Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version thirty female camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. New Living Translation 30 female camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. English Standard Version thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. Berean Standard Bible 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. King James Bible Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals. New King James Version thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. New American Standard Bible thirty milking camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. NASB 1995 thirty milking camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. NASB 1977 thirty milking camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. Legacy Standard Bible thirty milking camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. Amplified Bible thirty milking camels with their colts, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys, and ten [donkey] colts. Christian Standard Bible thirty milk camels with their young, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys, and ten male donkeys. Holman Christian Standard Bible 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. American Standard Version thirty milch camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty she-asses and ten foals. English Revised Version thirty milch camels and their colts, forty kine and ten bulls, twenty she-asses and ten foals. GOD'S WORD® Translation 30 female camels with their young, 40 cows and 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys and 10 male donkeys. International Standard Version 30 milking camels with their young, 40 cows with ten bulls, and 20 female donkeys with ten male donkeys. NET Bible thirty female camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. New Heart English Bible thirty milk camels with their young, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. Webster's Bible Translation Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty she-asses and ten foals. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. World English Bible thirty milk camels and their colts, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionsuckling camels and their young ones thirty, cows forty, and bullocks ten, female donkeys twenty, and foals ten; Young's Literal Translation suckling camels and their young ones thirty, cows forty, and bullocks ten, she-asses twenty, and foals ten; Smith's Literal Translation Camels giving suck, and their young, thirty; forty heifers and ten bulls; twenty she-asses and ten foals. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and twenty bulls, twenty she asses, and ten of their foals. Catholic Public Domain Version thirty milking camels with their young, forty cows, and twenty bulls, twenty she-donkeys, and ten of their young. New American Bible thirty female camels and their young; forty cows and ten bulls; twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. New Revised Standard Version thirty milch camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThirty milch camels with their colts, forty cows, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Thirty nursing camels and their young, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty donkeys and ten colts. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917thirty milch camels and their colts, forty kine and ten bulls, twenty she-asses and ten foals. Brenton Septuagint Translation milch camels, and their foals, thirty, forty kine, ten bulls, twenty asses, and ten colts. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob's Fear of Esau…14200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 1530 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. 16He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, “Go on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds.”… Cross References Genesis 30:43 Thus Jacob became exceedingly prosperous. He owned large flocks, maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys. Genesis 31:9 Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me. Genesis 31:16 Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.” Genesis 33:10 But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. Genesis 33:14 Please let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until I come to my lord at Seir.” Genesis 33:17 but Jacob went on to Succoth, where he built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock; that is why the place was called Succoth. Genesis 34:23 Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.” Genesis 36:6-7 Later, Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the people of his household, along with his livestock, all his other animals, and all the property he had acquired in Canaan, and he moved to a land far away from his brother Jacob. / For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together; the land where they stayed could not support them because of their livestock. Exodus 12:38 And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. Exodus 20:17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day. 1 Samuel 25:2 Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very wealthy man with a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. 1 Kings 10:25 Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. 2 Chronicles 32:29 He made cities for himself, and he acquired herds of sheep and cattle in abundance, for God gave him very great wealth. Job 1:3 and he owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man of all the people of the East. Treasury of Scripture Thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals. Jump to Previous Asses Bullocks Bulls Camels Colts Cows Donkeys Female Forty He-Asses Kine Male Milch Milk Ones Oxen She-Asses Suckling Ten Thirty Twenty YoungJump to Next Asses Bullocks Bulls Camels Colts Cows Donkeys Female Forty He-Asses Kine Male Milch Milk Ones Oxen She-Asses Suckling Ten Thirty Twenty YoungGenesis 32 1. Jacob's vision at Mahanaim.3. His message to Esau. 6. He is afraid of Esau's coming. 9. He prays for deliverance. 13. He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok. 24. He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel. 31. He halts. 30 milk camels with their young Camels were valuable assets in the ancient Near East, often used for transportation and as a sign of wealth. Milk camels, in particular, were prized for their ability to provide sustenance in the form of milk, which was a staple in the diet of nomadic peoples. The inclusion of their young indicates a gift of ongoing value, as the young camels would grow to become productive members of the herd. This offering reflects Jacob's wealth and his desire to appease Esau, highlighting the importance of reconciliation and peace within family dynamics, a recurring theme in Genesis. 40 cows 10 bulls 20 female donkeys 10 male donkeys Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is preparing to meet his estranged brother Esau. He is sending gifts ahead to appease Esau, hoping to find favor in his eyes. 2. Esau Jacob's brother, whom Jacob had previously deceived out of his birthright and blessing. Jacob fears Esau's potential wrath and seeks reconciliation. 