Genesis 32:18

Verse

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.’”

American Standard Version (1901)

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.

Bible in Basic English

Then say to him, These are your servant Jacob's; they are an offering for my lord, for Esau; and he himself is coming after us.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Thou shalt answer: Thy servant Jacob’s: he hath sent them as a present to my lord Esau: and he cometh after us.

Free Bible Version

you are to say to him, ‘Your servant Jacob sends these as a gift to my lord Esau, and he's following us.’”

Geneva Bible 1599

Then thou shalt say, They be thy seruant Iaakobs: it is a present sent vnto my lord Esau: and beholde, he him selfe also is behinde vs.

King James (Authorized) Version

Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.

One Unity Resource Bible

Then you shall say, ‘They are your servant, Jacob [Supplanter]’s. It is a present sent to my lord, Esau [Hairy]. Behold, he also is behind us.’”

Translation for Translators

tell him, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. He has sent them to you as a gift, sir. And he is coming behind us.’”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then you will say, 'They are your servant Jacob's. They are a gift sent to my master Esau. See, he is also coming after us.'”

Noah Webster Bible

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.

World English Bible

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.’”

Young's Literal Translation

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.'

Context

Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

¹⁷He 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?’¹⁸then 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.’”

Sermons

(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5

Chuck Smith

1.8K

Summary

In this verse, Jacob sends a generous gift of animals to his brother Esau as a peace offering before their anticipated reunion. This gesture reflects Jacob's desire to reconcile with Esau after their past conflicts and deception. It also demonstrates Jacob's humility and willingness to make amends, showing a shift in his character towards seeking peace and forgiveness. Jacob's act of sending this gift symbolizes his hope for reconciliation and restoration of their relationship, showcasing the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in overcoming past grievances.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Then thou shall say, they be thy servant Jacob's,.... Both the goats before them, and they themselves that had the care of them, belonged to Jacob, who directed them to speak of him to Esau as his "servant": it is a present sent unto my lord Esau; which is the answer to the second question: and behold also he is behind us: that is, Jacob: this they were bid to tell, lest he should think that Jacob was afraid of him, and was gone another way; but that he was coming to pay a visit to him, and might expect shortly to see him, which would prepare his mind how to behave towards him.