Genesis 33:12 kjv

And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.

Genesis 33:12 nkjv

Then Esau said, "Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you."

Genesis 33:12 niv

Then Esau said, "Let us be on our way; I'll accompany you."

Genesis 33:12 esv

Then Esau said, "Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you."

Genesis 33:12 nlt

"Well," Esau said, "let's be going. I will lead the way."

Genesis 33 verses

Genesis 33 12 Meaning

Esau, displaying a remarkable change of heart, generously proposed that he and Jacob's company travel together, offering to take the lead position in their joint journey. This unexpected offer reflects a newfound brotherly affection and a desire to guide or protect Jacob on his return.

Genesis 33 12 Context

Genesis 33:12 occurs immediately after the profoundly moving reunion of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, returning to Canaan after decades, had approached Esau with extreme fear and elaborate preparations to appease him, fearing his brother’s long-held wrath for the stolen birthright and blessing. To Jacob’s astonishment, Esau’s reception was one of overwhelming embrace and tears, rather than retribution. Their subsequent conversation includes Esau's questioning of Jacob's numerous traveling companions and Jacob's explanations and gifts. Within this newly reconciled atmosphere, Esau's suggestion to journey together, and specifically to take the lead, emerges as an extension of his restored brotherly affection and hospitality. It is an offer of practical guidance and implied protection for Jacob’s vulnerable family and extensive livestock.

Genesis 33 12 Word analysis

• Then Esau said (וַיֹּאמֶר עֵשָׂו - wayyōʾmer ʿĒśāw): This is a straightforward narrative conjunction and verb, introducing direct speech. It indicates Esau’s initiative in setting forth a plan, further demonstrating his engagement in the reconciled relationship.

• “Let us journey” (נִסְעָה - nisʿāh): From the Hebrew verb נָסַע (nasaʿ), meaning "to pull up stakes, set out, journey, march on." The form is a cohortative (first-person plural, suggesting "let us do something"). It expresses a proposal for collective action, highlighting Esau's desire for companionship and a shared path forward after their reconciliation.

• “and go,” (וְנֵלֵכָה - wənēlēḵāh): From the Hebrew verb הָלַךְ (halak), meaning "to walk, go, journey." This is also a cohortative, reiterating and emphasizing the desire for joint movement. The pairing of nasaʿ and halak underscores the physical act of traveling together, strengthening the invitation for shared fellowship on the road.

• “and I will go before you.” (וְאֵלְכָה לְפָנֶיךָ - wəʾēlkāh ləfāneyḵā):

  • וְאֵלְכָה (wəʾēlkāh): Again, a cohortative of halak, but this time in the singular, indicating Esau's personal commitment: "and I myself will go."
  • לְפָנֶיךָ (ləfāneyḵā): Literally "to your face" or "in front of your face/presence." This crucial phrase signifies leadership, guidance, and indeed, protection. Esau is offering to lead the way, setting the pace, scouting ahead, and ensuring the safety of Jacob's large and diverse contingent, which includes vulnerable children and livestock. This demonstrates a profound gesture of benevolence and responsibility, far exceeding simple reconciliation.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • “Let us journey and go”: This initial cohortative double expression conveys Esau’s desire for genuine fellowship and a continued physical bond with his brother after decades of separation. It signifies a move beyond mere truce to shared experience and journey.
  • “and I will go before you”: This phrase pivots the offer from collective action to Esau's individual initiative and leadership. By proposing to lead, Esau not only offers guidance and protection but also implicitly demonstrates a newfound respect and concern for Jacob and his extensive household. This generous posture highlights his complete release of past animosity.

Genesis 33 12 Bonus section

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the leading position in a traveling procession often conveyed honor, authority, and responsibility for the journey’s safety. Esau's offer to lead was therefore a significant act of respect and benevolence towards Jacob, especially given their historical animosity. While the brothers found personal peace and separated amicably, their respective descendants, Edom and Israel, would later have a more contentious history, subtly foreshadowing that, despite personal reconciliation, their destinies as nations would remain distinct. Jacob's eventual polite declination was not a sign of distrust in Esau's newfound goodness but a practical consideration for his large, slow-moving caravan, which required a pace very different from what Esau might naturally set. This strategic separation ultimately allowed both lines to flourish according to the divine plan for each.

Genesis 33 12 Commentary

Genesis 33:12 encapsulates the astonishing turn of events in the Jacob and Esau narrative. Esau's proposal to travel together, specifically offering to lead the way, is a powerful indicator of his profound shift from vengeful brother to benevolent kin. This act of "going before" (Hebrew: ləfāneyḵā) carries the cultural weight of a guide, protector, or host assuming responsibility for a guest or a traveling companion. Esau's intent was gracious and accommodating, aiming to provide safety and companionship to his long-lost brother, his family, and his vast possessions. It vividly demonstrates the divine power to soften hearts and reconcile relationships thought broken beyond repair, exceeding all of Jacob's anxious preparations and fears. While Jacob ultimately chose a different route for pragmatic reasons (due to the needs of his slow-moving family and herds, Gen 33:13-14), Esau's offer unequivocally established the foundation for peace between them, allowing both brothers to fulfill their distinct divinely ordained paths.