Genesis 32 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Genesis 32 meaning explained in AI Summary

Jacob continues his journey and encounters angels of God. He wrestles with a mysterious figure all night and is renamed Israel. Jacob then sends messengers to Esau, seeking reconciliation. Esau meets Jacob with a large army, but they are reconciled and embrace.

Jacob, fearing Esau's potential wrath, takes steps to protect himself and his family after deceiving his brother years earlier.

Key Events:

Jacob's Fear and Preparation: News reaches Jacob that Esau is approaching with 400 men. Fearing for his life and his family's, Jacob prays to God for deliverance and divides his camp into two, hoping that if one is attacked, the other might escape.
Gifts for Esau: Jacob sends wave after wave of gifts ahead of him to appease Esau: flocks of goats, sheep, camels, cows, bulls, and donkeys. He instructs his servants to present these gifts to "my lord Esau" as a gesture of submission and peace.
Wrestling with God: As Jacob sends his family across the Jabbok River, he remains behind and encounters a mysterious "man" with whom he wrestles all night. This encounter is often interpreted as a struggle with God himself.
A New Name and a Blessing: Though Jacob refuses to let the man go until he blesses him, the man touches Jacob's hip, dislocating it. He then blesses Jacob and renames him "Israel" (meaning "he strives with God"), signifying a new identity born from his struggle.
Reconciliation Foreshadowed: The chapter ends with Jacob seeing Esau approaching with his 400 men. The encounter itself is left for the next chapter, but the stage is set for a potential reconciliation between the two brothers.

Themes:

Fear and Faith: Jacob's fear of Esau is palpable, but he also demonstrates faith by praying to God for protection and seeking reconciliation through gifts.
Human Effort and Divine Grace: Jacob's meticulous preparations highlight human effort, while his encounter with God emphasizes the role of divine grace in his life.
Transformation and Identity: Jacob's wrestling match and subsequent renaming symbolize a profound spiritual transformation and the birth of a new identity marked by his relationship with God.

Overall: Genesis 32 is a chapter of anticipation and transformation. It depicts Jacob's struggle with fear and his reliance on both human strategy and divine intervention. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader eager to discover the outcome of the long-awaited encounter between Jacob and Esau.

Genesis 32 bible study ai commentary

Jacob's confrontation with his past (Esau) is overshadowed by a more profound confrontation with God. The chapter pivots on Jacob's transformation from a self-reliant schemer into a dependent, divinely-marked patriarch. His fear drives him to strategic planning and then to desperate prayer, culminating in a mysterious physical struggle with God. In this encounter, his character is exposed ("Jacob" - supplanter), his strength is broken (a dislocated hip), and his identity is remade ("Israel" - one who struggles with God). He leaves this crucible wounded but blessed, having seen the "face of God" and survived, forever changed.

Genesis 32 context

Jacob is returning to Canaan after 20 years in Haran, fulfilling God's command from Genesis 31:3. This journey forces a reunion with his brother Esau, whom he last saw two decades earlier after stealing his blessing, prompting Esau's murderous rage (Gen 27:41). In the Ancient Near East, a wronged or more powerful figure would expect a substantial gift (minchah in Hebrew) as an act of appeasement from the inferior party. The 400 men accompanying Esau are not a welcoming party; they are a military detachment, signaling potential conflict. The chapter is geographically set as Jacob moves south towards Edom, crossing the Jabbok River, a tributary of the Jordan.

Genesis 32:1-2

And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God's camp!” So he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

In-depth-analysis

This divine encounter serves as a reassuring "bookend" to Jacob's time outside the promised land; he left seeing angels at Bethel (Gen 28:12) and returns seeing them again.
Word: Mahanaim (מחנים) means "two camps" or "two hosts." This signifies Jacob's own camp and a heavenly camp of angels, showing God's army is present to protect him.
It is a manifestation of God's presence and protection before Jacob receives the terrifying news about Esau. This is a test: will he rely on this vision or on his own fear-driven strategies?

Bible references

Psalm 34:7: "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them." (Directly illustrates the concept of God's angelic camp).
Genesis 28:12: "he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth... and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." (The vision he received upon leaving the land).
2 Kings 6:16-17: "'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' ...and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire..." (Elisha reveals a heavenly army to his fearful servant).

