New International Version So Jacob’s gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp. New Living Translation So the gifts were sent on ahead, while Jacob himself spent that night in the camp. English Standard Version So the present passed on ahead of him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp. Berean Standard Bible So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp. Berean Literal Bible And the gift passed over before his face, and he lodged that night in the camp. King James Bible So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company. New King James Version So the present went on over before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp. New American Standard Bible So the gift passed on ahead of him, while he himself spent that night in the camp. NASB 1995 So the present passed on before him, while he himself spent that night in the camp. NASB 1977 So the present passed on before him, while he himself spent that night in the camp. Legacy Standard Bible So the present passed on before him, while he himself spent that night in the camp. Amplified Bible So the gift [of the herds of livestock] went on ahead of him, and he himself spent that night back in the camp. Berean Annotated Bible So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp. Christian Standard Bible So the gift was sent on ahead of him while he remained in the camp that night. Holman Christian Standard Bible So the gift was sent on ahead of him while he remained in the camp that night. American Standard Version So the present passed over before him: and he himself lodged that night in the company. Contemporary English Version Jacob's men took the gifts on ahead of him, but he spent the night in camp. English Revised Version So the present passed over before him: and he himself lodged that night in the company. GOD'S WORD® Translation So Jacob sent the gift ahead of him while he stayed in the camp that night. Good News Translation He sent the gifts on ahead of him and spent that night in camp. International Standard Version So the presents went ahead of him, while he spent that night in the camp. NET Bible So the gifts were sent on ahead of him while he spent that night in the camp. New Heart English Bible So the gift passed over before him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp. Webster's Bible Translation So the present went over before him; and he himself lodged that night in the company. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp. World English Bible So the present passed over before him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the present passes over before his face, and he has lodged during that night in the camp. Berean Literal Bible And the gift passed over before his face, and he lodged that night in the camp. Young's Literal Translation and the present passeth over before his face, and he hath lodged during that night in the camp. Smith's Literal Translation And the gift will pass over before his face, and he remained in that night in the camp. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo the presents went before him, but himself lodged that night in the camp. Catholic Public Domain Version And so the gifts went before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp. New American Bible So the gifts went on ahead of him, while he stayed that night in the camp. New Revised Standard Version So the present passed on ahead of him; and he himself spent that night in the camp. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the present went over before him; and he himself lodged that night in the encampment. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the offering passed over before him and he lodged in the camp that night. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So the present passed over before him; and he himself lodged that night in the camp. Brenton Septuagint Translation So the presents went on before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Jacob's Fear of Esau…20You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’ ” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me.” 21So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp. Cross References So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. 1 Samuel 25:18 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. while he spent the night in the camp. Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. Joshua 6:11 So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. And the people returned to the camp and spent the night there. Genesis 28:11 On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. Genesis 33:3-4 But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. / Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. 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 33:16 So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir, Genesis 33:20 There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. 1 Samuel 25:27 Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. 2 Samuel 16:1-2 When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. / “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.” 2 Kings 8:8-9 So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” / So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” Matthew 5:23-24 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. Treasury of Scripture So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company. Jump to Previous Ahead Camp Company Face Front Gift Gifts Jacob's Lodged Night Offerings Passed Passeth Present Rest Servants Spent TentsJump to Next Ahead Camp Company Face Front Gift Gifts Jacob's Lodged Night Offerings Passed Passeth Present Rest Servants Spent TentsGenesis 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. So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, Jacob sent a generous tribute ahead to Esau in hopes of easing his brother’s anger and demonstrating humility. Having wronged Esau years earlier by obtaining the birthright and blessing, Jacob sought reconciliation rather than relying on his own strength or schemes. Such gifts were a customary means of showing honor and seeking favor from one who might otherwise be hostile. Pro 21:14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe…… while he spent the night in the camp. Jacob remained behind with his household, facing the uncertainty of Esau’s approach. The night prepared him for the personal struggle and encounter with God that followed, when the Lord changed his name to Israel. Alone in fear and dependence, Jacob was brought to seek God’s blessing and protection before meeting his brother. Gen 31:54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain… Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is returning to his homeland after years of living with his uncle Laban. He is preparing to meet his brother Esau, whom he fears due to their past conflict. 