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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 33:1 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/33-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/01_Gen_33_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 33:1 - Jacob Meets Esau" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. 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So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and his two servant wives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/33.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/33.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/33.htm">King James Bible</a></span><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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/33.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/33.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob raised his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel, and the two slave women.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/33.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/33.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/33.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Jacob lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two servant-women.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/33.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob looked up, and saw Esau coming with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/33.htm">Christian Standard Bible</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 slave women.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/33.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two female slaves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/33.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/33.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Later that day Jacob met Esau coming with his 400 men. So Jacob told his children to walk with their mothers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/33.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/33.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jacob saw Esau coming with 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two slaves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/33.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jacob saw Esau coming with his four hundred men, so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two concubines. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/33.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Jacob looked off in the distance, there was Esau coming toward him, accompanied by 400 men! So Jacob divided Leah's children, Rachel, and the children of the two servants into separate groups.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/33.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/33.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jacob looked up and saw that Esau was coming along with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two female servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/33.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now Jacob looked up and saw that Esau approaching, and with him four hundred men. He divided the children between Leah, Rachel, and the two female servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/33.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children to Leah, and to Rachel, and to the two handmaids.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/33.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. He divided the children between Leah, Rachel, and the two servants. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/33.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob lifts up his eyes, and looks, and behold, Esau is coming, and with him four hundred men; and he divides the children to Leah, and to Rachel, and to the two maidservants;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/33.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jacob lifteth up his eyes, and looketh, and lo, Esau is coming, and with him four hundred men; and he divideth the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two maid-servants;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/33.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob will lift up his eyes and will see, and behold Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he will divide the children to Leah and to Rachel and to the two maids.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/33.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob lifting up his eyes, saw Esau coming, and with him four hundred men: and he divided the children of Lia, and of Rachel, and of the two handmaids: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/33.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob, lifting up his eyes, saw Esau arriving, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the sons of Leah and Rachel, and of both the handmaids.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/33.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming, and with him four hundred men. So he divided his children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/33.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/33.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />AND Jacob raised his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maids.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/33.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yaquuv lifted up his eyes and he saw, and look, Esau came and four hundred men with him, and he divided the children with Leah and with Rakhyl and with the two Handmaids.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/33.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/33.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and beheld, and lo! Esau his brother coming, and four hundred men with him; and Jacob divided the children to Lea and to Rachel, and the two handmaidens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/33-1.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=8321" 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/33.htm">Jacob Meets Esau</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><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.">Now Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·śā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">looked up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nāw (N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></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/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">coming</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: wə·‘im·mōw (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">toward him with</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: ’ar·ba‘ (Number-fsc) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">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/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.">So he divided</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/3206.htm" title="3206: hay·lā·ḏîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">the children</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3812.htm" title="3812: lê·’āh (N-proper-fs) -- Weary, a wife of Jacob. From la'ah; weary; Leah, a wife of Jacob.">among Leah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7354.htm" title="7354: rā·ḥêl (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Jacob. The same as rachel; Rachel, a wife of Jacob.">Rachel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·tê (Number-fdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">and the two</a> <a href="/hebrew/8198.htm" title="8198: haš·šə·p̄ā·ḥō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- Maid, maidservant. Feminine from an unused root meaning to spread out; a female slave.">maidservants.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.…<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/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6-8</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.” / In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. / He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Genesis 32:11</a></span><br />Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-13.htm">Genesis 32:13-20</a></span><br />Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau: / 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, / 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-30</a></span><br />So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. / When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled. / Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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/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/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/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="/genesis/46-1.htm">Genesis 46:1-4</a></span><br />So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. / And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob. / “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. ...<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="/malachi/1-2.htm">Malachi 1:2-3</a></span><br />“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10-13</a></span><br />Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-20.htm">Hebrews 11:20</a></span><br />By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16-17</a></span><br />See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. / For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children to Leah, and to Rachel, and to the two handmaids.</p><p class="hdg">Esau came.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41,42</a></b></br> And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6</a></b></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.</p><p class="hdg">And he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7,16</a></b></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; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/32-32.htm">Children</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Distributed</a> <a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Divideth</a> <a href="/genesis/1-18.htm">Division</a> <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Four</a> <a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Handmaids</a> <a href="/genesis/32-14.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-10.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/genesis/31-45.htm">Lifteth</a> <a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Maids</a> <a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Maidservants</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Maid-Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Women-Servants</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/33-2.