Genesis 32:11

Genesis 32:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.

American Standard Version ASV

Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he come and smite me, the mother with the children.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Be my saviour from the hand of Esau, my brother: for my fear is that he will make an attack on me, putting to death mother and child.

Free Bible Version FBV

Please save me from my brother; defend me from Esau! I'm terrified that he's coming to attack me, my wives, and my children.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I pray thee, Deliuer me from the hande of my brother, from the hande of Esau: for I feare him, least he will come and smite me, and the mother vpon the children.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Deliver me, I pray Thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I am fearing him, less he come and have smitten me — mother beside sons;

World English Bible WEB

Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and strike me and the mothers with the children.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he shall come and smite me, and the mother with the children.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am greatly afraid of him: lest perhaps he come, and kill the mother with the children.

Translation for Translators T4T

So now I pray that you will rescue me from [MTY] my older brother Esau, because I am afraid that he and his men will come and attack and kill me and the children and their mothers.

Plain English Version PEV

Then Jacob said to God, “I’m frightened of my brother Esau. Maybe he will come and attack me and kill me, and even kill my wives and my kids. God, please save us from my brother.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 32:11

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 32:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB קָטֹ֜נְתִּי מִ/כֹּ֤ל הַ/חֲסָדִים֙ וּ/מִ/כָּל הָ֣/אֱמֶ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִׂ֖יתָ אֶת עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ כִּ֣י בְ/מַקְלִ֗/י עָבַ֨רְתִּי֙ אֶת הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֣ן הַ/זֶּ֔ה וְ/עַתָּ֥ה הָיִ֖יתִי לִ/שְׁנֵ֥י מַחֲנֽוֹת

קָטֹ֜נְתִּי qâṭôn H6994 be small V-Qal-Perf-1cs

מִ/כֹּ֤ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

הַ/חֲסָדִים֙ chêçêd H2617 kindness Art | N-mp

וּ/מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Conj | Prep | N-ms

הָ֣/אֱמֶ֔ת ʼemeth H571 truth Art | N-fs

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עָשִׂ֖יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H854 with Prep

עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

בְ/מַקְלִ֗/י maqqêl H4731 rod Prep | N-ms | Suff

עָבַ֨רְתִּי֙ ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֣ן Yardên H3383 Jordan Art | N-proper

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

וְ/עַתָּ֥ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv

הָיִ֖יתִי hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לִ/שְׁנֵ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 two Prep | Adj

מַחֲנֽוֹת machăneh H4264 camp N-cp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 32:11

קָטֹ֜נְתִּי qâṭôn H6994 "be small" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This word means to be small or insignificant, like the smallness of man compared to God in Psalm 119:141. It can also mean to make something small or unimportant.

Definition: 1) to be small, be insignificant 1a) (Qal) to be insignificant 1b) (Hiphil) to make small, reduce significantly

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be a (make) small (thing), be not worthy. See also: Genesis 32:11; 1 Chronicles 17:17; Amos 8:5.

מִ/כֹּ֤ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הַ/חֲסָדִים֙ chêçêd H2617 "kindness" Art | N-mp

This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.

Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.

וּ/מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הָ֣/אֱמֶ֔ת ʼemeth H571 "truth" Art | N-fs

This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.

Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עָשִׂ֖יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בְ/מַקְלִ֗/י maqqêl H4731 "rod" Prep | N-ms | Suff

A rod or staff, like a walking stick, is used for support or guidance in the Bible, as seen in Exodus with Moses' staff. It can also be a symbol of authority. The word appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) rod, staff 1a) rod, stick 1b) staff (in travel) 1c) wand (of diviner)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: rod, (hand-)staff. See also: Genesis 30:37; 1 Samuel 17:43; Jeremiah 1:11.

עָבַ֨רְתִּי֙ ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֣ן Yardên H3383 "Jordan" Art | N-proper

The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.

Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)

Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

וְ/עַתָּ֥ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

הָיִ֖יתִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לִ/שְׁנֵ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Prep | Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

מַחֲנֽוֹת machăneh H4264 "camp" N-cp

This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.

Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.

Study Notes — Genesis 32:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 32:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:11
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 32:11
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:11
Sermons on Genesis 32:11

Context — Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

9Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ 10I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps.

11Please 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.

12But You have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to count.’” 13Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau:

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 59:1–2	Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.
2	Proverbs 18:19	An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
3	Matthew 6:13	And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’
4	Genesis 27:41	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.”
5	Psalms 142:6	Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.
6	Hosea 10:14	the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be demolished as Shalman devastated Beth-arbel in the day of battle, when mothers were dashed to pieces along with their children.
7	Psalms 31:2	Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance.
8	1 Samuel 12:10	Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’
9	Psalms 43:1	Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.
10	Psalms 16:1	Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.

Genesis 32:11 Summary

In Genesis 32:11, Jacob is praying to God for protection from his brother Esau, who he thinks might attack him and his family. Jacob is afraid, but he knows that God is his only hope for safety. This verse shows us that even when we are scared or unsure, we can trust God to take care of us, just like He promised to do in Jeremiah 29:11. By praying and trusting in God's promises, we can find peace and confidence, even in difficult situations, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Jacob afraid of his brother Esau?

