Genesis 33:14

Genesis 33:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Please let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until I come to my lord at Seir.”

King James Version KJV

Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.

American Standard Version ASV

Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the cattle that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Do you, my lord, go on before your servant; I will come on slowly, at the rate at which the cattle and the children are able to go, till I come to my lord at Seir.

Free Bible Version FBV

You go on, my lord, and your servant will come along slowly, walking with the children, and I'll meet you at Seir.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Let now my lord go before his seruant, and I will driue softly, according to ye pase of ye cattel, which is before me, and as the children be able to endure, vntill I come to my lord vnto Seir.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant, and I — I lead on gently, according to the foot of the work which [is] before me, and to the foot of the children, until that I come unto my lord, to Seir.'

World English Bible WEB

Please let my lord pass over before his servant, and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the livestock that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord to Seir.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on slowly, according as the cattle that go before me, and the children are able to endure; until I come to my lord to Seir.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

May it please my lord to go before his servant: and I will follow softly after him, as I shall see my children to be able, until I come to my lord in Seir.

Translation for Translators T4T

You go ahead of me. I will lead the animals slowly, but I will walk as fast as the children and animals can walk. I will catch up with you in Seir, in the land where the descendants of Edom live.”

Plain English Version PEV

So please, sir, you go ahead. I will walk slowly with my kids and animals. Later on, we will see you there in Seir.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 33:14

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 33:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB יַעֲבָר נָ֥א אֲדֹנִ֖/י לִ/פְנֵ֣י עַבְדּ֑/וֹ וַ/אֲנִ֞י אֶֽתְנָהֲלָ֣ה לְ/אִטִּ֗/י לְ/רֶ֨גֶל הַ/מְּלָאכָ֤ה אֲשֶׁר לְ/פָנַ/י֙ וּ/לְ/רֶ֣גֶל הַ/יְלָדִ֔ים עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁר אָבֹ֥א אֶל אֲדֹנִ֖/י שֵׂעִֽירָ/ה

יַעֲבָר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Juss-3ms

נָ֥א nâʼ H4994 please Part

אֲדֹנִ֖/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

עַבְדּ֑/וֹ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff

וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

אֶֽתְנָהֲלָ֣ה nâhal H5095 to guide V-Hithpael-1cs

לְ/אִטִּ֗/י ʼaṭ H328 mutterer Prep | N-ms | Suff

לְ/רֶ֨גֶל regel H7272 foot Prep | N-fs

הַ/מְּלָאכָ֤ה mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 work Art | N-fs

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לְ/פָנַ/י֙ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

וּ/לְ/רֶ֣גֶל regel H7272 foot Conj | Prep | N-fs

הַ/יְלָדִ֔ים yeled H3206 youth Art | N-mp

עַ֛ד ʻad H5704 till Prep

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אָבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אֲדֹנִ֖/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

שֵׂעִֽירָ/ה Sêʻîyr H8165 Seir N-proper | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 33:14

יַעֲבָר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Juss-3ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

נָ֥א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part

The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.

Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation

Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.

אֲדֹנִ֖/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" 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.

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

עַבְדּ֑/וֹ 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.

וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

אֶֽתְנָהֲלָ֣ה nâhal H5095 "to guide" V-Hithpael-1cs

To guide or lead someone, like a shepherd leading his flock, as seen in Psalm 23. This verb describes leading with care and protection. It is used to describe God's guidance and care for his people.

Definition: 1) to lead, give rest, lead with care, guide to a watering place or station, cause to rest, bring to a station or place of rest, guide, refresh 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to lead to a watering-place or station and cause to rest there 1a2) to lead or bring to a station or goal 1a3) to lead, guide 1a4) to give rest to 1a5) to refresh (with food) 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to lead on 1b2) to journey by stations or stages

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: carry, feed, guide, lead (gently, on). See also: Genesis 33:14; Psalms 23:2; Psalms 31:4.

