Genesis 32:23
Genesis 32:23 in Multiple Translations
He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.
And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.
And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had.
He took them and sent them over the stream with all he had.
After helping them cross he also sent over everything that belonged to him.
And he tooke them, and sent them ouer the riuer, and sent ouer that he had.
and he taketh them, and causeth them to pass over the brook, and he causeth that which he hath to pass over.
He took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had.
And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that which he had.
And when all things were brought over that belonged to him,
After he had done that, he sent other slaves, carrying all his possessions, across the river.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 32:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 32:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
בַּ/לַּ֣יְלָה
ה֗וּא
וַ/יִּקַּ֞ח
אֶת
שְׁתֵּ֤י
נָשָׁי/ו֙
וְ/אֶת
שְׁתֵּ֣י
שִׁפְחֹתָ֔י/ו
וְ/אֶת
אַחַ֥ד
עָשָׂ֖ר
יְלָדָ֑י/ו
וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹ֔ר
אֵ֖ת
מַעֲבַ֥ר
יַבֹּֽק
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/לַּ֣יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַ/יִּקַּ֞ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁתֵּ֤י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
נָשָׁי/ו֙
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
שִׁפְחֹתָ֔י/ו
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
N-fp | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אַחַ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
יְלָדָ֑י/ו
yeled
H3206
youth
N-mp | Suff
וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹ֔ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַעֲבַ֥ר
maʻăbâr
H4569
ford
N-ms
יַבֹּֽק
Yabbôq
H2999
Jabbok
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 32:23
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
בַּ/לַּ֣יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וַ/יִּקַּ֞ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁתֵּ֤י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
נָשָׁי/ו֙
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
שִׁפְחֹתָ֔י/ו
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
N-fp | Suff
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַחַ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
יְלָדָ֑י/ו
yeled
H3206
"youth"
N-mp | Suff
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.
וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹ֔ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַעֲבַ֥ר
maʻăbâr
H4569
"ford"
N-ms
This word refers to a crossing place, like a ford in a river or a pass in a mountain. It can also mean a transit or passage, and is used figuratively to describe overwhelming events. The KJV translates it as ford or pass.
Definition: 1) ford, pass, passing 1a) ford 1b) pass 1c) passing, sweep
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ford, place where...pass, passage. See also: Genesis 32:23; 1 Samuel 13:23; Isaiah 10:29.
יַבֹּֽק
Yabbôq
H2999
"Jabbok"
N-proper
Jabbok means emptying, a river east of the Jordan. It is where Jacob wrestled with God, as told in the book of Genesis.
Definition: § Jabbok = "emptying" a stream which intersects the mountain range of Gilead, and falls into the Jordan on the east about midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Jabbok. See also: Genesis 32:23; Deuteronomy 3:16; Judges 11:22.
Study Notes — Genesis 32:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Wrestles with God
21So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp.
22During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants, and his eleven sons, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.
23He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.
24So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled.Genesis 32:23 Summary
In Genesis 32:23, Jacob sends his family and possessions across the stream, showing that he is taking care to protect them. This act of sending them ahead demonstrates his faith and trust in God's provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4. By doing so, Jacob is also showing that he is willing to face challenges alone, relying on God's strength and guidance. This verse reminds us to prioritize the well-being and safety of our loved ones, just as Jacob did, and to trust in God's protection and provision, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob send his family and possessions across the stream before he crossed?
Jacob sent his family and possessions across the stream as a precautionary measure, possibly to protect them from any potential danger, as seen in Genesis 32:23. This act of sending them ahead may also have been a demonstration of his faith, trusting that God would watch over them, as stated in Psalm 121:8.
What can we learn from Jacob's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our loved ones, just as Jacob did in Genesis 32:23. This selfless act is reminiscent of Jesus' command to love our neighbors as ourselves, as seen in Mark 12:31.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 32?
This verse sets the stage for Jacob's encounter with the man, who is often interpreted as a representation of God or an angel, as seen in Genesis 32:24-25 and Hosea 12:4. By sending his family and possessions ahead, Jacob is left alone to face this mysterious figure, highlighting his vulnerability and dependence on God.
What does this verse reveal about Jacob's character?
This verse reveals Jacob's protective and responsible nature, as he takes care to ensure the safety of his family and possessions, as seen in Genesis 32:23. It also shows his willingness to face challenges alone, demonstrating a mix of courage and humility, as evident in his subsequent encounter with the man in Genesis 32:24-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prioritize the well-being and safety of my loved ones, just as Jacob did in this verse?
- How can I, like Jacob, demonstrate faith and trust in God's protection and provision, even in uncertain or challenging situations?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be willing to face challenges alone, relying on God's strength and guidance, as Jacob did in this verse?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of selfless love, as seen in Jacob's actions, to my relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:23
And he took them, and sent them over the brook,.... His wives and children, under the care of some of his servants: and sent over that he had: all that belonged to him, his servants and his cattle or goods.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:23
And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:23
Genesis 32:23 And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.Ver. 23. Sent them over the brook.] Which he would not have done had he not been, upon his prayer, well confirmed and settled in his mind concerning the Lord’ s protection.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 32:23
(23) The brook.—Really, the ravine or valley; Arab., wady. Jacob, whose administrative powers were of a very high character, sees his wives, children, and cattle not only through the ford, but across the valley on to the high ground beyond. Staying himself to the very last, he is left alone on the south side of the torrent, but still in the ravine, across which the rest had taken their way. The definite proof that Jacob remained on the south side lies in the fact that Peniel belonged to the tribe of Gad; but, besides this, there could be no reason why he should recross the rapid river when once he had gone through it, and probably the idea has risen from taking the word brook in Genesis 32:23 in too narrow a sense. Really it is the word translated valley in Genesis 26:17, but is used only of such valleys or ravines as have been formed by the action of a mountain torrent. When Jacob had seen his wives and herds safe on the top of the southern ridge, the deep valley would be the very place for this solitary struggle. This ravine, we are told, has a width of from four to six miles.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:23
23. the stream] The Jabbok is called a “stream” (naḥ ?al) in Deuteronomy 3:16; Joshua 12:2. On the word rendered “stream,” see note on Genesis 26:17.