Genesis 32:8
Genesis 32:8 in Multiple Translations
He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”
And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.
and he said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the company which is left shall escape.
And said, If Esau, meeting one group, makes an attack on them, the others will get away safely.
saying to himself, “If Esau comes and destroys one group, the other one can get away.”
For he said, If Esau come to ye one company and smite it, the other companie shall escape.
and saith, 'If Esau come in unto the one camp, and have smitten it — then the camp which is left hath been for an escape.'
He said, “If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape.”
And said, If Esau shall come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left, will escape.
Saying: If Esau come to one company and destroy it, the other company that is left shall escape.
He was thinking, “If Esau and his men come and attack us, perhaps one of the groups will be left and will be able to escape.”
Jacob thought, “If Esau attacks one of those camps, maybe the people and the animals in the other camp will get away.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 32:8
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 32:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּירָ֧א
יַעֲקֹ֛ב
מְאֹ֖ד
וַ/יֵּ֣צֶר
ל֑/וֹ
וַ/יַּ֜חַץ
אֶת
הָ/עָ֣ם
אֲשֶׁר
אִתּ֗/וֹ
וְ/אֶת
הַ/צֹּ֧אן
וְ/אֶת
הַ/בָּקָ֛ר
וְ/הַ/גְּמַלִּ֖ים
לִ/שְׁנֵ֥י
מַחֲנֽוֹת
וַ/יִּירָ֧א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֛ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וַ/יֵּ֣צֶר
yâtsar
H3334
be distressed
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יַּ֜חַץ
châtsâh
H2673
to divide
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִתּ֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/צֹּ֧אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/בָּקָ֛ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
Art | N-cs
וְ/הַ/גְּמַלִּ֖ים
gâmâl
H1581
camel
Conj | Art | N-mp
לִ/שְׁנֵ֥י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Prep | Adj
מַחֲנֽוֹת
machăneh
H4264
camp
N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 32:8
וַ/יִּירָ֧א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
יַעֲקֹ֛ב
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.
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וַ/יֵּ֣צֶר
yâtsar
H3334
"be distressed"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word describes being in distress or a tight spot, like being narrow or cramped. It's used in the Bible to describe difficult situations, such as in Psalm 119:143.
Definition: 1) to bind, be distressed, be in distress, be cramped, be narrow, be scant, be in straits, make narrow, cause distress, beseige 1a) (Qal) to suffer distress
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be distressed, be narrow, be straitened (in straits), be vexed. See also: Genesis 32:8; Nehemiah 9:27; Proverbs 4:12.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יַּ֜חַץ
châtsâh
H2673
"to divide"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To divide means to cut or split something in two, like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus. This word can also mean to live half of one's life, as seen in the story of Isaac.
Definition: 1) to divide, cut in two, cut short, live half (of one's life) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide 1a2) to half, cut in two 1b) (Niphal) to be divided
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: divide, [idiom] live out half, reach to the midst, participle See also: Genesis 32:8; 2 Kings 2:8; Psalms 55:24.
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.
הָ/עָ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
אִתּ֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
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.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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/צֹּ֧אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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/בָּקָ֛ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
Art | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
וְ/הַ/גְּמַלִּ֖ים
gâmâl
H1581
"camel"
Conj | Art | N-mp
A camel, used for riding or carrying loads, is mentioned in the Bible as a valuable animal. In the KJV, it is translated simply as 'camel'.
Definition: 1) camel 1a) as property, as beast of burden, for riding, forbidden for food
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: camel. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:5; Isaiah 21:7.
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 32:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau
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.
8He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 10:16 | Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. |
| 2 | Genesis 33:1–3 | Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. |
Genesis 32:8 Summary
[In this verse, Jacob is trying to protect his people and animals from his brother Esau, who he thinks might attack him, so he divides them into two groups, hoping that if one group is attacked, the other can escape. This shows that Jacob is still learning to trust God fully, but he is taking practical steps to prepare for a potential confrontation. As we face our own fears and challenges, we can learn from Jacob's example to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to give us a future and a hope. By trusting in God and taking practical steps to prepare for challenges, we can find peace and protection in His presence.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob divide his people into two camps?
Jacob divided his people into two camps because he was afraid of Esau and wanted to protect them, as seen in Genesis 32:8, where he thought that if Esau attacked one camp, the other could escape, a strategy also reflected in his prayer for protection in Genesis 32:9-10.
Was Jacob's plan to divide the camps a good idea?
While Jacob's plan to divide the camps may have seemed like a good idea at the time, it was ultimately a mix of faith and fear, as he was still learning to trust God fully, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
What can we learn from Jacob's fear and actions in this verse?
We can learn that even when we are afraid, we can still take practical steps to protect ourselves and others, but we must also remember to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Genesis 32:9-10 where Jacob prays to God for help and acknowledges His kindness and faithfulness.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Jacob and Esau?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and Esau, as it shows Jacob's preparation for a potential confrontation with his brother, which ultimately leads to a surprising and redemptive encounter in Genesis 33:1-17, where the two brothers are reconciled with the help of God's grace and Jacob's humility.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to protect myself or others, and how can I trust God more in those situations?
- How do I respond to fear and uncertainty, and what can I learn from Jacob's example in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can practically prepare for challenges or difficulties, while still trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?
- How can I balance my desire for self-protection with my need to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 23:4 where David trusts in God's presence and protection even in the darkest valley?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:8
And said, if Esau come to the one company, and smite it,.... The first, which perhaps consisted only of some servants, with a part of his cattle; so that if Esau should come in an hostile manner, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:8
Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:8
Either by flight, or because he supposed Esau’ s revenge would be satisfied with the first slaughter.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:8
Genesis 32:8 And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.Ver. 8. If Esau come, &c.] It is a point of prudence, if we cannot keep all, to save what we can.
Sermons on Genesis 32:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How to Get on Fire for God by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and pea |
|
(Biographies) Adoniram Judson by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the deposit of the gospel with fences. He warns against the consequences of not protecting the truth of the gospel |
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Freedom From Fear and Worry by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of freedom from fear and worry. He begins by discussing the prediction made by Jesus about unprecedented fear in the last days. He |
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Road to Reality - Invest in the Harvest- Matt 7 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K. P. Ohanan shares a powerful story from the mission field in India. He describes encountering a village where a man was possessed by hundreds of demons an |
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Abiding in His Word by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a man named Shayser who was given a Bible while he was in prison. Despite the prison warden's warning that he could only have the Bi |
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(The Real Jesus) 4 How Jesus Served the Father by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finishing the work that God has given us to do. He references John 17:4, where Jesus declares that he has glorified God on |
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The Battle Is for the Mind by Josef Tson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the essence of communism and other satanic movements, which he identifies as being rooted in lies, hate, and violence. He shares a personal ex |