1
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א יַעֲקֹ֜ב עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּרְא֙ וְהִנֵּ֣ה עֵשָׂ֣ו בָּ֔א וְעִמּ֕וֹ אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת אִ֑ישׁ וַיַּ֣חַץ אֶת הַיְלָדִ֗ים עַל לֵאָה֙ וְעַל רָחֵ֔ל וְעַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֥י הַשְּׁפָחֽוֹת
Then Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maidservants.
The feared approach announced in the previous chapter now becomes visible. Jacob's first act is still strategic: the children are apportioned in view of the possible danger posed by Esau's four hundred men.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֨אand he liftedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol sequence, main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; נָשָׂא עֵינַיִם is an idiom for directing gaze — to look up with attention.
יַעֲקֹ֜בJacobproper N ms · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיִּשָּׂאיַעֲקֹב (H3290), the patriarch; he has just limped away from Peniel and now faces the dreaded brother.
עֵינָ֗יוhis eyesN (c) dual constr + 3ms suf · עַיִן (H5869)Direct object of וַיִּשָּׂא (idiomatic phrase)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; dual construct with pronominal suffix; part of fixed idiom נָשָׂא עֵינַיִם = to look up, direct one's gaze.
וַיַּרְא֙and he sawconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, perceive'; here the object of sight is introduced by the presentative וְהִנֵּה, giving vividness to what is perceived.
וְהִנֵּ֣הand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing perception clauseהִנֵּה (H2009), a deictic particle directing vivid attention to what is now seen; regularly follows verbs of seeing to mark the visual content.
עֵשָׂ֣וEsauproper N ms · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Subject of participial clause after הִנֵּהעֵשָׂו (H6215), Jacob's twin brother and eponymous ancestor of Edom; the feared approach, prepared for in Gen 32, now becomes visible.
בָּ֔אcomingQal ptc ms abs · בּוֹא (H935)Participial predicate in הִנֵּה clause→ Participle: continuous/in-progress action at moment of perceptionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; Qal ptc gives the vivid present: Esau was in the act of coming as Jacob looked up.
וְעִמּ֕וֹand with himconj וְ + prep עִם + 3ms suf · עִם (H5973)Circumstantial prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with, together with'; the compound with pronoun suffix forms a circumstantial clause explaining the accompanying armed company.
אַרְבַּ֥עfourcardinal numeral f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral in compound numeral phrase (four hundred)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; feminine form used before masculine noun אִישׁ per standard Hebrew numeral gender reversal.
מֵא֖וֹתhundredscardinal numeral c pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Head numeral of compound phrase (four hundred)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; plural with אַרְבַּע = 400 men — the full armed retinue whose approach Jacob had dreaded since Gen 32:7.
אִ֑ישׁmenN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive noun after numeral ("four hundred men")אִישׁ (H376) 'man, each man'; used collectively after numerals; the word emphasizes the individual human warriors in the retinue.
וַיַּ֣חַץand he dividedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָצָה (H2673)Predicate verb (narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָצָה (H2673) 'to divide, split into halves'; the same root used in Gen 32:8 when Jacob split the camp in two — now the distribution is more refined.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַיְלָדִ֗יםthe childrenart + N m pl abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Direct object of וַיַּחַץיֶלֶד (H3206) 'child, boy, young person'; plural — the children born to Jacob's wives and maidservants, distributed among their respective mothers.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Distributive prepositional phrase (placed among/entrusted to — first recipient)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over, to'; here in a distributive sense: assigned to the charge of each woman.
לֵאָה֙Leahproper N f · לֵאָה (H3812)Object of prep עַל (first woman in distribution)לֵאָה (H3812), first wife of Jacob; placed in the middle position of the protective arrangement as v.2 will clarify.
וְעַלand uponconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinating conjunction + distributive prep (second recipient)
רָחֵ֔לRachelproper N f · רָחֵל (H7354)Object of וְעַל (second woman in distribution)רָחֵל (H7354), Jacob's beloved wife, mother of Joseph; her placement at the rear (v.2) reflects Jacob's deepest protective instinct.
וְעַ֖לand uponconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinating conjunction + distributive prep (third recipient)
שְׁתֵּ֥יtwo ofcardinal numeral f dual constr · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct chain with הַשְּׁפָחוֹתשְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two (f)'; construct form שְׁתֵּי; the two maidservants are Bilhah (Rachel's) and Zilpah (Leah's).
הַשְּׁפָחֽוֹתthe maidservantsart + N f pl abs · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Object of third וְעַל (third group in distribution)שִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant, female slave'; Bilhah and Zilpah, secondary wives whose children Jacob places foremost — most exposed to danger.
2
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם אֶת הַשְּׁפָח֛וֹת וְאֶת יַלְדֵיהֶ֖ן רִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה וְאֶת לֵאָ֤ה וִֽילָדֶ֨יהָ֙ אַחֲרֹנִ֔ים וְאֶת רָחֵ֥ל וְאֶת יוֹסֵ֖ף אַחֲרֹנִֽים
And he put the maidservants and their children first, and Leah and her children behind them, and Rachel and Joseph last.
The arrangement makes Jacob's hierarchy of protection plain. Rachel and Joseph are held to the rear, while the others are positioned ahead in successive ranks.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּ֧שֶׂםand he placedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (narrative sequence, elaborates v.1)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, set, place'; the deliberate ordering of persons in the procession reflects Jacob's continued defensive posture.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַשְּׁפָח֛וֹתthe maidservantsart + N f pl abs · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Direct object of וַיָּשֶׂם (first in protective order)שִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant'; Bilhah and Zilpah placed foremost, absorbing the greatest risk in case of hostile encounter.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)
יַלְדֵיהֶ֖ןtheir childrenN m pl constr + 3fp suf · יֶלֶד (H3206)Conjoined direct object (children of the maidservants)יֶלֶד (H3206) 'child'; plural construct + 3fp suffix = children belonging to the two maidservants, also placed first.
רִֽאשֹׁנָ֑הfirstadj f sg abs (adverbial) · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Adverbial accusative of position (placed first/foremost)רִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first, foremost, former'; used adverbially — the maidservants' group leads the procession.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (third object)
לֵאָ֤הLeahproper N f · לֵאָה (H3812)Direct object (Leah, second in protective order)לֵאָה (H3812), first wife of Jacob; placed second behind the maidservants' group.
וִֽילָדֶ֨יהָ֙and her childrenconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3fs suf · יֶלֶד (H3206)Conjoined direct object (Leah's children with her)יֶלֶד (H3206); Leah's children — Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah.
אַחֲרֹנִ֔יםbehind themadj m pl abs (adverbial) · אַחֲרוֹן (H314)Adverbial accusative of position (behind the maidservants)אַחֲרוֹן (H314) 'last, hindmost, rear'; adverbial accusative placing Leah's group second, still shielded by the maidservants.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (fourth object)
רָחֵ֥לRachelproper N f · רָחֵל (H7354)Direct object (Rachel, placed last)רָחֵל (H7354), Jacob's most beloved wife; her placement at the very rear expresses his greatest desire to protect her.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (fifth object)
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephproper N m · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Direct object (Joseph, placed last with Rachel)יוֹסֵף (H3130), Rachel's firstborn and Jacob's favorite son; placed rearmost with his mother.
אַחֲרֹנִֽיםlastadj m pl abs (adverbial) · אַחֲרוֹן (H314)Adverbial accusative of position (rearmost in the procession)אַחֲרוֹן (H314) 'last, rearmost'; repeated from the previous clause for emphasis — Rachel and Joseph occupy the safest, most protected position.
3
וְה֖וּא עָבַ֣ר לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֤חוּ אַ֨רְצָה֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פְּעָמִ֔ים עַד גִּשְׁתּ֖וֹ עַד אָחִֽיו
But he himself went on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
Jacob does not remain behind the household he has arranged, but passes before them himself. The sevenfold prostration gives formal and repeated expression to the deferential posture already scripted in the earlier embassy.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְה֖וּאbut he himselfconj וְ + pers pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Fronted subject pronoun (contrastive emphasis)הוּא (H1931), 3ms personal pronoun; fronted for contrast — while he placed the household behind, he himself moved ahead.