Cross references

Josh 5:13-15 (Joshua meets the commander of the LORD's army); Ps 91:11 (Promise of angelic protection); Heb 1:14 (Angels as ministering spirits).

Genesis 32:3-6

And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom... And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.”

In-depth-analysis

Despite the vision at Mahanaim, Jacob immediately acts out of fear and pragmatism, resorting to human diplomacy.
His message is highly deferential, calculated to humble himself. He calls Esau "my lord" and himself "your servant" five times in his instruction, attempting to reverse the stolen blessing where the older was to serve the younger.
He emphasizes his acquired wealth ("oxen, donkeys, flocks, etc."), not as a boast, but to show he is not returning to claim Esau's inheritance, but as an independent, wealthy man who desires only "favor."
The report that Esau comes with 400 men is terrifying news. It is an army, not a family greeting, confirming Jacob's worst fears.

Bible references

Genesis 27:29: "...let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers..." (The blessing Jacob stole, which he now verbally attempts to undo).
Genesis 27:41: "Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing... and Esau said to himself, '...I will kill my brother Jacob.'" (The source of Jacob's terror).
Genesis 33:1: "Now Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him." (The direct fulfillment of this feared approach).

Cross references

Prov 15:1 (A soft answer turns away wrath).

Genesis 32:7-8

Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies, thinking, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the company that is left will escape.”

In-depth-analysis

His reaction is visceral: "greatly afraid and distressed." The vision of God's two camps seems forgotten, replaced by his own survival strategy of creating two camps.
This is a portrait of Jacob the strategist. His plan is logical and born of fear, a damage-control measure that assumes the worst-case scenario.
His focus shifts from God's protection to his own contingency planning. He is still operating as the self-reliant man he has always been.

Bible references

Proverbs 29:25: "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe." (Jacob is ensnared by his fear of Esau).
Isaiah 7:2-4: King Ahaz is terrified by a military threat, and Isaiah calls him to "Be careful, be quiet, do not fear." (A parallel situation of fear in the face of an army vs. trust in God).

Cross references

Judg 7:16 (Gideon divides his men, but by God's strategy, not his own).

Genesis 32:9-12

And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac... I am not worthy... Please deliver me from the hand of my brother... for I fear him... But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea...’”

In-depth-analysis

This is a model prayer of a person in distress. Having exhausted his own strategy, he turns to God in desperation.
It is structured logically and powerfully:
1. Addresses God by Covenant: He appeals to the God of his fathers, the God of the promise.
2. Recalls God's Command: He reminds God (and himself) that this dangerous journey was God's idea ("Return to your country").
3. Confesses Unworthiness: "I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love (chesed)." He acknowledges that his blessings are purely from grace.
4. Acknowledges Past Faithfulness: He contrasts his humble start ("with only my staff") with his current state ("two camps"), giving God credit.
5. Makes His Petition Clear: "Please deliver me..." He is specific and honest about his fear.
6. Stands on God's Promise: He anchors his appeal in God's specific, unconditional promise of preservation and multiplication.
This prayer marks a significant spiritual turning point, even before the wrestling match. It is the first time he so clearly lays his case before God based on covenant and promise.

Bible references

Genesis 28:13-15: "'...I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land.'" (The specific promise he is calling upon).
Hosea 12:4: "He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought favor from him..." (The prophet Hosea later references this very moment of weeping and prayer).
Hebrews 5:7: "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears..." (Reflects the intensity and honesty of a desperate prayer like Jacob's).

Cross references

Ps 50:15 (Call upon me in the day of trouble); Php 4:6 (Make requests known to God); 1 Chr 4:10 (Prayer of Jabez).

Genesis 32:13-21

So he lodged there that night. Then he took from what he had with him a present for his brother Esau... He said, “I will appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”

In-depth-analysis

Even after his profound prayer, Jacob continues with his strategy. This shows that faith and prudent action are not mutually exclusive.
Word: The Hebrew for "present" is minchah, the same word for a tribute offering to God or a king. It's a formal act of submission.
Word: The phrase "I will appease him" uses the Hebrew verb kaphar, the root for "atonement" or "to cover." He is trying to cover Esau's face (i.e., his anger) with gifts, prefiguring his encounter where he will see God's face.
The strategy of sending the gift in successive waves was brilliant. It was designed to slowly disarm Esau's anger, creating maximum psychological impact before they ever met.

