Genesis 32:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 32:14 meticulously itemizes the initial components of the substantial gift Jacob prepared for his estranged brother Esau, an act of strategic diplomacy intended to appease Esau's potential wrath and facilitate reconciliation before their long-anticipated reunion. This precise inventory underscores Jacob's profound anxiety and his willingness to expend significant resources in pursuit of peace and the preservation of his family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 32 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, as he returns to Canaan after twenty years with Laban. The immediate preceding verses detail Jacob's profound fear and distress upon learning that Esau was approaching with 400 men, a formidable force that suggested hostile intent ([Genesis 32:6-7](/genesis/32-6-7 "Jacob's Fear and Division of Camp")). In response, Jacob strategically divided his large camp into two, hoping that if one group was attacked, the other might escape. Crucially, this human strategizing was immediately followed by a fervent and humble prayer to God, reminding Him of His promises of protection and blessing ([Genesis 32:9-12](/genesis/32-9-12 "Jacob's Prayer for Deliverance")). Following this spiritual reliance, Jacob then devised a practical plan: to send a series of lavish gifts ahead of him, hoping to "appease" Esau before their direct encounter ([Genesis 32:13](/genesis/32-13 "Jacob Prepares a Gift for Esau")). Verse 14 initiates the detailed enumeration of this appeasement gift, setting the stage for the dramatic reunion in [Genesis 33](/genesis/33 "Jacob Meets Esau").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, gift-giving was a common and essential practice, particularly in diplomatic encounters or when seeking favor from a more powerful individual. Such gifts were not merely tokens but often substantial offerings, designed to demonstrate respect, establish good will, and potentially avert conflict. The size and composition of the gift were indicative of the giver's status, sincerity, and the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, the concept of "appeasing the face" (as mentioned in [Genesis 32:20](/genesis/32-20 "Jacob's Hope to Appease Esau")) was a recognized social custom, where a generous offering could soften a person's disposition and open the way for a favorable reception. Jacob's actions reflect an understanding of these cultural norms, leveraging them in a high-stakes situation where his very life and the future of his family hung in the balance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and Jacob's narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Human Responsibility**, showing Jacob's reliance on God through prayer, yet also his diligent and strategic human effort to navigate a perilous situation. The sheer scale of the gift underscores the theme of **God's Blessing and Jacob's Prosperity**, as his wealth in livestock was a direct result of God's favor during his time with Laban ([Genesis 30:43](/genesis/30-43 "Jacob's Prosperity with Laban")). Most importantly, it introduces the theme of **Reconciliation and Peacemaking**, demonstrating Jacob's proactive and costly pursuit of peace with his estranged brother, a relationship broken by deception and betrayal decades earlier ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Esau's Hatred for Jacob")). This act of costly generosity foreshadows the deeper theological concept of reconciliation through sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Two hundred (Hebrew, _mêʼâh'_):** From H3967, this word signifies "a hundred." Its repetition ("two hundred... two hundred") emphasizes the immense quantity of animals in Jacob's gift, conveying the lavishness and strategic intent behind his offering. It highlights the scale of his wealth and his willingness to part with a significant portion of it for reconciliation.
* **She goats (Hebrew, _ʻêz'_):** From H5795, meaning "a she-goat (as strong)." This term refers specifically to female goats. The inclusion of female animals, particularly in such large numbers, indicates a desire to offer not just a temporary appeasement but a substantial, breeding asset that could contribute to Esau's long-term prosperity, thereby solidifying the peace.
* **Rams (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** From H352, properly meaning "strength," and specifically referring to "a ram (from his strength)." Rams, as male sheep, were valuable for their strength, breeding potential, and as a source of meat and wool. Their inclusion alongside ewes further emphasizes the comprehensive and valuable nature of Jacob's offering, designed to impress and pacify Esau.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats":** This clause details the first component of the gift: a large herd of goats, with a dominant proportion of females. The ratio (10:1) suggests a focus on the reproductive capacity of the herd, making it a valuable and sustainable asset rather than just a consumable offering. This meticulous enumeration immediately conveys the strategic and generous nature of Jacob's plan.
* **"two hundred ewes, and twenty rams":** This second clause continues the inventory, specifying an equally large flock of sheep, again with a high proportion of females to males. The parallelism in the structure (two hundred females, twenty males for both goats and sheep) reinforces the deliberate and calculated nature of Jacob's gift, emphasizing its symmetry and substantial value. Together, these clauses reveal the first wave of a multi-part, carefully curated offering designed to disarm Esau.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 32:14 is **Enumeration**, which is the detailed listing of items. Here, it is used to precisely quantify the animals in Jacob's gift, emphasizing the sheer scale and meticulous planning involved. This enumeration continues into the subsequent verses ([Genesis 32:15](/genesis/32-15 "Jacob's Gift Continues")), building a sense of the overwhelming generosity and strategic intent behind Jacob's actions. The precise numbers (200, 20) lend an air of authenticity and highlight Jacob's careful stewardship of his wealth. Furthermore, the **Parallelism** in the structure of the two clauses, listing "two hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats" followed by "two hundred ewes and twenty rams," creates a rhythmic effect and underscores the balanced and comprehensive nature of the offering. This detailed listing serves to impress upon the reader the magnitude of Jacob's anxiety and his extraordinary efforts to achieve reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's strategic and costly gift, detailed in this verse, beautifully illustrates the interplay between human responsibility and divine providence. While Jacob had just prayed earnestly for God's deliverance based on His promises, he did not passively await a miracle. Instead, he actively engaged in prudent planning and generous action, demonstrating that faith often calls for diligent preparation and wise stewardship alongside spiritual reliance. This costly act of humility and generosity reflects the sacrificial nature often required to bridge divides and restore broken relationships, foreshadowing the greater cost of grace in the New Testament.

