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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 32:16 He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, "Go on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/32-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/01_Gen_32_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 32:16 - Jacob's Fear of Esau" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, Go on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds." /><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/32-16.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/32-16.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 16</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="/ad16.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/32-15.htm" title="Genesis 32:15">◄</a> Genesis 32:16 <a href="/genesis/32-17.htm" title="Genesis 32:17">►</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 />He put them in the care of his servants, each herd by itself, and said to his servants, &#8220Go ahead of me, and keep some space between the herds.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He divided these animals into herds and assigned each to different servants. Then he told his servants, “Go ahead of me with the animals, but keep some distance between the herds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />These he handed over to his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on ahead of me and put a space between drove and drove.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, “Go on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he delivered <i>them</i> into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he delivered <i>them</i> to the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put some distance between successive droves.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he placed <i>them</i> in the care of his servants, every flock by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on ahead of me, and put a space between flocks.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, &#8220Pass on before me, and put a space between droves.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he delivered <i>them</i> into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on before me, and put a space between droves.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he gave <i>them</i> into the hand of his servants, every flock by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on before me and put a space between flocks.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He put them into the care of his servants, every herd by itself, and said to his servants, “Go on ahead of me, and put an interval [of space] between the <i>individual</i> herds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He entrusted them to his slaves as separate herds and said to them, “Go on ahead of me, and leave some distance between the herds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He entrusted them to his slaves as separate herds and said to them, &#8220Go on ahead of me, and leave some distance between the herds.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jacob put servants in charge of each herd and told them, "Go ahead of me and keep a space between each herd." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He placed servants in charge of each herd. Then he said to his servants, "Go ahead of me, and keep a distance between the herds."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He divided them into herds and put one of his servants in charge of each herd. He said to them, "Go ahead of me, and leave a space between each herd and the one behind it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He entrusted them into the care of his servants, one herd at a time. Then he told his servants, "Go in front of me, making sure there's plenty of space between herds."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, ?Go on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He entrusted them to his servants, who divided them into herds. He told his servants, "Pass over before me, and keep some distance between one herd and the next."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He entrusted them into the hands of his servants as separate herds, and said to his servants, "Pass over before me, and keep some distance between the herds."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said to his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He delivered them into the hands of his servants, every herd by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put a space between herd and herd.” <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 gives into the hand of his servants every drove by itself, and says to his servants, “Pass over before me, and a space you put between drove and drove.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he giveth into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and saith unto his servants, 'Pass over before me, and a space ye do put between drove and drove.'<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 give into the hand of his servants a flock, a flock itself alone; and he will say to his servants, Pass over before me, and ye shall put enlargement between flock and between flock.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he sent them by the hands of his servants, every drove by itself, and he said to his servants: Go before me, and let there be a space between drove and drove. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he sent them by the hands of his servants, each flock separately, and he said to his servants: “Pass before me, and let there be a space between flock and flock.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He put these animals in the care of his servants, in separate herds, and he told the servants, “Go on ahead of me, but keep some space between the herds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />These he delivered into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on ahead of me, and put a space between drove and drove.”<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 entrusted them to his servants, every drove by itself; and said to his servants, Pass over before me, and keep a distance between drove and drove.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he gave into the hand of his Servants a fold each by itself, and said to his Servants, “Pass before me and make a space between each fold and the next fold.”<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 delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself; and said unto his servants: 'Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he gave them to his servants <i>each</i> drove apart; and he said to his servants, Go on before me, and put a space between drove and drove.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/32-16.