New International VersionHe also instructed the second, the third and all the others who followed the herds: “You are to say the same thing to Esau when you meet him.
New Living TranslationJacob gave the same instructions to the second and third herdsmen and to all who followed behind the herds: “You must say the same thing to Esau when you meet him.
English Standard VersionHe likewise instructed the second and the third and all who followed the droves, “You shall say the same thing to Esau when you find him,
Berean Standard BibleHe 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.
King James BibleAnd so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him.
New King James VersionSo he commanded the second, the third, and all who followed the droves, saying, “In this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him;
New American Standard BibleThen he commanded also the second and the third, and all those who followed the flocks, saying, “In this way you shall speak to Esau when you find him;
NASB 1995Then he commanded also the second and the third, and all those who followed the droves, saying, “After this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him;
NASB 1977Then he commanded also the second and the third, and all those who followed the droves, saying, “After this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him;
Legacy Standard BibleThen he commanded also the second and the third and all those who followed the flocks, saying, “After this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him;
Amplified BibleAnd so Jacob commanded the second and the third as well, and all that followed the herds, saying, “This is what you shall say to Esau when you meet him;
Christian Standard BibleHe also told the second one, the third, and everyone who was walking behind the animals, “Say the same thing to Esau when you find him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe also told the second one, the third, and everyone who was walking behind the animals, “Say the same thing to Esau when you find him.
American Standard VersionAnd he commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him;
Contemporary English VersionJacob also told the men in charge of the second and third herds and those who followed to say the same thing when they met Esau.
English Revised VersionAnd he commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe also commanded the second servant, the third, and all the others who followed the herds. He said, "Say the same thing to Esau when you find him.
Good News TranslationHe gave the same order to the second, the third, and to all the others who were in charge of the herds: "This is what you must say to Esau when you meet him.
International Standard VersionHe issued similar instructions to the second and third group, as well as to all the others who drove the herds that followed: "This is how you are to speak to Esau when you find him.
NET BibleHe also gave these instructions to the second and third servants, as well as all those who were following the herds, saying, "You must say the same thing to Esau when you meet him.
New Heart English BibleHe instructed also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds, saying, "This is how you are to speak to Esau, when you find him.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd so he commanded the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, In this manner shall ye speak to Esau, when ye find him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe 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.
World English BibleHe commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds, saying, “This is how you shall speak to Esau, when you find him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he commands also the second, also the third, also all who are going after the droves, saying, “According to this manner do you speak to Esau in your finding him,
Young's Literal Translation And he commandeth also the second, also the third, also all who are going after the droves, saying, 'According to this manner do ye speak unto Esau in your finding him,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will command also the second, also the third, also all going behind the flocks, saying, According to this word shall ye speak to Esau in your finding him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIn like manner he commanded the second and the third, and all that followed with the droves, saying: Speak ye the same words to Esau, when ye find him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionSimilarly, he gave orders to the second, and the third, and to all who followed the flocks, saying: “Speak these same words to Esau, when you find him.
New American BibleHe also ordered the second servant and the third and all the others who followed behind the herds: “Thus and so you shall say to Esau, when you reach him;
New Revised Standard VersionHe likewise instructed the second and the third and all who followed the droves, “You shall say the same thing to Esau when you meet him, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd so he commanded the second and the third and all who followed with the droves, saying. In this manner you shall speak to Esau, when you find him.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he commanded the second, also the third, and also all who were going after a fold saying, “According to this answer you will say to Esau whenever you have found him OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying: 'In this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him;
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he charged the first and the second and the third, and all that went before him after these flocks, saying, Thus shall ye speak to Esau when ye find him;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jacob's Fear of Esau… 18then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.’ ” 19He alsoinstructedthe second,the third,andall thosefollowingbehindthe herds:“When you meetEsau,you are to saythe samethingtohim.20You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’ ” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me.”…
Cross References Genesis 33:3-4But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. / Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.
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 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 45:9-11Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. / You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. / And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’
Genesis 50:17-21‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. / His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ...
Exodus 23:4-5If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.
1 Samuel 25:18-35Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys / and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. / As Abigail came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming down toward her, and she met them. ...
2 Samuel 16:1-4When 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.” / “Where is your master’s grandson?” asked the king. And Ziba answered, “Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’” ...
Proverbs 21:14A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
Proverbs 25:21-22If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
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 18:15If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
Luke 17:3-4Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Luke 19:8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
Romans 12:17-21Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ...