Bible references

Proverbs 21:14: "A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the heart, strong wrath." (The worldly wisdom behind Jacob's plan).
Genesis 43:11: "And their father Israel said to them... 'take a present... for the man.'" (Jacob, now Israel, later uses the same tactic to appease the ruler of Egypt—his own son, Joseph).

Cross references

Prov 18:16 (A man's gift makes room for him).

Genesis 32:22-32

The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok... and Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.

In-depth-analysis

The Setting: Jacob orchestrates his complete isolation. He is alone, at night, by a river named Yabbok (יַבֹּק), setting up a wordplay with the Hebrew for "wrestled," ye'avek (יֵאָבֵק). This is his moment of truth.
The "Man": The figure is intentionally ambiguous, called "a man" (ish). Hosea 12:4 calls him an "angel," and Jacob himself concludes he has seen "God" (v. 30). This is a theophany (an appearance of God), widely understood by Christian interpreters as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany).
The Struggle: Jacob's striving is a picture of desperate, clinging faith. The "man" does not overpower Jacob through sheer force but by a supernatural touch to the hip, demonstrating His superior power while allowing the struggle to continue. The injury cripples Jacob's physical strength, forcing him to rely on something else.
The Blessing: Jacob refuses to let go without a blessing. He prevailed not by winning the fight, but by his desperate perseverance for the blessing. He transitions from grabbing what isn't his to desperately clinging to God for what only He can give.
The Name Change:
- God asks, "What is your name?" forcing Jacob to confess his identity as Ya'aqov ("heel-grabber," "supplanter," "deceiver"). He must own his sinful past.
- God bestows a new name: Yisrael (ישראל, Israel). Its meaning is given as "he struggles with God" or "God strives." This name marks a new identity, one defined by his encounter with God. It becomes the name of his descendants, a nation defined by its unique, wrestling relationship with Yahweh.
The Face of God: Jacob names the place Peniel (פְּנִיאֵל), "face of God," because "I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been preserved." This was shocking, as the Old Testament understanding was that to see God's face was to die (Exod 33:20).
The Limp: Jacob leaves the encounter permanently changed, not just in name but in body. His limp is a lifelong reminder of the encounter—that his strength lies in his weakness and dependence on God.
Etiology: The passage concludes with an explanation for an Israelite dietary custom—not eating the sciatic nerve—grounding this transcendent event in a daily, physical practice for future generations.

Bible references

Hosea 12:3-4: "In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God. He strove with the angel and prevailed..." (Explicitly references both Jacob's birth and this wrestling match).
Exodus 33:20: "But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” (Highlights the profound grace and mystery of Jacob's Peniel experience).
2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ ...For when I am weak, then I am strong." (Paul's theology perfectly captures the principle Jacob learned at Peniel).
Judges 13:17-18: "...'What is your name...?' And the angel of the LORD said to him, 'Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?'" (A similar response when a divine being's name is asked, signifying His transcendence).

Cross references

Gen 17:5 (Abram's name change to Abraham); Gen 17:15 (Sarai to Sarah); Matt 16:17-18 (Simon to Peter); Jn 1:42 (Simon to Cephas/Peter); Phil 3:12 (Paul straining forward to take hold).

Polemics

This story powerfully refutes pagan mythologies. In Canaanite and Mesopotamian myths, gods wrestle each other for dominance. Here, the one true God condescends to wrestle with a human being, not to destroy him but to bless and transform him. God’s power is shown not in a destructive victory, but in a crippling touch that ultimately saves.

Genesis chapter 32 analysis

The Journey of a Name: The chapter is framed by place-names and a new personal name that reveals its theological arc: Jacob leaves Mahanaim (God's camp), comes to the Jabbok (the place of wrestling), is renamed Israel (he who struggles with God), and commemorates the site as Peniel (the face of God).
Paradox of Weakness and Strength: Jacob's greatest victory comes at his point of greatest weakness. After his own cunning is exhausted and his physical strength is broken, he "prevails" by clinging in dependent faith. His limp is a trophy, not a mark of defeat.
Reconciliation with God before Man: The narrative structure emphasizes that Jacob must be reconciled with God at Peniel before he can be reconciled with Esau. His vertical relationship had to be transformed before his horizontal one could be healed.
A Type for Israel and the Believer: The man Israel represents the nation of Israel. The nation's history is one of wrestling with God, of failure and grace, of punishment and blessing. It is also a picture for every believer who must cease from self-reliance and learn to find strength in dependence on God, often through a "dark night of the soul."