עָבַ֣רpassed on aheadQal perf 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a decisive, completed act of advanceעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross over, pass, advance'; here Jacob passes before his household — reversing the protective order by leading the procession himself.
לִפְנֵיהֶ֑םbefore themprep לְ + N (c) pl constr + 3mp suf · פָּנִים (H6440)Directional prepositional phrase (before/in front of them)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, front, presence'; לִפְנֵי = 'before, in front of'; Jacob places himself at the head of the party.
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֤חוּand he bowed downconj וְ + Hishtaphel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁחָה (H7812)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down, prostrate oneself'; the Hishtaphel is the standard stem for prostration before a superior; sevenfold prostration is a known ancient-Near-Eastern diplomatic protocol.
אַ֨רְצָה֙to the groundN (c) sg abs + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial accusative of direction (prostrate to the earth)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, ground, land'; with directional ה = 'earthward'; the prostration is total — face to the ground.
שֶׁ֣בַעsevencardinal numeral f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Adverbial accusative of number (seven times)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; sevenfold prostration is attested in Amarna-era correspondence as a mark of the highest submission before a king.
פְּעָמִ֔יםtimesN f pl abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative (number of repetitions)פַּעַם (H6471) 'time, stroke, footstep'; plural = times/occasions; with שֶׁבַע forms the standard phrase for sevenfold prostration.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase (limit of the prostrations)עַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; introduces a temporal limit — the bowing continued until he reached his brother.
גִּשְׁתּ֖וֹhis drawing nearQal inf constr + 3ms suf · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Infinitive of temporal clause (object of עַד)→ Infinitive construct: verbal noun expressing action-until-completionנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near, approach'; inf constr + suffix = 'his drawing near' = 'until he had come close to him'.
עַדtoprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase giving the terminus of the approachעַד (H5704) repeated: 'until/to' — the second instance specifies the goal of the approach as his brother.
אָחִֽיוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suf · אָח (H251)Object of prep עַד (terminus of approach)אָח (H251) 'brother'; construct + suffix; after twenty years and the conflict over the blessing, this is the decisive face-to-face moment.
4
וַיָּ֨רָץ עֵשָׂ֤ו לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ וַֽיְחַבְּקֵ֔הוּ וַיִּפֹּ֥ל עַל צַוָּארָ֖ו וַׄיִּׄשָּׁׄקֵ֑ׄהׄוּׄ וַיִּבְכּֽוּ
But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.
The verse reverses the tension built up around Esau's approach: instead of attack, the meeting becomes embrace, kiss, and shared weeping. MT preserves the dotted וַיִּשָּׁקֵהוּ, but the narrative line as given presents the encounter as genuine reconciliation rather than renewed hostility.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיָּ֨רָץand he ranconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רוּץ (H7323)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the expected hostility reversedרוּץ (H7323) 'to run'; Esau's running to meet Jacob overturns the military posture of the four-hundred-man approach and signals spontaneous welcome.
עֵשָׂ֤וEsauproper N ms · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Subject of וַיָּרָץעֵשָׂו (H6215); the feared antagonist now becomes the running reconciler.
לִקְרָאתוֹ֙to meet himprep לְ + inf constr + 3ms suf · קָרָה (H7125)Directional infinitive phrase (purpose/direction of running)→ Infinitive construct: verbal noun expressing purposeקָרָה (H7125) 'to encounter, meet'; לִקְרַאת used as a frozen directional noun: 'to meet him / toward him'.
וַֽיְחַבְּקֵ֔הוּand he embraced himconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms + 3ms obj suf · חָבַק (H2263)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָבַק (H2263) 'to embrace, clasp'; Piel with 3ms suffix; the physical embrace begins the series of reconciliation gestures culminating in shared weeping.
וַיִּפֹּ֥לand he fellconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; here in the idiom נָפַל עַל צַוָּאר = to fall on someone's neck = embrace with intensity.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (idiomatic: fell upon his neck)עַל (H5921) 'upon, on'; part of the idiom נָפַל עַל צַוָּאר.
צַוָּארָ֖וhis neckN m sg constr + 3ms suf · צַוָּאר (H6677)Object of עַל (idiomatic: fell on his neck)צַוָּאר (H6677) 'neck, throat'; the idiom 'fall on the neck' denotes an intense embrace; cf. Gen 45:14; 46:29.
וַׄיִּׄשָּׁׄקֵ֑ׄהׄוּׄand he kissed himconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3ms obj suf · נָשַׁק (H5401)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשַׁק (H5401) 'to kiss'; MT preserves extraordinary pointing (dots over every letter) marking scribal uncertainty about the gesture's sincerity, but the narrative line presents it as genuine reconciliation.
וַיִּבְכּֽוּand they weptconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בָּכָה (H1058)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol sequence, climax of reunion)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep, cry'; the 3mp ('they') marks the shared weeping of both brothers — the emotional resolution of the long-standing rift.
5
וַיִּשָּׂ֣א אֶת עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּ֤רְא אֶת הַנָּשִׁים֙ וְאֶת הַיְלָדִ֔ים וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מִי אֵ֣לֶּה לָּ֑ךְ וַיֹּאמַ֕ר הַיְלָדִ֕ים אֲשֶׁר חָנַ֥ן אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת עַבְדֶּֽךָ
And he lifted up his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, "Who are these to you?" And he said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant."
Esau's attention turns from Jacob alone to the family surrounding him. Jacob's answer remains deliberately humble, but it also becomes theological: the children are named as what God has graciously given.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֣אand he liftedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift'; idiom נָשָׂא עֵינַיִם = to look up; Esau now turns his gaze from Jacob to the surrounding family.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עֵינָ֗יוhis eyesN (c) dual constr + 3ms suf · עַיִן (H5869)Direct object of וַיִּשָּׂא (idiomatic)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; part of the idiom; Esau's gaze now moves beyond Jacob to take in the women and children.
וַיַּ֤רְאand he sawconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the verb of perception triggering Esau's question about the household.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַנָּשִׁים֙the womenart + N f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object of וַיַּרְא (first group observed)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; plural the wives — Leah and Rachel — visible with the household procession.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)
הַיְלָדִ֔יםthe childrenart + N m pl abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Direct object of וַיַּרְא (second group observed)יֶלֶד (H3206) 'child'; plural — the children of the household, whose identity Esau immediately inquires about.
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Esau's direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; the standard narrative speech verb; Esau is the speaker here.
מִיwhointerrogative pron · מִי (H4310)Predicate of nominal interrogative clauseמִי (H4310) 'who?'; interrogative pronoun asking the identity of the group; with לְךָ it functions: 'who are these to you?'
אֵ֣לֶּהthesedemonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Subject of interrogative nominal clauseאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; cp demonstrative pronoun; refers to the women and children just observed.
לָּ֑ךְto youprep לְ + 2ms suf · לְDative prepositional phrase (belonging to/accompanying you)לְ (prep) + 2ms suffix; the question is 'Who are these belonging to you?' — asking about the household's relation to Jacob.
וַיֹּאמַ֕רand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Jacob's reply)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob is now the speaker, responding with a theologically weighted answer.
הַיְלָדִ֕יםthe childrenart + N m pl abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Subject of elliptical nominal clause (the children [are those whom …])יֶלֶד (H3206) 'child'; the answer begins with the object itself — the children are identified as God's gracious gift.
אֲשֶׁרwhomrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing relative clause modifying הַיְלָדִיםאֲשֶׁר (H834), the standard relative particle in Hebrew; links the children to the act of divine grace.
חָנַ֥ןhas graciously givenQal perf 3ms · חָנַן (H2603)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of divine graceחָנַן (H2603) 'to be gracious, show favor, give as a gift of grace'; Qal perf with God as subject; Jacob interprets the children's existence as unmerited divine generosity.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of חָנַןאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; Jacob's answer is deliberate theology: behind the family stands divine grace, not Jacob's own achievement.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עַבְדֶּֽךָyour servantN m sg constr + 2ms suf · עֶבֶד (H5650)Direct object of חָנַן (Jacob refers to himself humbly)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; Jacob's self-designation maintains the deferential posture of the entire encounter, treating Esau as lord.
6
וַתִּגַּ֧שְׁןָ הַשְּׁפָח֛וֹת הֵ֥נָּה וְיַלְדֵיהֶ֖ן וַתִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽיןָ
Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and they bowed down.
