Genesis 32:5

Genesis 32:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’”

King James Version KJV

And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

American Standard Version ASV

and I have oxen, and asses, and flocks, and men-servants, and maid-servants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in thy sight.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I have oxen and asses and flocks and men-servants and women-servants: and I have sent to give my lord news of these things so that I may have grace in his eyes.

Free Bible Version FBV

and I have cattle and donkeys and sheep and goats, and male and female slaves. I've sent these messengers to explain this to you my lord, hoping you'll be pleased to see me.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I haue beeues also and Asses, sheepe, and men seruantes, and women seruantes, and haue sent to shew my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and I have ox, and ass, flock, and man-servant, and maid-servant, and I send to declare to my lord, to find grace in his eyes.'

World English Bible WEB

I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and men-servants, and women-servants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I have oxen, and asses, and sheep, and menservants, and womenservants: and now I send a message to my lord, that I may find favour in thy sight.

Translation for Translators T4T

I now own many cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, and male and female slaves. Now I am sending this message to you, sir, hoping that you will ◄be friendly toward me/treat me kindly► when I arrive.’ “

Plain English Version PEV

I have cows, and bulls, and donkeys, and sheep, and goats, and I have men and women that work for me. I sent some men to say these things to you, and I hope that you will be happy with me.’” So those men went and told Esau those things.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 32:5

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 32:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְצַ֤ו אֹתָ/ם֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר כֹּ֣ה תֹאמְר֔וּ/ן לַֽ/אדֹנִ֖/י לְ/עֵשָׂ֑ו כֹּ֤ה אָמַר֙ עַבְדְּ/ךָ֣ יַעֲקֹ֔ב עִם לָבָ֣ן גַּ֔רְתִּי וָ/אֵחַ֖ר עַד עָֽתָּה

וַ/יְצַ֤ו tsâvâh H6680 to command Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֹתָ/ם֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

כֹּ֣ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

תֹאמְר֔וּ/ן ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff

לַֽ/אדֹנִ֖/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord Prep | N-ms | Suff

לְ/עֵשָׂ֑ו ʻÊsâv H6215 Esau Prep | N-proper

כֹּ֤ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עַבְדְּ/ךָ֣ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff

יַעֲקֹ֔ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 Jacob N-proper

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

לָבָ֣ן Lâbân H3837 Laban N-proper

גַּ֔רְתִּי gûwr H1481 to sojourn V-Qal-Perf-1cs

וָ/אֵחַ֖ר ʼâchar H309 to delay Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

עָֽתָּה ʻattâh H6258 now Adv

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 32:5

וַ/יְצַ֤ו 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.

אֹתָ/ם֙ 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.

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר 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.

כֹּ֣ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

תֹאמְר֔וּ/ן ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff

לַֽ/אדֹנִ֖/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

לְ/עֵשָׂ֑ו ʻÊsâv H6215 "Esau" Prep | 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.

כֹּ֤ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

אָמַר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עַבְדְּ/ךָ֣ 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.

יַעֲקֹ֔ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 "Jacob" N-proper

This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

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.

לָבָ֣ן Lâbân H3837 "Laban" N-proper

Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.

גַּ֔רְתִּי gûwr H1481 "to sojourn" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.

Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.

וָ/אֵחַ֖ר ʼâchar H309 "to delay" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

To delay means to put something off until later, often because you are hesitant or unsure. In the Bible, it can also mean to loiter or tarry, as in waiting for something to happen. It is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to delay, hesitate, tarry, defer, remain behind 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to delay, tarry (intensive) 1a2) to cause one to delay, hinder, keep back 1b) (Piel) to delay, wait, stay behind (but not in hope) Also means: ya.char (יָחַר "to delay" H3186)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: continue, defer, delay, hinder, be late (slack), stay (there), tarry (longer). See also: Genesis 24:56; Psalms 40:18; Psalms 70:6.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

עָֽתָּה ʻattâh H6258 "now" 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.

Study Notes — Genesis 32:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 32:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:5
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:5
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:5
Sermons on Genesis 32:5

Context — Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

3Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now.

5I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’”

6When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” 7In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 33:8	“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered.
2	Genesis 33:15	“Let me leave some of my people with you,” Esau said. But Jacob replied, “Why do that? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.”
3	Genesis 33:11	Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted.
4	Genesis 31:16	Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”
5	2 Samuel 16:4	So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!”
6	Genesis 47:25	“You have saved our lives,” they said. “We have found favor in our lord’s eyes, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”
7	Genesis 30:43–1	—
8	Job 6:22	Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;
9	Ruth 2:2	And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.” “Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied.
10	1 Samuel 1:18	“May your maidservant find favor with you,” said Hannah. Then she went on her way, and she began eating again, and her face was no longer downcast.

