Genesis 32:6
Genesis 32:6 in Multiple Translations
When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.”
¶ And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.
And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.
When the servants came back they said, We have seen your brother Esau and he is coming out to you, and four hundred men with him.
The messengers returned to Jacob and told him, “Your brother Esau is coming to meet you with 400 armed men!”
So ye messengers came againe to Iaakob, saying, We came vnto thy brother Esau, and hee also commeth against thee and foure hundreth men with him.
And the messengers turn back unto Jacob, saying, 'We came in unto thy brother, unto Esau, and he also is coming to meet thee, and four hundred men with him;'
The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”
And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he is coming to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.
And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying: We came to Esau thy brother, and behold he cometh with speed to meet thee with four hundred men.
The messengers went and gave that message to Esau. When they returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your older brother Esau. Now he is coming to you, and 400 men are coming with him.”
Then those men came back, and they said to Jacob, “We went and talked to your brother Esau, and now he is coming here to meet you. He has 400 men with him.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 32:6
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 32:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְהִי
לִ/י֙
שׁ֣וֹר
וַ/חֲמ֔וֹר
צֹ֖אן
וְ/עֶ֣בֶד
וְ/שִׁפְחָ֑ה
וָֽ/אֶשְׁלְחָ/ה֙
לְ/הַגִּ֣יד
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֔/י
לִ/מְצֹא
חֵ֖ן
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
וַֽ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
שׁ֣וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
N-ms
וַ/חֲמ֔וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
Conj | N-cs
צֹ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
וְ/עֶ֣בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-ms
וְ/שִׁפְחָ֑ה
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
Conj | N-fs
וָֽ/אֶשְׁלְחָ/ה֙
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
לְ/הַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֔/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לִ/מְצֹא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חֵ֖ן
chên
H2580
favor
N-ms
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 32:6
וַֽ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
שׁ֣וֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
וַ/חֲמ֔וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
צֹ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וְ/עֶ֣בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-ms
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.
וְ/שִׁפְחָ֑ה
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
Conj | N-fs
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.
וָֽ/אֶשְׁלְחָ/ה֙
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לְ/הַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֔/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Prep | 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/מְצֹא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
חֵ֖ן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Genesis 32:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 32:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 32:6
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:6
- Sermons on Genesis 32:6
Context — Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau
4He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now.
5I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’”
6When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.”
7In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. 8He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 33:1 | Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. |
| 2 | Genesis 32:8 | He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.” |
| 3 | Genesis 32:11 | Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me. |
| 4 | Genesis 27:40–41 | You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” Esau 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.” |
| 5 | Amos 5:19 | It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. |
Genesis 32:6 Summary
In Genesis 32:6, we see that Jacob's messengers returned with news that his brother Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men. This news caused Jacob to fear and prepare for the worst, as seen in Genesis 32:7-8. This situation teaches us about the importance of communication and striving for peace, even in difficult relationships, as encouraged in Matthew 5:9. By examining Jacob's actions and responses, we can learn valuable lessons about trust, humility, and preparation in the face of uncertainty, and remember that God is always with us, as promised in Isaiah 41:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the messengers return to Jacob with news about Esau?
The messengers returned to Jacob with news about Esau because Jacob had sent them to inform Esau of his presence, as seen in Genesis 32:4-5, and they were reporting back to Jacob about Esau's response, which included coming to meet him with four hundred men, as stated in Genesis 32:6.
What can we learn from Jacob's decision to send messengers to Esau?
We can learn from Jacob's decision that even in uncertain situations, we should strive to make peace and communicate with others, as Jacob attempted to do with Esau, and as encouraged in Matthew 5:9, where Jesus teaches about being peacemakers.
Why did Esau come with four hundred men to meet Jacob?
Esau came with four hundred men to meet Jacob, possibly indicating that he was preparing for a confrontation or to assert his authority, as seen in Genesis 32:6, but we also see Jacob's fear and preparation for the worst in Genesis 32:7-8, reflecting the complexity of their relationship.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Jacob and Esau?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and Esau, as it sets the stage for their reunion after many years, and reflects the complicated history between them, which began with their birth and Esau's birthright, as told in Genesis 25:19-34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to face a potentially difficult or uncertain situation, and how did I respond?
- How can I apply the principle of striving for peace, as seen in Jacob's attempt to communicate with Esau, to my own relationships and conflicts?