The order of approach follows the protective ordering of verse 2. The maidservants and their children enact in bodily form the deference that has characterized Jacob's whole approach.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַתִּגַּ֧שְׁןָand they drew nearconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fp · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near, approach'; 3fp form for the maidservants; the approach follows the protective order established in v.2.
הַשְּׁפָח֛וֹתthe maidservantsart + N f pl abs · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Subject of וַתִּגַּשְׁןָשִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant'; Bilhah and Zilpah lead the presentation to Esau, as they were placed first in the procession.
הֵ֥נָּהtheypers pron 3fp · הֵנָּה (H2007)Appositive pronoun reinforcing subject (they themselves)הֵנָּה (H2007) 'they (f pl)'; the pronoun adds slight emphasis — the maidservants themselves, together with their children.
וְיַלְדֵיהֶ֖ןand their childrenconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3fp suf · יֶלֶד (H3206)Conjoined subject (children approaching with their mothers)יֶלֶד (H3206) 'child'; the maidservants' children accompany them in the group approach.
וַתִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽיןָand they bowed downconj וְ + Hishtaphel wayyiqtol 3fp · שָׁחָה (H7812)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, culminating action of the approach)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down, prostrate'; Hishtaphel 3fp; the maidservants and children extend to Esau the same posture of submission that Jacob had enacted in v.3.
7
וַתִּגַּ֧שׁ גַּם לֵאָ֛ה וִילָדֶ֖יהָ וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲו֑וּ וְאַחַ֗ר נִגַּ֥שׁ יוֹסֵ֛ף וְרָחֵ֖ל וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּ
Then Leah also came near, and her children, and they bowed down; and afterward Joseph came near with Rachel, and they bowed down.
The sequence continues from Leah to Rachel and Joseph, preserving the ranked arrangement already described. The repeated bowing extends Jacob's posture of homage to the household as a whole.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַתִּגַּ֧שׁand she drew nearconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near'; 3fs for Leah; the sequence of approaches mirrors the protective order of v.2.
גַּםalsoadverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverb (Leah also, after the maidservants)גַּם (H1571) 'also, moreover, even'; marks the continuation of the same pattern: Leah's group follows the maidservants.
לֵאָ֛הLeahproper N f · לֵאָה (H3812)Subject of וַתִּגַּשׁלֵאָה (H3812), first wife of Jacob; presented second in the ordered approach.
וִילָדֶ֖יהָand her childrenconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3fs suf · יֶלֶד (H3206)Conjoined subject (children approaching with Leah)יֶלֶד (H3206) 'child'; Leah's children come forward alongside her.
וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲו֑וּand they bowed downconj וְ + Hishtaphel wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁחָה (H7812)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down'; Hishtaphel 3mp; the prostration is repeated for each group, extending Jacob's own sevenfold bowing into the household presentation.
וְאַחַ֗רand afterwardconj וְ + adverb · אַחַר (H310)Temporal adverb (afterward, then)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind, afterward'; adverbial use marking the sequence: Rachel and Joseph come last.
נִגַּ֥שׁdrew nearNiphal perf 3ms · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed approachנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near'; Niphal 3ms (reflexive/middle: he presented himself); Joseph is mentioned before Rachel in the approach, though together.
יוֹסֵ֛ףJosephproper N m · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject of נִגַּשׁיוֹסֵף (H3130), Rachel's firstborn; mentioned first in the approach — perhaps a narrative point of honor for his future prominence.
וְרָחֵ֖לand Rachelconj וְ + proper N f · רָחֵל (H7354)Conjoined subject (approaching with Joseph)רָחֵל (H7354), Jacob's beloved wife; comes last, as positioned in v.2, with Joseph.
וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּand they bowed downconj וְ + Hishtaphel wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁחָה (H7812)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, closing the sequence of presentations)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down'; Hishtaphel 3mp; the threefold repetition of the prostration gesture across v.6–7 underscores the collective deference of the entire household.
8
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֥י לְךָ֛ כָּל הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּגָ֑שְׁתִּי וַיֹּ֕אמֶר לִמְצֹא חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי
And he said, "What do you mean by all this camp that I met?" And he said, "To find favor in the eyes of my lord."
Esau now asks directly about the earlier droves Jacob had sent ahead. Jacob's answer is brief and formulaic, preserving the same aim stated in the previous chapter: to find favor before his lord.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Esau's question)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Esau is now the speaker, shifting from physical encounter to verbal exchange.
מִ֥יwhatinterrogative pron · מִי (H4310)Predicate of interrogative nominal clauseמִי (H4310) 'who?'; here with לְךָ = 'what is this to you?' / 'what do you mean by?' — a question of purpose, not identity.
לְךָ֛to youprep לְ + 2ms suf · לְDative phrase (what is this to/for you?)לְ (prep) + 2ms suffix; the phrase מִי לְךָ כָּל הַמַּחֲנֶה = 'What do you mean by all this camp?'
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct with הַמַּחֲנֶהכֹּל (H3605) 'all, the whole of'; in construct emphasizing the totality of the camp-gift Jacob had sent ahead in Gen 32.
הַמַּחֲנֶ֥הthe campart + N (c) sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Subject/topic of interrogative clauseמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp, company'; here refers to the succession of droves Jacob had sent as a gift in Gen 32:14–21.
הַזֶּ֖הthisart + demonstrative adj ms · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifier of הַמַּחֲנֶהזֶה (H2088) 'this'; with the article matching הַמַּחֲנֶה; points back to the gift-camp described in the previous chapter.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing relative clause modifying הַמַּחֲנֶהאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle; introduces the clause specifying the camp Esau had encountered on the road.
פָּגָ֑שְׁתִּיI encounteredQal perf 1cs · פָּגַשׁ (H6298)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective: a completed past encounterפָּגַשׁ (H6298) 'to meet, encounter'; Qal perf 1cs; Esau recalls the series of droves that met him on the road to Jacob — the gift-embassy described in Gen 32.
וַיֹּ֕אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Jacob's reply)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob's brief, humble answer about the purpose of the gift.
לִמְצֹאto findprep לְ + Qal inf constr · מָצָא (H4672)Purposive infinitive phrase (purpose of the camp-gift)→ Infinitive construct: verbal noun expressing purposeמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; לִמְצֹא = 'in order to find'; the entire gift-strategy was aimed at finding favor in Esau's eyes.
חֵ֖ןfavorN m sg abs · חֵן (H2580)Direct object of לִמְצֹאחֵן (H2580) 'favor, grace, charm'; the social concept of finding acceptance in another's eyes; the goal of Jacob's entire diplomatic approach (cf. Gen 32:6).
בְּעֵינֵ֥יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N (c) dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (idiom: in the eyes/sight of)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the idiom מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי X = 'to find favor in X's eyes' is a formulaic expression of social acceptance.
אֲדֹנִֽיmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs suf · אָדוֹן (H113)Genitive of בְּעֵינֵי (in the eyes of my lord)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord, master'; Jacob's sustained self-abasement continues — Esau is 'my lord' throughout this encounter, creating striking contrast with Esau's 'my brother' (v.9).
9
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר עֵשָׂ֖ו יֶשׁ לִ֣י רָ֑ב אָחִ֕י יְהִ֥י לְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁר לָֽךְ
But Esau said, "I have plenty, my brother; let what is yours remain yours."
Esau answers not as offended rival but as one who lacks nothing. The address "my brother" sharply contrasts with Jacob's sustained "my lord" and signals the fraternal recasting of the encounter.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Esau's refusal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Esau now speaks, and his answer inverts the expected dynamic entirely.
עֵשָׂ֖וEsauproper N ms · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרעֵשָׂו (H6215); the once-feared brother now speaks as a satisfied peer, not a creditor demanding repayment.
יֶשׁI haveexistential particle · יֵשׁ (H3426)Existential predicate (there is / I have)יֵשׁ (H3426) 'there is, there are'; existential particle; with לִי = 'I have'; Esau's claim of abundance grounds his refusal of Jacob's gift.
לִ֣יto meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְDative of possession (I have)לְ (prep) + 1cs suffix; יֶשׁ לִי = 'I possess / I have'; the idiom of possession.
