Genesis 32:14

Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,

Two hundred {H3967} she goats {H5795}, and twenty {H6242} he goats {H8495}, two hundred {H3967} ewes {H7353}, and twenty {H6242} rams {H352},

two hundred female goats and twenty males, two hundred female sheep and twenty males,

200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams,

two hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,

Commentary

Genesis 32:14 is part of Jacob's elaborate plan to appease his brother Esau, whom he is about to meet after two decades of separation. This verse lists the initial portion of the substantial gift Jacob prepared.

Context

Upon hearing that Esau was approaching with 400 men, Jacob became extremely afraid and distressed (Genesis 32:7). In response, he divided his camp and possessions into two groups, hoping that if one was attacked, the other might escape. Crucially, Jacob then earnestly prayed to God for deliverance, reminding God of His promises (Genesis 32:9-12). Following his prayer, Jacob devised a strategic plan involving a large gift for Esau, hoping to "appease" him before their face-to-face meeting, as indicated in Genesis 32:13. This verse details the first group of animals in that appeasement gift.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Diplomacy and Appeasement: Jacob's primary motive was to pacify Esau's potential anger. The extensive, diverse gift was designed to convey respect and goodwill, aiming to soften Esau's disposition and prevent a violent confrontation. This act of diplomacy demonstrates Jacob's human effort alongside his spiritual reliance.
  • Generosity and Reconciliation: The sheer scale of the gift—hundreds of animals—underscores Jacob's profound desire for peace and reconciliation with his estranged brother. It was a costly gesture, reflecting the depth of his anxiety and his willingness to sacrifice for the restoration of their relationship.
  • Faith and Practical Action: Jacob's actions demonstrate a vital balance between fervent prayer and practical wisdom. He prayed for God's deliverance (Genesis 32:11) but also took tangible steps to prepare for the encounter, showing that faith often involves responsible human effort and foresight.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text of Genesis 32:14, like the original Hebrew, is a straightforward enumeration of the animals Jacob selected for his gift. There are no complex linguistic nuances in this particular verse beyond the plain meaning. The significance lies not in a specific word but in the magnitude and composition of the offering. "Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams" represents a significant portion of Jacob's wealth in livestock, a testament to God's blessing on him during his time with Laban, and a clear indication of the value he placed on his relationship with Esau, hoping to turn his brother's heart (Genesis 32:20).

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Balancing Prayer and Action: Jacob's example teaches us that while we should always bring our fears and concerns to God in prayer, we are also called to exercise wisdom and take practical, responsible steps to address challenges. Faith does not negate the need for prudent action.
  • Seeking Reconciliation: When facing potentially strained or hostile relationships, a genuine gesture of goodwill, generosity, or humility can be a powerful first step towards reconciliation and peace.
  • Proactive Peacemaking: Jacob didn't wait passively; he actively pursued peace. This encourages us to be proactive peacemakers in our own lives, seeking to de-escalate conflicts and foster understanding where possible.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 8:18

    But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.

  • Job 1:3

    His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

  • Job 42:12

    So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

  • 1 Samuel 25:2

    ¶ And [there was] a man in Maon, whose possessions [were] in Carmel; and the man [was] very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.

  • Genesis 30:43

    And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.

  • Genesis 31:16

    For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that [is] ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

  • Genesis 31:9

    Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given [them] to me.
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