Genesis 33:13

Translations

Modern

But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die.

Traditional

And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

Literal

And he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender, and the flock and the cattle with me are nursing; and if they are driven hard one day, then all the flock will die.

Latin

Dixitque Jacob: Nosti, domine mi, quod parvulos habeam teneros, et oves, et boves fœtas mecum: quas si plus in ambulando fecero laborare, morientur una die cuncti greges.

Original

Hebrew

English

But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die.

Notes

Genesis 33:12–15

Even though Esau seemed generous, Jacob was cautious and cleverly avoided traveling with him.
until I come to my lord at Seir: Jacob's lie shows his old habit of using deceit instead of living by faith.

Genesis 33:3–13

Jacob was scared even though he had no reason to be. He tried to calm his brother by acting like a servant to a king:

he bowed (33:3),
used respectful titles (33:8, 13),
introduced people (33:6–7), and
gave gifts (33:8).

Genesis 33:1–17

Jacob had long expected to meet his brother Esau, and the meeting turned out much better than he feared. Esau’s changed heart shows how “God fights” for his people (See 32:28). God works powerfully for his people when they trust him.

Earlier, Esau did not value his birthright (the rights and blessing of the firstborn son; 25:32–34). Now he no longer held on to old anger. Jacob understood that God had stepped in and changed the situation.

Theme notes and profiles

Esau Jacob Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
Ezekiel 34:15–16
I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.
1 Chronicles 22:5
And David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent—famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I must make preparations for it.” So David made lavish preparations before his death.
John 21:15–17
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.”
Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.
Ezekiel 34:23–25
I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Esau Genesis, Book of Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Prayer: Answered: Jacob, for Deliverance from Esau Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Tenderness to the Ewes in Lamb, and to the Young

Genesis 33:13

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