רָ֑בplentyadj m sg abs · רַב (H7227)Predicate complement of יֶשׁ לִי (I have much/plenty)רַב (H7227) 'much, many, great, abundant'; predicate adj; Esau's abundance removes any need for Jacob's gift — and implicitly any grievance.
אָחִ֕יmy brotherN m sg constr + 1cs suf · אָח (H251)Vocative (direct address)אָח (H251) 'brother'; Esau addresses Jacob as 'my brother' — a sharp and warm contrast to Jacob's sustained 'my lord'; the fraternal bond is being reasserted.
יְהִ֥יlet it remainQal jussive 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (jussive, volitive: polite refusal)→ Volitional jussive: polite wish or permission — let it be yoursהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, remain'; Qal jussive = 'let it remain'; the jussive makes Esau's refusal courteous rather than dismissive.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suf · לְDative of possession (let it be yours)לְ + 2ms suf = 'to you, for you'; part of the idiom יְהִי לְךָ = 'let it be/remain yours'.
אֲשֶׁרwhatrelative pron (as nominal: what) · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subject of יְהִי (what is yours)אֲשֶׁר (H834) used as a nominal relative = 'that which / what'; אֲשֶׁר לָךְ = 'what belongs to you'.
לָֽךְis yoursprep לְ + 2ms suf · לְPredicate of nominal clause (what is/belongs to you)לְ + 2ms suffix; אֲשֶׁר לְךָ = 'what is yours'; the whole clause affirms Jacob's ownership of his possessions without any debt to Esau.
10
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֗ב אַל נָא֙ אִם נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ מִנְחָתִ֖י מִיָּדִ֑י כִּ֣י עַל כֵּ֞ן רָאִ֣יתִי פָנֶ֗יךָ כִּרְאֹ֛ת פְּנֵ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַתִּרְצֵֽנִי
And Jacob said, "No, please, if I have found favor in your eyes, then take my gift from my hand, for therefore I have seen your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably."
Jacob insists that Esau's acceptance of the gift will confirm the favor already shown in the meeting. The comparison between seeing Esau's face and seeing the face of God almost certainly resonates with the Peniel encounter just narrated, while וַתִּרְצֵנִי states that Esau has received him with pleasure or acceptance.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Jacob's insistence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob presses back against Esau's refusal, now invoking the language of face and divine acceptance.
יַעֲקֹ֗בJacobproper N ms · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריַעֲקֹב (H3290); here he makes his most theologically loaded speech in the reconciliation scene.
אַלnonegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle (prohibiting Esau's refusal)אַל (H408) 'no, do not'; the volitional negative; with נָא = an emphatic, pleading 'please no / please do not'.
נָא֙pleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty (softening the negative plea)נָא (H4994) 'please, I pray'; added to אַל to make the negative a courteous, urgent request: 'Please, no'.
אִםifconditional conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (if-clause introducing the appeal)אִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the conditional that grounds Jacob's insistence on the gift.
נָ֨אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty within the conditional clauseנָא (H4994) repeated; doubles the courteous urgency of the appeal.
מָצָ֤אתִיI have foundQal perf 1cs · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of conditional clause→ Perfective: a completed state — favor already experiencedמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; Qal perf 1cs; Jacob states the condition as an accomplished reality — he has found favor — not merely a hypothesis.
חֵן֙favorN m sg abs · חֵן (H2580)Direct object of מָצָאתִיחֵן (H2580) 'grace, favor'; the key relational term of the chapter; here Jacob implies that Esau's acceptance of the gift would confirm the favor he has already experienced.
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָin your eyesprep בְּ + N (c) dual constr + 2ms suf · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (idiom: in your sight/estimation)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the idiom מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ = 'to find favor in your eyes'; here Esau is addressed directly as the one whose acceptance matters.
וְלָקַחְתָּ֥then takeconj וְ + weqatal 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Weqatal: apodosis of conditional (then-you-will-take)→ Weqatal: consequent volitive — the expected/desired action following the conditionלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, receive'; the weqatal after the conditional אִם clause expresses the expected consequent action.
מִנְחָתִ֖יmy giftN f sg constr + 1cs suf · מִנְחָה (H4503)Direct object of וְלָקַחְתָּמִנְחָה (H4503) 'gift, tribute, offering'; Jacob calls the gift-camp his מִנְחָה — a term also used for tribute and for the grain offering; the choice of word marks the transaction as relational, not merely commercial.
מִיָּדִ֑יfrom my handprep מִן + N (c) sg constr + 1cs suf · יָד (H3027)Ablative prepositional phrase (received from my hand)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; מִיָּד = 'from the hand of'; the direct, personal transfer from Jacob's hand to Esau's.
כִּ֣יforcausal conj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the gift-request)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the theological rationale for accepting the gift.
עַלthereforeprep · עַל (H5921)Part of compound expression עַל כֵּן (therefore)עַל (H5921) 'upon, because of'; עַל כֵּן = 'therefore, for this reason'.
כֵּ֞ןthereforeadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb forming compound conjunction עַל כֵּן (therefore)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; עַל כֵּן = 'therefore'; introduces Jacob's statement of what the gift-acceptance will mean.
רָאִ֣יתִיI have seenQal perf 1cs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause, states the experiential ground)→ Perfective: completed act of seeing — an experience that has occurredרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the key verb of the verse; Jacob's seeing Esau's face is the experiential parallel to seeing God's face at Peniel.
פָנֶ֗יךָyour faceN (c) pl constr + 2ms suf · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object of רָאִיתִיפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; the dense פָּנִים motif runs throughout Gen 32–33: Peniel (face of God), seeing Esau's face as the face of God.
כִּרְאֹ֛תas seeingprep כְּ + Qal inf constr · רָאָה (H7200)Comparative infinitive phrase (as one sees)→ Infinitive construct: verbal noun in comparative clauseרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; כִּרְאֹת = 'as seeing, as one sees'; the comparison: seeing Esau's face was like seeing the face of God.
פְּנֵ֥יthe face ofN (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct (head) in construct chain: face of Godפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; in construct with אֱלֹהִים; the comparison almost certainly resonates with Jacob's Peniel experience ('I have seen God face to face', Gen 32:31).
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive in construct chain (face of God)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the comparison should not be flattened to mere politeness — it connects the reconciliation with Jacob's divine encounter at Peniel.
וַתִּרְצֵֽנִיand you have received me favorablyconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 2ms + 1cs obj suf · רָצָה (H7521)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, consequent to seeing his face)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the result of the face-to-face meetingרָצָה (H7521) 'to be pleased with, accept, receive favorably'; 2ms + 1cs suffix = 'you have received me'; the reconciliation is expressed as Esau's pleasurable acceptance of Jacob.
11
קַח נָ֤א אֶת בִּרְכָתִי֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֻבָ֣את לָ֔ךְ כִּֽי חַנַּ֥נִי אֱלֹהִ֖ים וְכִ֣י יֶשׁ לִי כֹ֑ל וַיִּפְצַר בּ֖וֹ וַיִּקָּֽח
Please take my blessing that has been brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have everything. And he urged him, and he took it.
Jacob now calls the present "my blessing," a striking choice in a narrative world still marked by the older blessing-conflict between these brothers. The grounds given are divine grace and full sufficiency, and Esau's eventual acceptance seals the reconciliation at the material as well as emotional level.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
קַחtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (imperative, direct command)→ Volitional imperative: urgent request/commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, receive'; Qal impv 2ms; Jacob moves from polite argument to direct imperative — 'Take!' — the most direct speech in the reconciliation.
נָ֤אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty (softening the imperative)נָא (H4994) 'please'; attached to the imperative, it preserves the polite, requesting tone: 'please take'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בִּרְכָתִי֙my blessingN f sg constr + 1cs suf · בְּרָכָה (H1293)Direct object of קַחבְּרָכָה (H1293) 'blessing'; Jacob calls the gift 'my blessing' — a striking choice in a narrative where the blessing-theft is the root cause of the brothers' rift; the word does not erase history but reframes the relationship materially.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing relative clause modifying בִּרְכָתִיאֲשֶׁר (H834); the relative clause specifies the gift that was already conveyed ahead of Jacob.
