New International VersionAnd be sure to say, ‘Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.’” For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.”
New Living TranslationAnd be sure to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” Jacob thought, “I will try to appease him by sending gifts ahead of me. When I see him in person, perhaps he will be friendly to me.”
English Standard Versionand you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
Berean Standard BibleYou 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.”
King James BibleAnd say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.
New King James Versionand also say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ ” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.”
New American Standard Bibleand you shall say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob also is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease him with the gift that goes ahead of me. Then afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.”
NASB 1995and you shall say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob also is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me. Then afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.”
NASB 1977and you shall say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob also is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me. Then afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.”
Legacy Standard Bibleand you shall say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob also is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease his face with the present that goes before me. Then afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will lift up my face.”
Amplified Bibleand you shall say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he said [to himself], “I will try to appease him with the gift that is going ahead of me. Then afterward I will see him; perhaps he will accept and forgive me.”
Christian Standard BibleYou are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’ ” For he thought, “I want to appease Esau with the gift that is going ahead of me. After that, I can face him, and perhaps he will forgive me.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleYou are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I want to appease Esau with the gift that is going ahead of me. After that, I can face him, and perhaps he will forgive me.”
American Standard Versionand ye shall say, Moreover, behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept me.
Contemporary English VersionAnd Jacob told them to be sure to say that he was right behind them. Jacob hoped the gifts would make Esau friendly, so Esau would be glad to see him when they met.
English Revised Versionand ye shall say, Moreover, behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept me.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAnd be sure to add, 'Jacob is right behind us, sir.' " He thought, "I'll make peace with him by giving him this gift that I'm sending ahead of me. After that I will see him, and he'll welcome me back."
Good News TranslationYou must say, 'Yes, your servant Jacob is right behind us.'" Jacob was thinking, "I will win him over with the gifts, and when I meet him, perhaps he will forgive me."
International Standard VersionYou are to tell him, 'Look! Your servant Jacob is coming along behind us.'" Jacob was thinking, "I'll pacify him with the presents that are being sent ahead of me. Then, when I meet him, perhaps he'll accept me."
NET BibleYou must also say, 'In fact your servant Jacob is behind us.'" Jacob thought, "I will first appease him by sending a gift ahead of me. After that I will meet him. Perhaps he will accept me."
New Heart English BibleYou shall say, 'Not only that, but look, your servant Jacob is behind us.'" For, he said, "I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will meet him. Perhaps he will accept me."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou 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.”
World English BibleYou shall say, ‘Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.’” For, he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you have also said, Behold, your servant Jacob [is] behind us”; for he said, “I pacify his face with the present which is going before me, and afterward I see his face; it may be he lifts up my face”;
Young's Literal Translation and ye have said also, Lo, thy servant Jacob is behind us;' for he said, 'I pacify his face with the present which is going before me, and afterwards I see his face; it may be he lifteth up my face;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd ye said, Also behold thy servant Jacob behind us. For he said, I will appease his face with the gift going before me, and after this I will see his face; perhaps he will receive my face. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd ye shall add: thy servant Jacob himself also followeth after us: for he said: I will appease him with the presents that go before, and afterwards I will see him, perhaps he will be gracious to me.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd you will add: ‘Your servant Jacob himself also follows after us, for he said: “I will appease him with the gifts that go ahead, and after this, I will see him; perhaps he will be gracious to me.” ’ ”
New American Bibleand also tell him, ‘Your servant Jacob is right behind us.’ ” For Jacob reasoned, “If I first appease him with a gift that precedes me, then later, when I face him, perhaps he will forgive me.”
New Revised Standard Versionand you shall say, ‘Moreover your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterwards I shall see his face; perhaps he will accept me.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd you shall say to him, moreover, Behold, your servant Jacob also is behind us. For he said, I may appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; and perhaps he will accept me.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd say to him, ‘Behold also your Servant Yaquuv is behind us, because he said, I shall appease his anger with the offerings that go before me, and after I shall see his face, perhaps he will accept my face.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and ye shall say: Moreover, behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us.' For he said: 'I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept me.'
Brenton Septuagint Translationand ye shall say, Behold thy servant Jacob comes after us. For he said, I will propitiate his countenance with the gifts going before his presence, and afterwards I will behold his face, for peradventure he will accept me.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jacob's Fear of Esau… 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. 20You are alsoto say,‘Look,your servantJacobis right behind us.’”Forhe thought,“I will appeaseEsauwith the giftthat is goingbefore me.AfterthatI can facehim,and perhapshe will acceptme.”21So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp.…
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 27:41-45Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” / When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. ...
