Genesis 32:20
Genesis 32:20 in Multiple Translations
You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me. ”
And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.
and ye shall say, Moreover, behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept me.
And you are to say further, Jacob, your servant, is coming after us. For he said to himself, I will take away his wrath by the offering which I have sent on, and then I will come before him: it may be that I will have grace in his eyes.
You must also tell him, ‘Your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” Jacob said to himself, “Maybe by sending these gifts on ahead Esau won't be angry with me and when I meet him he'll be kind to me.”
And ye shall say moreouer, Beholde, thy seruant Iaakob commeth after vs (for he thought, I will appease his wrath with the present that goeth before me, and afterwarde I will see his face: it may be that he will accept me.)
and ye have said also, Lo, thy servant Jacob [is] behind us;' for he said, 'I pacify his face with the present which is going before me, and afterwards I see his face; it may be he lifteth up my face;'
You shall say, ‘Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.’” For, he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.
And ye shall add: Thy servant Jacob himself also followeth after us: for he said: I will appease him with the presents that go before, and afterwards I will see him, perhaps he will be gracious to me.
And be sure to say ‘Jacob, who wants to serve you, is coming behind us.’” Jacob told them to say that because he was thinking, “Perhaps these gifts that I am sending ahead of me will cause him to ◄act peacefully toward/stop being angry with► me. Then later, when I see him, perhaps he will be kind to me.”
And make sure you say, ‘Jacob is coming to meet you. He respects you.’” Jacob thought, “Maybe my brother will stop being angry with me, because I’m sending my work-men to give him presents. They will give him those presents, and then I will go and meet him. Maybe he will be friendly to me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 32:20
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 32:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְצַ֞ו
גַּ֣ם
אֶת
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֗י
גַּ֚ם
אֶת
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י
גַּ֚ם
אֶת
כָּל
הַ/הֹ֣לְכִ֔ים
אַחֲרֵ֥י
הָ/עֲדָרִ֖ים
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
כַּ/דָּבָ֤ר
הַ/זֶּה֙
תְּדַבְּר֣וּ/ן
אֶל
עֵשָׂ֔ו
בְּ/מֹצַאֲ/כֶ֖ם
אֹתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יְצַ֞ו
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֗י
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Art | Adj
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/הֹ֣לְכִ֔ים
hâlak
H1980
to go
Art | V-Qal
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
הָ/עֲדָרִ֖ים
ʻêder
H5739
flock
Art | N-mp
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כַּ/דָּבָ֤ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
תְּדַבְּר֣וּ/ן
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עֵשָׂ֔ו
ʻÊsâv
H6215
Esau
N-proper
בְּ/מֹצַאֲ/כֶ֖ם
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
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 32:20
וַ/יְצַ֞ו
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
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/שֵּׁנִ֗י
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
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/שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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/הֹ֣לְכִ֔ים
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Art | V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
הָ/עֲדָרִ֖ים
ʻêder
H5739
"flock"
Art | N-mp
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flock, herd 1a) flock 1b) herds, flocks and herds
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: drove, flock, herd. See also: Genesis 29:2; Isaiah 17:2; Psalms 78:52.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
כַּ/דָּבָ֤ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּה֙
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.
תְּדַבְּר֣וּ/ן
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עֵשָׂ֔ו
ʻÊsâv
H6215
"Esau"
N-proper
Esau was the son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, and his name means 'hairy'. He sold his birthright to Jacob and lost the divine blessing, as told in Genesis 25:29-34, and became the ancestor of the Arab peoples.
Definition: § Esau = "hairy" eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: Esau. See also: Genesis 25:25; Genesis 33:9; Jeremiah 49:8.
בְּ/מֹצַאֲ/כֶ֖ם
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 32:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 32:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 32:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 32:20
- Sermons on Genesis 32:20
Context — Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau
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.’”
19He 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.