לְ/אִטִּ֗/י ʼaṭ H328 "mutterer" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word means doing something gently or softly, like a necromancer's incantations. It can also mean flowing or being smooth.

Definition: enchanter, necromancer (substantive)

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: charmer, gently, secret, softly. See also: Genesis 33:14; Job 15:11; Isaiah 8:6.

לְ/רֶ֨גֶל regel H7272 "foot" Prep | N-fs

This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.

Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)

Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.

הַ/מְּלָאכָ֤ה mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 "work" Art | N-fs

Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.

Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious

Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.

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.

לְ/פָנַ/י֙ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

וּ/לְ/רֶ֣גֶל regel H7272 "foot" Conj | Prep | N-fs

This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.

הַ/יְלָדִ֔ים yeled H3206 "youth" Art | N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.

Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.

עַ֛ד 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.

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.

אָבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

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.

אֲדֹנִ֖/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff

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.

שֵׂעִֽירָ/ה Sêʻîyr H8165 "Seir" N-proper | Suff

Seir refers to a mountain in Idumaea and its original inhabitants, with the name meaning hairy or shaggy, as seen in Genesis 32:3 and Deuteronomy 2:1.

Definition: § Seir = "hairy" or "shaggy" patriarch of the Horites, the inhabitants of Edom before the descendants of Esau, the Edomites

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Seir. See also: Genesis 14:6; Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 21:11.

Study Notes — Genesis 33:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 33:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:14
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:14
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 33:14
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:14
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 33:14
Sermons on Genesis 33:14

Context — Jacob Meets Esau

12Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way, and I will go ahead of you.” 13But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die.

14Please let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until I come to my lord at Seir.”

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.” 16So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 32:3	Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
2	Isaiah 40:11	He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
3	Romans 15:1	We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
4	Judges 5:4	O LORD, when You went out from Seir, when You marched from the land of Edom, the earth trembled, the heavens poured out rain, and the clouds poured down water.
5	Ezekiel 35:2–3	“Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it, and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir. I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolate waste.
6	Mark 4:33	With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand.
7	Deuteronomy 2:1	Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea, as the LORD had instructed me, and for many days we wandered around Mount Seir.
8	2 Chronicles 20:10	And now, here are the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt; but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them.
9	Ezekiel 25:8	This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,”
10	1 Corinthians 9:19–22	Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

Genesis 33:14 Summary

[In Genesis 33:14, Jacob asks Esau to go ahead of him because he wants to make sure his animals and children are safe and comfortable. He doesn't want to rush them and risk harming them, which shows he cares about their well-being. This is similar to how God cares for us, as seen in Psalm 23:4, where it says 'even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me'. Jacob is being a good leader by putting the needs of others first, just like Jesus taught us to do in Matthew 20:26-28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob ask Esau to go ahead of him in Genesis 33:14?

Jacob asked Esau to go ahead of him because he was concerned about the well-being of his livestock and children, as mentioned in Genesis 33:13, and he wanted to ensure they were not driven too hard and risked dying.

What was Jacob's plan after Esau went ahead of him?

Jacob planned to continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until he came to Esau at Seir, as stated in Genesis 33:14, demonstrating his consideration for the needs of his family and animals.

How does Jacob's request in Genesis 33:14 show his humility and respect for Esau?

Jacob's request shows his humility and respect for Esau by addressing him as 'my lord' and referring to himself as 'his servant', indicating a willingness to submit to Esau's leadership and acknowledge his authority, as seen in other passages such as Genesis 32:4-5.

What can we learn from Jacob's decision to prioritize the needs of his livestock and children in Genesis 33:14?

