CINXE.COM

<!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 32:18 then you are to say, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/32-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/01_Gen_32_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 32:18 - Jacob's Fear of Esau" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="then you are to say, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.'" /><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/32-18.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/32-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/32-17.htm" title="Genesis 32:17">◄</a> Genesis 32:18 <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm" title="Genesis 32:19">►</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 />then you are to say, &#8216They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You must reply, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob, but they are a gift for his master Esau. Look, he is coming right behind us.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then thou shalt say, <i>They be</i> thy servant Jacob's; it <i>is</i> a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he <i>is</i> behind us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />then you shall say, ‘They <i>are</i> your servant Jacob’s. It <i>is</i> a present sent to my lord Esau; and behold, he also <i>is</i> behind us.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />then you shall say, ‘<i>These</i> belong to your servant Jacob; it is a gift sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />then you shall say, &#8216These belong to your servant Jacob; it is a present sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />then you shall say, ‘<i>These</i> belong to your servant Jacob; it is a present sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />then you shall say, ‘<i>These</i> belong to your servant Jacob; it is a present sent to my lord, to Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />then you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s; they are a gift sent to my lord Esau. And he also is behind us.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />then tell him, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau. And look, he is behind us.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />then tell him, &#8216They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau. And look, he is behind us.&#8217&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />then thou shalt say They are thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, he also is behind us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So tell him, 'They belong to your servant Jacob, who is coming this way. He is sending them as a gift to his master Esau.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, he also is behind us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />then say, 'Sir, they belong to your servant Jacob. This is a gift sent to you. Jacob is right behind us.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />you must answer, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. He sends them as a present to his master Esau. Jacob himself is right behind us.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />then you are to reply, 'We're from your servant Jacob. The herds are a gift. He's sending them to my master, Esau. Look! There he is, coming along behind us.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />then you are to say, ?They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />then you must say, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. They have been sent as a gift to my lord Esau. In fact Jacob himself is behind us.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then you shall say, 'They are your servant, Jacob?s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau. And look, he also is behind us.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then thou shalt say, They are thy servant Jacob's: it is a present sent to my lord Esau: and behold also he is behind us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then you shall say, ‘They are your servant, Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord, Esau. Behold, he also is behind us.’” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Then you have said, Your servant Jacob’s: it [is] a present sent to my lord, to Esau; and behold, he also [is] behind us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> then thou hast said, Thy servant Jacob's: it is a present sent to my lord, to Esau; and lo, he also is behind us.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And thou saying, To thy servant, to Jacob: this a gift sent to my lord to Esau, and behold also he is behind us.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt answer: Thy servant Jacob's: he hath sent them as a present to my lord Esau: and he cometh after us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />you shall respond: “Your servant Jacob’s. He has sent them as a gift to my lord Esau. And he is also coming after us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />tell him, ‘To your servant Jacob, but they have been sent as a gift to my lord Esau. Jacob himself is right behind us.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob; they are a present sent to my lord Esau; and moreover he is behind us.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then you shall say to him, They belong to your servant Jacob; they are a present which he has sent to my lord Esau; and, behold, also he is coming behind us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Say to him, ‘Your Servant Yaquuv’s gifts that he sends to my Lord Esau, and behold, he is also coming after us.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />then thou shalt say: They are thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord, even unto Esau; and, behold, he also is behind us.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt say, Thy servant Jacob's; he hath sent gifts to my lord Esau, and lo! he is behind us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/32-18.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=8192" 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">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?’ <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">then you are to say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: lə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">‘They belong to your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">Jacob.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">They</a> <a href="/hebrew/4503.htm" title="4503: min·ḥāh (N-fs) -- From an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. Bestow; a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering.">are a gift,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šə·lū·ḥāh (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: la·ḏō·nî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">to my lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/6215.htm" title="6215: lə·‘ê·śāw (Prep-l:: 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/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">And behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">is behind us.’”</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>He also instructed the second, the third, and all those following behind the herds: “When you meet Esau, you are to say the same thing to him.…<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/27-36.htm">Genesis 27:36</a></span><br />So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/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="/genesis/45-17.htm">Genesis 45:17-20</a></span><br />Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do as follows: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan. / Then bring your father and your families and return to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the fat of the land.’ / You are also directed to tell them: ‘Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your young children and your wives, and bring your father and come back. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/46-5.htm">Genesis 46:5-7</a></span><br />Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives. / They also took the livestock and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt. / Jacob took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons, and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-35.htm">Exodus 12:35-36</a></span><br />Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-21.htm">Exodus 3:21-22</a></span><br />And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed. / Every woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman staying in her house for silver and gold jewelry and clothing, and you will put them on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians.”