הֻבָ֣אתhas been broughtHophal perf 3fs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of relative clause (passive: has been brought to you)→ Perfective: completed, prior action — the gift is already in Esau's possessionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, bring'; Hophal 3fs = 'it was brought'; the passive voice distances Jacob from the transaction, framing the gift as simply arriving rather than Jacob pressing it.
לָ֔ךְto youprep לְ + 2ms suf · לְIndirect object (brought to you)לְ + 2ms suffix; the gift has already arrived at Esau — the factual basis for 'take what has come to you.'
כִּֽיforcausal conj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (first ground for the gift)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the theological reasoning for accepting: God has been gracious to me.
חַנַּ֥נִיhas been gracious to meQal perf 3ms + 1cs obj suf · חָנַן (H2603)Predicate verb (main clause, first causal ground)→ Perfective: completed act of divine grace already experiencedחָנַן (H2603) 'to be gracious, show grace'; Qal perf 3ms + 1cs suffix; God's grace is cited as the reason Jacob can give: because God has blessed me, I can share.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of חַנַּנִיאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the explicit subject of divine grace — the same word Jacob used in v.5 to explain the children.
וְכִ֣יand becauseconj וְ + causal conj · כִּי (H3588)Coordinating conj + causal conj (second ground)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; second causal clause: not only has God been gracious, but Jacob has everything he needs.
יֶשׁI haveexistential particle · יֵשׁ (H3426)Existential predicate (I have/there is)יֵשׁ (H3426) 'there is, I have'; with לִי = 'I possess'; echoing Esau's own יֶשׁ לִי רָב (v.9) — Jacob claims sufficiency matching Esau's abundance.
לִיto meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְDative of possession (I have)לְ + 1cs suffix; יֶשׁ לִי = 'I have/possess'.
כֹ֑לeverythingN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Complement of יֶשׁ לִי (I have everything)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, everything'; Jacob's claim of total sufficiency: unlike v.9's 'much' (רָב), he says 'everything' (כֹּל) — an understated but pointed response.
וַיִּפְצַרand he urgedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּצַר (H6484)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּצַר (H6484) 'to press, urge, insist'; Qal wayyiqtol; Jacob's persuasion moves from speech to persistent pressure — he pressed Esau repeatedly.
בּ֖וֹupon himprep בְּ + 3ms suf · בְּPrepositional phrase (urged upon/against him)בְּ + 3ms suffix; פָּצַר בְּ = 'to press/urge someone'; the idiomatic complement of פָּצַר.
וַיִּקָּֽחand he took itconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, climax: gift accepted)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — decisive acceptanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, receive'; Esau's acceptance of the gift materially seals the reconciliation; the scene's emotional and relational arc closes here.
12
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר נִסְעָ֣ה וְנֵלֵ֑כָה וְאֵלְכָ֖ה לְנֶגְדֶּֽךָ
Then he said, "Let us set out and go, and I will go ahead of you."
Esau's initiative continues the warmth of the reconciliation scene by proposing not merely peace but shared onward travel. The danger associated with his four hundred men is now reframed as friendly accompaniment.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Esau's proposal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Esau speaks again, extending the warmth of the reunion into a travel proposal.
נִסְעָ֣הlet us set outQal cohortative 1cp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (cohortative, first-person proposal)→ Volitional cohortative: invitation/proposal to joint actionנָסַע (H5265) 'to pull up stakes, set out, journey'; Qal cohortative 1cp = 'let us set out together'; Esau proposes shared travel.
וְנֵלֵ֑כָהand let us goconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Conjoined cohortative (second element of the proposal)→ Volitional cohortative: continuation of the joint invitationהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; Qal cohortative 1cp; paired with נִסְעָה to double the proposal of joint movement.
וְאֵלְכָ֖הand I will goconj וְ + Qal impf 1cs · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (impf/cohortative 1cs — escort offer)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — intended or proposed actionהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'; Qal impf 1cs = 'I will go / let me go'; the shift to first-person singular suggests Esau's offer to lead or march alongside.
לְנֶגְדֶּֽךָbefore youprep לְ + prep נֶגֶד + 2ms suf · נֶגֶד (H5048)Directional prepositional phrase (ahead of / alongside you)נֶגֶד (H5048) 'in front of, before, over against'; לְנֶגֶד = 'before/ahead of'; Esau offers to lead the procession or travel in parallel as a protective escort.
13
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו אֲדֹנִ֤י יֹדֵ֨עַ֙ כִּֽי הַיְלָדִ֣ים רַכִּ֔ים וְהַצֹּ֥אן וְהַבָּקָ֖ר עָל֣וֹת עָלָ֑י וּדְפָקוּם֙ י֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד וָמֵ֖תוּ כָּל הַצֹּֽאן
But he said to him, "My lord knows that the children are delicate, and the flock and the herd, nursing, are upon me; and if they are driven hard for one day, all the flock will die."
Jacob answers in the same deferential idiom as before: Esau remains "my lord," and the refusal is framed as practical necessity rather than distrust. The Hebrew keeps the pastoral concern concrete: the young are tender, the animals are nursing, and one day of harsh driving would destroy the flock.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Jacob's response)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob replies to Esau's travel proposal with a detailed, pastorally grounded refusal.
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suf · אֶל (H413)Indirect object (he said to him)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; directional prep + 3ms suffix; specifying that Jacob addressed Esau directly.
אֲדֹנִ֤יmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs suf · אָדוֹן (H113)Vocative (direct address, sustained deference)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord, master'; Jacob continues addressing Esau as 'my lord' throughout the scene, even in the act of refusing his offer.
יֹדֵ֨עַ֙knowsQal ptc ms abs · יָדַע (H3045)Participial predicate (nominal clause: my lord knows)→ Participle: stative/ongoing knowledgeיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Qal ptc as predicate adjective/verb; invoking Esau's knowledge as part of the courteous appeal — 'surely you know…'
כִּֽיthatconjunction (content) · כִּי (H3588)Content conjunction (introduces the known content)כִּי (H3588) 'that'; here introducing the content of what Esau knows, not a causal clause.
הַיְלָדִ֣יםthe childrenart + N m pl abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Subject of nominal clause (the children are delicate)יֶלֶד (H3206) 'child'; the tender age of the children is the first pastoral reason given for not keeping pace with Esau.
רַכִּ֔יםare delicateadj m pl abs · רַךְ (H7390)Predicate adjective (nominal clause)רַךְ (H7390) 'tender, delicate, weak'; plural adj; refers to the fragile condition of young children unfit for forced marching.
וְהַצֹּ֥אןand the flockconj וְ + art + N (c) sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Subject of second clause (flock and herd are nursing)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock, sheep and goats'; the second pastoral concern — nursing animals are equally unable to travel at pace.
וְהַבָּקָ֖רand the cattleconj וְ + art + N (c) sg abs · בָּקָר (H1241)Conjoined subject (flock and cattle together)בָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, herd'; the combination צֹאן וּבָקָר encompasses the full livestock; nursing cows and nursing ewes alike are at risk.
עָל֣וֹתnursingQal ptc f pl abs · עוּל (H5763)Participial predicate (flock and cattle are nursing)→ Participle: ongoing/stative conditionעוּל (H5763) 'to suckle, nurse'; Qal ptc f pl abs; the nursing animals are the crux: if driven too hard, mothers and young will suffer.
עָלָ֑יupon meprep עַל + 1cs suf · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (the charge/responsibility upon me)עַל (H5921) 'upon, on, charged to'; עָלַי = 'upon me, my responsibility'; Jacob assumes the pastoral burden.
וּדְפָקוּם֙and if they are driven hardconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp + 3mp obj suf · דָּפַק (H1849)Weqatal of conditional consequence (if they overdrive them)→ Weqatal: consequent conditional — if they are driven hard (one day)דָּפַק (H1849) 'to drive hard, push, knock'; Qal weqatal 3cp + 3mp suffix = 'if they drove them hard'; the indefinite 3cp subject includes any who might force the pace.
י֣וֹםa dayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of time (one day)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; one day of overdriving is all it would take to destroy the flock.
אֶחָ֔דonecardinal numeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying יוֹם (one day)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; the alarming brevity — a single day of harsh driving would be fatal to the nursing animals.
