New International Versionthen you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.’”
New Living TranslationYou must reply, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob, but they are a gift for his master Esau. Look, he is coming right behind us.’”
English Standard Versionthen you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.’”
Berean Standard Biblethen 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.’”
King James BibleThen thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.
New King James Versionthen you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.’ ”
New American Standard Biblethen you shall say, ‘ These belong to your servant Jacob; it is a gift sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’”
NASB 1995then you shall say, ‘These belong to your servant Jacob; it is a present sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’”
NASB 1977then you shall say, ‘ These belong to your servant Jacob; it is a present sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’”
Legacy Standard Biblethen you shall say, ‘ These belong to your servant Jacob; it is a present sent to my lord, to Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’”
Amplified Biblethen you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s; they are a gift sent to my lord Esau. And he also is behind us.’”
Christian Standard Biblethen tell him, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau. And look, he is behind us.’ ”
Holman Christian Standard Biblethen tell him, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau. And look, he is behind us.’”
American Standard Versionthen thou shalt say They are thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, he also is behind us.
Contemporary English VersionSo tell him, 'They belong to your servant Jacob, who is coming this way. He is sending them as a gift to his master Esau.'"
English Revised Versionthen thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, he also is behind us.
GOD'S WORD® Translationthen say, 'Sir, they belong to your servant Jacob. This is a gift sent to you. Jacob is right behind us.'"
Good News Translationyou must answer, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. He sends them as a present to his master Esau. Jacob himself is right behind us.'"
International Standard Versionthen you are to reply, 'We're from your servant Jacob. The herds are a gift. He's sending them to my master, Esau. Look! There he is, coming along behind us.'"
NET Biblethen you must say, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. They have been sent as a gift to my lord Esau. In fact Jacob himself is behind us.'"
New Heart English BibleThen you shall say, 'They are your servant, Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau. And look, he also is behind us.'"
Webster's Bible TranslationThen thou shalt say, They are thy servant Jacob's: it is a present sent to my lord Esau: and behold also he is behind us. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethen 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.’”
World English BibleThen you shall say, ‘They are your servant, Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord, Esau. Behold, he also is behind us.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen you have said, Your servant Jacob’s: it [is] a present sent to my lord, to Esau; and behold, he also [is] behind us.”
Young's Literal Translation then thou hast said, Thy servant Jacob's: it is a present sent to my lord, to Esau; and lo, he also is behind us.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd thou saying, To thy servant, to Jacob: this a gift sent to my lord to Esau, and behold also he is behind us. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThou shalt answer: Thy servant Jacob's: he hath sent them as a present to my lord Esau: and he cometh after us.
Catholic Public Domain Versionyou shall respond: “Your servant Jacob’s. He has sent them as a gift to my lord Esau. And he is also coming after us.”
New American Bibletell him, ‘To your servant Jacob, but they have been sent as a gift to my lord Esau. Jacob himself is right behind us.’ ”
New Revised Standard Versionthen you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob; they are a present sent to my lord Esau; and moreover he is behind us.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen you shall say to him, They belong to your servant Jacob; they are a present which he has sent to my lord Esau; and, behold, also he is coming behind us.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedSay to him, ‘Your Servant Yaquuv’s gifts that he sends to my Lord Esau, and behold, he is also coming after us.’” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917then thou shalt say: They are thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord, even unto Esau; and, behold, he also is behind us.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThou shalt say, Thy servant Jacob's; he hath sent gifts to my lord Esau, and lo! he is behind us.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jacob's Fear of Esau… 17He instructed the one in the lead, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you belong, where are you going, and whose animals are these before you?’ 18then you are to say,‘They belong to your servantJacob.Theyare a gift,sentto my lordEsau.And behold,Jacobis 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.…
Cross References Genesis 33:8-11“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered. / “I already have plenty, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what belongs to you.” / But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. ...
Genesis 27:36So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?”
Genesis 43:11-14Then 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. / Take double the silver with you so that you may return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. / Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once. ...
Genesis 45:17-20Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do as follows: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan. / Then bring your father and your families and return to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the fat of the land.’ / You are also directed to tell them: ‘Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your young children and your wives, and bring your father and come back. ...
Genesis 46:5-7Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives. / They also took the livestock and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt. / Jacob took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons, and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.
Exodus 12:35-36Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.
