Menu

Genesis 32:13

Genesis 32:13 in Multiple Translations

Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau:

¶ And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;

And he lodged there that night, and took of that which he had with him a present for Esau his brother:

Then he put up his tent there for the night; and from among his goods he took, as an offering for his brother Esau,

Jacob stayed the night there. Then he picked out animals as a gift to his brother Esau:

And he taryed there the same night, and tooke of that which came to had, a present for Esau his brother:

And he lodgeth there during that night, and taketh from that which is coming into his hand, a present for Esau his brother:

He stayed there that night, and took from that which he had with him a present for Esau, his brother:

And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau, his brother;

And when he had slept there that night, he set apart, of the things which he had, presents for his brother Esau.

Jacob slept there that night. The next morning he selected some animals to give to his brother Esau.

Jacob stayed in that place that night. He wanted to give his brother Esau a present, so he picked some of his animals to give to Esau.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 32:13

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 32:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אַתָּ֣ה אָמַ֔רְתָּ הֵיטֵ֥ב אֵיטִ֖יב עִמָּ֑/ךְ וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֤י אֶֽת זַרְעֲ/ךָ֙ כְּ/ח֣וֹל הַ/יָּ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא יִסָּפֵ֖ר מֵ/רֹֽב
וְ/אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron
אָמַ֔רְתָּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-2ms
הֵיטֵ֥ב yâṭab H3190 be good V-Hiphil-Ptc
אֵיטִ֖יב yâṭab H3190 be good V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
עִמָּ֑/ךְ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֤י sûwm H7760 to set Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
זַרְעֲ/ךָ֙ zeraʻ H2233 seed N-ms | Suff
כְּ/ח֣וֹל chôwl H2344 sand Prep | N-ms
הַ/יָּ֔ם yâm H3220 West Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִסָּפֵ֖ר çâphar H5608 to recount V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
מֵ/רֹֽב rôb H7230 abundance Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 32:13

וְ/אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אָמַ֔רְתָּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֵיטֵ֥ב yâṭab H3190 "be good" V-Hiphil-Ptc
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
אֵיטִ֖יב yâṭab H3190 "be good" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
עִמָּ֑/ךְ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֤י sûwm H7760 "to set" Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אֶֽת 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.
זַרְעֲ/ךָ֙ zeraʻ H2233 "seed" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
כְּ/ח֣וֹל chôwl H2344 "sand" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to sand, describing it as round or whirling particles. It is used in the Bible to talk about the desert or beach, and is often translated simply as 'sand'.
Definition: sand
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: sand. See also: Genesis 22:17; Job 6:3; Psalms 78:27.
הַ/יָּ֔ם yâm H3220 "West" Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
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.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִסָּפֵ֖ר çâphar H5608 "to recount" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
מֵ/רֹֽב rôb H7230 "abundance" Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.

Study Notes — Genesis 32:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
2 Genesis 43:11 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.
3 Proverbs 19:6 Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
4 Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
5 Proverbs 17:8 A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
6 Genesis 43:26 When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him.
7 Genesis 18:2 And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
8 1 Samuel 25:27 Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you.
9 Genesis 33:10 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.
10 1 Samuel 25:8 Ask your young men, and they will tell you. So let my young men find favor with you, for we have come on the day of a feast. Please give whatever you can afford to your servants and to your son David.’”

Genesis 32:13 Summary

In this verse, Jacob is trying to make things right with his brother Esau by selecting a gift for him. This shows that Jacob is taking steps to reconcile with Esau and make amends for past conflicts. Just like Jacob, we can take initiative to restore relationships with others by showing them kindness and generosity, as seen in Proverbs 21:14, where it says that a gift can appease anger. By trusting in God's sovereignty and promises, as seen in Genesis 32:12, we can have confidence that He will guide us in our relationships and help us make things right with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob select a gift for his brother Esau?

Jacob selected a gift for Esau as a gesture of goodwill and possibly to appease him, as he was afraid of Esau's wrath, as seen in Genesis 32:11, where Jacob asks God to deliver him from Esau's hand.

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

We can learn that Jacob was trying to make amends and restore his relationship with Esau, which is an important aspect of maintaining healthy relationships, as taught in Matthew 5:23-24, where Jesus instructs us to reconcile with our brothers before coming to worship.

Is this gift an attempt by Jacob to buy Esau's favor?

