Genesis 33:2

Translations

Modern

He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.

Traditional

And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.

Literal

And he put the maidservants and their children first, and Leah and her children behind them, and Rachel and Joseph behind them.

Latin

…et posuit utramque ancillam, et liberos earum, in principio: Liam vero, et filios ejus, in secundo loco: Rachel autem et Joseph novissimos.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.

Notes

Genesis 33:1–2

God had changed Jacob's identity (32:27–28), but he had not yet learned to live in line with his new name. He still showed favoritism (treating some family members better than others), which can divide families.

He arranged his family and possessions according to their importance to him. He placed the servant wives and their children in front, where they would face danger first. Leah and her children were behind them. Rachel and Joseph were at the back, where it was safest.

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 Isaac Jacob Leah Rachel Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Genesis 30:22–24
Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb,
Malachi 3:17
“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.
Genesis 37:3
Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors.
Genesis 29:30
Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.

People

Joseph: Son of Jacob, ruler in Egypt Leah: Wife of Jacob; mother of six sons and Dinah Rachel: Wife of Jacob; mother of Joseph and Benjamin

Glossary

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

Topics

Conscience of Jacob, After he Defrauded Esau Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father's Favorite Child Leah: Flees with Jacob Parents: Partiality of Jacob for Joseph Prayer: Answered: Jacob, for Deliverance from Esau

Genesis 33:2

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