וָמֵ֖תוּand they will dieconj וְ + weqatal 3cp · מוּת (H4191)Weqatal: main consequence clause (they will die)→ Weqatal: consequent result of the conditionalמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; weqatal 3cp; the consequence of overdriving nursing animals: death of the flock.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct (all the flock)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, the whole of'; construct with הַצֹּאן; the totality of the flock would perish — a catastrophic loss.
הַצֹּֽאןthe flockart + N (c) sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Construct genitive (all the flock)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock'; the repetition (cf. v.13b) emphasizes what is at stake: the entire flock, not merely some animals.
14
יַעֲבָר נָ֥א אֲדֹנִ֖י לִפְנֵ֣י עַבְדּ֑וֹ וַאֲנִ֞י אֶֽתְנָהֲלָ֣ה לְאִטִּ֗י לְרֶ֨גֶל הַמְּלָאכָ֤ה אֲשֶׁר לְפָנַי֙ וּלְרֶ֣גֶל הַיְלָדִ֔ים עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁר אָבֹ֥א אֶל אֲדֹנִ֖י שֵׂעִֽירָה
Please let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I myself will lead on slowly, according to the pace of the livestock that is before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord at Seir."
Jacob turns Esau's proposal into a courteous alternative: Esau may go ahead, while Jacob proceeds לְאִטִּי, "at my slow pace." The promise to come to Seir functions smoothly within the diplomacy of the scene, even though the narrative itself immediately carries Jacob elsewhere.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
יַעֲבָרlet … pass onQal jussive 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (jussive, polite proposal: let him go ahead)→ Volitional jussive: courteous request that Esau proceedעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross over, pass, proceed'; Qal jussive 3ms; Jacob proposes Esau continue without him — a gracious face-saving counterproposal.
נָ֥אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty (politeness marker with jussive)נָא (H4994) 'please'; added to the jussive to maintain the register of polite, deferential request.
אֲדֹנִ֖יmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs suf · אָדוֹן (H113)Subject of יַעֲבָר (my lord should proceed)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord'; again Jacob addresses Esau as 'my lord' — the sustained formal deference that has characterized every speech in this scene.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Directional prepositional phrase (ahead of / before)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, front'; לִפְנֵי = 'before, in front of'; Esau should go on ahead.
עַבְדּ֑וֹhis servantN m sg constr + 3ms suf · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitive of לִפְנֵי (before his servant = me)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; Jacob refers to himself as Esau's servant even while declining his escort — a courteous self-deprecation.
וַאֲנִ֞יand I myselfconj וְ + pers pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Fronted subject pronoun (contrastive — I for my part)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'; fronted pronoun marks contrast: 'Let my lord go — as for me, I will lead slowly'.
אֶֽתְנָהֲלָ֣הI will lead on slowlyHitpael cohortative 1cs · נָהַל (H5095)Predicate verb (cohortative 1cs — resolved/intended action)→ Volitional cohortative: resolved intention to lead gentlyנָהַל (H5095) 'to lead, guide, conduct'; Hitpael = reflexive/reciprocal 'lead oneself along gently'; the only OT occurrence of this Hitpael; implies a slow, careful pace with those in his care.
לְאִטִּ֗יat my own paceprep לְ + N m sg constr + 1cs suf · אֵט (H328)Adverbial prepositional phrase (at my gentle/slow pace)אֵט (H328) 'gentleness, slowness, ease'; לְאִטִּי = 'at my own pace, gently'; a hapax in this construction; the image is of Jacob setting his own measured rhythm with the vulnerable.
לְרֶ֨גֶלaccording to the pace ofprep לְ + N f sg constr · רֶגֶל (H7272)Comparative prepositional phrase (according to the gait of)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; לְרֶגֶל = 'according to the foot/pace of'; the livestock set the maximum pace.
הַמְּלָאכָ֤הthe livestockart + N f sg abs · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Genitive of לְרֶגֶל (pace of the livestock)מְלָאכָה (H4399) 'work, property, cattle'; here in its concrete sense of 'livestock, property' — the animals in Jacob's charge.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַמְּלָאכָהאֲשֶׁר (H834); the relative clause specifies which livestock: those immediately before him (the nursing animals of v.13).
לְפָנַי֙before meprep לְ + N (c) pl constr + 1cs suf · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (the livestock in my charge/before me)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, front'; לְפָנַי = 'before me, in my care'; the animals are literally in front of Jacob as he shepherds.
וּלְרֶ֣גֶלand according to the pace ofconj וְ + prep לְ + N f sg constr · רֶגֶל (H7272)Conjoined prepositional phrase (second pace consideration: the children)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; second instance: not only the animals but also the children set the pace.
הַיְלָדִ֔יםthe childrenart + N m pl abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Genitive of וּלְרֶגֶל (pace of the children)יֶלֶד (H3206) 'child'; the dual concern — nursing animals and tender children — means Jacob's pace must remain slow.
עַ֛דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase (until I come to my lord at Seir)עַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; introduces the destination and time limit of Jacob's slower journey.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative/conjunction · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Complementizer after עַד (until I come)אֲשֶׁר (H834); after עַד functions as a temporal complementizer: 'until [the time] that I come to…'
אָבֹ֥אI comeQal impf 1cs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of temporal clause (until I come)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future/anticipated arrivalבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; Qal impf 1cs; Jacob's promise to come to Seir is widely discussed — the narrative immediately takes him to Succoth and Shechem instead.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (to my lord)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; directional.
אֲדֹנִ֖יmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs suf · אָדוֹן (H113)Object of אֶל (come to my lord)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord'; Jacob closes the speech still addressing Esau as 'my lord' — consistent diplomatic self-humbling.
שֵׂעִֽירָהto Seirproper N f + directional ה · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Directional accusative (destination: Seir)שֵׂעִיר (H8165), Esau's territory southeast of the Dead Sea; the directional ה makes it 'to Seir/Seir-ward'; Jacob promises to follow but the narrative takes him north instead.
15
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר עֵשָׂ֔ו אַצִּֽיגָה נָּ֣א עִמְּךָ֔ מִן הָעָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתִּ֑י וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ לָ֣מָּה זֶּ֔ה אֶמְצָא חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי
Then Esau said, "Please let me leave with you some of the people who are with me." But he said, "Why this? Let me find favor in the eyes of my lord."
Esau reduces the original proposal to a smaller gesture of protection by leaving some of his men behind. Jacob declines again, but he couches the refusal as gratitude already satisfied: favorable regard from his brother is enough.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Esau's reduced offer)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Esau now makes a scaled-down version of his travel proposal.
עֵשָׂ֔וEsauproper N ms · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרעֵשָׂו (H6215); unwilling to leave Jacob entirely unescorted, he offers a partial solution.
אַצִּֽיגָהlet me leaveHiphil cohortative 1cs · יָצַג (H3322)Predicate verb (cohortative, first-person proposal)→ Volitional cohortative: resolved or proposed actionיָצַג (H3322) 'to set, place, station'; Hiphil cohortative = 'let me station / let me post'; Esau proposes leaving some of his men as a guard for Jacob.
נָּ֣אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty (softening the proposal)נָא (H4994) 'please'; maintains the gracious, non-imposing tone of Esau's offer.
עִמְּךָ֔with youprep עִם + 2ms suf · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (with you, accompanying you)עִם (H5973) 'with'; Esau proposes to leave a portion of his retinue with Jacob as an escort or protective detachment.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Partitive preposition (some of the people)מִן (H4480) 'from, of'; partitive use: some out of (not all) Esau's people would be left behind.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of partitive מִן (some of the people with him)עַם (H5971) 'people, folk, company'; the four hundred men of v.1; Esau offers to leave some as a protective escort for Jacob's slower journey.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הָעָםאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause identifying whose men are on offer.
אִתִּ֑יwith meprep אֵת + 1cs suf · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (who are with me)אֵת (H854) 'with'; prep of accompaniment + 1cs suffix; 'those who are with me' = Esau's own retinue of four hundred.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, introduces Jacob's decline)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob responds, declining even the partial escort with another politely framed refusal.
לָ֣מָּהwhyprep לְ + interrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverb (rhetorical: why this?)מָה (H4100) 'what, why?'; לָמָּה = 'why?'; Jacob's rhetorical question deflects Esau's offer without direct refusal.