* [Proverbs 21:14](/proverbs/21-14 "A gift in secret pacifies anger")
* [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Zacchaeus's Restitution")
* [Matthew 5:23-24](/matthew/5-23-24 "Reconciliation Before Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's meticulously planned and lavish gift in Genesis 32:14 offers profound lessons for believers today regarding proactive peacemaking and the balance between faith and action. It challenges us to consider what "costly grace" might look like in our own efforts toward reconciliation. Just as Jacob, after fervent prayer, took tangible steps to mend a broken relationship, we are called to move beyond mere good intentions. This might involve initiating difficult conversations, offering genuine apologies, extending forgiveness, or even making significant personal sacrifices to restore harmony. The verse reminds us that true reconciliation often requires humility, generosity, and a willingness to put the other person's well-being above our own pride or perceived rights. It encourages us to be proactive agents of peace in our families, communities, and even in broader societal contexts, remembering that our efforts, though human, are undertaken in reliance on God's power to transform hearts and circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what relationships in your life might God be calling you to initiate a "costly" act of reconciliation or generosity?**
* **How do you balance fervent prayer with practical, strategic action when facing challenging circumstances?**
* **What personal "possessions" (e.g., time, pride, resources) might you need to "give away" in pursuit of peace?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob offer such a large gift to Esau?**

Answer: Jacob's immense gift, detailed in this verse and the following, was a strategic act of appeasement designed to pacify Esau's potential anger and avert a violent confrontation. Given Esau was approaching with 400 men ([Genesis 32:6](/genesis/32-6 "Read about Esau's approach with 400 men")), Jacob feared for his life and the safety of his family. The gift's sheer size and value were intended to convey profound respect, humility, and a desire for reconciliation, hoping to "appease" Esau's countenance before their direct encounter ([Genesis 32:20](/genesis/32-20 "Explore Jacob's hope to appease Esau")). It was a practical demonstration of his desire for peace after decades of estrangement.

**How does Jacob's gift-giving relate to his prayer for deliverance?**

Answer: Jacob's actions demonstrate a crucial balance between spiritual reliance and practical wisdom. After earnestly praying to God for deliverance and reminding Him of His promises ([Genesis 32:9-12](/genesis/32-9-12 "Review Jacob's prayer for deliverance")), Jacob did not passively wait. Instead, he strategically prepared this substantial gift and divided his camp, showing that faith is often accompanied by responsible human effort and foresight. His actions illustrate that trusting God does not negate the need for prudent planning and diligent work. It's a powerful example of "praying as if everything depends on God, and working as if everything depends on you."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's costly gift to appease Esau, though a human effort driven by fear and a desire for reconciliation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate act of reconciliation and appeasement found in Christ. While Jacob's offering aimed to pacify a brother's anger and restore an earthly relationship, it points to the infinitely greater "gift" of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross was the perfect and sufficient offering to appease divine wrath and reconcile fallen humanity to a holy God. Jacob's strategic giving highlights humanity's inability to fully reconcile without costly intervention, pointing to the unmerited grace offered through Jesus, who became the ultimate "propitiation" for our sins ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "Jesus, the Atoning Sacrifice")). Through His death, Christ bridged the chasm between God and humanity, offering a peace that Jacob's material gifts could never provide, making us "at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Justification by Faith")). Thus, Jacob's act of costly appeasement serves as a profound Old Testament shadow, directing our gaze to the Lamb of God who truly "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), securing eternal reconciliation.

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

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.