2. Esau Jacob's brother, who he deceived years earlier to obtain the birthright and blessing. Jacob is unsure of Esau's intentions and is concerned about their reunion. 3. The Camp The place where Jacob stays overnight. It represents a place of preparation and reflection before his encounter with Esau. 4. The Gifts Jacob sends gifts ahead to Esau as a peace offering, hoping to appease his brother and find favor in his sight. 5. The Journey This event is part of Jacob's larger journey back to Canaan, which is both a physical and spiritual journey of reconciliation and transformation. Teaching Points The Importance of ReconciliationJacob's actions demonstrate the importance of seeking reconciliation with those we have wronged. This is a biblical principle that is echoed throughout Scripture. Trust in God's Promises Despite his fear, Jacob is acting on God's promise to be with him. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises even when facing difficult situations. The Role of Humility Jacob's sending of gifts shows humility and a desire to make amends. Humility is a key virtue in Christian life, especially in relationships. Preparation and Prayer Jacob's time in the camp can be seen as a time of preparation and prayer. Before facing challenges, believers should seek God's guidance and prepare their hearts. Faith in Action Jacob's actions are a demonstration of faith in action. He doesn't just pray for safety; he takes practical steps to ensure peace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 32:21?2. How does Jacob's strategy in Genesis 32:21 demonstrate wisdom and humility? 3. What can we learn from Jacob's actions about preparing for difficult situations? 4. How does Genesis 32:21 connect to Jacob's earlier encounters with Esau? 5. In what ways can we apply Jacob's approach to conflict resolution today? 6. How does "he himself spent the night in the camp" show trust in God? 7. What is the significance of Jacob's gifts in Genesis 32:21 for reconciliation and forgiveness? 8. How does Genesis 32:21 reflect Jacob's character and his relationship with Esau? 9. What does Genesis 32:21 reveal about the cultural practices of gift-giving in biblical times? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32? Verses 21-23. - So (literally, and) went the present over Before him: and himself lodged that night in the company. And he rose up that night, - i.e. some time before daybreak (vide ver. 24) and took his two wives, and him two women servants (Bilhah and Zilpah), and his eleven sons (Dinah being not mentioned in accordance with the common usage of the Bible), and passed over the ford - the word signifies a place of passing over. Tristram ('Land of Israel,' p. 558) speaks of the strong current reaching the horses girths at the ford crossed by himself and twenty horsemen - Jabbok. Jabbok, from bakak, to empty, to pour forth (Kalisch), or from abak, to struggle (Keil), may have been so named either from the natural appearance of the river, or, as is more probable, by prolepsis from the wrestling which took place upon its banks. It is now called the Wady Zerka, or Blue River, which flows into the Jordan, nearly opposite Shechem, and midway between the Lake Tiberias and the Dead Sea. The stream is rapid, and often Completely hidden by the dense mass of oleander which fringes its banks ('Land of Israel,' p. 558). And he took them, and sent them (literally, caused them to pass) over the brook, and sent over that he had - himself remaining on the north side (Delitzsch, Keil, Kurtz, Murphy, Gerlach, Wordsworth, Alford), although, having once crossed the stream (ver. 22), it is not perfectly apparent that he recrossed, which has led some to argue that the wrestling occurred on the south of the river (Knobel, Rosenmüller, Lange, Kalisch). CHAPTER 32:24-32 Genesis 32:21 captures a careful blend of practical wisdom and spiritual trust. Jacob sends peace-gifts ahead to open Esau’s heart, yet he himself lingers in the camp, creating space for a life-changing night with God. The verse demonstrates that genuine reconciliation combines humble action with prayerful dependence—an enduring pattern for every follower of the Lord.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So [Jacob’s] giftsהַמִּנְחָ֖ה (ham·min·ḥāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering went וַתַּעֲבֹ֥ר (wat·ta·‘ă·ḇōr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on on before עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against him, פָּנָ֑יו (pā·nāw) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face while he וְה֛וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are spent לָ֥ן (lān) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3885: To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate the הַה֖וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are night בַּלַּֽיְלָה־ (bal·lay·lāh-) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity in the camp. בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃ (bam·ma·ḥă·neh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army Additonal Resources Genesis 32:21 Blue Letter BibleGenesis 32:21 Bible Gateway Genesis 32:21 Bible.com Genesis 32:21 NIV |
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