זֶּ֔הthisdemonstrative adj ms · זֶה (H2088)Subject of rhetorical question (why this?)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; the demonstrative points to the escort offer; 'why this?' = 'there is no need for this'.
אֶמְצָאmay I findQal cohortative 1cs · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (cohortative, volitive — let me find)→ Volitional cohortative: desire or wishמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; Qal cohortative = 'let me find / may I find'; Jacob expresses the wish to find favor — implying that finding favor (Esau's goodwill already shown) is all he needs.
חֵ֖ןfavorN m sg abs · חֵן (H2580)Direct object of אֶמְצָאחֵן (H2580) 'favor, grace'; repeated keyword; Jacob says that finding favor in Esau's eyes is sufficient — no escort needed.
בְּעֵינֵ֥יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N (c) dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (in the eyes/sight of)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; part of the standing idiom מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי X.
אֲדֹנִֽיmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs suf · אָדוֹן (H113)Genitive of בְּעֵינֵי (in the eyes of my lord)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord'; the final 'my lord' of Jacob's speech to Esau — the diplomatic form closes the encounter on the same note of formal deference it began.
16
וַיָּשָׁב֩ בַּיּ֨וֹם הַה֥וּא עֵשָׂ֛ו לְדַרְכּ֖וֹ שֵׂעִֽירָה
So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir.
The parting is now actualized. "On that day" gives the separation immediacy and finality: the reunion has been real, but it does not become resumed joint life.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיָּשָׁב֩and he returnedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, main narrative action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the separation enactedשׁוּב (H7725) 'to turn back, return'; Qal wayyiqtol 3ms; the parting is now actualized — Esau departs on his own road.
בַּיּ֨וֹםon that dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (on that same day)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא = 'on that day'; the formula gives the separation finality and historical concreteness.
הַה֥וּאthatart + demonstrative pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifier of בַּיּוֹם (that day)הוּא (H1931) used as demonstrative adj with the article: 'that'; הַיּוֹם הַהוּא = 'that day' — definitively locating the separation.
עֵשָׂ֛וEsauproper N ms · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Subject of וַיָּשָׁבעֵשָׂו (H6215); his last appearance in the narrative of this chapter; the reconciliation is genuine but does not become resumed shared life.
לְדַרְכּ֖וֹon his wayprep לְ + N (c) sg constr + 3ms suf · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Directional prepositional phrase (on his own road)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, path'; לְדַרְכּוֹ = 'on his way, to his road'; Esau resumes his own journey.
שֵׂעִֽירָהto Seirproper N f + directional ה · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Directional accusative (destination: Seir)שֵׂעִיר (H8165), Esau's territory; the directional ה confirms his return to his own homeland, completing the peaceful separation.
17
וְיַעֲקֹב֙ נָסַ֣ע סֻכֹּ֔תָה וַיִּ֥בֶן ל֖וֹ בָּ֑יִת וּלְמִקְנֵ֨הוּ֙ עָשָׂ֣ה סֻכֹּ֔ת עַל כֵּ֛ן קָרָ֥א שֵׁם הַמָּק֖וֹם סֻכּֽוֹת
But Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built for himself a house, and for his livestock he made booths; therefore he called the name of the place Succoth.
The fronted name marks a clean narrative turn from Esau's road to Jacob's own. The explanation of the place-name grows directly from the actions described: Jacob's structures for himself and his livestock generate "Succoth," "Booths."
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְיַעֲקֹב֙but Jacobconj וְ + proper N ms · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Fronted subject (contrastive — Jacob for his part)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the fronted name marks a clean narrative turn from Esau's road back to Jacob's own journey.
נָסַ֣עjourneyedQal perf 3ms · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed journey to Succothנָסַע (H5265) 'to set out, pull up stakes, journey'; Qal perf 3ms; the word implies the pulling up of tent pegs — mobile pastoral life in motion, northward rather than to Seir.
סֻכֹּ֔תָהto Succothproper N f + directional ה · סֻכּוֹת (H5523)Directional accusative (destination: Succoth)סֻכּוֹת (H5523) 'Succoth'; a site in the Jordan Valley (cf. Josh 13:27); the directional ה = 'to Succoth'; the place-name will be explained etymologically in v.17d.
וַיִּ֥בֶןand he builtconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; Qal wayyiqtol 3ms; Jacob constructs a permanent house — unusual for a nomadic patriarch, signaling more than a brief stop.
ל֖וֹfor himselfprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְDative of benefit (he built for himself)לְ + 3ms suffix; the dative of benefit: the house is for Jacob's own use, not merely a temporary shelter.
בָּ֑יִתa houseN m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Direct object of וַיִּבֶן (what was built)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, dwelling'; Jacob builds a house for himself — notable contrast with the booths (סֻכּוֹת) he makes for the livestock.
וּלְמִקְנֵ֨הוּ֙and for his livestockconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suf · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Dative of benefit (and for his livestock)מִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, cattle, property'; the nursing animals whose welfare governed the pace of travel now receive protective shelters.
עָשָׂ֣הhe madeQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (parallel main clause)→ Perfective: completed actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; Qal perf 3ms; for the animals Jacob makes booths (סֻכּוֹת), not a house — the distinction may mirror his pastoral priorities.
סֻכֹּ֔תboothsN f pl abs · סֻכָּה (H5521)Direct object of עָשָׂה (what was made for the livestock)סֻכָּה (H5521) 'booth, shelter, hut'; temporary structures of branches; the common noun that generates the place-name in the next clause.
עַלthereforeprep · עַל (H5921)Part of compound conjunction עַל כֵּן (therefore)עַל (H5921); עַל כֵּן = 'therefore'; the etymological explanation of the place-name follows.
כֵּ֛ןthereforeadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb in עַל כֵּן (therefore, for this reason)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; the compound עַל כֵּן introduces an explanatory clause — 'therefore he called the place Succoth'.
קָרָ֥אhe calledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause, place-naming formula)→ Perfective: completed act of namingקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the patriarchal place-naming formula קָרָא שֵׁם + place appears throughout Genesis; the name encodes the founding event.
שֵׁםthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of קָרָא (construct chain: name of the place)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; in construct with הַמָּקוֹם; the name is given to the place as a permanent memorial of what happened there.
הַמָּק֖וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Genitive in construct (the place whose name was called)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place, site'; the specific location where Jacob built his house and the animal shelters.
סֻכּֽוֹתSuccothproper N · סֻכּוֹת (H5523)Predicate of naming (the name given to the place)סֻכּוֹת (H5523) 'Succoth' = 'Booths'; the proper name is the plural of סֻכָּה; the place is named from Jacob's construction of the shelters for his animals.
18
וַיָּבֹא֩ יַעֲקֹ֨ב שָׁלֵ֜ם עִ֣יר שְׁכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן בְּבֹא֖וֹ מִפַּדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם וַיִּ֖חַן אֶת פְּנֵ֥י הָעִֽיר
Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city.
The verse moves from transitional stop to formal reentry into the land of Canaan. שָׁלֵם is well taken here adverbially, "safely" or "intact," a fitting counterpoint to the peril and bodily wounding of the previous chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּבֹא֩and he cameconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, main narrative action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; the verb of arrival; Jacob reaches Shechem in Canaan.
יַעֲקֹ֨בJacobproper N ms · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיָּבֹאיַעֲקֹב (H3290); the subject of the formal arrival that establishes him within Canaan.
שָׁלֵ֜םsafelyadj m sg abs (adverbial) · שָׁלֵם (H8003)Adverbial accusative (he came safely/intact)שָׁלֵם (H8003) 'whole, complete, at peace, safe'; adverbial accusative; best taken here as 'safely, intact' — a pointed counterpoint to the wounding and limping of Gen 32; some read it as a place-name.
עִ֣ירthe city ofN f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Construct (head) in construct chain (city of Shechem)עִיר (H5892) 'city, town'; in construct with שְׁכֶם; identifies the destination as the urban site of Shechem.
שְׁכֶ֗םShechemproper N m · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Genitive in construct (city of Shechem)שְׁכֶם (H7927) 'Shechem'; the major Canaanite city in the central hill country; the site of the patriarchal altar tradition and the location of Gen 34's events.