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=8173" 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">15</span>30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">He entrusted them to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ- (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">his servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: lə·ḇad·dōw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Separation, a part. ">in separate</a> <a href="/hebrew/5739.htm" title="5739: ‘ê·ḏer (N-ms) -- A flock, herd. From adar; an arrangement, i.e. Muster.">herds</a> <a href="/hebrew/5739.htm" title="5739: ‘ê·ḏer (N-ms) -- A flock, herd. From adar; an arrangement, i.e. Muster."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and told</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘iḇ·rū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">“Go on</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nay (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">ahead of me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: tā·śî·mū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">and keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/7305.htm" title="7305: wə·re·waḥ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A space, interval, respite, relief. From ravach; room, literally or figuratively.">some distance</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/5739.htm" title="5739: ‘ê·ḏer (N-ms) -- A flock, herd. From adar; an arrangement, i.e. Muster.">the herds.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5739.htm" title="5739: ‘ê·ḏer (N-ms) -- A flock, herd. From adar; an arrangement, i.e. Muster."></a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>He instructed the one in the lead, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you belong, where are you going, and whose animals are these before you?’…<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/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/43-11.htm">Genesis 43:11-14</a></span><br />Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds. / Take double the silver with you so that you may return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. / Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-18.htm">1 Samuel 25:18-19</a></span><br />Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys / and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16</a></span><br />A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14</a></span><br />A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">2 Samuel 16:1-2</a></span><br />When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. / “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-2.htm">1 Kings 10:2</a></span><br />She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/8-8.htm">2 Kings 8:8-9</a></span><br />So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” / So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/9-22.htm">Esther 9:22</a></span><br />as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-8.htm">Job 42:8-10</a></span><br />So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.” / So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD had told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer. / After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions.<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="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31-32</a></span><br />Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-9.htm">Luke 16:9</a></span><br />I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said to his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space between drove and drove.</p><p class="hdg">space.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Genesis 32:20</a></b></br> And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob <i>is</i> behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-8.htm">Genesis 33:8,9</a></b></br> And he said, What <i>meanest</i> thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, <i>These are</i> to find grace in the sight of my lord… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Psalm 112:5</a></b></br> A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/genesis/31-53.htm">Betwixt</a> <a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Care</a> <a href="/genesis/25-24.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/genesis/31-18.htm">Drove</a> <a href="/genesis/30-40.htm">Droves</a> <a href="/genesis/32-13.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/26-14.htm">Herd</a> <a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/29-14.htm">Space</a> <a href="/genesis/30-40.htm">Themselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/job/4-20.htm">Betwixt</a> <a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Care</a> <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/genesis/33-8.htm">Drove</a> <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm">Droves</a> <a href="/genesis/33-10.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/35-4.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/34-28.htm">Herd</a> <a href="/exodus/9-24.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/genesis/32-21.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/exodus/25-37.htm">Space</a> <a href="/genesis/33-6.htm">Themselves</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>He entrusted them to his servants</b><br>Jacob, preparing to meet Esau, entrusts his livestock to his servants. This act of delegation reflects his wealth and status, as he has numerous servants to manage his possessions. In biblical times, servants often played crucial roles in managing household affairs, similar to Abraham's servant Eliezer. This delegation also shows Jacob's strategic planning, as he uses his resources to appease Esau.<p><b>in separate herds</b><br>Jacob divides the animals into separate groups, a strategic move to create a buffer and potentially soften Esau's heart. This division could symbolize the careful planning and wisdom often attributed to Jacob. It also reflects the cultural practices of the time, where large herds were managed in smaller groups for better control and protection.<p><b>and told them, “Go on ahead of me</b><br>Jacob instructs his servants to lead the herds ahead, indicating his cautious approach to meeting Esau. This action demonstrates his humility and desire for reconciliation, as he sends gifts before him to pacify his brother. It echoes the biblical principle of peacemaking, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14</a>, where a gift given in secret can pacify anger.<p><b>and keep some distance between the herds.”</b><br>By instructing his servants to maintain distance between the herds, Jacob aims to create a prolonged and impactful presentation of his wealth and goodwill. This tactic could serve to impress Esau and mitigate any lingering hostility. The spacing of the herds also reflects a strategic approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing patience and foresight.