- What are some ways that I can prepare myself for challenging situations, as Jacob did by dividing his people and belongings, while still trusting in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I learn from Jacob's example of humility and recognition of his own limitations, as seen in his fear and preparation for the worst in Genesis 32:7-8?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:6
And the messengers returned to Jacob,.... After they had delivered their message, with the answer they brought back: saying, we came to thy brother Esau; which, though not expressed, is implied in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:6
And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. The messengers returned.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:6
Esau gave them but an imperfect and a doubtful answer, as appears from Jacob’ s fear, . He brought four hundred men with him; either as his usual guard, he being then a great man in those parts; or in ostentation of his power and greatness, in spite of all the injury which his father or brother did him; or because at first he designed mischief to Jacob, as may seem by his dismissing of his messengers without any testimony of his favour, though afterwards, upon Jacob’ s prayer, God changed his mind.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:6
Genesis 32:6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.Ver. 6. And four hundred men with him.] Four hundred cut-throats, as appears, Genesis 32:8. And here, good Jacob is brought again into the briars. When he was well rid of his father-in-law, he thought all safe; and his joy was completed by the sight of that army of angels. Presently upon this, he is so damped and terrified with this sad message of Esau’ s approach and hostile intentions, that he knows not what course to take to. Out of heaven he is thrust suddenly, as it were, into hell, saith Pareus. This is the godly man’ s case while here. Fluctus fluclum trudit: one trouble follows in the neck of another. Ripen we apace, and so get to heaven, if we would be out of the gunshot, The ark was transportative, till settled in Solomon’ s Temple; so, till we come to heaven, shall we be tossed up and down and turmoiled: "within" will be "fears, without fightings," while we are in hoc exilio, in hoc ergastulo, in hac peregrinatione, in hac valle lachrymarum , as Bernard hath it; in this exile, in this purgatory, in this pilgrimage, in this vale of tears. Ex coelo repente quasi in infernum detruditur.
Pονοςπονωπονονφερει
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 32:6
Verse 6. Esau - cometh - and four hundred men with him.] Jacob, conscious that he had injured his brother, was now apprehensive that he was coming with hostile intentions, and that he had every evil to fear from his displeasure. Conscience is a terrible accuser. It was a fine saying of a heathen, -- _____Hic murus aheneus esto, Nil conscire sibi, nulla pallescere culpa. HOR. Ep., l. i., E. i., v. 60. Be this thy brazen bulwark of defence, Still to preserve thy conscious innocence, Nor e'er turn pale with guilt. FRANCIS. In other words, He that has a good conscience has a brazen wall for his defence; for a guilty conscience needs no accuser; sooner or later it will tell the truth, and not only make the man turn pale who has it, but also cause him to tremble even while his guilt is known only to himself and God. It does not appear that Esau in this meeting had any hostile intention, but was really coming with a part of his servants or tribe to do his brother honour.
If he had had any contrary intention, God had removed it; and the angelic host which Jacob met with before might have inspired him with sufficient confidence in God's protection. But we find that when he needed faith most, he appears to have derived but little benefit from its influence, partly from the sense he had of the injury he had done to his brother, and partly from not attending sufficiently to the assurance which God had given him of his gracious protection.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:6
6. four hundred men] Where Esau was, and how he had become the head of a force of four hundred men, is not related, but may have formed part of another narrative. His intentions, if not hostile, are suspicious (cf. Genesis 33:4).
Sermons on Genesis 32:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 32:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with his brother Esau. Jacob, who had previously been deceitful, is now fearful and distressed upon heari |
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From the Hands of Esau by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with his brother Esau after many years of separation. Jacob, feeling guilty about his past actions, fear |
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Sanctification Three Ways by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the problem of sin as the root issue of the human race. He introduces a three-fold solution to this problem: justification, sanctification, an |
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Genesis 32:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the various motivations for prayer, illustrating how desperation, fear, great needs, and love can drive individuals to seek God. He highlights Jacob's recogn |
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(Genesis) Genesis 33:1-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Esau from the book of Genesis. He describes how Jacob, fearing his brother's anger, approaches Esau with humility and |
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(Genesis) Genesis 32:9-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob appeals to God in his distress, acknowledging Him as the God of his father Abraham and Isaac. This |
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Let Me Speak, Lastly, to Those Who Do Pray by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of prayer in the life of a believer, urging Christians to approach prayer with reverence, humility, and earnestness. He highlights the necessi |