Jacob was afraid of Esau because of their complicated past, as seen in Genesis 27:41, where Esau vowed to kill Jacob after their father Isaac died. Jacob's fear was also fueled by the uncertainty of how Esau would react to him after all these years.

What does this verse reveal about Jacob's character?

This verse shows that Jacob was humble and recognized his need for God's protection, as he prayed to God for deliverance from Esau's hand. This is also evident in Genesis 32:9-10, where Jacob acknowledges God's kindness and faithfulness to him.

How does this verse relate to God's promises to Jacob?

Jacob's prayer in this verse is grounded in God's promise to make him prosper, as stated in Genesis 32:9 and Genesis 32:12. Jacob is essentially asking God to fulfill His promise and protect him from harm.

What can we learn from Jacob's example in this verse?

We can learn the importance of humility and trust in God's sovereignty, just like Jacob. We can also see the value of prayer and seeking God's protection in times of uncertainty, as encouraged in Psalm 55:22 and Matthew 7:7-8.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for protection and provision, just like Jacob did?
How can I, like Jacob, acknowledge my limitations and weaknesses, and ask God to intervene on my behalf?
In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting God's promises, as seen in Jacob's life, to my own circumstances and challenges?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of family and the need to protect and care for those who are vulnerable?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:11

Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau,.... For though his brother, it was his brother Esau, that had formerly vowed revenge upon him, and had determined to kill

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:11

And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: Jacob said, O God.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:11

A proverbial speech, noting a total destruction. Compare .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:11

Genesis 32:11 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, [and] the mother with the children.Ver. 11. And the mother with the children.] It seems to be a metaphor taken from birds, when fowlers take away the young and the dams together; which God forbade, Deuteronomy 22:6. See the like also of the ewe and the lamb, not to be slain in one day, Leviticus 22:28. But, Homo homini lupus, nay, daemon. The Indians would say that it had been better for them that their country had been given to the devils of hell, than to the Spaniards, such hath been their cruelty towards those poor creatures; and that, if Spaniards went to heaven, they would never come there. Three poor women were burnt at the Isle of Guernsey for religion; together with the infant child falling out of the mother’ s womb, and cruelly cast back into the flames. Another sweet child of eight or nine years old, coming to Bonner’ s house, to see if he might speak with his father, a prisoner in the Lollard’ s Tower, was, for some bold answer that he gave the bishop’ s chaplain, so cruelly whipped, that he died within four days after. At Merindol in France, besides other execrable outrages and butcheries there done by Minerius, one of the Pope’ s captains, the paps of many women were cut off, which gave suck to their children; which, looking for suck at their mother’ s breasts, being dead before, died also for hunger. Was not this, to "kill the mother with the children?" And was not that a barbarous act of Pope Honorius III, in the year of grace 1224, to cause four hundred Scots to be hanged up, and their children castrated! and all for the death of Adam, bishop of Caithness, who was burned in his own kitchen, by his own citizens, for that he had excommunicated some of them for non-payment of tithes. Act. and Mon., fol. 1392. Ibid., fol. 1864. Ibid., fol. 868. Jac. Revius, De Vitis Pontiff, p. 163.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 32:11

Verse 11. And the mother with the children.] He must have had an awful opinion of his brother when he used this expression, which implies the utmost cruelty, proceeding in the work of slaughter to total extermination. See Hosea 10:14.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:11

11. from the hand of Esau] Jacob in his prayer makes no reference to the possible cause of Esau’s anger, and expresses no consciousness of, nor sorrow for, his own wrong-doing towards either Esau or Isaac. the mother with the children] A proverbial phrase for “the mother and family”; cf. Hosea 10:14.

Sermons on Genesis 32:11

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 32:9-12 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob appeals to God in his distress, acknowledging Him as the God of his father Abraham and Isaac. This
	Let Me Speak, Lastly, to Those Who Do Pray by J.C. Ryle	J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of prayer in the life of a believer, urging Christians to approach prayer with reverence, humility, and earnestness. He highlights the necessi
	The Great Tribulation Preceding the Day of Jehovah by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the perfect harmony of prophecy in the Bible, focusing on the events and blessings surrounding the great day of Jehovah. He highlights the cha
	Psalm 59 by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches on the Psalmist's cry for deliverance from imminent perils and enemies, highlighting the unwavering faith and confidence in God's power and mercy. Despite being
	Separated From Our Loved Ones by Keith Daniel	This sermon delves into the fearful possibility of separation from loved ones, both in this life and for eternity, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God and the need for si
	Hebrews 12:11-15 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of enduring chastisement and trials, comparing it to bitter medicine that yields the fruit of righteousness in the end. He encourages
	Job's Trials and Mercies by William Plumer	William Plumer preaches on the profound story of Job, highlighting his unwavering faith and patience amidst extreme suffering and loss. Job, a man of great piety and wealth, faced