<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 concerned about Esau's reaction and is taking strategic steps to appease him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a></b><br>Jacob's brother, whom Jacob is about to meet. Their relationship has been strained since Jacob deceived Esau out of his birthright and blessing.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/servants.htm">Servants</a></b><br>These are the individuals Jacob entrusts with the herds. They play a role in executing Jacob's plan to pacify Esau.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/herds.htm">Herds</a></b><br>The livestock that Jacob sends ahead as gifts to Esau. They are divided into separate groups to create a continuous offering.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_journey.htm">The Journey</a></b><br>The event of Jacob's return to Canaan, which is a significant moment in his life as he reconciles with his past and his brother.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_peacemaking.htm">Strategic Peacemaking</a></b><br>Jacob's actions demonstrate the importance of thoughtful and strategic efforts in making peace with others. We should consider how we can proactively address conflicts in our own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a></b><br>Despite his fear, Jacob moves forward with trust in God's promises. We are reminded to trust God even when facing potentially hostile situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_as_a_bridge.htm">Generosity as a Bridge</a></b><br>Jacob's use of gifts to appease Esau highlights the role of generosity in mending relationships. We can apply this by using our resources to bless and reconcile with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_prayer.htm">Preparation and Prayer</a></b><br>Jacob's preparation is coupled with prayer (<a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Genesis 32:9-12</a>). This teaches us the importance of combining practical steps with spiritual reliance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/facing_the_past.htm">Facing the Past</a></b><br>Jacob's journey back to Esau is a journey of facing his past mistakes. We are encouraged to confront our past with courage and seek reconciliation.<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_avoid_idleness_biblically.htm">Can you be trusted with small and great things?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/address_abram's_moral_dilemma_in_genesis.htm">How do we address the moral dilemma of Abram fathering a child with his wife's servant (Genesis 16:1-4)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_genesis_24_14_approved.htm">Why is a sign-based approach (Genesis 24:14) seemingly approved here, when similar methods are discouraged in other biblical passages?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_joseph's_high_rank_in_egypt.htm">Is there archaeological proof that Joseph was elevated to such a high rank in Egypt as described in Genesis 47:1-6?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">A space.</span>--<span class= "ital">Heb., a breathing place. </span>These paration of the droves would be a matter of course, as each kind would travel peaceably onward only by itself. But Jacob rightly concluded that the repeated acknowledgment of Esau as his lord, added to the great value of the gift, would fill his brother's heart with friendly feelings, and perhaps therefore he put a longer space than usual between the successive droves.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And he delivered them into the Band of his servants, every drove by themselves</span> (literally, <span class="accented">drove and drove separately</span>); <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>and said unto his servants, Passover</span> (the river Jabbok) <span class="cmt_word">before me, and put a space</span> (literally, <span class="accented">a breathing-place</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>betwixt drove and drove</span> - as is still the manner with Oriental shepherds (cf. 'Land and Book,' p. 331). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/32-16.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 entrusted them to</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתֵּן֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his servants</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבָדָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in separate</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבַדּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇad·dōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_905.htm">Strong's 905: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">herds</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֥דֶר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ḏer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5739.htm">Strong's 5739: </a> </span><span class="str2">An arrangement, muster</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and told</span><br /><span class="heb">וַ֤יֹּאמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<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">them,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבָדָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Go on</span><br /><span class="heb">עִבְר֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘iḇ·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - 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">ahead of me,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנַ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and keep</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּשִׂ֔ימוּ</span> <span class="translit">(tā·śî·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">some distance</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרֶ֣וַח</span> <span class="translit">(wə·re·waḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7305.htm">Strong's 7305: </a> </span><span class="str2">A space, interval, respite, relief</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the herds.”</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֖דֶר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ḏer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5739.htm">Strong's 5739: </a> </span><span class="str2">An arrangement, muster</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/32-16.htm">OT Law: Genesis 32:16 He delivered them into the hands (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/32-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 32:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/32-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 32:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:17" /></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>