<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="/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/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1-2</a></span><br />Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / 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="/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="/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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then you shall say, They be your servant Jacob's; it is a present sent to my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.</p><p class="hdg">See on ver.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-4.htm">Genesis 32:4,5</a></b></br> And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/32-17.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/genesis/32-17.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/32-13.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-33.htm">Jacob's</a> <a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/genesis/32-13.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/genesis/32-13.htm">Present</a> <a href="/genesis/32-17.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-3.htm">They</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/38-25.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/32-21.htm">Jacob's</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Present</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/exodus/14-3.htm">They</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>then you are to say</b><br>This phrase indicates a direct instruction from Jacob to his servants. It reflects the careful planning and strategy Jacob employs in his approach to Esau, highlighting the importance of communication and preparation in resolving conflicts. This instruction is part of a larger plan to appease Esau, whom Jacob fears due to their past conflict over the birthright and blessing.<p><b>‘They belong to your servant Jacob.</b><br>Jacob refers to himself as Esau's servant, which is significant given their history. This phrase demonstrates humility and submission, a stark contrast to Jacob's earlier actions when he deceived Esau. The use of "servant" is a cultural expression of respect and an attempt to mend their strained relationship. It also reflects the biblical theme of reconciliation and the importance of humility in relationships.<p><b>They are a gift,</b><br>The concept of a gift in ancient Near Eastern culture was often used to secure favor or reconciliation. Gifts were a common practice to show respect or to seek peace. This act of giving is symbolic of Jacob's desire to make amends and restore peace with Esau. It also prefigures the biblical principle of giving as a means of reconciliation, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16</a>.<p><b>sent to my lord Esau.</b><br>Referring to Esau as "my lord" is another expression of respect and submission. This phrase acknowledges Esau's position and authority, which Jacob had previously undermined. The use of "lord" is significant in the context of their relationship, as it shows Jacob's recognition of Esau's status and his own willingness to submit. This is a reversal of the earlier prophecy in <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a>, where the older would serve the younger, highlighting the complexity of their relationship.<p><b>And behold, Jacob is behind us.’”</b><br>This phrase serves as a reassurance to Esau that Jacob is not far behind, indicating his willingness to meet Esau face-to-face. It shows Jacob's intention to personally reconcile with Esau, rather than merely sending gifts. The mention of Jacob being "behind" also suggests a strategic placement, allowing Esau to first receive the gifts and potentially soften his heart before meeting Jacob. This reflects the biblical theme of reconciliation and the courage required to face past wrongs.<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 his homeland after years of living with his uncle Laban. He is preparing to meet his brother Esau, whom he had previously wronged.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a></b><br>Jacob's elder brother, from whom Jacob had taken the birthright and blessing. Esau is now a powerful man, and Jacob fears his potential wrath.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/servants.htm">Servants</a></b><br>The messengers sent by Jacob to deliver gifts to Esau as a peace offering, demonstrating Jacob's humility and desire for reconciliation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gifts.htm">Gifts</a></b><br>The livestock and goods sent by Jacob to Esau as a gesture of goodwill, intended to appease Esau and ensure a peaceful reunion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/paddan-aram.htm">Paddan-aram</a></b><br>The region where Jacob had been living with Laban, from which he is now returning to Canaan.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_humility.htm">Reconciliation and Humility</a></b><br>Jacob's approach to Esau demonstrates the importance of humility and taking initiative in seeking reconciliation. We should be proactive in mending broken relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_gifts.htm">The Power of Gifts</a></b><br>Gifts can be a tangible expression of goodwill and can help to soften hearts and pave the way for reconciliation. Consider how you can use your resources to bless others and mend relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_promises.htm">Trust in God's Promises</a></b><br>Despite his fear, Jacob is acting in faith, trusting in God's promise to protect him and make his descendants numerous. We should trust in God's promises even when facing difficult situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_prayer.htm">Preparation and Prayer</a></b><br>Jacob's actions are preceded by prayer and preparation. Before facing challenging situations, we should seek God's guidance and prepare our hearts and minds.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_a_contradiction_that_jacob_saw_god.htm">Jesus says, 'No one has seen God' (John 1:18), but Genesis 32:30 says Jacob saw God face to face. Isn't this a contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jacob_compare_esau_to_god.htm">Why does Jacob liken seeing Esau's face to seeing God's in Genesis 33:10, and does this conflict with other monotheistic teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_jacob_see_god_if_no_one_has.htm">Why does Jacob's claim of seeing God 'face to face' (Gen. 32:30) not conflict with John 1:18, which says no one has ever seen God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob_and_esau_reconcile_quickly.htm">How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/32-18.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">then you are to say,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·mar·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second 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">‘They belong to your servant</span><br /><span class="heb">לְעַבְדְּךָ֣</span> <span class="translit">(lə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second 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">Jacob.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">They</span><br /><span class="heb">הִוא֙</span> <span class="translit">(hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are a gift,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִנְחָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(min·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4503.htm">Strong's 4503: </a> </span><span class="str2">A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sent</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלוּחָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lū·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my lord</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽאדֹנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḏō·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sovereign, controller</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Esau.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְעֵשָׂ֑ו</span> <span class="translit">(lə·‘ê·śāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | 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">And behold,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִנֵּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Jacob]</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֖וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is behind us.’”</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרֵֽינוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/32-18.htm">Genesis 32:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/32-18.htm">OT Law: Genesis 32:18 Then you shall say 'They are your (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/32-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 32:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/32-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 32:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:19" /></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>