Genesis 33:14 kjv

Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.

Genesis 33:14 nkjv

Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir."

Genesis 33:14 niv

So let my lord go on ahead of his servant, while I move along slowly at the pace of the flocks and herds before me and the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir."

Genesis 33:14 esv

Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, at the pace of the livestock that are ahead of me and at the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir."

Genesis 33:14 nlt

Please, my lord, go ahead of your servant. We will follow slowly, at a pace that is comfortable for the livestock and the children. I will meet you at Seir."

Genesis 33 verses

Genesis 33 14 Meaning

Genesis 33:14 details Jacob's diplomatic response to Esau's offer to journey together. Jacob proposes that Esau proceed ahead while he, Jacob, follows slowly. This deliberate pace is necessitated by the vulnerable nature of his young children and his nursing livestock, emphasizing their physical limitations. Jacob states his eventual intention to rejoin Esau in Seir, signaling continued deference and a future reunion.

Genesis 33 14 Context

Genesis chapter 33 marks the long-anticipated reunion between Jacob and Esau, two brothers estranged for decades following Jacob's deceit in acquiring the birthright and blessing (Gen 27). Jacob had fled from Esau's anger (Gen 27:43), but now returns after God's command (Gen 31:3) and a wrestling encounter with God (Gen 32:24-32). Jacob had previously sent gifts and humbling messages to appease Esau (Gen 32:13-20) and arranged his family strategically, fearing Esau would attack (Gen 32:7-8). To his surprise, Esau responds with embrace and affection (Gen 33:4). In this verse, following a brief negotiation about Jacob's gifts, Esau offers to travel with Jacob (Gen 33:12), leading to Jacob's prudent refusal to keep their pace separate.

Genesis 33 14 Word Analysis

• Let my lord (אֲדֹנִ֔י - adoniy): A highly respectful and deferential term, akin to "my master" or "sir." This acknowledges Esau's seniority and status, reflecting Jacob's humility and desire to maintain peace after his past deception. It demonstrates Jacob's genuine efforts towards reconciliation.
• I pray thee (נָא - na): A particle of entreaty or politeness, softening the request and indicating earnestness. It makes Jacob's request more gracious and less demanding.
• pass over before his servant: This implies Esau should proceed, perhaps setting the general direction or going ahead to make arrangements. Jacob, portraying himself as "his servant" (עַבְדֶּךָ - avdecha), underscores his subservient position, despite being the recipient of the birthright. It subtly ensures Esau is in front and the vulnerable family is safe behind.
• and I will lead on softly (וְאֶֽתְנָהֵלָה לְאִטִּי - ve'etnahahelah le'itti):
  • lead on (אֶֽתְנָהֵלָה - 'etnahahelah from נָהַל - nahal): This verb means "to lead," "to guide," "to shepherd." It speaks of careful guidance, particularly suitable for a flock or a vulnerable group. It implies responsible, intentional movement.
  • softly (לְאִטִּי - le'itti): Means "at my pace," "slowly," "gently," "leisurely." It highlights the need for a gradual, unhurried pace due to practical limitations, rather than a refusal to go further. This word embodies patience and tender care.
• according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure: This clarifies the specific practical reason for the slow pace. Jacob's large family includes young, dependent children, and his livelihood depends on his flocks, which include pregnant animals or those with young, which cannot be driven hard without harm. This demonstrates Jacob's wisdom as a leader and shepherd, prioritizing the well-being of the most vulnerable.
• unto I come unto my lord unto Seir:
  • unto Seir (שֵׂעִ֔ירָה - Seirah): Seir was the region Esau inhabited, later becoming the land of Edom. This stated destination serves as a diplomatic promise of a future visit. While Jacob does not proceed directly to Seir (instead going to Succoth and then Shechem, Gen 33:17-18), the promise here reinforces his desire for continued peace and potential fellowship. This commitment might have been a general intention or a way to ensure Esau's departure without causing further concern, given the delicate nature of their renewed relationship and the practical need for space between their two large households.

Genesis 33 14 Bonus Section

• The geographical context is important: Seir was mountainous and likely unsuitable for Jacob's vast herds and large family for permanent settlement at that time. Succoth, to which Jacob travels first (Gen 33:17), was in the fertile Jordan Valley. Shechem (Gen 33:18) was in Canaan, the land of promise. This suggests Jacob's priority was establishing his family within God's promised land, rather than joining Esau in his territory immediately.
• The non-immediate fulfillment of "unto Seir" is not necessarily a lie but potentially a fluid plan or a polite deferral, typical of complex social interactions in ancient times. It allowed for a graceful, peaceful parting and for both brothers to continue building their distinct legacies, preventing their large and growing households from being immediately merged or entangled in ways that could reignite old feuds.
• Jacob's posture here, from the deep bow (Gen 33:3) to this deferential statement, indicates a profound shift in his character from the cunning manipulator to a more humble and responsible patriarch. This transformation aligns with his recent encounter with God at Penuel.

Genesis 33 14 Commentary

Genesis 33:14 provides a window into Jacob's character, revealing him as a prudent, caring leader, and a skillful diplomat. His "soft" leading reflects the true heart of a shepherd who adapts to the pace of the weakest in his flock, valuing the lives and health of his children and animals over swift travel or immediate social expectations. This foresight protected his family from the physical strain of forced marching. Moreover, his promise to travel "unto Seir" can be seen as a masterful piece of diplomacy, appeasing Esau and ensuring their separation, which might have been essential for avoiding renewed tension, given their shared, contentious past and large retinue. While Jacob did not immediately proceed to Seir, settling in Succoth and then Shechem instead, this promise might have served its immediate purpose of fostering peace and demonstrating Jacob's future good intentions, creating distance crucial for a relationship burdened by so much history. The verse underscores the need for practical wisdom in navigating relationships and circumstances, prioritizing well-being, and exercising gentle, adaptable leadership.