Genesis 32:19 kjv

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.

Genesis 32:19 nkjv

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;

Genesis 32:19 niv

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.

Genesis 32:19 esv

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,

Genesis 32:19 nlt

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.

Genesis 32 verses

Genesis 32 19 Meaning

Genesis 32:19 reveals Jacob's meticulous instruction to the stewards of his animal droves, ordering the sequential delivery of his message to Esau. This verse underscores Jacob's calculated strategy to appease his brother through multiple waves of humble entreaties and valuable gifts, all designed to soften Esau's anticipated wrath before Jacob's own arrival. It highlights his detailed planning driven by profound fear, alongside his prior prayer to the Almighty for deliverance.

Genesis 32 19 Context

Genesis chapter 32 recounts Jacob's return journey to Canaan after twenty years in Paddan Aram, where he fled from his brother Esau. He has heard Esau is approaching with 400 men, striking terror into Jacob's heart. The chapter opens with Jacob dividing his camp, praying to God for deliverance, and then preparing an elaborate peace offering for Esau. Verse 19 specifically details the final stage of Jacob's calculated appeasement strategy, emphasizing his methodical and fear-driven efforts to diffuse his brother's potential anger through multiple, reinforcing waves of messengers and gifts, each bearing the same humble message. This strategic action occurs after Jacob has prayed and wrestled with the Angel of the Lord, highlighting his deep personal struggle between relying on human ingenuity and trusting divine promises. Historically and culturally, in the ancient Near East, gift-giving was a common practice for tribute, alliance, or appeasement, especially when approaching a stronger party or one with a grievance. Jacob’s actions are a sophisticated example of this diplomatic practice.

Genesis 32 19 Word analysis

• And so he commanded (וַיְצַו, vaytzav): The verb צוה (tzavah) indicates a strong, authoritative directive. Jacob isn't merely suggesting; he is meticulously dictating the protocol. This emphasizes Jacob's position of leadership over his servants and his decisive nature in orchestrating this critical encounter. It also reflects the gravity and urgency of the situation from his perspective.
• the second, and the third, and all who followed the droves: This repetitive phrasing ("second, third, and all...") is a literary device highlighting the systematic, sequential nature of Jacob's plan. It signifies not just the quantity of gifts but the strategic waves of impact Jacob intended. Each group was to deliver the same message, reinforcing Jacob’s servile posture and the magnitude of his tribute, thereby compounding the effect on Esau's emotional state.
• droves (הָעֲדָרִים, ha’adarim): Refers to the herds of animals, specifically camels, goats, sheep, cows, and donkeys, listed in the preceding verses. These are the physical gifts, embodying the costly nature of Jacob's appeasement. The term emphasizes the substantial wealth Jacob amassed, yet he is willing to surrender a significant portion of it to save his life and family.
• saying (לֵאמֹר, lemor): This word consistently introduces direct speech or specific instructions throughout the Hebrew Bible. Here, it precedes the precise words Jacob wants his servants to deliver, underscoring the importance of exact adherence to his message.
• “On this manner” (כַּדָּבָר הַזֶּה, kaddavar hazzeh): Literally "according to this word/thing." It means exactly as I just told the first one. This demands precise uniformity in the message conveyed by each group, preventing any deviation that might undermine the intended appeasement. This level of detail speaks to Jacob's extreme anxiety and careful planning.
• you shall speak (תְּדַבְּרוּן, t'dabberun): The imperative future tense indicates a direct, firm command. Jacob leaves no room for improvisation. The servants are strictly enjoined to convey Jacob's humble plea and acknowledge Esau as "my lord."
• to Esau when you find him: This phrase specifies the target recipient and the timing of the message. The communication is not just for anyone, but personally to Esau upon encountering him. It means the message should precede Jacob’s physical presence, setting the stage for their eventual reunion by allowing Esau time to process the gifts and the humble address before confronting Jacob himself.

Genesis 32 19 Bonus section

The deliberate repetition of "the second, and the third, and all who followed" serves as a literary rhythm that mirrors Jacob's deep-seated apprehension. This strategic sequencing ensures a continuous flow of humble acknowledgment and valuable tribute, designed to have a cumulative psychological effect on Esau. It's akin to psychological softening, intended to exhaust Esau's wrath and pre-emptively diffuse any violent intentions. This "phased approach" suggests that Jacob understood the need for persistence and layering in difficult interpersonal encounters, a lesson applicable to various challenges requiring sustained effort. While Jacob exhibits considerable human wisdom and strategic brilliance, his actions are consistently framed by his overwhelming fear and preceding plea to God, illustrating that human effort often flows from, or at least accompanies, earnest prayer.

Genesis 32 19 Commentary

Genesis 32:19 is pivotal in depicting Jacob's intricate blend of fear, prudence, and ultimately, reliance on God's protection. Jacob's meticulously crafted plan, evidenced by commanding successive waves of droves to deliver the identical humbling message, underscores his acute anxiety over meeting Esau. This is not merely an act of generosity but a calculated psychological strategy designed to dismantle Esau's anticipated anger piecemeal, group by group. It showcases Jacob's deep understanding of human nature and his willingness to humble himself utterly, calling himself "your servant" and Esau "my lord."

This verse also illustrates the tension between human ingenuity and divine sovereignty. Jacob has just prayed a desperate prayer for deliverance (v. 9-12), reminding God of His promises (Gen 28:15). Yet, he does not passively wait; he actively devises an elaborate scheme. This teaches that faith in God’s promises does not negate human responsibility or the application of practical wisdom. Rather, it can motivate diligent action. God’s grace often works through human prudence, not in spite of it. The ultimate outcome, Esau's welcoming embrace, reveals that God worked through Jacob's fearful efforts to bring about reconciliation.

Example for practical usage: Just as Jacob planned extensively, Christians are called to prayerful, yet prudent, action. If seeking reconciliation with someone, prayer is vital, but so is humble, thoughtful communication and, at times, sacrificial action (e.g., offering a genuine apology or making restitution).