Genesis 33:13
Genesis 33:13 in Multiple Translations
But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die.
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young: and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die.
But Jacob said, My lord may see that the children are only small, and there are young ones in my flocks and herds: one day's over-driving will be the destruction of all the flock.
“My lord can see that the children are weak,” Jacob responded. “Also, the goats, sheep, and cattle are nursing their young, and if I push them too hard, they'll all die.
Then he answered him, My lord knoweth, that the children are tender, and the ewes and kine with yong vnder mine hande: and if they should ouerdriue them one day, all the flocke would die.
And he saith unto him, 'My lord knoweth that the children [are] tender, and the suckling flock and the herd [are] with me; when they have beaten them one day, then hath all the flock died.
Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young, and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die.
And he said to him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me, and if men should over-drive them one day, all the flock will die.
And Jacob said: My lord, thou knowest that I have with me tender children, and sheep, and kine with young: which if I should cause to be overdriven, in one day all the flocks will die.
Jacob had no intention to go with Esau, but he said, “You know, sir, that the children are weak, and that I must take care of the female sheep and cows that are ◄sucking their mother’s milk/nursing their young►. If I force them to walk fast for a long distance in just one day, the animals will all die.
But Jacob said to Esau, “Sir, as you can see, my kids are young, and they can’t walk very fast. And some of my animals have baby animals with them, and I have to look after those animals. If I make them walk fast, they will die after one day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 33:13
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 33:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֵלָ֗י/ו
אֲדֹנִ֤/י
יֹדֵ֨עַ֙
כִּֽי
הַ/יְלָדִ֣ים
רַכִּ֔ים
וְ/הַ/צֹּ֥אן
וְ/הַ/בָּקָ֖ר
עָל֣וֹת
עָלָ֑/י
וּ/דְפָקוּ/ם֙
י֣וֹם
אֶחָ֔ד
וָ/מֵ֖תוּ
כָּל
הַ/צֹּֽאן
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֲדֹנִ֤/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
יֹדֵ֨עַ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הַ/יְלָדִ֣ים
yeled
H3206
youth
Art | N-mp
רַכִּ֔ים
rak
H7390
tender
Adj
וְ/הַ/צֹּ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Conj | Art | N-cs
וְ/הַ/בָּקָ֖ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
Conj | Art | N-cs
עָל֣וֹת
ʻûwl
H5763
to nurse
V-Qal
עָלָ֑/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וּ/דְפָקוּ/ם֙
dâphaq
H1849
to beat
Conj | V-Qal-3cp | Suff
י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
אֶחָ֔ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
וָ/מֵ֖תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/צֹּֽאן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 33:13
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲדֹנִ֤/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
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.
יֹדֵ֨עַ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הַ/יְלָדִ֣ים
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Art | N-mp
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.
רַכִּ֔ים
rak
H7390
"tender"
Adj
This Hebrew word means tender or weak, and can be used to describe something that is soft or delicate. It can also be used to describe someone who is faint-hearted or timid.
Definition: 1) tender, soft, delicate, weak 1a) tender, delicate (of flesh) 1b) weak of heart, timid 1c) soft (of words) 1c1) gentle words (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: faint((-hearted), soft, tender ((-hearted), one), weak. See also: Genesis 18:7; 1 Chronicles 29:1; Proverbs 4:3.
וְ/הַ/צֹּ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Conj | Art | 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/הַ/בָּקָ֖ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
Conj | Art | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
עָל֣וֹת
ʻûwl
H5763
"to nurse"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to nurse or give milk, describing a mother caring for her young. It is used to portray a nurturing relationship, like a mother with her child.
Definition: 1) to give suck, suckle, nurse 1a) (Qal) giving suck (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: milch, (ewe great) with young. See also: Genesis 33:13; 1 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 78:71.
עָלָ֑/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וּ/דְפָקוּ/ם֙
dâphaq
H1849
"to beat"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp | Suff
Daphaq means to beat or knock, and can also imply pressing severely. In Exodus 2:13, Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. This verb is used to describe violence or intense pressure.
Definition: 1) to beat, knock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to beat, drive severely 1a2) to knock 1b) (Hithpael) to beat violently
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: beat, knock, overdrive. See also: Genesis 33:13; Judges 19:22; Song of Solomon 5:2.
י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אֶחָ֔ד
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.
וָ/מֵ֖תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/צֹּֽאן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | 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.
Study Notes — Genesis 33:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 33:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:13
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:13
- Sermons on Genesis 33:13
Context — Jacob Meets Esau
11Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted.
12Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way, and I will go ahead of you.”
13But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die.
