Genesis 32:11

KJV

Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, [and] the mother with the children.

KJV (with Strong's)

Deliver me {H5337}, I pray thee, from the hand {H3027} of my brother {H251}, from the hand {H3027} of Esau {H6215}: for I fear {H3373} him, lest he will come {H935} and smite me {H5221}, and the mother {H517} with {H5921} the children {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please! Rescue me from my brother 'Esav! I'm afraid of him, afraid he'll come and attack me, without regard for mothers or children.

Berean Standard Bible

Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me.

American Standard Version

Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he come and smite me, the mother with the children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 32:11 captures the raw, desperate prayer of Jacob, facing the imminent and terrifying reunion with his estranged brother, Esau. Overwhelmed by deep-seated fear for his own life and, more profoundly, for the safety and survival of his entire family, Jacob casts himself upon God's mercy. This pivotal prayer demonstrates a profound reliance on divine intervention and a humble appeal to God's covenant faithfulness in the face of what appears to be an insurmountable and potentially devastating threat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of Jacob's heartfelt prayer found in [Genesis 32:9-12](/genesis/32-9-12 "Jacob's Prayer Before Meeting Esau"), offered just before his climactic encounter with Esau. The preceding narrative describes Jacob's obedient return to Canaan at God's command ([Genesis 31:3](/genesis/31-3 "God Commands Jacob's Return")), his prosperity under Laban, and his subsequent departure. However, the news that Esau is approaching with 400 men plunges Jacob into "great distress and fear" ([Genesis 32:7](/genesis/32-7 "Jacob's Fear of Esau")). This prayer, therefore, is not a casual request but a desperate cry from a man cornered by his past, culminating in the transformative wrestling match at Peniel ([Genesis 32:24-32](/genesis/32-24-32 "Jacob Wrestles at Peniel")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jacob's fear is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern cultural context where blood feuds were common and often resulted in the complete annihilation of a family line. The historical backdrop is the strained relationship between Jacob and Esau, stemming from Jacob's deception in stealing Esau's birthright and blessing ([Genesis 27:1-46](/genesis/27-1-46 "Jacob Deceives Isaac and Steals Esau's Blessing")). Esau's initial murderous intent ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Esau's Plan to Kill Jacob")) has lingered for two decades, making Jacob's apprehension entirely rational. The presence of 400 men would typically signify a military expedition or a punitive force, not a friendly welcoming party, amplifying Jacob's justifiable terror for his large household, including wives, concubines, and numerous children.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 32:11](/genesis/32-11 "Jacob's Prayer for Deliverance") powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **divine providence and protection**, as Jacob appeals directly to God for intervention despite his own past failings. It underscores the **consequences of sin and deception**, as Jacob is forced to confront the repercussions of his earlier actions against Esau. Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the **importance of prayer and humble dependence on God** in times of crisis, demonstrating that true faith is not the absence of fear but the act of turning to God amidst it. Lastly, it touches upon the **theme of family and lineage**, as Jacob's deepest concern is for the preservation of his children, through whom God's covenant promises are to be fulfilled, as seen in earlier promises to Abraham and Isaac ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 26:3-4](/genesis/26-3-4 "God's Promise to Isaac")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Jacob's prayer in [Genesis 32:11](/genesis/32-11 "Jacob's Plea to God") is a poignant expression of vulnerability and desperate reliance on God. His words reveal a man stripped of his usual cunning, facing a threat that human ingenuity cannot overcome.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** From H5337, this primitive root means "to snatch away," "to rescue," or "to pull out," whether in a good or bad sense. In this context, Jacob is pleading for a forceful, decisive intervention, not a gentle easing of tension. It implies an urgent need for God to extract him and his family from a perilous situation, akin to snatching someone from a fire.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this word refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, and direction. Jacob's repetition of "from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau" underscores the specific source and nature of the threat. It signifies not merely Esau's physical presence but his capacity for violent action, his authority, and the potential for him to exercise destructive power over Jacob and his household.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârê'_):** From H3373, this word means "fearing" or "afraid," and morally, "reverent." While it can denote reverential awe of God, here it clearly describes Jacob's profound terror. His honest admission, "for I fear him," reveals his unvarnished emotional state, demonstrating that genuine faith does not preclude experiencing intense human fear. This fear is a driving force behind his earnest plea.
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)," "to kill," or "to wound." Jacob's use of this word indicates his belief that Esau intends to inflict lethal harm, a devastating blow that could wipe out his entire family. It implies a violent, destructive act, confirming the gravity of the perceived threat.
* **Mother (Hebrew, _ʼêm'_):** From H517, a primitive word meaning "a mother (as the bond of the family)." This term, paired with "children," emphasizes the most vulnerable members of Jacob's caravan. It highlights his patriarchal responsibility and the devastating potential consequences of Esau's wrath, which could obliterate his entire lineage and the promised seed.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." This term, alongside "mother," underscores Jacob's deep concern for the future of his family. The threat isn't just to him personally but to the continuation of the covenant line through which God's promises to Abraham and Isaac were to be fulfilled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau:"** Jacob begins with an urgent, humble plea for divine rescue. The repetition of "from the hand of" emphasizes the specific, personal, and powerful nature of the threat coming from Esau. It highlights that Jacob recognizes Esau's capacity for violence and his potential to exercise dominion over him. This is not a generalized fear but a direct confrontation with the consequences of his past actions.
* **"for I fear him,"** Jacob's honesty is striking. He does not feign bravery but openly admits his terror. This fear is a natural human response to a perceived mortal threat, especially given Esau's past murderous intentions and his current approach with a large armed retinue. This confession grounds his prayer in raw, human vulnerability, making his subsequent appeal to God all the more profound.
* **"lest he will come and smite me, [and] the mother with the children."** This clause reveals the full extent of Jacob's apprehension. He fears not only for his own life but, more significantly, for the lives of his entire household. The phrase "the mother with the children" refers to the women and children, the most vulnerable members of his camp. This concern underscores his role as a patriarch and his understanding that the destruction of his family would mean the obliteration of his lineage and, by extension, the line through which God's covenant promises were to be fulfilled. The word "smite" implies a violent, lethal attack.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau." This repetition serves to intensify Jacob's focus on the source of his fear, emphasizing the personal and familial nature of the threat. It also highlights the power and potential violence associated with Esau's "hand." **Hyperbole** is present in Jacob's fear that Esau will "smite me, and the mother with the children," indicating not just a personal attack but a complete annihilation of his family, which, while a genuine fear, might be an exaggeration of Esau's actual intent (though justified given their history). The prayer itself is an act of **Supplication**, a humble and earnest appeal to a higher power, demonstrating Jacob's complete dependence on God. Finally, the scene is rich in **Foreshadowing**, as Jacob's desperate prayer and subsequent wrestling match at Peniel ([Genesis 32:24-32](/genesis/32-24-32 "Jacob's Struggle at Peniel")) set the stage for a transformative encounter with God and an unexpected reconciliation with Esau.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's desperate prayer in [Genesis 32:11](/genesis/32-11 "Jacob's Prayer for Deliverance") stands as a powerful testament to the intertwining of human vulnerability and divine faithfulness. His profound fear does not negate his faith; rather, it propels him into a deeper reliance on God, demonstrating that authentic faith allows for honest expression of dread while still seeking refuge in the Almighty. Jacob's appeal is rooted in God's past promises and covenant faithfulness, acknowledging that human cunning and strength are insufficient in the face of overwhelming danger. This passage beautifully illustrates God's providential care for His people, even when they are facing the consequences of their own past misdeeds, and underscores the importance of intercessory prayer for the protection of family and lineage, especially those most vulnerable.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's raw and honest prayer in [Genesis 32:11](/genesis/32-11 "Jacob's Cry to God") offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It challenges us to bring our deepest fears, anxieties, and vulnerabilities before God without pretense or hesitation. Like Jacob, we are invited to anchor our petitions not in our own strength or perceived righteousness, but in God's unchanging character and His unfailing promises, reminding ourselves of His unwavering faithfulness even when circumstances seem utterly dire. This passage encourages us to embrace prayer as our first and most powerful response to crisis, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His children. Furthermore, Jacob's profound concern for "the mother with the children" serves as a powerful call to fervent intercession for the protection and well-being of our loved ones, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Ultimately, Jacob's experience teaches us that even when we are forced to confront the painful consequences of our past actions, turning to God in humble dependence is the path to mercy, reconciliation, and divine intervention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What fears or anxieties am I currently holding back from God in my prayers?**
* **How can I more consistently anchor my prayers in God's past faithfulness and His unchanging promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?**
* **For whom in my life do I need to intercede more fervently, especially regarding their safety or well-being?**
* **In what ways might I be facing the consequences of past choices, and how can Jacob's example encourage me to turn to God in humility for deliverance and reconciliation?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jacob specifically mention "the mother with the children"?**