Treasury of Scripture And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall you speak to Esau, when you find him. Jump to Previous CommandedDrovesEsauFindFindingFollowedHerdsInstructedLikewiseMannerMeetOrdersOthersSecondSpeakThirdWordJump to Next CommandedDrovesEsauFindFindingFollowedHerdsInstructedLikewiseMannerMeetOrdersOthersSecondSpeakThirdWordGenesis 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.He also instructed the second, the third, and all those following behind the herds:Jacob's strategic planning is evident here as he organizes his servants and livestock into groups. This reflects his cautious approach in meeting Esau, whom he fears due to their past conflict over the birthright and blessing. The division into multiple groups could be seen as a way to appease Esau gradually, showing Jacob's humility and desire for reconciliation. This method of sending gifts in stages is a common diplomatic practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, aimed at softening the heart of a potentially hostile party. “When you meet Esau, you are to say the same thing to him:
Jacob's instructions to his servants emphasize consistency in the message delivered to Esau. This repetition underscores the importance of the message and Jacob's intent to convey sincerity and submission. The phrase "the same thing" refers to the earlier message of peace and servitude, which Jacob hopes will pacify Esau's anger. This approach highlights the biblical principle of seeking peace and reconciliation, as seen inProverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath." Jacob's actions can also be seen as a type of Christ, who teaches reconciliation and humility in relationships. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob 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 brother, whom Jacob had deceived out of his birthright and blessing. Jacob is concerned about Esau's reaction to his return. 3. MessengersJacob sends messengers ahead to Esau with gifts, hoping to appease him and find favor in his sight. 4. HerdsThe gifts Jacob sends to Esau include herds of livestock, which are sent in successive groups to impress and pacify Esau. 5. Paddan-aramThe region where Jacob had been living with Laban, from which he is now returning to Canaan. Teaching Points Preparation for ReconciliationJacob's actions demonstrate the importance of preparing for reconciliation with those we have wronged. He takes deliberate steps to make amends with Esau. Humility and RepentanceJacob's approach to Esau is marked by humility. He acknowledges his past wrongs and seeks to make restitution, which is a model for repentance. Trust in God's PromisesDespite his fear, Jacob trusts in God's promise to protect him and his family. This trust is essential for believers facing difficult situations. The Power of GenerosityJacob's generous gifts to Esau illustrate how acts of kindness can pave the way for healing and restored relationships. Faith in ActionJacob's faith is demonstrated through his actions. He doesn't just pray for safety; he actively works towards reconciliation, showing that faith often requires action. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 32:19?
2.How does Genesis 32:19 demonstrate Jacob's strategic planning in difficult situations?
3.What can we learn from Jacob's actions about trusting God's promises?
4.How does Jacob's approach in Genesis 32:19 connect to Matthew 10:16?
5.In what ways can we apply Jacob's humility in our daily interactions?
6.How does Genesis 32:19 encourage us to prepare wisely for future challenges?
7.What is the significance of Jacob's encounter with God in Genesis 32:19?
8.How does Genesis 32:19 reflect Jacob's character development?
9.What theological themes are present in Genesis 32:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32?
11.Who are the Sons of Jacob?
12.What is the total number of Abraham's wives?
13.What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?
14.Who was Leah in the Bible?What Does Genesis 32:19 Mean He also instructed the second, the third, and all those following behind the herdsJacob does not leave anything to chance. Every drover—whether second, third, or “all those following”—receives identical directions. His thoroughness shows: • An orderly plan, rather than a panicked reaction (compareProverbs 21:5). • A desire to surround Esau with repeated gestures of goodwill, multiplying opportunities for softened feelings (seeRomans 12:18). • A humble acknowledgment that the danger is serious; Jacob treats each wave as critical to the overall mission, echoing the wisdom ofEcclesiastes 4:12 about strength in numbers.
When you meet EsauJacob anticipates the exact moment of encounter. He does not instruct them “if” but “when,” demonstrating certainty that Esau will respond to the gifts before Jacob himself appears. This reveals: • Confidence that God’s providence governs the meeting (Genesis 32:1–2). • A practical strategy: gifts first, personal presence later, mirroringProverbs 18:16—“A man’s gift opens the way for him.” • Courage mingled with caution; Jacob moves forward, yet arranges the safest sequence (Psalm 56:3–4 shows the same blend of fear and trust).
you are to say the same thing to himUniform wording matters. Each messenger must echo Jacob’s message exactly, ensuring: • Consistency—no room for misunderstanding (James 3:5 reminds how small words can cause large fires). • Humility—the statement “Your servant Jacob is behind us” (Genesis 32:18) underlines Jacob’s new posture, reversing earlier grasping behavior (Genesis 27:36). • Persistence—repetition reinforces sincerity; like the persistent widow inLuke 18:1–5, Jacob keeps knocking on Esau’s heart through successive waves.
summaryGenesis 32:19 highlights Jacob’s careful, humble, and faith-tinged approach to reconciliation. By instructing every drover to deliver the same gracious message, he multiplies peace offerings, anticipates God’s hand in the meeting, and demonstrates a transformed heart that now seeks restoration over rivalry.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew He alsoגַּ֣ם(gam)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andinstructedוַיְצַ֞ו(way·ṣaw)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderthe second,הַשֵּׁנִ֗י(haš·šê·nî)Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8145:Second (an ordinal number)the third,הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י(haš·šə·lî·šî)Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 7992:Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)andגַּ֚ם(gam)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andall thoseכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyfollowingהַהֹ֣לְכִ֔ים(ha·hō·lə·ḵîm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkbehindאַחֲרֵ֥י(’a·ḥă·rê)Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partthe herds:הָעֲדָרִ֖ים(hā·‘ă·ḏā·rîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5739:An arrangement, muster“When you meetבְּמֹצַאֲכֶ֖ם(bə·mō·ṣa·’ă·ḵem)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentEsau,עֵשָׂ֔ו(‘ê·śāw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of Isaacyou are to sayתְּדַבְּר֣וּן(tə·ḏab·bə·rūn)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduethe sameהַזֶּה֙(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatthingכַּדָּבָ֤ר(kad·dā·ḇār)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causetoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tohim.אֹתֽוֹ׃(’ō·ṯōw)Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case
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OT Law: Genesis 32:19 He commanded also the second and (Gen. Ge Gn) |