14Please let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until I come to my lord at Seir.” 15“Let me leave some of my people with you,” Esau said. But Jacob replied, “Why do that? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:11 | He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 34:15–16 | I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’ |
| 3 | Ezekiel 34:23–25 | I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest. |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:10 | A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty. |
| 5 | John 21:15–17 | When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 22:5 | And David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent—famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I must make preparations for it.” So David made lavish preparations before his death. |
Genesis 33:13 Summary
In Genesis 33:13, Jacob is talking to his brother Esau and explaining why he can't travel as quickly as Esau wants him to. Jacob is concerned about the children and the newborn animals, and he doesn't want them to get hurt or die. This shows that Jacob is a responsible and caring person who thinks about the needs of others, just like we are called to do in Philippians 2:3-4, where we are told to consider others more important than ourselves. By being mindful of the needs of those around us, we can demonstrate God's love and care for them, as seen in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus teaches us to serve and care for others as if we were serving Him directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob express concern about the children and livestock?
Jacob was aware of the fragility of the children and the vulnerability of the newborn animals, and he wanted to ensure their safety and well-being, as seen in Genesis 33:13, where he says the children are frail and the livestock are nursing their young.
What would happen if the livestock were driven hard for a day?
According to Jacob in Genesis 33:13, if the livestock were driven hard for even a day, all the animals would die, highlighting the importance of careful management and stewardship of God's creation, as also taught in Proverbs 12:10.
How does this verse relate to Jacob's character?
This verse shows Jacob's responsible and compassionate nature, as he prioritizes the needs of his family and livestock, demonstrating a sense of humility and dependence on God, similar to his acknowledgment of God's grace in Genesis 33:11.
What can we learn from Jacob's response to Esau's suggestion?
We can learn the importance of considering the needs of others, including the vulnerable, and being mindful of our limitations, as Jacob does in Genesis 33:13, and also being grateful for God's provision, as expressed in Genesis 33:11, where Jacob acknowledges God's grace in his life.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply Jacob's concern for the well-being of his family and livestock to my own life and responsibilities?
- What are some areas where I need to be more mindful of the needs of others, and how can I demonstrate compassion and care for them?
- In what ways can I prioritize the vulnerable and weak in my own community, and how can I be an advocate for their needs?
- How can I balance my own desires and plans with the needs and limitations of those around me, as Jacob does in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:13
And he said unto him, my lord knoweth the children [are] tender,.... The eldest being but thirteen years of age, and the youngest about six; and Esau might easily perceive by their stature that they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:13
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. The children are tender.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:13
The children are tender; the eldest of them, Reuben, not being yet fourteen years old. The flocks and herds with young are with me; or, upon me, i.e. committed to my care, to be managed as their necessities require. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:13
Genesis 33:13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children [are] tender, and the flocks and herds with young [are] with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.Ver. 13. If men should over-drive.] A pattern of a good pastor, ever to have an eye to the weak ones; and so to regard all in his flock, as he overdrive not any. "Who hath despised the day of small things?" Weak ones are to be received, "but not to doubtful disputations." Novices are not to be put upon the austerities of religion. Christ preached "as they were able to hear." Peter was specially charged to look to the "lambs." Christ "bears them in his bosom, and gently leads those that are with young."
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:13
(13) Flocks and herds with young.—Heb., that give such. Thompson (Land and Book, p. 205) infers from this that it was now winter, and thinks that this is confirmed by Jacob making folds for his cattle at Succoth. If so, more than six months would have elapsed since Jacob’s flight from Haran; but the conclusion is uncertain, and Jacob probably halted at Succoth because of his lameness.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:13
13. tender] i.e. young and unequal to the fatigues of travel.
Sermons on Genesis 33:13
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 33:13-17 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon on Genesis 33:13, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jacob and his brother Esau. Jacob expresses concern about the safety of his family and livestock, as t |
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Jehovah Rohi - the Lord Is My Shepherd by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of walking on a beach at night during a financial crisis. He expresses his need for God's presence, love, and assurance. As |
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Praise and Thanksgiving: Praise the Creator by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation chapter 4 and highlights the central theme of worship in heaven. The chapter describes John's arrival in heaven, where he sees a |
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Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, Reverend C.H. Spurgeon speaks about the comfort and hope that can be found in God's mercy and grace. He uses the metaphor of a bruised reed and smoking flax to desc |
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God Carries His People by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the preacher addresses a crowd of believers and warns them not to be shocked or fearful when faced with opposition and persecution. He reminds them that God has bee |
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Christian Life According to John (Part 4) by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenge Jesus faced in meeting the demands of thousands of people seeking his attention. Jesus recognized that he couldn't physically r |
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Christ in 04 in Isaiah by Jim Flanigan | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the ministry of the Lord Jesus as a shepherd. He refers to Isaiah 40:11, which describes the shepherd's role in gathering and caring for the |