Answer: Jacob's specific mention of "the mother with the children" (H517, H1121) highlights his patriarchal responsibility and his deepest, most profound fear for the most vulnerable members of his family. In the ancient Near East, the annihilation of women and children was a common outcome of tribal warfare or blood feuds, signifying the complete destruction of a lineage. Jacob understands that a violent attack by Esau would not only target him but would lead to the slaughter of the women and children, effectively wiping out his entire family line and, crucially, the promised seed through whom God's covenant with Abraham was to be fulfilled ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land and Descendants to Abraham")). This detail underscores the severity of the perceived threat and the depth of his protective instinct and concern for the future of God's covenant.

**Does Jacob's fear indicate a lack of faith?**

Answer: No, Jacob's fear does not indicate a lack of faith; rather, it highlights the reality of genuine human emotion in the face of a mortal threat. True faith is not the absence of fear, but the act of trusting God and casting one's anxieties upon Him even amidst overwhelming dread. Jacob's fear drives him directly to prayer, demonstrating that he understands his own limitations and God's ultimate power to deliver. His honest expression of vulnerability to God is, in fact, a mark of authentic faith, as he lays bare his deepest concerns before the One he believes can save him ([Psalm 56:3](/psalms/56-3 "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's desperate plea for deliverance in [Genesis 32:11](/genesis/32-11 "Jacob's Prayer for Deliverance") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jacob, a patriarch of Israel, faced a mortal threat from his estranged brother, symbolizing the universal human condition of being estranged from God and vulnerable to the destructive power of sin and death. Just as Jacob sought rescue from Esau's "hand" (representing power and judgment), humanity requires rescue from the "hand" of sin, the law's condemnation, and eternal death. Christ, the greater Deliverer, came not merely to save from physical threats but to deliver us from spiritual bondage, reconciling us to God through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Reconciliation through Christ's Death")). His death on the cross and resurrection are the ultimate acts of "snatching away" (H5337, _nâtsal'_) believers from the power of darkness and transferring them into His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Delivered from Darkness into Light")). Through Christ, the fear of judgment is replaced with the peace of forgiveness, and the fractured relationships caused by sin are healed, ushering in a new covenant of peace and reconciliation that far surpasses the temporary peace Jacob found with Esau ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ is our peace, who has made the two groups one")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 59:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

Psalms 59:2

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

Proverbs 18:19

¶ A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the bars of a castle.

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Daniel 3:17

If it be [so], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver [us] out of thine hand, O king.

1 Samuel 24:15

The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

Hosea 10:14

Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon [her] children.