Exodus 3:21-22And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed. / Every woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman staying in her house for silver and gold jewelry and clothing, and you will put them on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians.”
1 Samuel 25:18-19Then 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.
2 Samuel 16:1-2When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. / “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”
1 Kings 10:1-2Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.
2 Kings 8:8-9So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” / So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’”
Proverbs 18:16A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
Proverbs 21:14A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
Matthew 5:23-24So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 10:16Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Treasury of Scripture Then you shall say, They be your servant Jacob's; it is a present sent to my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us. See on ver. Genesis 32:4,5 And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now: … Jump to Previous BelongEsauGiftJacobJacob'sMoreoverOfferingPresentServantTheyJump to Next BelongEsauGiftJacobJacob'sMoreoverOfferingPresentServantTheyGenesis 32 1.Jacob's vision at Mahanaim.3.His message to Esau.6.He is afraid of Esau's coming.9.He prays for deliverance.13.He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok.24.He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel.31.He halts.then you are to sayThis phrase indicates a direct instruction from Jacob to his servants. It reflects the careful planning and strategy Jacob employs in his approach to Esau, highlighting the importance of communication and preparation in resolving conflicts. This instruction is part of a larger plan to appease Esau, whom Jacob fears due to their past conflict over the birthright and blessing. ‘They belong to your servant Jacob.
Jacob refers to himself as Esau's servant, which is significant given their history. This phrase demonstrates humility and submission, a stark contrast to Jacob's earlier actions when he deceived Esau. The use of "servant" is a cultural expression of respect and an attempt to mend their strained relationship. It also reflects the biblical theme of reconciliation and the importance of humility in relationships. They are a gift,
The concept of a gift in ancient Near Eastern culture was often used to secure favor or reconciliation. Gifts were a common practice to show respect or to seek peace. This act of giving is symbolic of Jacob's desire to make amends and restore peace with Esau. It also prefigures the biblical principle of giving as a means of reconciliation, as seen inProverbs 18:16. sent to my lord Esau.
Referring to Esau as "my lord" is another expression of respect and submission. This phrase acknowledges Esau's position and authority, which Jacob had previously undermined. The use of "lord" is significant in the context of their relationship, as it shows Jacob's recognition of Esau's status and his own willingness to submit. This is a reversal of the earlier prophecy inGenesis 25:23, where the older would serve the younger, highlighting the complexity of their relationship. And behold, Jacob is behind us.’”
This phrase serves as a reassurance to Esau that Jacob is not far behind, indicating his willingness to meet Esau face-to-face. It shows Jacob's intention to personally reconcile with Esau, rather than merely sending gifts. The mention of Jacob being "behind" also suggests a strategic placement, allowing Esau to first receive the gifts and potentially soften his heart before meeting Jacob. This reflects the biblical theme of reconciliation and the courage required to face past wrongs. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch who is returning to his homeland after years of living with his uncle Laban. He is preparing to meet his brother Esau, whom he had previously wronged. 2. EsauJacob's elder brother, from whom Jacob had taken the birthright and blessing. Esau is now a powerful man, and Jacob fears his potential wrath. 3. ServantsThe messengers sent by Jacob to deliver gifts to Esau as a peace offering, demonstrating Jacob's humility and desire for reconciliation. 4. GiftsThe livestock and goods sent by Jacob to Esau as a gesture of goodwill, intended to appease Esau and ensure a peaceful reunion. 5. Paddan-aramThe region where Jacob had been living with Laban, from which he is now returning to Canaan. Teaching Points Reconciliation and HumilityJacob's approach to Esau demonstrates the importance of humility and taking initiative in seeking reconciliation. We should be proactive in mending broken relationships. The Power of GiftsGifts can be a tangible expression of goodwill and can help to soften hearts and pave the way for reconciliation. Consider how you can use your resources to bless others and mend relationships. Trust in God's PromisesDespite his fear, Jacob is acting in faith, trusting in God's promise to protect him and make his descendants numerous. We should trust in God's promises even when facing difficult situations. Preparation and PrayerJacob's actions are preceded by prayer and preparation. Before facing challenging situations, we should seek God's guidance and prepare our hearts and minds. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 32:18?
2.How does Genesis 32:18 demonstrate Jacob's humility and reliance on God?
3.What can we learn from Jacob's approach to Esau in Genesis 32:18?
4.How does Jacob's message in Genesis 32:18 reflect his transformation since Bethel?
