Genesis 33:13

And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children [are] tender, and the flocks and herds with young [are] with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

And he said {H559} unto him, My lord {H113} knoweth {H3045} that the children {H3206} are tender {H7390}, and the flocks {H6629} and herds {H1241} with young {H5763} are with me: and if men should overdrive {H1849} them one {H259} day {H3117}, all the flock {H6629} will die {H4191}.

Ya'akov said to him, "My lord knows that the children are small, and the sheep and cattle suckling their young concern me, because if they overdrive them even one day, all the flocks will die.

But Jacob replied, โ€œMy lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die.

And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young: and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die.

Commentary

Genesis 33:13 captures a pivotal moment in the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau, highlighting Jacob's wisdom and his deep care for his family and possessions. This verse reveals Jacob's careful and strategic response to Esau's offer of companionship, prioritizing the well-being of the most vulnerable in his care.

Context

Following two decades of separation and Jacob's significant fear of his brother's potential wrath (Genesis 32:7), Esau surprisingly embraces Jacob with compassion (Genesis 33:4). Esau then suggests they travel together, offering to lead the way. Jacob, ever prudent, politely declines this offer in verse 13. His primary concern is not to offend Esau but to safeguard his family and livestock, which would be severely endangered by traveling at the swift pace of Esau's experienced men.

Key Themes

  • Prudence and Responsibility: Jacob demonstrates remarkable foresight and responsibility. He understands the limitations of his "tender" children and the "flocks and herds with young." This shows a leader who is deeply attuned to the needs of those under his charge, refusing to compromise their safety for social convenience or speed.
  • Care for the Vulnerable: The verse emphasizes the fragility of the children and the nursing animals. Jacob's immediate thought is for their protection, recognizing that pushing them too hard, even for a single day, could lead to disaster. This highlights a biblical principle of compassion and stewardship towards all life, especially the weak.
  • Setting Boundaries: Jacob's response is a masterclass in setting gentle but firm boundaries. He acknowledges Esau's goodwill ("My lord knoweth...") while clearly stating the practical impossibility of matching Esau's pace. This teaches the importance of communicating one's needs and limitations respectfully, even when dealing with powerful figures.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tender" (ืจึทืšึฐ - rak) describes something soft, delicate, or weak, perfectly conveying the vulnerability of young children. The phrase "flocks and herds with young" specifically refers to nursing animals and their offspring, which are particularly susceptible to stress and fatigue. The word "overdrive" (ื“ึธึผื—ึทืง - dachak) means to push, press, or oppress, illustrating the severe consequence of forcing them beyond their capacity โ€“ "all the flock will die." This emphasizes the extreme fragility and the potential for total loss if driven carelessly.

Practical Application

Genesis 33:13 offers timeless lessons for modern life. It encourages us to:

  • Prioritize Well-being: Like Jacob, we should consider the capacity and needs of those we lead or care for, whether family, employees, or church members. Rushing or over-pressuring can have devastating, long-term consequences.
  • Understand Limitations: Recognize that not everyone, or everything, can move at the same pace. Wisdom often means slowing down for the sake of the most vulnerable. This applies to personal schedules, family activities, and even spiritual journeys, reminding us not to "overdrive" ourselves or others.
  • Practice Responsible Stewardship: Jacob's concern extends beyond human life to his animals, teaching us the importance of caring for all resources God has entrusted to us, reflecting humanity's role as stewards of creation.
This verse subtly underscores the importance of patience, responsible leadership, and prioritizing long-term health and safety over immediate convenience or social pressure, a wisdom that resonates deeply in all aspects of life.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 40:11

    He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

  • Ezekiel 34:15

    I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 34:16

    I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

  • John 21:15

    ยถ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

  • Proverbs 12:10

    ยถ A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.

  • Ezekiel 34:23

    And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
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