We can learn the importance of prioritizing the needs of those who depend on us, just as Jacob did, and being mindful of their limitations, as encouraged in passages like Psalm 127:3-5 and Matthew 25:40.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to slow down and prioritize the needs of others, just as Jacob did in Genesis 33:14?
How can I demonstrate humility and respect for others, like Jacob did when he addressed Esau as 'my lord'?
What are some ways I can apply the principle of considering the needs of others, as seen in Genesis 33:14, to my relationships and daily life?
How can I trust God to provide for my needs and the needs of those around me, just as Jacob trusted God to provide for his family and livestock?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:14

Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant,.... He desired in a very respectable manner that he would not keep his pace in complaisance to him, but proceed on in his journey, and go on

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:14

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:14

We do not read that Jacob did according to this promise or insinuation go to Seir; either therefore he changed his first intentions for some weighty reasons, or upon warning from God; or he used this only as a pretence, which we should not too easily believe of so good a man, especially after such dangers and deliverances; or rather he did perform this promise, though the Scripture be silent of it, as it is of many other historical passages, and as it is here concerning Jacob’ s visiting of his father Isaac, which is not mentioned till ten years after this time; and yet it is utterly incredible that Jacob should be so near to his dear and worthy father for so long a time together, and not once give him a visit.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:14

Genesis 33:14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.Ver. 14. Until I come unto my lord, unto Seir.] Which yet he never meant, say some: it was but an officious lie, saith Tostatus. Others think that he did go to Seir, though it he not recorded. It is like he purposed to go, but was otherwise warned by God; as the wise men were, or necessarily hindered, as St Paul was in many of his intended journeys.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:14

(14) According as the cattle . . . —Rather, according to the pace—Heb., foot—of the cattle that is before me, and according to the pace of the children. Joseph was only six or seven years old; and Leah’s two younger sons, and probably Zilpah’s, were too tender to endure much fatigue. Unto Seir.—This implies a purpose of visiting Esau in his new acquisition, not carried out probably because Esau did not as yet settle there, but returned to Hebron to his father.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 33:14

Verse 14. Until I come unto my lord unto Seir.] It is very likely that Jacob was perfectly sincere in his expressed purpose of visiting Esau at Seir, but it is as likely that circumstances afterwards occurred that rendered it either improper or impracticable; and we find that Esau afterwards removed to Canaan, and he and Jacob dwelt there together for several years. See Genesis 36:6.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:14

14. softly] Lit. “according to my gentleness,” i.e. at a quiet and leisurely rate. according to the pace of the cattle] Lit. “of the property” in herds and flocks (m’lâ’cah, as in Exodus 22:7; Exodus 22:10; 1 Samuel 15:9). unto Seir] Jacob here implies that he was intending to visit his brother in Seir. He has no intention of settling there, and at the most he expresses a courteous hope of a temporary sojourn.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 33:14

14. I will lead on softly — That is, I will proceed gently. According as the cattle — Hebrews, according to the foot of the work; that is, the possessions acquired by my work.

Sermons on Genesis 33:14

	Sermon	Description
	Gentle Leading by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches about the compassionate and thoughtful leadership of Jacob towards his cattle and children, ensuring they were not overdriven but led softly according to
	(Genesis) Genesis 46:4-7 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three spiritual periods in the life of Jacob, which can be applicable to many believers today. The first period is when Jacob lived somewh
	Jehovah Rohi - the Lord Is My Shepherd by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of walking on a beach at night during a financial crisis. He expresses his need for God's presence, love, and assurance. As
	Praise and Thanksgiving: Praise the Creator by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation chapter 4 and highlights the central theme of worship in heaven. The chapter describes John's arrival in heaven, where he sees a
	Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, Reverend C.H. Spurgeon speaks about the comfort and hope that can be found in God's mercy and grace. He uses the metaphor of a bruised reed and smoking flax to desc
	God Carries His People by Charles Leiter	In this sermon, the preacher addresses a crowd of believers and warns them not to be shocked or fearful when faced with opposition and persecution. He reminds them that God has bee
	Christian Life According to John (Part 4) by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenge Jesus faced in meeting the demands of thousands of people seeking his attention. Jesus recognized that he couldn't physically r