Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” New Living Translation After delivering the message, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, “We met your brother, Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you—with an army of 400 men!” English Standard Version And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” Berean Standard Bible When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” King James Bible And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. New King James Version Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” New American Standard Bible And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” NASB 1995 The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” NASB 1977 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” Legacy Standard Bible Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother, to Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” Amplified Bible The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” Christian Standard Bible When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau; he is coming to meet you—and he has four hundred men with him.” Holman Christian Standard Bible When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau; he is coming to meet you—and he has 400 men with him.” American Standard Version And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Contemporary English Version When the messengers returned, they told Jacob, "We went to your brother Esau, and now he is heading this way with 400 men." English Revised Version And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. GOD'S WORD® Translation When the messengers came back to Jacob, they said, "We went to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you with 400 men." Good News Translation When the messengers came back to Jacob, they said, "We went to your brother Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you. He has four hundred men with him." International Standard Version Later, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, "We went to your brother Esau. He's now coming to meet you—and he has 400 men with him!" NET Bible The messengers returned to Jacob and said, "We went to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you and has four hundred men with him." New Heart English Bible The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother Esau. Not only that, but he comes to meet you, and four hundred men with him." Webster's Bible Translation And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he is coming to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” World English Bible The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the messengers return to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother, to Esau, and he is also coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him”; Young's Literal Translation And the messengers turn back unto Jacob, saying, 'We came in unto thy brother, unto Esau, and he also is coming to meet thee, and four hundred men with him;' Smith's Literal Translation And the messengers will turn back to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother, to Esau, and also he came to thy meeting, and four hundred men with him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the messengers returned to Jacob, saying: We came to Esau thy brother, and behold he cometh with speed to meet thee with four hundred men. Catholic Public Domain Version And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We went to your brother Esau, and behold, he rushes to meet you with four hundred men.” New American Bible When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We found your brother Esau. He is now coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” New Revised Standard Version The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to your brother Esau, and behold he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Messengers returned to Yaquuv and they said to him: “We went on to Esau your brother, and now also he comes to meet you and four hundred men with him.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying: 'We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and lo! he comes to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob's Fear of Esau…5I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’ ” 6When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you— he and four hundred men with him.” 7In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels.… Cross References Genesis 27:41 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” Genesis 33:1-4 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. ... Genesis 27:42-45 When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. / Stay with him for a while, until your brother’s fury subsides— ... Genesis 28:5-9 So Isaac sent Jacob to Paddan-aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, who was the mother of Jacob and Esau. / Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to take a wife there, commanding him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” / and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and gone to Paddan-aram. ... Genesis 31:3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with 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 27:36 So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” Genesis 33:8-11 “What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered. / “I already have plenty, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what belongs to you.” / 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 28:20-21 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, / so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God. Genesis 31:55 Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. Genesis 33:15-16 “Let me leave some of my people with you,” Esau said. But Jacob replied, “Why do that? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” / So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir, Hosea 12:3-4 In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God. / Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there— Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. 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. Romans 12:18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Treasury of Scripture And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to your brother Esau, and also he comes to meet you, and four hundred men with him. and four. Genesis 32:8,11 And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape… Genesis 27:40,41 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck… Genesis 33:1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. Jump to Previous Esau Four Furthermore Hundred Jacob Meet Messengers Moreover Servants TurnJump to Next Esau Four Furthermore Hundred Jacob Meet Messengers Moreover Servants TurnGenesis 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. When the messengers returned to Jacob Jacob had sent messengers ahead to Esau, his brother, as he was returning to Canaan after years in Haran. This return marks a significant moment in Jacob's life, as he is about to face the brother from whom he fled years earlier. The messengers' return signifies the beginning of a pivotal encounter. In biblical context, messengers often played crucial roles in communication, especially in times of potential conflict or reconciliation. they said, “We went to your brother Esau and now he is coming to meet you he and four hundred men with him 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 apprehensive about meeting his brother Esau, whom he had wronged years earlier. 2. Esau Jacob's elder brother, from whom Jacob had deceitfully taken the birthright and blessing. Esau's approach with four hundred men causes Jacob great fear and distress. 