Genesis 32:14 kjv

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

Genesis 32:14 nkjv

two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,

Genesis 32:14 niv

two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,

Genesis 32:14 esv

two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,

Genesis 32:14 nlt

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

Genesis 32 verses

Genesis 32 14 Meaning

Genesis 32:14 precisely details the substantial collection of livestock Jacob prepared as a strategic gift for his brother Esau. This verse lists the types and quantities of animals, emphasizing the immense value and scale of the offering intended to appease Esau's potential anger and facilitate Jacob's safe return to Canaan. It illuminates Jacob's deliberate, costly, and fear-driven human effort to bridge a decades-old family rift and prepare for a crucial, anticipated reunion.

Genesis 32 14 Context

Genesis 32:14 is situated at a pivotal moment in Jacob's narrative. After twenty years in Paddan-Aram under Laban, Jacob is returning to his ancestral land, Canaan. The journey brings him face-to-face with the inevitable, and greatly feared, reunion with his brother Esau, whom he had wronged by stealing the birthright and blessing (Gen 27). Upon hearing that Esau was approaching with 400 men, Jacob experienced profound distress and fear (Gen 32:7). His response was multifaceted: first, earnest prayer appealing to God's past promises (Gen 32:9-12); second, dividing his camp as a precautionary measure (Gen 32:7-8); and third, the elaborate, carefully prepared gift detailed in this verse. The gift, meant to soften Esau's heart, was part of a shrewd plan, with droves sent in sequence to maximize impact (as seen in the immediate verses following this). Culturally, lavish gifts were common diplomatic tools in the ancient Near East, used to avert conflict, gain favor, or offer tribute. Jacob’s actions therefore demonstrate both a profound personal fear and a culturally informed strategy, highlighting the interplay between divine promises and human effort in his journey.

Genesis 32 14 Word analysis

• He took: Implies Jacob's active and deliberate choice. This was not a random assortment but a careful selection, demonstrating his earnestness and foresight.
• what he had with him: This refers to Jacob's significant possessions, predominantly livestock, which he had amassed over two decades. His prosperity, repeatedly acknowledged as a divine blessing despite Laban's trickery (Gen 30:43; 31:9-12), allowed for such a generous offering.
• and sent them ahead: The Hebrew word šālakh (שָׁלַח), "to send, to dispatch," conveys urgency and a strategic desire to create an initial positive impression before the direct meeting. It shows proactive diplomacy in seeking reconciliation.
• as a gift: The Hebrew noun minḥā (מִנְחָה) refers to a present, tribute, or peace offering. While it can also signify a religious offering (like a grain offering), here its primary function is secular – to win favor and avert Esau’s wrath, much like in Proverbs 21:14. It underscores the high value and the purpose of appeasement.
• for his brother Esau: This direct addressing highlights the personal and familial nature of the conflict. Jacob’s intention is clear: to reconcile with the one he wronged.
• 200 female goats, 20 male goats: This specific enumeration reveals Jacob’s meticulous planning. The vast majority of females highlights not only current wealth but also the potential for flock multiplication, representing sustained value to Esau.
• 200 ewes, 20 rams: Similar to the goats, this large, gender-specific quantity indicates a productive flock, reinforcing the sheer generosity and strategic nature of Jacob’s offering.
• 30 female camels with their young: Camels were immensely valuable as beasts of burden and a rare sign of extreme wealth. The inclusion of their "young" further amplified the gift's worth, suggesting ongoing benefit and future increase.
• 40 cows, 10 bulls: Cattle signified significant wealth and status. This mixed herd was a substantial portion, demonstrating agricultural prosperity and making the overall tribute exceedingly costly.
• 20 female donkeys and 10 male donkeys: Donkeys were crucial for transportation and labor. Their inclusion adds practical utility to the gift, emphasizing Jacob's foresight in providing comprehensive value.
• Words-Group analysis:
  • "He took what he had with him and sent them ahead as a gift": This phrase encapsulates Jacob's intentional, costly, and proactive strategy. It shows a man acting deliberately out of his own acquired resources to manage a precarious situation. The immense scale of this "gift" – totaling approximately 550 individual animals – underscores the gravity of Jacob's fear and the profound lengths to which he would go to seek peace. This was a significant sacrifice of his personal fortune, representing a truly humble and desperate plea for reconciliation rather than just a token gesture. The gift, carefully chosen and immense, speaks volumes of Jacob's understanding of the dire situation and his desire for genuine reconciliation.

Genesis 32 14 Bonus section

The precise itemization of the livestock, particularly the higher ratio of female to male animals (e.g., 200 female goats to 20 male goats), reflects a shrewd economic strategy on Jacob's part. By giving Esau a large number of fertile females, Jacob was providing not just immediate wealth, but also the capacity for Esau to increase his own flocks and herds substantially. This was a "gift that keeps on giving," potentially generating long-term benefit and good will, far more impactful than just a flat sum of money or non-reproductive animals. This thoughtfulness subtly speaks to Jacob's desire for a lasting peace and possibly even future cooperation with Esau, demonstrating a comprehensive view of appeasement. It also subtly showcased the immense wealth God had bestowed upon Jacob, validating his prosperity and establishing his standing.

Genesis 32 14 Commentary

Genesis 32:14 profoundly illustrates the intersection of Jacob's fear, faith, and strategic effort. While Jacob had previously sought God in earnest prayer, recalling divine promises of protection (Gen 32:9-12), he simultaneously engages in pragmatic human action. This detailed list of livestock, representing a significant portion of Jacob's divinely blessed wealth (Gen 30:43), reveals the costly and elaborate nature of his "gift" (minḥā). It wasn't a trivial present but a weighty peace offering, an act of humble submission intended to soften Esau's remembered rage (Prov 21:14). Jacob's fear led to this elaborate scheme, but it did not override his trust in God's faithfulness; rather, his actions were a practical expression of responsible diligence in the face of his spiritual and relational challenges. The sheer volume and variety of animals (nearly 550 total), chosen for both immediate value and reproductive potential, signify a deep level of desperation and sincerity from Jacob to mend the fractured fraternal relationship. This account thus highlights that trusting in God's promises often involves diligent human effort and practical steps towards reconciliation (Rom 12:18; Matt 5:23-24). Ultimately, Jacob's strategy, while stemming from deep fear, played a vital part in the surprising and grace-filled reunion detailed in Genesis 33.