Genesis 32:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then thou shalt say, [They be] thy servant Jacob's; it [is] a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he [is] behind us.

Complete Jewish Bible:

then you are to say, 'They belong to your servant Ya'akov, and they are a present he has sent to my lord 'Esav; and Ya'akov himself is just behind us.'"

Berean Standard Bible:

then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.’”

American Standard Version:

then thou shalt say, They are thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, he also is behind us.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then thou shalt say^{H559}, They be thy servant^{H5650} Jacob's^{H3290}; it is a present^{H4503} sent^{H7971} unto my lord^{H113} Esau^{H6215}: and, behold, also he is behind us^{H310}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 32:18

1. **Themes:**
- **Reconciliation and Forgiveness:** The verse reflects Jacob's attempt to reconcile with his brother Esau after years of estrangement due to Jacob deceiving their father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau.
- **Humility and Servitude:** Jacob refers to himself as Esau's servant, indicating his submissive approach and acknowledgment of past wrongs.
- **Strategic Gift-Giving:** The act of sending presents ahead of his arrival is a strategic move to appease Esau and soften his potential anger.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Background:** Jacob, who had fled from Esau's wrath after their father's death, is returning to Canaan after many years of working for his uncle Laban in Haran. He has become wealthy and has a large family, but fears Esau's revenge.
- **Preparation for Meeting:** As Jacob prepares to meet Esau, he divides his property into two camps, hoping that if Esau attacks one, the other may escape. He also sends messengers with gifts to Esau, instructing them on what to say upon meeting Esau, which is the context of Genesis 32:18.
- **Cultural Significance:** In the ancient Near Eastern context, gift-giving was a common practice to seek favor or to initiate peace between estranged parties. Jacob's actions reflect the cultural norms of the time regarding diplomacy and reconciliation.

In summary, Genesis 32:18 captures Jacob's strategic and humble approach to reconcile with his brother Esau, whom he had wronged in the past, set against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern customs and the complex dynamics of their brotherly relationship.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); 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.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5650
   There are 714 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֶבֶד
   Transliteration: ʻebed
   Pronunciation: eh'-bed
   Description: from עָבַד; a servant; [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3290
   There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
   Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
   Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
   Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4503
   There are 194 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִנְחָה
   Transliteration: minchâh
   Pronunciation: min-khaw'
   Description: from an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. bestow; a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary); gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7971
   There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלַח
   Transliteration: shâlach
   Pronunciation: shaw-lakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [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).
   
6. Strong's Number: H113
   There are 337 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָדוֹן
   Transliteration: ʼâdôwn
   Pronunciation: aw-done'
   Description: or (shortened) אָדֹן; from an unused root (meaning to rule); sovereign, i.e. controller (human or divine); lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'.
   
7. Strong's Number: H6215
   There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֵשָׂו
   Transliteration: ʻÊsâv
   Pronunciation: ay-sawv'
   Description: apparently a form of the passive participle of עָשָׂה in the original sense of handling; rough (i.e. sensibly felt); Esav, a son of Isaac, including his posterity; Esau.
   
8. Strong's Number: H310
   There are 766 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַחַר
   Transliteration: ʼachar
   Pronunciation: akh-ar'
   Description: from אָחַר; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses); after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with.