Genesis 32:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And when Jacob saw them, he said, This [is] God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

Complete Jewish Bible:

When Ya'akov saw them, he said, "This is God's camp," and called that place Machanayim [two camps].

Berean Standard Bible:

When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim.

American Standard Version:

And Jacob said when he saw them, This is God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And when Jacob^{H3290} saw them^{H7200}, he said^{H559}, This is God's^{H430} host^{H4264}: and he called^{H7121} the name^{H8034} of that place^{H4725} Mahanaim^{H4266}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 32:2

1. Themes:
- Divine Presence and Protection: Jacob recognizes the presence of God in the form of an angelic host, which reassures him of divine protection and guidance as he prepares to face his brother Esau.
- Personal Transformation: The encounter reflects Jacob's transformation from a man who once deceived to obtain blessings to one who now humbly acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision.
- Naming as a Testament: Jacob's act of naming the place "Mahanaim," meaning "two camps," signifies a significant moment in his journey, marking it as a place where heaven and earth intersect.

2. Historical Context:
- Jacob's Return: Genesis 32:2 occurs as Jacob is returning to Canaan after a long period working for his uncle Laban in Haran. He is on the cusp of reuniting with his estranged brother Esau, whom he fears may still harbor resentment over past events.
- Family Dynamics: The context is steeped in family tension, as Jacob had previously tricked Esau out of his birthright and blessing, leading Jacob to flee for his safety.
- Strategic Planning: Prior to this verse, Jacob has been strategically planning his return, sending gifts to Esau in hopes of appeasing him. The sight of the angelic host thus comes at a critical moment of uncertainty and vulnerability for Jacob.
- Theophany: The appearance of the divine host is a theophany, a manifestation of God, which in the ancient Near Eastern context would have been understood as a tangible sign of divine favor and support.

In summary, Genesis 32:2 captures a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, highlighting themes of divine presence, personal transformation, and the significance of place names in Israelite history, set against the backdrop of Jacob's complex family dynamics and his impending reunion with Esau.

*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: 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.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
   
3. 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.
   
4. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4264
   There are 190 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַחֲנֶה
   Transliteration: machăneh
   Pronunciation: makh-an-eh'
   Description: from חָנָה; an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or even the sacred courts); army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7121
   There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרָא
   Transliteration: qârâʼ
   Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
   Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
   
7. Strong's Number: H8034
   There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁם
   Transliteration: shêm
   Pronunciation: shame
   Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
   
8. Strong's Number: H4725
   There are 379 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָקוֹם
   Transliteration: mâqôwm
   Pronunciation: maw-kome'
   Description: or מָקֹם; also (feminine) מְקוֹמָה; or מְקֹמָה; from קוּם; properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind); country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever).
   
9. Strong's Number: H4266
   There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַחֲנַיִם
   Transliteration: Machănayim
   Pronunciation: makh-an-ah'-yim
   Description: dual of מַחֲנֶה; double camp; Machanajim, a place in Palestine; Mahanaim.