that belonged to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />After he got them and brought them across the wadi and brought over what belonged to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he took them, and brought them over the brook, and then he brought across everything that he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he led them and made them cross over the river and made everyone whom he had to cross over.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he took them, and passed over the torrent, and brought over all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/32-23.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=8239" 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 Wrestles with God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22</span>During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants, and his eleven sons, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qā·ḥêm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">He took them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: way·ya·‘ă·ḇi·rêm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">and sent them across</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/5158.htm" title="5158: han·nā·ḥal (Art:: N-ms) -- Or nachlah; or nachalah; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; a valley; also a shaft.">the stream,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: way·ya·‘ă·ḇêr (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover."></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/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.">along with all his possessions.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lō (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak.…<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="/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="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12-15</a></span><br />And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. / And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. ...<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/33-4.htm">Genesis 33:4</a></span><br />Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/35-1.htm">Genesis 35:1</a></span><br />Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21-22</a></span><br />Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">1 Kings 18:46</a></span><br />And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-7.htm">Psalm 34:7</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-11.htm">Psalm 91:11-12</a></span><br />For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. / They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.<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="/matthew/14-25.htm">Matthew 14:25-26</a></span><br />During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. / When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-36.htm">Matthew 26:36-39</a></span><br />Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” / 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/6-48.htm">Mark 6:48-50</a></span><br />He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them, / but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— / for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-43.htm">Luke 22:43-44</a></span><br />Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. / And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-51.htm">John 1:51</a></span><br />Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.</p><p class="hdg">sent them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23</a></b></br> And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/18-1.htm">Brook</a> <a href="/genesis/24-37.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/genesis/31-18.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">River</a> <a href="/revelation/16-12.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Whatever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/23-40.htm">Brook</a> <a href="/genesis/41-43.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-30.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/genesis/34-10.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/genesis/36-37.htm">River</a> <a href="/numbers/21-15.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/genesis/34-11.htm">Whatever</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>He took them</b><br>Jacob, the patriarch, is the central figure here. He is taking his family, which includes his wives, children, and servants. This action reflects his role as the head of the household and protector. In the broader narrative, Jacob is preparing to meet his brother Esau, whom he fears due to their past conflict. This moment is a turning point, showing Jacob's responsibility and care for his family.<p><b>and sent them across the stream</b><br>The stream referred to is the Jabbok River, a tributary of the Jordan River. This geographical detail is significant as it marks a boundary and a place of transition. In biblical symbolism, crossing water often represents a change or new beginning. This act of sending his family across first can be seen as a protective measure, ensuring their safety before he faces Esau. The Jabbok is also the site of Jacob's wrestling with God, a pivotal spiritual encounter.<p><b>along with all his possessions</b><br>Jacob's possessions include livestock and goods accumulated over years, reflecting God's blessing and fulfillment of His promise to prosper Jacob. This phrase underscores the wealth and status Jacob has achieved, which is significant in the context of his impending meeting with Esau. Historically, possessions were a sign of God's favor and a means of survival and influence. This act of sending everything across the stream shows Jacob's strategic planning and trust in God's provision.<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 preparing to meet his brother Esau after many years. He is in a state of anxiety and fear, seeking to protect his family and possessions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_stream.htm">The Stream (Jabbok)</a></b><br>A tributary of the Jordan River, the Jabbok is the location where Jacob sends his family and possessions across. It is a significant geographical marker in Jacob's journey.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob's_family.htm">Jacob's Family</a></b><br>Includes his wives, children, and servants. They are part of the group that Jacob sends across the stream, indicating his concern for their safety.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Esau is the reason for Jacob's actions. Jacob is preparing to meet Esau, whom he fears might still hold a grudge against him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/possessions.htm">Possessions</a></b><br>Jacob's wealth, which he sends across the stream, signifies his material blessings and the tangible evidence of God's promise to him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_promises.htm">Trust in God's Promises</a></b><br>Jacob's actions reflect a mixture of fear and faith. Despite his anxiety, he acts on the promises God has given him. We are reminded to trust in God's promises even when facing daunting situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_prudence.htm">Preparation and Prudence</a></b><br>Jacob's careful preparation in sending his family and possessions across the stream shows the importance of being prudent and wise in our actions while trusting God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/facing_fears_with_faith.htm">Facing Fears with Faith</a></b><br>Jacob's journey to meet Esau is a powerful example of confronting fears with faith. We are encouraged to face our fears, trusting that God is with us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_and_responsibility.htm">Family and Responsibility</a></b><br>Jacob's concern for his family's safety highlights the importance of caring for and protecting our loved ones, a responsibility that is both practical and spiritual.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/material_blessings_and_stewardship.htm">Material Blessings and Stewardship</a></b><br>Jacob's possessions are a testament to God's blessing. We are reminded to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, using our resources wisely and for His glory.<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_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/is_god_all-powerful.htm">Is God all-powerful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_did.htm">What is the total number of Abraham's wives?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_genesis_23_contradict_canaan's_inheritance.htm">Why does the narrative in Genesis 23 seem to contradict other passages suggesting Abraham freely inherited Canaan?</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>(23) <span class= "bld">The brook.</span>--Really, the ravine or valley; Arab., <span class= "ital">wady. </span>Jacob, whose administrative powers were of a very high character, sees his wives, children, and cattle not only through the ford, but across the valley on to the high ground beyond. Staying himself to the very last, he is left alone on the south side of the torrent, but still in the ravine, across which the rest had taken their way. The definite proof that Jacob remained on the south side lies in the fact that Peniel belonged to the tribe of Gad; but, besides this, there could be no reason why he should recross the rapid river when once he had gone through it, and probably the idea has risen from taking the word <span class= "ital">brook </span>in <a href="/genesis/32-23.htm" title="And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.">Genesis 32:23</a> in too narrow a sense. Really it is the word translated <span class= "ital">valley </span>in <a href="/genesis/26-17.htm" title="And Isaac departed there, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelled there.">Genesis 26:17</a>, but is used only of such valleys or ravines as have been formed by the action of a mountain torrent. When Jacob had seen his wives and herds safe on the top of the southern ridge, the deep valley would be the very place for this solitary struggle. This ravine, we are told, has a width of from four to six miles.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/32-23.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">He took</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקָּחֵ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·qā·ḥêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them and sent them across</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·ḇi·rêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the stream,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנָּ֑חַל</span> <span class="translit">(han·nā·ḥal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5158.htm">Strong's 5158: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft</span><br /><br /><span class="word">along with all his possessions.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/32-23.htm">Genesis 32:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/32-23.htm">OT Law: Genesis 32:23 He took them and sent them over (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/32-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 32:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/32-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 32:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:24" /></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>