Genesis 32:16 kjv

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.

Genesis 32:16 nkjv

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."

Genesis 32:16 niv

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."

Genesis 32:16 esv

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."

Genesis 32:16 nlt

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."

Genesis 32 verses

Genesis 32 16 Meaning

Genesis 32:16 details Jacob's specific instructions for the deployment of his large gift to Esau. It shows his strategic preparation and measured approach, sending successive droves of animals with specific intervals, before his anticipated meeting with his brother. This calculated move aimed to soften Esau's perceived wrath and ensure his acceptance, thereby paving the way for reconciliation.

Genesis 32 16 Context

Genesis 32 details Jacob's journey back to Canaan after two decades in Paddan Aram. Having been commanded by God to return, Jacob fears a confrontation with his estranged brother, Esau, from whom he had stolen the birthright and blessing. He hears that Esau is coming with 400 men, a potential hostile force. In his great fear, Jacob takes two critical actions: first, he divides his large camp into two, hoping that if one is attacked, the other might escape (Gen 32:7-8); second, he turns to God in earnest prayer, recalling God's promises to him (Gen 32:9-12).

Following his prayer, Jacob implements a human strategy: he prepares a massive present for Esau, meticulously arranging it in separate droves to be sent ahead. This verse (Gen 32:16) describes the detailed instructions for deploying these gift droves, emphasizing their staggered presentation. It is Jacob's shrewd attempt to appease Esau and avert violence, combining his faith in God's promises with careful human preparation.

Genesis 32 16 Word analysis

• And he put them into the hand of his servants,

  • And he put them: Jacob is the active agent, deliberately orchestrating this plan. The action is immediate and decisive.
  • put... into the hand: Hebrew yittēn bəyaḏ (יִתֵּן בְּיַד) - literally "he gave into the hand of." This implies entrustment, authority, and the servants becoming the active bearers of the gift and message. It underscores Jacob's delegation and calculated management.
  • his servants: These are not mere laborers but trusted agents assigned a critical role in Jacob's strategic diplomacy.

• every drove by themselves;

  • every drove: Hebrew kol-ʿēḏer (כָּל־עֵדֶר) - "every herd" or "flock." This emphasizes the distinct groups of animals (goats, sheep, camels, cows, donkeys mentioned earlier in 32:14-15).
  • by themselves: Hebrew ləv̱adāw (לְבַדָּו) - "by its own, alone." This highlights the separation and distinctness of each animal group. It suggests methodical organization, not chaotic movement. Each unit had a unique presentation, potentially making a stronger, cumulative impression.

• and said unto his servants,

  • said unto his servants: This emphasizes Jacob's direct command and his meticulous attention to the plan's execution. He leaves no room for misunderstanding in this critical appeasement effort.

• Pass over before me,

  • Pass over: Hebrew ʿiḇrū (עִבְרוּ) - "cross over," "go across." This is a command to move forward and cross the Jabbok stream ahead of Jacob himself.
  • before me: Hebrew lip̄ānāy (לִפְנָי) - "before my face." This sets a procession order. Jacob intends to follow after the gifts, allowing the generosity to precede his personal encounter. This can be seen as an act of humble approach and shrewd strategy, allowing the gifts to pave the way.

• and put a space betwixt drove and drove.

  • put a space: Hebrew śîmū rewaḥ (שִׂימוּ רֶוַח) - "set/place a breathing space," "interval," or "room." Rewaḥ implies an opening or interval. This is key to Jacob's strategy.
  • betwixt drove and drove: Hebrew bēn ʿēḏer wəʿēḏer (בֵּין עֵדֶר וְעֵדֶר) - "between herd and herd." The repetition emphasizes each distinct interval. This ensures that Esau would encounter successive waves of gifts, allowing time for each impression to sink in and hopefully diminish his anger incrementally before Jacob's arrival. This continuous display of generosity aims to chip away at Esau's wrath and signal Jacob's humble and conciliatory intentions. It's a psychological tactic to diffuse tension gradually.

Genesis 32 16 Bonus Section

Jacob's precise instruction to "put a space betwixt drove and drove" implies more than just preventing the herds from mixing. The term rewah (רוח) for 'space' can also connote 'breathing space' or 'room.' Psychologically, this staggered approach prevented Esau from being overwhelmed by all the gifts at once. It allowed him to absorb the generosity in stages, creating a cumulative effect and building a continuous narrative of Jacob's penitence and respect. This sophisticated tactic showcases Jacob as a master strategist, employing psychological acumen alongside his diplomatic gesture. It highlights the biblical narrative's detailed portrayal of human actions and their impact within the broader divine plan. This strategy also implies a readiness for various outcomes, keeping options open until the direct confrontation, a practice that believers can apply today in seeking reconciliation—combining fervent prayer with prudent, wise actions to address challenges.

Genesis 32 16 Commentary

Genesis 32:16 is a remarkable demonstration of Jacob's shrewdness, fear, and practical faith in the face of grave danger. Having prayed to God for deliverance, Jacob does not sit idly by. Instead, he orchestrates a meticulous and highly calculated strategy to appease Esau. The instructions for placing "a space betwixt drove and drove" are particularly insightful. This wasn't merely a random dispatch of gifts, but a carefully choreographed sequence designed to maximize impact. As Esau would meet each successive drove, his initial anger might be softened by the sheer scale and persistence of Jacob's generosity. Each "space" provided an interval for the previous gift to be registered and for Esau to ponder Jacob's intent before another layer of appeasement arrived. This methodical approach reflects Jacob's pragmatic wisdom—even as he trusted God for deliverance, he actively utilized every human means at his disposal to avert conflict, demonstrating that faith often complements careful planning rather than replaces it. It embodies the wisdom found in Prov 16:9 ("The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps") and Prov 21:14 ("A gift in secret pacifies wrath"), acknowledging human effort alongside divine providence.