Genesis 33:2
Genesis 33:2 in Multiple Translations
He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.
And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
He put the servants and their children in front, Leah and her children after them, and Rachel and Joseph at the back.
He placed the two personal maids with their children first, then Leah and her children, and Rachel and Joseph last.
And he put the maides, and their children formost, and Leah, and her children after, and Rahel, and Ioseph hindermost.
and he setteth the maid-servants and their children first, and Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last.
He put the servants and their children in front, Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.
And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
And he put both the handmaids and their children foremost: and Lia and her children in the second place: and Rachel and Joseph last.
He put the two female slaves and their children in front. He put Leah and her children next. He put Rachel and Joseph at the rear.
Then they all started walking towards Esau again. Jacob walked in front, then the 2 working women and their kids, then Leah and her kids, then Rachel and her son Joseph. And Jacob got down on his knees and put his face near the ground, to show respect to his brother Esau. He did that 7 times, until he got near to Esau.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 33:2
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 33:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֧שֶׂם
אֶת
הַ/שְּׁפָח֛וֹת
וְ/אֶת
יַלְדֵי/הֶ֖ן
רִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה
וְ/אֶת
לֵאָ֤ה
וִֽ/ילָדֶ֨י/הָ֙
אַחֲרֹנִ֔ים
וְ/אֶת
רָחֵ֥ל
וְ/אֶת
יוֹסֵ֖ף
אַחֲרֹנִֽים
וַ/יָּ֧שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שְּׁפָח֛וֹת
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
יַלְדֵי/הֶ֖ן
yeled
H3206
youth
N-mp | Suff
רִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Adj
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
לֵאָ֤ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
Leah
N-proper
וִֽ/ילָדֶ֨י/הָ֙
yeled
H3206
youth
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אַחֲרֹנִ֔ים
ʼachărôwn
H314
last
Adj
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
רָחֵ֥ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אַחֲרֹנִֽים
ʼachărôwn
H314
last
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 33:2
וַ/יָּ֧שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
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.
הַ/שְּׁפָח֛וֹת
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
Art | N-fp
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.
יַלְדֵי/הֶ֖ן
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.
רִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
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.
לֵאָ֤ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
"Leah"
N-proper
Leah was the first wife of Jacob, daughter of Laban, and mother of many tribes of Israel, including Reuben and Judah, as told in Genesis 29:16.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.16; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Rachel (H7354); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783) § Leah = "weary" daughter of Laban, first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Leah. See also: Genesis 29:16; Genesis 30:18; Ruth 4:11.
וִֽ/ילָדֶ֨י/הָ֙
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Conj | 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.
אַחֲרֹנִ֔ים
ʼachărôwn
H314
"last"
Adj
This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.
Definition: 1) behind, following, subsequent, western 1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location) 1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most. See also: Genesis 33:2; 2 Chronicles 28:26; Psalms 48:14.
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.
רָחֵ֥ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
N-proper
Rachel was a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name means ewe, and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in detail.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.6; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Leah (H3812); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) Also named: Rhachēl (Ῥαχήλ "Rachel" G4478) § Rachel = "ewe" daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Rachel. See also: Genesis 29:6; Genesis 30:25; Jeremiah 31:15.
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.
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אַחֲרֹנִֽים
ʼachărôwn
H314
"last"
Adj
This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.
Definition: 1) behind, following, subsequent, western 1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location) 1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most. See also: Genesis 33:2; 2 Chronicles 28:26; Psalms 48:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 33:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 33:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 33:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 33:2
- Sermons on Genesis 33:2
Context — Jacob Meets Esau
1Now 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.
2He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.
3But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. 4Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 29:30 | Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years. |
| 2 | Genesis 30:22–24 | Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. “God has taken away my shame,” she said. She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.” |
| 3 | Genesis 37:3 | Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. |
| 4 | Malachi 3:17 | “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. |
Genesis 33:2 Summary
In Genesis 33:2, Jacob is preparing to meet his brother Esau, and he puts the maidservants and their children in front, with Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. This shows that Jacob was trying to protect his family, especially Rachel and Joseph, who were most precious to him. Jacob's actions demonstrate his love and care for his family, and we can learn from his example by prioritizing the safety and well-being of those we love (as seen in Ephesians 5:25, where husbands are called to love their wives). By putting others first and taking necessary precautions, we can show our love and care for them, just like Jacob did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob put the maidservants and their children in front?
Jacob put the maidservants and their children in front as a protective measure, in case Esau's intentions were hostile, as seen in Genesis 33:2. This was a strategic move to safeguard his most loved ones, Rachel and Joseph, by placing them at the rear.
What can we learn from Jacob's actions in this verse?
We can learn that Jacob was a man who cared deeply for his family's safety, and his actions demonstrate a sense of responsibility and love for them, as also seen in Genesis 31:18 where he took care of his entire household.
How does this verse relate to Jacob's past experiences with Esau?
This verse shows that Jacob was still cautious and fearful of Esau's reaction, remembering their past conflict, as recorded in Genesis 27:41, where Esau wanted to kill Jacob.
What does this verse reveal about Jacob's character?
This verse reveals that Jacob was a strategic thinker, who considered the potential dangers and took necessary precautions to protect his loved ones, demonstrating his growth as a leader and a father, as also seen in Genesis 32:9-12 where he prayed for God's protection.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can protect and care for my own family, just like Jacob did in this verse?
- How can I apply Jacob's strategic thinking to my own life, especially in situations where I feel uncertain or fearful?
- What can I learn from Jacob's actions about the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of those I love?
- In what ways can I demonstrate love and care for my family, just like Jacob did by placing Rachel and Joseph at the rear for their protection?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:2
And he put the handmaids and their children foremost,.... In the first division, as being less honourable and less beloved by him: and Leah and her children after; still according to the degree of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:2
And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:2
Placing his best beloved in the last and safest place.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:2
Genesis 33:2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.Ver. 2. He put the handmaids, &c.] Of children and friends, some may be better beloved than others: and whereas all cannot be saved or helped, the dearest may be chiefly cared for.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 33:2
Verse 2. He put the handmaids and their children foremost] There is something so artificial in this arrangement of Jacob's family, that it must have had some peculiar design. Was Jacob still apprehensive of danger, and put those foremost whom he least esteemed, that if the foremost met with any evil, those who were behind might escape on their swift beasts? Genesis 32:7-8. Or did he intend to keep his choicest treasure to the last, and exhibit his beautiful Rachel and favourite Joseph after Esau had seen all the rest, in order to make the deeper impression on his mind?
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 33:2
MEETING OF JACOB AND ESAU, Genesis 33:1-16. 2. Rachel and Joseph hindermost — Jacob evidently arranged his companies according to his special affection for each; for the handmaids least, for Rachel most.
Sermons on Genesis 33:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Genesis #18 Ch. 27-29 God's Principle of Retribution by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the author of the Bible, just as in business, it's not what you know but who you know. The story of Jacob and Esau |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:11-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and his journey to his uncle Laban's house. Jacob had a lonely trip, traveling through difficult terrain and facing variou |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob serves his uncle Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, as his love for her is so |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:30-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the book of Genesis. Jacob had deceived his father and brother, and now he finds himself deceived by his uncle Laban |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:22-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Laban from the book of Genesis. Jacob serves Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, but Laban tricks him and |
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(Genesis) Genesis 30:1-24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disapproval of God towards the strife that existed within the families of Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. The preacher mentions the birth |
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Barrenness by David Smithers | In this sermon, Frank Bartleman discusses the need for revival in the church in America, which he refers to as a state of barrenness. He emphasizes that the church has been sanctif |