Keraia
Genesis 32

Genesis 32:8

Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau · Genesis 32:1–21
Read Genesis 32

Translations

Modern
He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”
Traditional
And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.
Literal
…and he said, “If Esau comes to the one camp and strikes it, then the remaining camp shall be for an escape.”
Latin
…dicens: Si venerit Esau ad unam turmam, et percusserit eam, alia turma, quæ relicta est, salvabitur.

Original

Hebrew
English
He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”

Notes

Genesis 32:7–8

Jacob divided his company into two groups or camps (Hebrew makhanoth, related to "Mahanaim" in 32:2). This was because he was afraid. Jacob remembered Esau's character and his threat to kill him (see 25:25; 27:41).

Theme notes and profiles

Esau Jacob Symbolic Numbers

People

Esau: Isaac's firstborn son; sold birthright to Jacob; became Edom

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of History of Israel Mahanaim Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Prayer

Topics

Prudence: Jacob Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Strategy in War