Genesis 32 summary

Terrified of his approaching brother Esau, Jacob sends lavish gifts to appease him and then turns to God in a desperate prayer. Left alone one night, he physically wrestles with a divine "man" until dawn. In the struggle, his hip is dislocated, but he refuses to release his opponent until he receives a blessing. As a result, his name is changed from Jacob (deceiver) to Israel (he struggles with God), marking his transformation from a self-reliant schemer to a man broken by, but clinging to, God.

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Genesis chapter 32 kjv

¹ And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
² And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
³ And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
⁴ And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:
⁵ And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
⁶ And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.
⁷ Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;
⁸ And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.
⁹ And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:
¹⁰ I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.
¹¹ 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.
¹² And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.
¹³ And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;
¹⁴ Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,
¹⁵ Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
¹⁶ And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.
¹⁷ And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?
¹⁸ Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.
¹⁹ And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him.
²⁰ And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.
²¹ So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company.
²² And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
²³ And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.
²⁴ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
²⁵ And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
²⁶ And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
²⁷ And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
²⁸ And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
²⁹ And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
³⁰ And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
³¹ And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
³² Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.

Genesis chapter 32 nkjv

¹ So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
² When Jacob saw them, he said, "This is God's camp." And he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
³ Then Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
⁴ And he commanded them, saying, "Speak thus to my lord Esau, 'Thus your servant Jacob says: "I have dwelt with Laban and stayed there until now.
⁵ I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight." ' "
⁶ Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him."
⁷ So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies.
⁸ And he said, "If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape."
⁹ Then Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the LORD who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you':
¹⁰ I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies.
¹¹ Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children.
¹² For You said, 'I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.' "
¹³ So he lodged there that same night, and took what came to his hand as a present for Esau his brother:
¹⁴ two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
¹⁵ thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals.
¹⁶ Then he delivered them to the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, "Pass over before me, and put some distance between successive droves."
¹⁷ And he commanded the first one, saying, "When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, 'To whom do you belong, and where are you going? Whose are these in front of you?'
¹⁸ then you shall say, 'They are your servant Jacob's. It is a present sent to my lord Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.' "
¹⁹ So he commanded the second, the third, and all who followed the droves, saying, "In this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him;
²⁰ and also say, 'Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us.' " For he said, "I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me."
²¹ So the present went on over before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp.
²² And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok.
²³ He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had.
²⁴ Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.
²⁵ Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him.
²⁶ And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!"
²⁷ So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob."
²⁸ And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."
²⁹ Then Jacob asked, saying, "Tell me Your name, I pray." And He said, "Why is it that you ask about My name?" And He blessed him there.
³⁰ So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."
³¹ Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.
³² Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank, which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob's hip in the muscle that shrank.

Genesis chapter 32 niv

¹ Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
² When Jacob saw them, he said, "This is the camp of God!" So he named that place Mahanaim.
³ Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
⁴ He instructed them: "This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: 'Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now.
⁵ I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.'?"
⁶ When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, "We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him."
⁷ In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well.
⁸ He thought, "If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape."
⁹ Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, LORD, you who said to me, 'Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,'
¹⁰ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps.
¹¹ Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children.
¹² But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.'?"
¹³ He spent the night there, and from what he had with him he selected a gift for his brother Esau:
¹⁴ two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
¹⁵ thirty female camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.
¹⁶ He put them in the care of his servants, each herd by itself, and said to his servants, "Go ahead of me, and keep some space between the herds."
¹⁷ He instructed the one in the lead: "When my brother Esau meets you and asks, 'Who do you belong to, and where are you going, and who owns all these animals in front of you?'
¹⁸ then you are to say, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.'?"
¹⁹ He also instructed the second, the third and all the others who followed the herds: "You are to say the same thing to Esau when you meet him.
²⁰ And be sure to say, 'Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.'?" For he thought, "I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me."
²¹ So Jacob's gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp.
²² That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.
²³ After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions.
²⁴ So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.
²⁵ When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.
²⁶ Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
²⁷ The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered.
²⁸ Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome."
²⁹ Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.
³⁰ So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."
³¹ The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.
³² Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon.