Genesis 33:10But 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.
Proverbs 21:14A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
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. ...
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 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? ...
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.
Romans 12:20On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Proverbs 16:7When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
1 Kings 2:13-25Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied. / Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “Say it,” she answered. / “You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. ...
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.’” ...
Luke 14:31-32Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.
Matthew 18:15If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
Treasury of Scripture And say you moreover, Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me. I will appease. Genesis 43:11 And their father Israel said unto them, Ifit must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: 1 Samuel 25:17-35 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for heis such a son of Belial, thata man cannot speak to him… Job 42:8,9 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with youafter your folly, in that ye have not spoken of methe thing which is right, like my servant Job… peradventure. 1 Samuel 6:5 Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land. 1 Kings 20:31 And his servants said unto him, Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israelare merciful kings: let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life. Jonah 3:9 Who can tellif God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? of me. Job 42:8,9 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with youafter your folly, in that ye have not spoken of methe thing which is right, like my servant Job… Proverbs 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts. Jump to Previous AcceptAfterwardAfterwardsAheadAppeaseEyesFaceFurtherGiftGiftsGoesGraceJacobLaterMoreoverOfferingPacifyPeradventurePerhapsPresentSendingServantSureThoughtWrathJump to Next AcceptAfterwardAfterwardsAheadAppeaseEyesFaceFurtherGiftGiftsGoesGraceJacobLaterMoreoverOfferingPacifyPeradventurePerhapsPresentSendingServantSureThoughtWrathGenesis 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.You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’”This phrase highlights Jacob's strategy of humility and submission in addressing Esau. The term "servant" reflects Jacob's attempt to placate Esau by acknowledging his own lower status, despite having received the birthright and blessing. This approach is consistent with the cultural norms of the time, where showing deference could help resolve conflicts. The phrase "right behind us" indicates Jacob's physical proximity, suggesting his willingness to confront the situation directly, yet cautiously. For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me.
Jacob's plan to appease Esau with gifts is a strategic move rooted in the customs of the ancient Near East, where gifts were often used to secure favor or reconciliation. This reflects a broader biblical theme of reconciliation and the importance of peace among brothers, as seen inProverbs 18:16, which states, "A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great." The act of sending gifts ahead can also be seen as a type of Christ, who goes before us to prepare the way for reconciliation with God. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me.”
Jacob's hope that Esau will accept him after receiving the gifts underscores the uncertainty and fear Jacob feels about their reunion. This reflects the human condition of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. The phrase "perhaps he will accept me" indicates Jacob's reliance on God's providence, as he ultimately trusts in God's promise to protect him and his family. This moment foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation found in Christ, who reconciles humanity to God, as seen in2 Corinthians 5:18-19. 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 brother, from whom Jacob had taken the birthright and blessing. Jacob fears Esau's potential wrath as he returns. 3. Paddan-aramThe region where Jacob had been living with Laban, from which he is now returning. 4. GiftThe series of livestock and goods Jacob sends ahead to Esau as a peace offering, hoping to appease his brother's anger. 5. Face-to-Face EncounterThe anticipated meeting between Jacob and Esau, which Jacob hopes will be peaceful after his gifts. Teaching Points Reconciliation and HumilityJacob's approach to Esau demonstrates the importance of humility and the desire for reconciliation. He refers to himself as Esau's servant, showing a change of heart from his earlier deceitful actions. The Power of GiftsJacob's use of gifts to appease Esau highlights the biblical principle that thoughtful gifts can mend relationships and soothe anger. Faith and FearJacob's actions reveal a mix of faith and fear. While he trusts God’s promise to protect him, he also takes practical steps to ensure his safety, teaching us to balance faith with wise action. Seeking ForgivenessJacob's strategy to appease Esau reflects the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends for past wrongs, a principle echoed throughout Scripture. Trust in God's PlanDespite his fears, Jacob ultimately trusts in God's promise to prosper him, reminding us to rely on God's faithfulness even when facing difficult situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 32:20?
2.How does Genesis 32:20 demonstrate Jacob's strategy to appease Esau's anger?
3.What can we learn about reconciliation from Jacob's actions in Genesis 32:20?
4.How does Jacob's approach in Genesis 32:20 connect to Matthew 5:23-24?
5.In what ways can we apply Jacob's humility in Genesis 32:20 today?
6.How does Genesis 32:20 illustrate the importance of seeking peace with others?
7.Why did Jacob send gifts to Esau in Genesis 32:20?
8.How does Genesis 32:20 reflect Jacob's fear and strategy?