Genesis 32:5 Summary

[Genesis 32:5 shows Jacob trying to make peace with his brother Esau after many years of separation. Jacob sends a message to Esau, telling him about all the blessings he has received from God, such as oxen, donkeys, and flocks, which is a fulfillment of God's promise to him in Genesis 28:13-15. This verse teaches us about the importance of humility and reconciliation, as seen in Jacob's actions, and reminds us that God is always working to bless us and bring us closer to Him, just like He did for Jacob. By trusting in God's promises, like the one in Jeremiah 29:11, we can have confidence that He will provide for us and guide us in our relationships with others.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob send a message to Esau after so many years?

Jacob sent a message to Esau as a gesture of peace and to inform him of his presence in the area, hoping to find favor in his sight, as seen in Genesis 32:5. This action shows Jacob's desire to reconcile with his brother after their past conflicts, such as the one described in Genesis 27:41.

What is the significance of Jacob mentioning his possessions in the message?

By mentioning his possessions, such as oxen, donkeys, and flocks, Jacob is showing Esau that he has been blessed by God and is now a wealthy man, which is a fulfillment of God's promise to him in Genesis 28:13-15. This display of wealth may have been an attempt to appease Esau and prevent any potential conflict.

Is Jacob's message an act of humility or pride?

Jacob's message can be seen as an act of humility, as he is acknowledging Esau as his master and showing deference to him, which is a change from his previous actions in Genesis 27:1-40. However, it can also be seen as a prideful display of his wealth, which may have been a mix of both humility and pride in Jacob's heart.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 32?

This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story in Genesis 32, as it shows Jacob's attempt to reconcile with Esau and his preparation for their meeting, which ultimately leads to Jacob's encounter with God in Genesis 32:22-33 and his transformation into Israel.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can show humility and deference to others, just like Jacob did in this verse?
How can I trust God to bless me and provide for me, just like He did for Jacob, as seen in Genesis 28:13-15 and Genesis 32:5?
What are some areas in my life where I need to reconcile with others, and how can I take the first step towards making amends?
What does it mean to 'find favor' in someone's sight, and how can I apply this concept to my relationships with others?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:5

And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants,.... This he would have said, lest he should think he was come to ask anything of him, and put himself and his family upon him;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:5

And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:5

Yet in my exile God hath blessed me with a competency of worldly goods, and therefore I am not likely to be either a burden to thee, or a disgrace to our family. And I have sent to tell my lord, to acquaint him with my coming, and with the state of my affairs, that I may obtain pardon for my former errors, and thy favour and friendship for the future.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:5

Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.Ver. 5. And I have oxen, and asses, &c.] This Jacob mentioneth in his message, that Esau might not think that he sought to him for any need; but only for his favour. And this was something, to a man of Esau’ s make; for such like not to hear of, or be haunted with, their poor kindred. "This thy son," saith he, that felt no want: he saith not, This my brother: he would not own him, because in poverty. "Aφιλοντοδυστυχες. Et cum fortuna statque caditque fides.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:5

5. find grace] Cf. Genesis 18:3, Genesis 33:8; Genesis 33:15, Genesis 34:11, Genesis 47:25. Jacob hopes to be reconciled and desires to propitiate his brother. He has not forgotten his brother’s threats (Genesis 27:41).

Sermons on Genesis 32:5

	Sermon	Description
	Crisis in Abraham's Life 02 by Rick Bovey	In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man named Jacob and his attitude towards work and relationships. The preacher acknowledges that Jacob is often seen in a negative light,
	A Consolation in Affliction by Thomas Watson	Thomas Watson preaches about finding consolation in affliction by acknowledging God's kindness and faithfulness towards His people. Despite the challenges and heavy afflictions fac
	Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-07 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of honoring God in all aspects of life. He uses the example of Joseph from the Bible, who went through many trials but was ult
	Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2 by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses tr
	Yosemite Bible Conference 1991-12 Posessing Your Possessions by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a man named Dave and his family who went through a series of trials and hardships. Despite their difficulties, the speaker emphasize
	Hebrews 4:14 by Carl Armerding	In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude to God for saving and bringing them into a wonderful fellowship. They emphasize the privilege of consciously enjoying God's presence
	The Cost of Revival by William McCrea	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the love of Jesus and the importance of holding onto Him. He acknowledges that many people may feel unloved, burdened by sin, and neglected

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