5.In what ways can Genesis 32:18 guide us in resolving conflicts today?
6.How does Genesis 32:18 connect to Jesus' teachings on reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24?
7.What is the significance of Jacob's message in Genesis 32:18 regarding his relationship with Esau?
8.How does Genesis 32:18 reflect Jacob's character and his approach to conflict resolution?
9.Why does Jacob refer to himself as a servant in Genesis 32:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32?
11.Jesus says, 'No one has seen God' (John 1:18), but Genesis 32:30 says Jacob saw God face to face. Isn't this a contradiction?
12.Why does Jacob liken seeing Esau's face to seeing God's in Genesis 33:10, and does this conflict with other monotheistic teachings?
13.Why does Jacob's claim of seeing God 'face to face' (Gen. 32:30) not conflict with John 1:18, which says no one has ever seen God?
14.How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men?What Does Genesis 32:18 Mean They belong to your servant Jacob“Your servant Jacob.” That single phrase shows a complete reversal of the rivalry that began in the womb (Genesis 25:22-23) and erupted over the stolen blessing (Genesis 27:35-41). Here, Jacob willingly takes the lower place: • He calls himself “servant,” choosing humility over grasping for supremacy (cf.Genesis 32:4;Philippians 2:3-4). • By naming himself first, he makes clear ownership of the herds, so Esau cannot suspect theft or trickery (cf.Exodus 22:1). • The wording fulfills the spirit ofRomans 12:17-18—“If it is possible…live at peace with everyone”—long before Paul ever penned it.
They are a giftJacob is not buying forgiveness; he is extending grace, recognizing that every good thing he has came from God (Genesis 32:10). The Hebrew word for “gift” is often translated “blessing,” tying the present back to the blessing Jacob once seized. •Proverbs 18:16 notes that “A man’s gift opens the way for him,” exactly what Jacob hopes (cf.Genesis 33:10-11, where Esau does accept). • Like Abigail’s peace-offering to David (1 Samuel 25:27-31), the livestock show sincerity, not manipulation. • The sheer size of the gift mirrors God’s promise of abundance (Genesis 30:43); generosity becomes testimony.
Sent to my lord EsauJacob addresses Esau as “my lord,” placing himself under authority. This is more than etiquette; it is repentance in action. • Earlier, Jacob had sent messengers ahead (Genesis 32:3); now he sends resources, embodyingMatthew 5:23-24’s principle of reconciling before worship. • The phrase “sent” echoesGenesis 32:9, where Jacob prays, “O God…who said to me, ‘Return…’.” Obedience to God propels the reconciliation. • Recognizing Esau’s lingering rights to the firstborn’s authority, Jacob voluntarily honors him (cf.Deuteronomy 21:17).
And behold, Jacob is behind usJacob stays in the rear, letting the gifts speak first. • This staggered approach softens Esau gradually (Genesis 32:16), showing tact without deceit. • By remaining “behind,” Jacob gives Esau room to respond freely, echoing the father who waited and ran to the prodigal son (Luke 15:20). • When they meet, Jacob bows seven times (Genesis 33:3), confirming that the humility expressed through the servants was genuine.
summaryGenesis 32:18 reveals more than travel instructions; it presents a pattern of humble restitution. Jacob—once known for grasping—now calls himself servant, sends an extravagant gift, honors Esau’s position, and personally follows in vulnerability. The verse shows that true faith in God’s promises produces tangible acts of repentance and peace-making, paving the way for the brothers’ reunion inGenesis 33.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew then you are to say,וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙(wə·’ā·mar·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘They belong to your servantלְעַבְדְּךָ֣(lə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantJacob.לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב(lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descTheyהִוא֙(hî)Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areare a gift,מִנְחָ֥ה(min·ḥāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503:A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offeringsentשְׁלוּחָ֔ה(šə·lū·ḥāh)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outto my lordלַֽאדֹנִ֖י(la·ḏō·nî)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controllerEsau.לְעֵשָׂ֑ו(lə·‘ê·śāw)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of IsaacAnd behold,וְהִנֵּ֥ה(wə·hin·nêh)Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold![Jacob]ה֖וּא(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areis behind us.’”אַחֲרֵֽינוּ׃(’a·ḥă·rê·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 310:The hind or following part
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OT Law: Genesis 32:18 Then you shall say 'They are your (Gen. Ge Gn) |