9.What does Genesis 32:20 reveal about reconciliation and forgiveness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32?
11.What is the significance of Jacob wrestling with God?
12.How could Jacob wrestle with God (Gen. 32:24-30) when Exodus 33:20 states no one can see God and live?
13.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?
14.What is Mount Seir's significance in the Bible?What Does Genesis 32:20 Mean “You are also to say”- Jacob instructs his servants exactly what to communicate, showing careful preparation and complete confidence in the sufficiency of spoken words (cf.Proverbs 16:23). - He trusts that the right message, delivered the right way, can turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). - Scripture presents his directive as fact, underscoring its literal truth.
“Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us”- By calling himself “servant,” Jacob consciously lowers himself before Esau, fulfillingProverbs 18:12: “humility comes before honor.” - The statement “right behind us” assures Esau that Jacob is not hiding or scheming; he is approaching openly (Genesis 33:3). - The language demonstrates genuine submission, mirroring Joseph’s later use of the term “servant” before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46).
“For he thought”- Scripture reveals Jacob’s inner reasoning without embellishment, confirming its historical reliability (Hebrews 4:12 reminds us God’s word discerns thoughts and intentions). - By sharing Jacob’s private thought process, the Spirit invites readers to assess motives against God’s standards (Jeremiah 17:10).
“I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me”- The plan matches ancient Near Eastern custom: gifts signaled peace (1 Samuel 25:27). - Jacob’s action reflectsProverbs 21:14: “A gift in secret soothes anger.” - Though resorting to gifts, Jacob ultimately relies on God’s promise (Genesis 32:12) rather than mere diplomacy.
“After that I can face him”- Jacob sequences events—gift first, meeting second—showing prudence (Proverbs 14:8). - His desire to “face” Esau suggests accountability and reconciliation, anticipating Jesus’ teaching inMatthew 5:24 about making things right with a brother. - The literal face-to-face meeting foreshadows the climactic embrace inGenesis 33:4.
“Perhaps he will accept me”- Jacob hopes for favor, echoingProverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” - The word “perhaps” captures human uncertainty balanced by faith; Jacob has prayed (Genesis 32:9-12) yet still walks by sight. - Acceptance here prefigures God’s gracious acceptance of repentant sinners (Luke 15:20).
summaryGenesis 32:20 records Jacob’s step-by-step plan to calm Esau’s anger: a precise message, a posture of humility, reliance on gifts as peace offerings, and a hope for full acceptance. Each phrase shows literal history and practical wisdom, underscoring that while Jacob employs prudent means, his ultimate confidence rests in God’s unchanging promise of protection and blessing. (20) Iwill appease him.--The Heb. literally is, he said I will cover his face with the offering that goeth before my face, and afterwards I will see his face; peradventure he will lift up my face.The covering of the face of the offended person, so that he could no longer see the offence, became the usual legal word for making an atonement ( Leviticus 9:7, &c). For the "offering" (Heb., minchah) see Genesis 4:3; and for "the lifting up of the face," Genesis 4:7.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew You are alsoגַּ֗ם(gam)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andto say,וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם(wa·’ă·mar·tem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘Look,הִנֵּ֛ה(hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!your servantעַבְדְּךָ֥(‘aḇ·də·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantJacobיַעֲקֹ֖ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descis right behind us.’”אַחֲרֵ֑ינוּ(’a·ḥă·rê·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 310:The hind or following partForכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionhe thought,אָמַ֞ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“I will appeaseאֲכַפְּרָ֣ה(’ă·ḵap·pə·rāh)Verb - Piel - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 3722:To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel[Esau]פָנָ֗יו(p̄ā·nāw)Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The facewith the giftבַּמִּנְחָה֙(bam·min·ḥāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503:A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offeringthat is goingהַהֹלֶ֣כֶת(ha·hō·le·ḵeṯ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkbefore me.לְפָנָ֔י(lə·p̄ā·nāy)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440:The faceAfterוְאַחֲרֵי־(wə·’a·ḥă·rê-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partthatכֵן֙(ḵên)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thusI can faceאֶרְאֶ֣ה(’er·’eh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200:To seehim,פָנָ֔יו(p̄ā·nāw)Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The faceand perhapsאוּלַ֖י(’ū·lay)Adverb
Strong's 194:Perhapshe will acceptיִשָּׂ֥א(yiś·śā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takeme.”פָנָֽי׃(p̄ā·nāy)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440:The face
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OT Law: Genesis 32:20 You shall say 'Not only that (Gen. Ge Gn) |