20You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me. ”
21So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp. 22During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants, and his eleven sons, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 42:8–9 | So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD had told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s request. |
| 2 | Proverbs 21:14 | A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 20:31 | Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 25:17–35 | Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!” 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. As Abigail came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming down toward her, and she met them. Now David had just finished saying, “In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good. May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one of Nabal’s men survive until morning.” When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hand. May your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling. When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel, then my lord will have no remorse or guilt of conscience over needless bloodshed and revenge. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, may you remember your maidservant.” Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, then surely no male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by morning light.” Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 15:18 | A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:14 | The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. |
| 8 | Proverbs 6:35 | He will not be appeased by any ransom, or persuaded by lavish gifts. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 6:5 | Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are ravaging the land. Give glory to the God of Israel, and perhaps He will lift His hand from you and your gods and your land. |
| 10 | 2 Timothy 2:25 | He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. |
Genesis 32:20 Summary
In Genesis 32:20, Jacob sends gifts to his brother Esau in an attempt to make amends and gain his acceptance. This shows that Jacob is trying to take responsibility for his past mistakes and make things right. Just like Jacob, we can take steps to reconcile with others and make amends for our mistakes, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24. By doing so, we can work towards healing and restoration in our relationships, just as Jacob and Esau eventually found reconciliation in Genesis 33:1-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob send gifts to Esau before meeting him?
Jacob sent gifts to Esau as a way to appease him and potentially gain his acceptance, as seen in Genesis 32:20. This was a common practice in ancient times, as mentioned in Genesis 33:8-11, where Esau accepts the gift from Jacob.
What was Jacob's motivation for sending the gifts ahead of him?
Jacob's motivation was to potentially calm Esau's anger and receive a favorable reception, as stated in Genesis 32:20, where he thinks, 'I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me.'
How does this verse relate to Jacob's character development?
This verse showcases Jacob's growth in humility and recognition of his past mistakes, as he attempts to make amends with Esau, unlike his previous encounters, such as in Genesis 27:1-40, where he deceived his father Isaac.
What can we learn from Jacob's approach to reconciling with Esau?
We can learn the importance of taking initiative to make amends and seeking forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24, where Jesus teaches us to reconcile with our brothers before offering our gifts to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply Jacob's approach to reconciling with others in my own life?
- How can I balance the desire to appease others with the need to stand firm in my convictions, as seen in Genesis 32:20 and Romans 12:18?
- What role does humility play in reconciling with others, and how can I cultivate humility in my own relationships?
- How does Jacob's experience with Esau relate to the concept of 'loving our enemies' in Luke 6:27-36?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:20
And say ye moreover, behold, thy servant Jacob [is] behind us,.... This is repeated to impress it upon their minds, that they might be careful of all things, not to forget that, it being a point of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:20
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 32:20
I will appease him; Heb. appease or allay his anger; for the Hebrew word panim signifies both anger, as 34:16, and face, as every where, because a man’ s anger is most discernible in his face or countenance, . He will accept of me; Heb. will lift up my face or countenance, which now is dejected with the sense of his displeasure; compare ; or, will accept of my person, as this phrase is oft used.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:20
Genesis 32:20 And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob [is] behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.Ver. 20. Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us.] This he requires them all to insist on, lest Esau should think he meant, meanwhile, to escape some other way.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 32:20
(20) I will appease him.—The Heb. literally is, he said I will cover his face with the offering that goeth before my face, and afterwards I will see his face; peradventure he will lift up my face. The covering of the face of the offended person, so that he could no longer see the offence, became the usual legal word for making an atonement (Leviticus 9:7, &c). For the “offering” (Heb., minchah) see Genesis 4:3; and for “the lifting up of the face,” Genesis 4:7.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:20
20. I will appease him] Lit. “I will cover his face,” in the sense of “I will propitiate.” The present will so “cover his face,” that Esau cannot look upon Jacob’s offence; cf. Genesis 20:16. LXX renders ἐξιλάσομαιτὸπρόσωποναὐτοῦ. Cf. Proverbs 16:14 (the pacifying of a king’s wrath with a gift). accept me] Lit. “lift up my face.” Cf. Genesis 4:7, Genesis 19:21; Malachi 1:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 32:20
20. I will appease him — Here is a notable instance of metaphorical language. Literally, he says: “I will cover his face with the present which goes before me, and afterwards I will see his face; perhaps he will lift up my face.
Sermons on Genesis 32:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 32:20-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob crossing the brook Jabbok. Jacob is filled with fear and doubt as he prepares to meet his brother Esau, whom he had mistr |
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 64 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus as one's Savior and confessing one's sins. He encourages listeners to find a fundamental church that prea |
|
The Goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the story of God's love for the world and how He gave His only Son for the salvation of humanity. The sermon highlights the power of an endl |
|
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches to the Church of the Thessalonians, commending their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importa |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Gv on Proverbs by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use |