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/26-55.htm">Distributed</a> <a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/genesis/49-27.htm">Divideth</a> <a href="/genesis/49-27.htm">Division</a> <a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/33-5.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/47-24.htm">Four</a> <a href="/genesis/33-2.htm">Handmaids</a> <a href="/genesis/33-19.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/33-5.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/genesis/39-7.htm">Lifteth</a> <a href="/genesis/33-2.htm">Maids</a> <a href="/genesis/33-2.htm">Maidservants</a> <a href="/genesis/33-2.htm">Maid-Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/33-2.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-44.htm">Women-Servants</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 33</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Jacob and Esau's meeting; and Esau's departure.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/33-17.htm">Jacob comes to Succoth.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/33-18.htm">At Shechem he buys a field, and builds an altar, called El Elohe Israel.</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/33.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/33.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men.</b><br>Jacob's encounter with Esau is a pivotal moment in his life, reflecting themes of reconciliation and divine providence. The presence of Esau with four hundred men suggests a formidable force, which could imply a threat or a show of power. Historically, such a number would be significant, indicating Esau's wealth and influence. This moment is a culmination of Jacob's earlier fears, as he had previously fled from Esau's wrath after deceiving him out of his birthright and blessing (Genesis 27). The narrative tension is heightened by the uncertainty of Esau's intentions. This encounter also echoes the theme of sibling rivalry and reconciliation found throughout Genesis, such as with Cain and Abel, and later with Joseph and his brothers. Theologically, this moment can be seen as a test of Jacob's faith and reliance on God's promises, as he had been assured of divine protection (<a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Genesis 28:15</a>).<p><b>So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants.</b><br>Jacob's division of his family reflects his strategic and cautious nature, as well as the cultural norms of the time. By dividing his family, Jacob is attempting to protect them, possibly minimizing the risk of total loss if Esau's intentions are hostile. This action also highlights the hierarchical structure within Jacob's family, with Leah, Rachel, and the maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah, who bore him children. The division underscores the complex family dynamics and favoritism that have been a recurring theme in Jacob's life, particularly his preference for Rachel and her children. This act of division can also be seen as a reflection of Jacob's internal struggle and his attempt to manage the consequences of his past actions. In a broader biblical context, this moment foreshadows the future divisions and tensions among the tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's sons.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The patriarch who is returning to Canaan 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, who was previously wronged by Jacob when he stole Esau's birthright and blessing. Esau is approaching with four hundred men, which could be seen as a potential threat or a sign of his wealth and power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/leah_and_rachel.htm">Leah and Rachel</a></b><br>Jacob's wives, who are the mothers of his children. Leah is the elder sister, and Rachel is the younger, whom Jacob loved more.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_two_maidservants.htm">The Two Maidservants</a></b><br>Bilhah and Zilpah, who are also mothers of some of Jacob's children. They play a role in the division of the family as Jacob prepares to meet Esau.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_meeting.htm">The Event of Meeting</a></b><br>This is a significant moment of potential reconciliation or conflict between Jacob and Esau, highlighting themes of fear, forgiveness, and family dynamics.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/facing_past_wrongs.htm">Facing Past Wrongs</a></b><br>Jacob's encounter with Esau reminds us of the importance of addressing past wrongs and seeking reconciliation. We should not avoid difficult situations but face them with humility and prayer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_prayer.htm">Preparation and Prayer</a></b><br>Jacob's division of his family and his earlier prayer demonstrate the balance between practical preparation and reliance on God. In our lives, we should prepare wisely while trusting in God's sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics.htm">Family Dynamics</a></b><br>The division of Jacob's family highlights the complexities of family relationships. We are called to navigate our family dynamics with love, wisdom, and a desire for peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_promises.htm">Trusting God's Promises</a></b><br>Despite his fear, Jacob is returning to the land God promised him. We should trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_33.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 33</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/names_and_meanings_of_israel's_tribes.htm">What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_conflict_after_jacob-esau_meet.htm">What explains the absence of any further conflict between Jacob and Esau after their dramatic meeting in Genesis 33?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_sibling_rivalry.htm">What does the Bible say about sibling rivalry?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_jacob,_also_known_as_israel.htm">Who is Jacob, also known as Israel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/33.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1, 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jacob</span>, having the day before dispatched his conciliatory gift to Esau, turned his back upon the Jabbok, having crossed to the south bank, if the previous night had been spent upon its north side, passed over the rising ground of Peniel (<span class="accented">vide</span> Tristram's 'Land of Israel,' p. 558), and advanced to meet his brother, richly laden with the heavenly blessing he had won in his mysterious conflict with Elohim, and to all appearance free from those paralyzing fears which, previous to the midnight struggle, the prospect of meeting Esau had inspired. Having already prevailed with God, he had an inward assurance, begotten by the words of his celestial antagonist, that he would likewise prevail with man, and so he <span class="cmt_word">lifted up his eyes</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> on Genesis 13:10), <span class="cmt_word">and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And he</span> (<span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. Jacob) <span class="cmt_word">divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids,</span> Bilhah and Zilpah, thus omitting no wise precaution to insure safety for at least a portion of his household, in case Esau should be still incensed and resolved on a hostile attack. <span class="cmt_word">And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost,</span> as being most beloved (Kalisch, Murphy, Lange, and others) or most beautiful (Bush). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/33-1.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">Now Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֜ב</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">looked up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשָּׂ֨א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּרְא֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Esau</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵשָׂ֣ו</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">coming</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(bā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<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">toward him with</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעִמּ֕וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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 /><br /><span class="word">four</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְבַּ֥ע</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ba‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">מֵא֖וֹת</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">אִ֑ישׁ</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">So he divided</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֣חַץ</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">the children</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיְלָדִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(hay·lā·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something born, a lad, offspring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among Leah,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(lê·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3812.htm">Strong's 3812: </a> </span><span class="str2">Leah -- 'weary', a wife of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Rachel,</span><br /><span class="heb">רָחֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ḥêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7354.htm">Strong's 7354: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rachel -- a wife of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the two</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁתֵּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(šə·tê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - fdc<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">maidservants.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשְּׁפָחֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šə·p̄ā·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8198.htm">Strong's 8198: </a> </span><span class="str2">Maid, maidservant</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">OT Law: Genesis 33:1 Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/32-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 32:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/33-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 33:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 33:2" /></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>