King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.
Complete Jewish Bible:
He took them and sent them across the stream, then sent his possessions across;
Berean Standard Bible:
He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.
American Standard Version:
And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And he took them{H3947}, and sent them over{H5674} the brook{H5158}, and sent over{H5674} that he had.
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 32:23
Genesis 32:23 is part of the narrative concerning Jacob, who is preparing to meet his estranged brother Esau after many years of separation. The verse itself describes Jacob's actions as he sends his possessions and family across the Jabbok stream (referred to as "the brook" in some translations). This event occurs just before Jacob's famous wrestling with God or an angel, which is often interpreted as a spiritual struggle.
**Themes:**
1. **Preparation for Reconciliation:** Jacob is about to encounter Esau, whom he fears might still harbor resentment over Jacob's deception years earlier when he stole Esau's birthright and blessing. The act of sending his possessions across the brook is part of Jacob's strategy to appease Esau and shows his concern for the safety of his family and wealth.
2. **Vulnerability and Trust:** By sending his family and possessions ahead, Jacob is left alone, vulnerable, and reliant on God's protection. This moment of solitude sets the stage for his transformative encounter.
3. **Spiritual Struggle:** The upcoming wrestling match is a metaphor for the internal struggle Jacob faces with his past actions and his identity. It also signifies the broader human struggle with the divine and the search for blessing and self-understanding.
**Historical Context:**
- **Patriarchal Narratives:** Genesis 32:23 is part of the larger narrative of the patriarchs, which includes Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These stories were formative for the Israelite identity and often highlight themes of God's promises, faithfulness, and the complex dynamics within the chosen family.
- **Ancient Near Eastern Customs:** The customs of gift-giving and the importance of birthright and blessing are reflected in Jacob's actions. These were significant social and legal practices in the ancient Near East.
- **Israelite Origins:** This narrative is set in the context of the Israelite people's early history, explaining their origins and the relationships between the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel.
In summary, Genesis 32:23 is a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, reflecting themes of reconciliation, trust, and spiritual struggle within the broader context of the patriarchal narratives and the historical development of the Israelite people.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3947
There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָקַח
Transliteration: lâqach
Pronunciation: law-kakh'
Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. - Strong's Number: H5674
There are 493 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָבַר
Transliteration: ʻâbar
Pronunciation: aw-bar'
Description: a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation); alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. - Strong's Number: H5158
There are 123 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נַחַל
Transliteration: nachal
Pronunciation: nakh'-al
Description: or (feminine) נַחְלָה; (Psalm 124:4), or נַחֲלָה; (Ezekiel 47:19; Ezekiel 48:28), from נָחַל in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine); brook, flood, river, stream, valley.