Genesis chapter 32 esv

¹ Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
² And when Jacob saw them he said, "This is God's camp!" So he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
³ And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom,
⁴ instructing them, "Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, 'I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now.
⁵ I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.'"
⁶ And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him."
⁷ Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps,
⁸ thinking, "If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape."
⁹ And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,'
¹⁰ I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.
¹¹ Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children.
¹² But you said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.'"
¹³ So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau,
¹⁴ two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
¹⁵ thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.
¹⁶ These he handed over to his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, "Pass on ahead of me and put a space between drove and drove."
¹⁷ He instructed the first, "When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, 'To whom do you belong? Where are you going? And whose are these ahead of you?'
¹⁸ then you shall say, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.'"
¹⁹ He likewise instructed the second and the third and all who followed the droves, "You shall say the same thing to Esau when you find him,
²⁰ and you shall say, 'Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.'" For he thought, "I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me."
²¹ So the present passed on ahead of him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.
²² The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.
²³ He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had.
²⁴ And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.
²⁵ When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.
²⁶ Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
²⁷ And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob."
²⁸ Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed."
²⁹ Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him.
³⁰ So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered."
³¹ The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
³² Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob's hip on the sinew of the thigh.

Genesis chapter 32 nlt

¹ As Jacob started on his way again, angels of God came to meet him.
² When Jacob saw them, he exclaimed, "This is God's camp!" So he named the place Mahanaim.
³ Then Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother, Esau, who was living in the region of Seir in the land of Edom.
⁴ He told them, "Give this message to my master Esau: 'Humble greetings from your servant Jacob. Until now I have been living with Uncle Laban,
⁵ and now I own cattle, donkeys, flocks of sheep and goats, and many servants, both men and women. I have sent these messengers to inform my lord of my coming, hoping that you will be friendly to me.'"
⁶ After delivering the message, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, "We met your brother, Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you ? with an army of 400 men!"
⁷ Jacob was terrified at the news. He divided his household, along with the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups.
⁸ He thought, "If Esau meets one group and attacks it, perhaps the other group can escape."
⁹ Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac ? O LORD, you told me, 'Return to your own land and to your relatives.' And you promised me, 'I will treat you kindly.'
¹⁰ I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps!
¹¹ O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children.
¹² But you promised me, 'I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore ? too many to count.'"
¹³ Jacob stayed where he was for the night. Then he selected these gifts from his possessions to present to his brother, Esau:
¹⁴ 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams,
¹⁵ 30 female camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys.
¹⁶ He divided these animals into herds and assigned each to different servants. Then he told his servants, "Go ahead of me with the animals, but keep some distance between the herds."
¹⁷ He gave these instructions to the men leading the first group: "When my brother, Esau, meets you, he will ask, 'Whose servants are you? Where are you going? Who owns these animals?'
¹⁸ You must reply, 'They belong to your servant Jacob, but they are a gift for his master Esau. Look, he is coming right behind us.'"
¹⁹ Jacob gave the same instructions to the second and third herdsmen and to all who followed behind the herds: "You must say the same thing to Esau when you meet him.
²⁰ And be sure to say, 'Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.'" Jacob thought, "I will try to appease him by sending gifts ahead of me. When I see him in person, perhaps he will be friendly to me."
²¹ So the gifts were sent on ahead, while Jacob himself spent that night in the camp.
²² During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them.
²³ After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions.
²⁴ This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break.
²⁵ When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob's hip and wrenched it out of its socket.
²⁶ Then the man said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!" But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
²⁷ "What is your name?" the man asked. He replied, "Jacob."
²⁸ "Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won."
²⁹ "Please tell me your name," Jacob said. "Why do you want to know my name?" the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.
³⁰ Jacob named the place Peniel (which means "face of God"), for he said, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared."
³¹ The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel, and he was limping because of the injury to his hip.
³² (Even today the people of Israel don't eat the tendon near the hip socket because of what happened that night when the man strained the tendon of Jacob's hip.)