3. Messengers Sent by Jacob to Esau to gauge his brother's disposition towards him. Their report back to Jacob is the focus of this verse. 4. Four Hundred Men The number of men accompanying Esau, which suggests a formidable force and heightens Jacob's anxiety about their meeting. 5. Return to Canaan The broader context of this event is Jacob's return to the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's command to return to the land of his fathers. Teaching Points Fear and FaithJacob's fear of Esau's approach with four hundred men challenges us to consider how we respond to fear. Do we turn to God in prayer and trust, as Jacob eventually does? Reconciliation The passage highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation with those we have wronged. Jacob's actions remind us of the need for humility and initiative in mending broken relationships. God's Promises Despite Jacob's fear, he is acting in obedience to God's command to return to Canaan. This teaches us to trust in God's promises and guidance, even when circumstances seem daunting. Preparation and Prudence Jacob's sending of messengers and gifts to Esau shows a balance of faith and practical wisdom. We are encouraged to prepare wisely while trusting in God's sovereignty. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 32:6?2. How does Jacob's fear in Genesis 32:6 reflect human reliance on God? 3. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's response to Esau's approach? 4. How does Genesis 32:6 connect to trusting God in difficult situations? 5. How can we apply Jacob's preparation for Esau to our spiritual battles? 6. What does Jacob's fear teach about seeking God's guidance in uncertain times? 7. Why did Esau come with 400 men in Genesis 32:6? 8. What does Esau's approach signify in Genesis 32:6? 9. How does Genesis 32:6 reflect Jacob's fear and anxiety? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32? 11. What is Mount Seir's significance in the Bible? 12. What is the significance of Jacob wrestling with God? 13. How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau’s 400 men? 14. If Jacob was alone during the struggle, how was this event recorded in such detail (Gen. 32:22-31)? What Does Genesis 32:6 Mean When the messengers returned to Jacob“Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau” (Genesis 32:3). Their return marks the moment of truth. • Jacob had obeyed God’s call to go back home (Genesis 31:3). • Angels had just met him on the way (Genesis 32:1–2), a reminder that the Lord’s army surrounds His people even when danger looms (Psalm 34:7). • The swift return of the messengers underlines the urgency of the situation; news travels fast when God is moving events toward His purposes (cf. Psalm 119:60). The messengers’ report will test Jacob’s faith in God’s promise, “I will surely do you good” (Genesis 32:12). they said Faithful servants must tell the truth, whether the news is welcome or not (Proverbs 13:17). Their brief statement carries weight: • No speculation—just facts. • Jacob is forced to face reality, much like Israel later had to accept the spies’ report (Numbers 13:26). • God often speaks through plain words that expose our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). We went to your brother Esau The phrase “your brother” recalls both family bond and past betrayal (Genesis 27:35–41). • Twenty years earlier, Jacob fled Esau’s wrath; now he must face the brother he wronged (Genesis 27:43). • Reconciliation is a key theme in Scripture (Matthew 5:23–24; 2 Corinthians 5:18). God frequently brings us back to unresolved issues so grace can triumph over grudges. • Despite the tension, calling Esau “brother” hints that the relationship can be restored (Romans 12:18). and now he is coming to meet you The meeting is already set in motion; Jacob cannot turn back. • “Coming to meet” can signal peace, as with Joseph meeting Jacob (Genesis 46:29), or confrontation, as with Saul meeting David (1 Samuel 17:55). • God’s providence arranges encounters that shape destinies (Acts 9:3–6). • The promise given at Bethel—“I am with you” (Genesis 28:15)—must be trusted in the face of uncertainty. he and four hundred men with him Four hundred armed men typically formed a militia (Genesis 14:14; 1 Samuel 25:13), naturally stirring fear. • From Jacob’s view, the size of Esau’s company looks like a war party; God will soon use that fear to draw Jacob into earnest prayer (Genesis 32:9–12). • Scripture shows that apparent threats often become avenues of blessing (2 Kings 6:15–17). • Esau’s force contrasts with Jacob’s vulnerability, highlighting that deliverance comes from the Lord, not human strength (Psalm 20:7). summary Genesis 32:6 reveals a crossroads of faith: truthful messengers report that Esau approaches with 400 men. The phrase by phrase detail underscores family tension, looming danger, and God’s sovereign setup for reconciliation. Jacob must rely on the covenant promise rather than his own devices, showing that when circumstances appear threatening, the Lord is orchestrating a greater story of mercy and restoration. Verse 6. - And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee (vide Genesis 33:1), and four hundred men with him. That Esau was attended by 400 armed followers was a proof that he had grown to be a powerful chieftain. If the hypothesis be admissible that he had already begun to live by the sword (Genesis 27:40), and was now invading the territory of the Horites, which he afterwards occupied (Delitzsch, Keil, Kurtz), it will serve to explain his appearance in the land of Seir, while as yet he had not finally retired from Canaan. That he came with such a formidable force to meet his brother has been set down to personal vanity, or a desire to show how powerful a prince he had become (Lyra, Menochius); to fraternal kindness, which prompted him to do honor to his brother (Peele, Calvin, Clarke), to a distinctly hostile intention (Willet, Ainsworth, Candlish), at least if circumstances should seem to call for vengeance (Keil), though it is probable that Esau's mind, on first hearing of his brother's nearness, was simply excited, and "in that wavering state which the slightest incident might soothe into good will, or rouse into vengeance" (Murphy).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When the messengersהַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים (ham·mal·’ā·ḵîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel returned וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙ (way·yā·šu·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Jacob, יַעֲקֹ֖ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc they said, לֵאמֹ֑ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “We went בָּ֤אנוּ (bā·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to your brother אָחִ֙יךָ֙ (’ā·ḥî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) Esau; עֵשָׂ֔ו (‘ê·śāw) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac he is coming הֹלֵ֣ךְ (hō·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to meet you— לִקְרָֽאתְךָ֔ (liq·rā·ṯə·ḵā) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way he and four וְאַרְבַּע־ (wə·’ar·ba‘-) Conjunctive waw | Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 702: Four hundred מֵא֥וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ) Number - feminine plural Strong's 3967: A hundred men אִ֖ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person with him.” עִמּֽוֹ׃ (‘im·mōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links Genesis 32:6 NIVGenesis 32:6 NLT Genesis 32:6 ESV Genesis 32:6 NASB Genesis 32:6 KJV Genesis 32:6 BibleApps.com Genesis 32:6 Biblia Paralela Genesis 32:6 Chinese Bible Genesis 32:6 French Bible Genesis 32:6 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 32:6 The messengers returned to Jacob saying We (Gen. 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