While the gift may seem like an attempt to buy Esau's favor, it can also be seen as a genuine attempt by Jacob to make amends and show his brother that he comes in peace, as seen in the context of Genesis 32:13-15, where Jacob is preparing to meet Esau after a long time.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Jacob and Esau?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and Esau, as it shows Jacob's attempt to reconcile with his brother after a long period of separation and conflict, which began in Genesis 25:29-34, where Esau sold his birthright to Jacob.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can make amends with someone I have wronged, just like Jacob tried to do with Esau?
  2. How can I balance the desire to make things right with others with the need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 32:12?
  3. What are some gifts or sacrifices I can make to show someone I care about them and want to restore our relationship?
  4. In what ways can I prepare myself to meet someone I have wronged or who may be angry with me, just like Jacob prepared to meet Esau?
  5. How can I trust in God's promise to take care of me, just like Jacob did in Genesis 32:12, when faced with uncertain or difficult situations?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:13

And he lodged there that same night,.... At Mahanaim, or some place near it: and took of that which came to his hand; not what came next to hand, for what he did was with great deliberation,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:13

And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother; He lodged there that same night.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:13

Either that which was in his hand and power; or rather, that which was nearest at hand, and most ready for him, because the approaching night, and his own great fear, gave him not leave to make so scrupulous a choice as otherwise he would have made.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:13

Genesis 32:13 And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;Ver. 13. And took of that which came to his hand, &c.] Or, that was in his power. Such as he had, he sent. Silver and gold he had none; cattle he had, and of these he made no spare: for he knew that "a gift" (such a rich gift, especially) "maketh room for a man, and bringeth him before great ones". And here Jacob, for our instruction, takes a right course, observes a right method; which is, to pray, and use means; to use means, and pray. Ora et labora, was the Emperor’ s symbol; and, Admota manu invocanda est Minerva, the heathen’ s proverb. "Why criest thou unto me?" saith God to Moses; "speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." There was a fault: Moses craved help, but was not forward in the course whereby to make way for God’ s help. So, "get thee up," saith God to praying Joshua; "wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?" Israel hath sinned, and thou must go search, &c. So, he that would have knowledge, must not only beg for it, but "dig for it," saith Solomon, out of his own experience.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 32:13

(13) He lodged there.—That is, at Mahanaim. On the first news of Esau’s approach in so hostile a manner, Jacob had divided his possessions into two main divisions, in the hope of saving at least one. He now, quieted by his prayer, makes more exact arrangements, selects a present for Esau of five hundred and fifty head of cattle, sends them forward with intervals between, that repeated impressions might soften his brother’s fierce mood, sees all his followers safely across the Jabbok, and remains alone behind to pray. As he thus placed everything in Esau’s power, faith seems to have regained the ascendancy over his fears, though he still takes every prudent measure for the safety of those whom he loved. Of that which came to his hand.—Heb., of that which came in his hand. Some Jewish interpreters take the phrase literally, and suppose that it was precious stones; more truly it means “what he possessed,” or what he had with him. The phrase “which came to his hand” would imply that he made no selection, but took what came first in his way.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 32:13

Verse 13. And took of that which came to his hand] הבא בידו habba beyado, which came under his hand, i.e., what, in the course of God's providence, came under his power.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:13

13–21. Jacob’s Present to Esau 13. a present] Heb. minḥ ?ah. Cf. Genesis 43:11; Genesis 43:15. See note on Genesis 4:3. Jacob hopes that a substantial present will turn away the resentment of his brother. Proverbs 18:16, “a man’s gift maketh room for him”; Genesis 21:14, “a gift in secret pacifieth anger”; cf. Abigail’s present to David, 1 Samuel 25:18; 1 Samuel 25:27.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 32:13

13. Of that which came to his hand — The present was a large and princely one, probably a very large proportion of all that he possessed.

Sermons on Genesis 32:13

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 32:13-19 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his preparations to meet his brother Esau. Jacob decides to send a generous gift of livestock to Esau in order to appe
Ron Bailey Priesthood - Part 1 by Ron Bailey In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about going to Madame Tussauds with his large family and waiting in a queue. He then transitions to discussing the story of J
Ron Reed God, the God of Israel by Ron Reed In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob wrestling with God and how it relates to our own struggles with God. The preacher highlights how Jacob initially wanted t
Zac Poonen (Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal
Flavius Josephus From the Banishment of Archelaus to the Departure of the Jews From Babylon by Flavius Josephus Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous life of King Agrippa, detailing his financial troubles, debts, and his escape from Rome to Judea. Agrippa's friendship with Tiberius Caesar
Watchman Nee The Peaceable Fruit by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee explores the transformative journey of Jacob, illustrating how God's discipline reshaped him from a self-serving schemer into a loving and mature individual. Through e
Bernard Fell A Little Honey Sweet - Gen. 43:11 by Bernard Fell Bernard Fell preaches on the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 43:11, highlighting the act of kindness and love shown by the sons of Jacob when they carried down a pres

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate