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Genesis 32:1-32

Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When he saw them, Jacob said, “This is God’s army.” He called the name of that place Mahanaim.

Jacob sent messengers in front of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom. He commanded them, saying, “This is what you shall tell my lord, Esau: ‘This is what your servant, Jacob, says. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban, and stayed until now. I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.’ ” 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.” Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies; and he said, “If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape.” Jacob said, “God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, Yahweh, who said to me, ‘Return to your country, and to your relatives, and I will do you good,’ I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I crossed over this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and strike me and the mothers with the children. You said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which can’t be counted because there are so many.’ ”

He stayed there that night, and took from that which he had with him a present for Esau, his brother: two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milk camels and their colts, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. He delivered them into the hands of his servants, every herd by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put a space between herd and herd.” He commanded the foremost, saying, “When Esau, my brother, meets you, and asks you, saying, ‘Whose are you? Where are you going? Whose are these before you?’ Then you shall say, ‘They are your servant, Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord, Esau. Behold, he also is behind us.’ ” He commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds, saying, “This is how you shall speak to Esau, when you find him. You shall say, ‘Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.’ ” For, he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”

So the present passed over before him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.

He rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of the Jabbok. He took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had. Jacob was left alone, and wrestled with a man there until the breaking of the day. When he saw that he didn’t prevail against him, the man touched the hollow of his thigh, and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was strained as he wrestled. The man said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” Jacob said, “I won’t let you go unless you bless me.”

He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob”.

He said, “Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” He said, “Why is it that you ask what my name is?” He blessed him there.

Jacob called the name of the place Peniel; for he said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” The sun rose on him as he passed over Peniel, and he limped because of his thigh. Therefore the children of Israel don’t eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.

World English Bible · Public Domain

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Parallel Translations

WEB World English Bible

Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

When he saw them, Jacob said, “This is God’s army.” He called the name of that place Mahanaim.

Jacob sent messengers in front of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.

He commanded them, saying, “This is what you shall tell my lord, Esau: ‘This is what your servant, Jacob, says. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban, and stayed until now.

I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.’ ”

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.”

Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;

and he said, “If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape.”

Jacob said, “God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, Yahweh, who said to me, ‘Return to your country, and to your relatives, and I will do you good,’

I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I crossed over this Jordan; and now I have become two companies.

Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and strike me and the mothers with the children.

You said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which can’t be counted because there are so many.’ ”

He stayed there that night, and took from that which he had with him a present for Esau, his brother:

two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,

thirty milk camels and their colts, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals.

He delivered them into the hands of his servants, every herd by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put a space between herd and herd.”

He commanded the foremost, saying, “When Esau, my brother, meets you, and asks you, saying, ‘Whose are you? Where are you going? Whose are these before you?’

Then you shall say, ‘They are your servant, Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord, Esau. Behold, he also is behind us.’ ”

He commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds, saying, “This is how you shall speak to Esau, when you find him.

You shall say, ‘Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.’ ” For, he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”

So the present passed over before him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.

He rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of the Jabbok.

He took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had.

Jacob was left alone, and wrestled with a man there until the breaking of the day.

When he saw that he didn’t prevail against him, the man touched the hollow of his thigh, and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was strained as he wrestled.

The man said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” Jacob said, “I won’t let you go unless you bless me.”

He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob”.

He said, “Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” He said, “Why is it that you ask what my name is?” He blessed him there.

Jacob called the name of the place Peniel; for he said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”

The sun rose on him as he passed over Peniel, and he limped because of his thigh.

Therefore the children of Israel don’t eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.
KJV King James Version

And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.

And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:

And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

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.

Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;

And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.

And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.

And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;

Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,

Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.

And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.

And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?

Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.

And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him.

And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.

So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company.

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.

And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.

And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.

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JPS JPS Tanakh (1917)

(32-2) And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

(32-3) And Jacob said when he saw them: 'This is God's camp.' And he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

(32-4) And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom.

(32-5) And he commanded them, saying: 'Thus shall ye say unto my lord Esau: Thus saith thy servant Jacob: I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed until now.

(32-6) And I have oxen, and asses and flocks, and men-servants and maid-servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favour in thy sight.'

(32-7) 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.'

(32-8) Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. And he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two camps.

(32-9) And he said: 'If Esau come to the one camp, and smite it, then the camp which is left shall escape.'

(32-10) And Jacob said: 'O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who saidst unto me: Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will do thee good;

(32-11) I am not worthy of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shown unto Thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two camps.

(32-12) Deliver me, I pray Thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and smite me, the mother with the children.

(32-13) And Thou saidst: I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.'

(32-14) And he lodged there that night; and took of that which he had with him a present for Esau his brother:

(32-15) two hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,

(32-16) thirty milch camels and their colts, forty kine and ten bulls, twenty she-asses and ten foals.

(32-17) And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself; and said unto his servants: 'Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.'

(32-18) And he commanded the foremost, saying: 'When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying: Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?

(32-19) then thou shalt say: They are thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord, even unto Esau; and, behold, he also is behind us.'

(32-20) And he commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying: 'In this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him;

(32-21) and ye shall say: Moreover, behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us.' For he said: 'I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept me.'

(32-22) So the present passed over before him; and he himself lodged that night in the camp.

(32-23) And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two handmaids, and his eleven children, and passed over the ford of the Jabbok.

(32-24) And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had.

(32-25) And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

(32-26) And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was strained, as he wrestled with him.

(32-27) And he said: 'Let me go, for the day breaketh.' And he said: 'I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.'

(32-28) And he said unto him: 'What is thy name?' And be said: 'Jacob.'

(32-29) And he said: 'Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed.'

(32-30) And Jacob asked him, and said: 'Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.' And he said: 'Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?' And he blessed him there.

(32-31) And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: 'for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.'

(32-32) And the sun rose upon him as he passed over Peniel, and he limped upon his thigh.

(32-33) Therefore the children of Israel eat not the sinew of the thigh-vein which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day; because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh, even in the sinew of the thigh-vein.

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Examined in Scripture Analysis

Science (1)

Historical claims about the natural world, weighed against the scientific record.

Domesticated camels were used for transportation around 2000 BCE. History/Archaeology · Genesis 12:16

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Contradictions (3)

Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.

Is polygamy OK? This one is a three-way tangle.
Who did Jacob wrestle with? Genesis 32 has Jacob wrestling "a man" at the Jabbok, after which Jacob insists he has "seen God face to face" and names the place Peniel.
Can God be seen? The Hebrew Bible repeatedly narrates theophanies in which God is seen face-to-face — by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, seventy elders, Manoah, Micaiah, Job, Isa…

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Cross-references (308)

Hosea 12:3-5 (vv24, 28) In the womb he took his brother by the heel; and in his manhood he contended with God. Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed;…
Hosea 12:4 (v26) Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication to him. He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with…
Revelation 2:17 (v28) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I…
Genesis 35:10 (v28) God said to him, “Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel.” He named him Israel.
Ephesians 6:12 (v24) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the…

Show all 100 cross-references

Psalms 115:12-13 (v26) Yahweh remembers us. He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel. He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear…
Isaiah 62:2-4 (v28) The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name, which Yahweh’s mouth will name. You…
Genesis 32:28 (v24) He said, “Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
Luke 13:24 (v24) “Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (v26) Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for…
Genesis 27:33-36 (v28) Isaac trembled violently, and said, “Who, then, is he who has taken venison, and brought it to me, and I have eaten of all before you came,…
Genesis 31:42 (v9) Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty. God…
1 Chronicles 4:10 (v26) Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be with me, and may you…
Psalms 67:1 (v26) May God be merciful to us, bless us, and cause his face to shine on us.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (v25) By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a…
Genesis 17:5 (v28) Your name will no more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
Genesis 32:30 (v24) Jacob called the name of the place Peniel; for he said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”
Deuteronomy 3:16 (v22) To the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even to the valley of the Arnon, the middle of the valley, and its border, even to…
Judges 13:16-18 (v29) Yahweh’s angel said to Manoah, “Though you detain me, I won’t eat your bread. If you will prepare a burnt offering, you must offer it to…
Job 11:7 (v29) “Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
Psalms 34:4-6 (v9) I sought Yahweh, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to him, and were radiant. Their faces shall never be…
Isaiah 9:6 (v29) For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,…
Genesis 17:15 (v28) God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but her name will be Sarah.
Genesis 27:28-29 (v29) God give you of the dew of the sky, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and new wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow…
Genesis 28:13 (v9) Behold, Yahweh stood above it, and said, “I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac. I will give the land you lie…
Genesis 28:13-14 (v29) Behold, Yahweh stood above it, and said, “I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac. I will give the land you lie…
Genesis 28:13-15 (v12) Behold, Yahweh stood above it, and said, “I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac. I will give the land you lie…
Genesis 30:8 (v24) Rachel said, “I have wrestled with my sister with mighty wrestlings, and have prevailed.” She named him Naphtali.
Genesis 31:3 (v9) Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”
Genesis 31:13 (v9) I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you vowed a vow to me. Now arise, get out from this land, and return to the land…
Proverbs 30:4 (v29) Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in his garment? Who has…
Song of Solomon 3:4 (v26) I had scarcely passed from them, when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my…
Hosea 6:1 (v29) “Come! Let’s return to Yahweh; for he has torn us to pieces, and he will heal us; he has injured us, and he will bind up our wounds.
Luke 1:19 (v29) The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Luke 22:44 (v24) Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
Ephesians 6:18 (v24) with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all…
Genesis 33:8 (vv4–5) Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” Jacob said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.”
Isaiah 6:5 (vv10, 30) Then I said, “Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have…
Genesis 25:31 (v28) Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.”
Genesis 28:3-4 (v29) May God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a company of peoples, and give you the blessing of…
Genesis 31:53 (v9) The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father, Isaac.
Genesis 32:26-27 (v29) The man said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” Jacob said, “I won’t let you go unless you bless me.” He said to him, “What is your name?”…
Genesis 33:1 (v6) Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. He divided the children between Leah,…
Genesis 33:4 (v28) Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.
Exodus 24:10-11 (v30) They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness. He didn’t lay his hand on…
Numbers 12:8 (v30) With him, I will speak mouth to mouth, even plainly, and not in riddles; and he shall see Yahweh’s form. Why then were you not afraid to…
Deuteronomy 2:37 (v22) Only to the land of the children of Ammon you didn’t come near: all the banks of the river Jabbok, and the cities of the hill country, and…
Psalms 18:35 (v10) You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand sustains me. Your gentleness has made me great.
Psalms 50:15 (v9) Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Proverbs 16:7 (v28) When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Isaiah 65:15 (v28) You will leave your name for a curse to my chosen; and the Lord Yahweh will kill you. He will call his servants by another name,
John 1:42 (v28) He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by…
Genesis 16:13 (v30) She called the name of Yahweh who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees,” for she said, “Have I even stayed alive after seeing him?”
Genesis 17:7 (v9) I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to…
Genesis 24:27 (v10) He said, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his loving kindness and his truth toward my master. As for…
Genesis 25:30 (v3) Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with some of that red stew, for I am famished.” Therefore his name was called Edom.
Genesis 31:29 (v9) It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t speak to…
Genesis 33:15 (v5) Esau said, “Let me now leave with you some of the people who are with me.” He said, “Why? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.”
Deuteronomy 5:24 (v30) and you said, “Behold, Yahweh our God has shown us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the middle of the fire.…
Joshua 12:2 (v22) Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the middle of…
Joshua 24:4 (v3) I gave to Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave to Esau Mount Seir, to possess it. Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.
1 Samuel 30:6 (v9) David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the souls of all the people were grieved, every man for his sons…
2 Samuel 2:8 (v2) Now Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s army, had taken Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
2 Samuel 12:25 (v28) and he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah, for Yahweh’s sake.
2 Chronicles 20:6 (v9) and he said, “Yahweh, the God of our fathers, aren’t you God in heaven? Aren’t you ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and…
2 Chronicles 32:20 (v9) Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to heaven.
Job 42:8-9 (v20) Now therefore, take to yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and…
Psalms 91:11 (v1) For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
Psalms 91:15 (v9) He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him.
Proverbs 18:16 (v13) A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
Luke 18:1-7 (v26) He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear…
Luke 24:28-29 (v26) They came near to the village where they were going, and he acted like he would go further. They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it…
1 Corinthians 15:47 (v24) The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven.
Philippians 4:6-7 (v9) In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace…
1 Timothy 5:8 (v22) But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
Genesis 43:11 (vv13, 20) Their father, Israel, said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take from the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry down a…
Proverbs 21:14 (vv13, 20) A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
Genesis 14:6 (v3) and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to El Paran, which is by the wilderness.
Genesis 31:24 (v28) God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.”
Genesis 31:36-55 (v28) Jacob was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me? Now…
Genesis 32:24 (v28) Jacob was left alone, and wrestled with a man there until the breaking of the day.
Genesis 33:14 (v3) Please let my lord pass over before his servant, and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the livestock that are before me and…
Genesis 35:3 (v7) Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way…
Genesis 48:16 (v24) the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads, and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and…
Exodus 3:6 (v9) Moreover he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face because he…
Exodus 33:19-23 (v30) He said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim Yahweh’s name before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be…
Deuteronomy 2:5 (v3) Don’t contend with them; for I will not give you any of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on, because I have…
Deuteronomy 29:29 (v29) The secret things belong to Yahweh our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all…
Joshua 5:14 (v2) He said, “No; but I have come now as commander of Yahweh’s army.” Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and worshiped, and asked him, “What…
Joshua 21:38 (v2) Out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, and Mahanaim with its pasture…
1 Samuel 26:25 (v28) Then Saul said to David, “You are blessed, my son David. You will both do mightily, and will surely prevail.” So David went his way, and…
2 Kings 17:34 (v28) To this day they do what they did before. They don’t fear Yahweh, and they do not follow the statutes, or the ordinances, or the law, or…
2 Chronicles 20:12 (v9) Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our…
Hosea 12:3-4 (v25) In the womb he took his brother by the heel; and in his manhood he contended with God. Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed;…
John 1:18 (v30) No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has declared him.
Romans 8:37 (v26) No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Hebrews 6:17 (v12) In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an…
1 Peter 3:6 (v4) So Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.
Matthew 10:16 (vv7, 8, 16) “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Genesis 31:16 (vv5, 14) For all the riches which God has taken away from our father are ours and our children’s. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.”

100 distinct cross-references across this passage (308 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (30 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 1. And Jacob went on his way. After Jacob…

1. And Jacob went on his way. After Jacob has escaped from the hands of his father-in-law, that is, from present death, he meets with his brother, whose cruelty was as much, or still more, to be dreaded; for by the threats of this brother he had been driven from his country; and now no better prospect lies before him. He therefore proceeds with trepidation, as one who goes to the slaughter. Seeing, however, it was scarcely possible but that he should sink oppressed by grief, the Lord affords him timely succor; and prepares him for this conflict, as well as for others, in such a manner that he should stand forth a brave and invincible champion in them all. Therefore, that he may know himself to be defended by the guardianship of God, angels go forth to meet him, arranged in ranks on both sides. Hebrew interpreters think that the camp of the enemy had been placed on one side; and that the angels, or rather God, stood on the other. But it is much more probable, that angels were distributed in two camps on different sides of Jacob, that he might perceive himself to be everywhere surrounded and fortified by celestial troops; as in Psalm 34:7, it is declared that angels, to preserve the worshippers of God, pitch their tents around them. Yet I am not dissatisfied with the opinion of those who take the dual number simply for the plural; understanding that Jacob was entirely surrounded with an army of angels. Now the use of this vision was twofold; for, first, since the holy man was very anxious about the future, the Lord designed early to remove this cause of terror from him; or, at least, to afford him some alleviation, lest he should sink under temptation. Secondly, God designed, when Jacob should have been delivered from his brother, so to fix the memory of the past benefit in his mind, that it should never be lost. We know how prone men are to forget the benefits of God. Even while God is stretching out his hand to help them, scarcely one out of a hundred raises his eyes towards heaven. Therefore it was necessary that the visible protection of God should be placed before the eyes of the holy man; so that, as in a splendid theater, he might perceive that he had been lately delivered, not by chance, out of the hand of Laban; but that he had the angels of God fighting for him; and might certainly hope, that their help would be ready for him against the attempts of his brother; and finally, that, when the danger was surmounted, he might remember the protection he had received from them. This doctrine is of use to us all, that we may learn to mark the invisible presence of God in his manifested favors. Chiefly, however, it was necessary that the holy man should be furnished with new weapons to endure the approaching contest. He did not know whether his brother Esau had been changed for the better or the worse. But he would rather incline to the suspicion that the sanguinary man would devise nothing but what was hostile. Therefore the angels appear for the purpose of confirming his faith in future, not less than for that of calling past favors to his remembrance. The number of these angels also encourages him not a little: for although a single angel would suffice as a guardian for us, yet the Lord acts more liberally towards us. Therefore they who think that each of us is defended by one angel only, wickedly depreciate the kindness of God. And there is no doubt that the devil, by this crafty device, has endeavored, in some measure, to diminish our faith. The gratitude of the holy man is noted by Moses, in the fact that he assigns to the place a name, (Galeed,) as a token of perpetual remembrance.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv2, 4, 7, 10, 11, 13, 20, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31 Or, tents.

John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 Gen 32:1 And Jacob went on his way, and…

Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32 In visible, human, and glorious shape, as they frequently…

Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On vv1, 3, 9, 13, 24 Jacob, having got clear of Laban, pursues his journey…

John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv1–32 And Jacob went on his way,.... From Gilead towards…

John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31 We have here Jacob still upon his journey towards…

Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, 32 Jacob, proceeding on his Journey, is met by the…

Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31 Gen 32:1. The angels of God met him —…

Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On v1 - Jacob Wrestles in Prayer

Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11, 15, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 Angels. Guardians of Chanaan and Mesopotamia. (Jarchi.) --- The…

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures 1864 · Public Domain On v3 Jacob’s return. His fear of Esau. His night wrestlings…

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 32 Mahanaim--"two hosts," or "camps." The place was situated between…

Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 13, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32 1. Jacob went on his way — From the…

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 1. the angels of God] See note on Gen_28:12.…

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 13, 14, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 (1) Jacob went on his way.—The meeting of Jacob…

C. H. Mackintosh 1880 · Public Domain On v1 Genesis 32

The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 And Jacob (after Laban"s departure) went on his way…

The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv1, 3, 9, 10, 11, 13, 21, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31 Gen_32:1; Gen_32:9

The Expositor's Bible 1887 · Public Domain On v1 Genesis 32

The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On vv1, 3, 24 MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—Gen_32:1-2

The Sermon Bible 1900 · Public Domain On v1 Gen 32:1-2

F. W. Grant 1903 · Public Domain On v1 Section 3. (Gen 32:1-32; Gen 33:1-20; Gen 34:1-31; Gen…

Alexander MacLaren 1905 · Public Domain On vv1, 9 Gen 32:1 - Gen 32:2.

J. R. Dummelow 1909 · Public Domain On v1 The Approach of Esau. Jacob Wrestles with the Angel

C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 24, 28 (See Scofield "Heb 1:4").

Arno C. Gaebelein 1922 · Public Domain On v1 CHAPTER 32 Jacob’s Fear of Esau and Prayer at…

Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On vv1, 9, 13, 24 The Messengers to Esau

unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 Translators may also add a footnote that says "The…

Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 13, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 32:1 God assured Jacob of his protection at a…