אֲשֶׁר֙whichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing geographical specificationאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the locating clause: 'which is in the land of Canaan'.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (in the land of Canaan)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן = 'in the land of Canaan'; the explicit geographical notation marks the significance of this arrival as return to the promised land.
כְּנַ֔עַןCanaanproper N m · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive of בְּאֶרֶץ (land of Canaan)כְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the promised land to which Jacob returns after his twenty-year sojourn in Paddan-aram; the notation has covenantal weight.
בְּבֹא֖וֹwhen he cameprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suf · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal infinitive phrase (when he came from Paddan-aram)→ Infinitive construct: temporal verbal noun (when he came)בּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; prep בְּ + inf constr + suffix = 'in his coming / when he came'; the temporal clause gives the chronological background.
מִפַּדַּ֣ןfrom Paddanprep מִן + proper N m · פַּדַּן (H6307)Ablative prepositional phrase (from Paddan-aram)פַּדַּן (H6307) 'Paddan'; the region in northern Mesopotamia (Aram) where Jacob had sojourned with Laban; מִפַּדַּן אֲרָם = from Paddan-aram.
אֲרָ֑םAramproper N m · אֲרָם (H6307)Genitive/appositional (Paddan of Aram = Paddan-aram)אֲרָם (H6307) 'Aram'; the second element of the compound toponym Paddan-aram; the region of Laban and Jacob's wives' origins.
וַיִּ֖חַןand he campedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָנָה (H2583)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583) 'to camp, encamp, pitch tent'; Qal wayyiqtol; Jacob establishes his camp immediately before the city of Shechem.
אֶתbeforeprep · אֵת (H854)Locative preposition (before/in front of the city)אֵת (H854) 'beside, before, in front of'; this is the prep H854 (not the obj marker H853); used here spatially: 'before/in front of the city'.
פְּנֵ֥יthe face ofN (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of אֵת in locative phrase (before the face of = in front of)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, front'; אֵת פְּנֵי הָעִיר = 'before the city, in front of the city'; a standard locative idiom.
הָעִֽירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of פְּנֵי (face/front of the city)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the city of Shechem; Jacob camps outside it before acquiring land within its precincts.
19
וַיִּ֜קֶן אֶת חֶלְקַ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר נָֽטָה שָׁם֙ אָהֳל֔וֹ מִיַּ֥ד בְּנֵֽי חֲמ֖וֹר אֲבִ֣י שְׁכֶ֑ם בְּמֵאָ֖ה קְשִׂיטָֽה
And he acquired the portion of the field where he had pitched his tent, from the hand of the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, for a hundred qesitah.
The encampment becomes a formal possession by purchase, not mere temporary use. The price-term קְשִׂיטָה is obscure and should not be over-specified; the narrative emphasis falls on secure acquisition of a parcel tied to Jacob's dwelling.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּ֜קֶןand he acquiredconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָנָה (H7069)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, main narrative action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָנָה (H7069) 'to acquire, buy, purchase'; Qal wayyiqtol; the transaction is formal purchase — Jacob secures title to land in Canaan rather than merely encamping.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
חֶלְקַ֣תthe portion ofN f sg constr · חֶלְקָה (H2513)Direct object of וַיִּקֶן (construct: portion of the field)חֶלְקָה (H2513) 'portion, plot, parcel'; construct chain; a specific parcel of the field, not the entire field of the family of Hamor.
הַשָּׂדֶ֗הthe fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Genitive of חֶלְקַת (portion of the field)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; the specific parcel that Jacob bought and where he had pitched his tent.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhererelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying חֶלְקַת הַשָּׂדֶהאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying the plot by the tent pitched on it.
נָֽטָהhe had pitchedQal perf 3ms · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective: completed action (prior encampment)נָטָה (H5186) 'to stretch out, pitch (a tent), extend'; the idiomatic expression נָטָה אֹהֶל = 'to pitch a tent'; the purchase is of the land he was already using.
שָׁם֙thereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb (there — at that specific spot)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; points to the location already established by encampment — the specific plot now being purchased.
אָהֳל֔וֹhis tentN m sg constr + 3ms suf · אֹהֶל (H168)Direct object of נָטָה (he had pitched his tent there)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; the patriarchal dwelling; Jacob's tent marks the spot — and now he formalizes his use of the land by purchase.
מִיַּ֥דfrom the hand ofprep מִן + N (c) sg constr · יָד (H3027)Ablative prepositional phrase (purchased from the hand of)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; מִיַּד = 'from the hand of'; the idiom specifies the transaction's source — purchase from a human seller.
בְּנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of מִיַּד (from the sons of Hamor)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural construct; the plural 'sons of Hamor' identifies the Hivite clan from whom the purchase is made.
חֲמ֖וֹרHamorproper N m · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Genitive of בְּנֵי (sons of Hamor)חֲמוֹר (H2544) 'Hamor', the Hivite ruler of Shechem (Gen 34:2); his sons are the sellers of the plot.
אֲבִ֣יthe father ofN m sg constr · אָב (H1)Construct appositive (Hamor, father of Shechem)אָב (H1) 'father'; in construct with שְׁכֶם; identifies Hamor by his son's name — Shechem is prominent enough to define his father.
שְׁכֶ֑םShechemproper N m · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Genitive of אֲבִי (father of Shechem)שְׁכֶם (H7927) 'Shechem'; Hamor's son, the prince of the city; his name and conduct will dominate Gen 34.
בְּמֵאָ֖הfor a hundredprep בְּ + cardinal numeral f sg abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Prepositional phrase of price (for one hundred qesitah)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; the price of the land: 100 qesitah; the prep בְּ marks the price (beth pretii).
קְשִׂיטָֽהqesitahN f sg abs · קְשִׂיטָה (H7192)Appositive to בְּמֵאָה (specifying the monetary unit)קְשִׂיטָה (H7192) 'qesitah'; an archaic monetary unit of uncertain value; occurs only here and in Josh 24:32 and Job 42:11; the narrative does not specify its weight or metal — it should not be over-precision.
20
וַיַּצֶּב שָׁ֖ם מִזְבֵּ֑חַ וַיִּ֨קְרָא ל֔וֹ אֵ֖ל אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And there he set up an altar, and he called it El-Elohe-Israel.
The movement closes in the familiar patriarchal pattern of arrival, possession, and altar-building, but now with the new name Israel embedded in the altar's confession. MT presents an altar-name, El-Elohe-Israel; the LXX famously recasts the line as an act of invocation, but in MT the emphasis is the memorial naming of Jacob's God at the place of settlement.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיַּצֶּבand he set upconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָצַב (H5324)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, main narrative action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָצַב (H5324) 'to stand, erect, set up'; Hiphil wayyiqtol = 'he erected'; the altar is set up on the newly purchased land — possession and worship coincide.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb (there, at that place)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; points to the specific parcel just acquired — the altar is planted at the site of Jacob's encampment and purchase.
מִזְבֵּ֑חַan altarN m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of וַיַּצֶּבמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; from זָבַח 'to sacrifice'; the patriarchal altar marks covenantal worship at a new site; Jacob follows the pattern of Abraham (Gen 12:7, 8; 13:18).
וַיִּ֨קְרָאand he calledconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, naming formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; Qal wayyiqtol; the patriarchal naming formula; the object of the naming is the altar itself.
ל֔וֹitprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְDative/indirect object (called it by name)לְ + 3ms suffix; קָרָא לוֹ = 'he called it'; the pronoun refers to the altar just erected.
אֵ֖לElN m sg abs · אֵל (H410)First element of altar name El-Elohe-Israelאֵל (H410) 'God, mighty one'; the generic divine name that begins the altar's memorial title; used as the first element of the compound: 'El, God of Israel'.
אֱלֹהֵ֥יGod ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct (head) of genitive chain (God of Israel)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; construct plural before יִשְׂרָאֵל; the full altar name is אֵל אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל = 'El, the God of Israel'; MT presents this as an altar-naming, not a cry of invocation (contrast LXX).
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper N m · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of אֱלֹהֵי (God of Israel)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel'; Jacob's new name given at Peniel (Gen 32:29); its appearance here in the altar's title binds together the Peniel encounter, the reconciliation, and the cultic settlement — the chapter ends by confessing Israel's God at the place of Israel's arrival in the land.