3. Paddan-aram The region where Jacob had been living with Laban, his father-in-law, before returning to Canaan. 4. Canaan The land to which Jacob is returning, and where he will eventually settle with his family. 5. The Gift The livestock mentioned in this verse are part of a larger gift intended to pacify Esau and demonstrate Jacob's goodwill and repentance. Teaching Points The Importance of ReconciliationJacob's actions highlight the importance of seeking reconciliation with those we have wronged. As believers, we are called to pursue peace and make amends where possible. Generosity as a Means of Peace Jacob's generous gift to Esau serves as a reminder that generosity can be a powerful tool in mending broken relationships and demonstrating sincere repentance. Trusting God's Promises Despite his fear, Jacob is acting in faith, trusting in God's promise to be with him and make his descendants prosperous. We, too, should trust in God's promises as we navigate difficult situations. The Role of Humility in Conflict Resolution Jacob's approach to Esau is marked by humility, as he refers to himself as Esau's servant. Humility is crucial in resolving conflicts and restoring relationships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 32:15?2. How does Genesis 32:15 demonstrate Jacob's strategy for reconciliation with Esau? 3. What can we learn from Jacob's actions about preparing for difficult situations? 4. How does Jacob's gift in Genesis 32:15 reflect his character transformation? 5. Compare Jacob's approach in Genesis 32:15 with Matthew 5:23-24 on reconciliation. 6. How can we apply Jacob's humility in Genesis 32:15 to modern conflicts? 7. What is the significance of the 30 milking camels in Genesis 32:15? 8. How does Genesis 32:15 reflect Jacob's wealth and status? 9. Why does Jacob send gifts to Esau in Genesis 32:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32? 11. What virtues and vices do the patriarchs advise on? 12. Can God be seen? (Exodus 33:20 vs. Genesis 32:30) 13. Does God change his mind? I Samuel 15:10-11, 15:35, and Genesis 6:6-7 suggest yes, while I Samuel 15:29 suggests no. How do these contradictions reconcile? 14. Ezekiel 4:12-15: How could using cow dung rather than human waste reconcile the apparent conflict with Jewish purity laws? What Does Genesis 32:15 Mean Thirty milking camels with their young“thirty milking camels with their young” (Genesis 32:15) • Camels were the luxury vehicles of the Ancient Near East—fast, enduring, able to cross great distances with heavy loads. Abram is first shown possessing them as a mark of God-given wealth (Genesis 12:16). • Milking camels add daily sustenance; pairing them “with their young” means Jacob is handing over both present productivity and future increase. • The number 30 exceeds what Abraham’s servant took to secure Rebekah (Genesis 24:10). Jacob’s gift is intentionally lavish, signaling sincere repentance and a desire for reconciliation (cf. Proverbs 18:16; 21:14). • By sending the animals ahead, Jacob leaves the outcome in the Lord’s hands (Genesis 32:9-12) while demonstrating faith through generous action (James 2:17-18). Forty cows • Cattle supply milk, meat, and leather—staples for a family and its servants (Job 1:3). • Forty in Scripture often suggests fullness or testing (Genesis 7:17; Exodus 24:18). Jacob offers Esau a “full” gift that echoes their earlier rivalry over birthright and blessing, yet now speaks peace (Romans 12:18). • The sheer quantity shows Jacob no longer grasps but gives; the God who expanded his herds (Genesis 30:43) can replace anything surrendered (Luke 6:38). Ten bulls • Bulls secure future herds; without them cows cannot reproduce. Jacob isn’t placating Esau with token goods—he is empowering long-term prosperity (Deuteronomy 7:13). • Bulls later become the costliest sacrificial animals (Leviticus 4:3); including them underscores the seriousness of Jacob’s approach, almost sacrificial in nature (compare 1 Samuel 24:14). • The ratio—four cows for every bull—matches healthy breeding practice, proving Jacob’s gift is both lavish and practical. Twenty female donkeys • Female donkeys, steady and sure-footed, were prized for transport of goods and people (Judges 10:4; 12:14). • They thrive in harsher terrain than cattle, making them perfect for Esau’s Edomite homeland (Genesis 36:8). • Doubling the number of males (see next section) stresses productivity; Jacob hands Esau the means to multiply. Ten male donkeys • Male donkeys complete the breeding pairs. Their inclusion highlights Jacob’s foresight and sincerity—he is not withholding any key element (2 Samuel 16:1-2). • Donkeys symbolize service and humility (Zechariah 9:9); Jacob, once the grasping deceiver, now sends humble beasts in droves ahead of himself, embodying the change God has wrought in him (Genesis 32:10). summary Genesis 32:15 catalogs a carefully balanced, extraordinarily generous gift: 30 milking camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. Each group meets an essential need—milk, meat, transport, breeding stock—so Esau receives immediate provision and enduring wealth. Jacob’s strategy is practical diplomacy, yet its deeper meaning is spiritual: a repentant brother acts in faith, trusting God’s covenant promise (Genesis 28:13-15) while willingly parting with the very blessings God has multiplied in his life. The verse therefore illustrates how genuine reconciliation involves tangible, costly generosity that mirrors the grace first shown by the Lord. Hebrew 30שְׁלֹשִׁ֑ים (šə·lō·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth milk מֵינִיק֛וֹת (mê·nî·qō·wṯ) Verb - Hifil - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 3243: To suck, to give milk camels גְּמַלִּ֧ים (gə·mal·lîm) Noun - common plural Strong's 1581: A camel with their young, וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם (ū·ḇə·nê·hem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1121: A son 40 אַרְבָּעִים֙ (’ar·bā·‘îm) Number - common plural Strong's 705: Forty cows, פָּר֤וֹת (pā·rō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 6510: A heifer, cow 10 עֲשָׂרָ֔ה (‘ă·śā·rāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 6235: Ten bulls, וּפָרִ֣ים (ū·p̄ā·rîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer 20 עֶשְׂרִ֔ים (‘eś·rîm) Number - common plural Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth female donkeys, אֲתֹנֹ֣ת (’ă·ṯō·nōṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 860: A female donkey and 10 עֲשָׂרָֽה׃ (‘ă·śā·rāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 6235: Ten male donkeys. וַעְיָרִ֖ם (wa‘·yā·rim) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5895: A young ass, an ass-colt Links Genesis 32:15 NIVGenesis 32:15 NLT Genesis 32:15 ESV Genesis 32:15 NASB Genesis 32:15 KJV Genesis 32:15 BibleApps.com Genesis 32:15 Biblia Paralela Genesis 32:15 Chinese Bible Genesis 32:15 French Bible Genesis 32:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 32:15 Thirty milk camels and their colts forty (Gen. Ge Gn) |