Genesis 32:11
New International Version
Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children.

New Living Translation
O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children.

English Standard Version
Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children.

Berean Standard Bible
Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children.

New American Standard Bible
Save me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children.

NASB 1995
“Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children.

NASB 1977
“Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me, the mothers with the children.

Legacy Standard Bible
Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and strike me down with the mothers and the children.

Amplified Bible
Save me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children.

Christian Standard Bible
Please rescue me from my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Please rescue me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Please rescue me from my brother. I am afraid he will come and attack not only me, but my wives and children as well.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Please save me from my brother Esau, because I'm afraid of him. I'm afraid that he'll come and attack me and the mothers and children too.

Good News Translation
Save me, I pray, from my brother Esau. I am afraid--afraid that he is coming to attack us and destroy us all, even the women and children.

International Standard Version
Deliver me from my brother Esau's control, because I'm terrified of him, and I'm afraid that he's coming to attack me, the mothers, and their children.

Majority Standard Bible
Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me.

NET Bible
Rescue me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, as well as the mothers with their children.

New Heart English Bible
Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children.

Webster's Bible Translation
Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he shall come and smite me, and the mother with the children.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I am fearing him, lest he come and has struck me—mother beside sons;

Young's Literal Translation
'Deliver me, I pray Thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I am fearing him, less he come and have smitten me -- mother beside sons;

Smith's Literal Translation
Take me away now from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him, lest he shall come and smite me, the mother upon the sons.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am greatly afraid of him: lest perhaps he come, and kill the mother with the children.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Rescue me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am very afraid of him, lest perhaps he may come and strike down the mother with the sons.

New American Bible
Save me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau! Otherwise I fear that he will come and strike me down and the mothers with the children.

New Revised Standard Version
Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him; he may come and kill us all, the mothers with the children.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hands of my brother Esau; for I am afraid of him, lest he will come to smite me, and the mothers with their children.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Save me from the hands of Esau my brother, because I am afraid of him, lest he will come and strike mother with her children.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him, lest haply he should come and smite me, and the mother upon the children.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob's Fear of Esau
10I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps. 11Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me. 12But You have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to count.’ ”…

Cross References
Psalm 59:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 18:48
who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.

Psalm 31:15
My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Psalm 140:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,

Psalm 143:9
Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

2 Samuel 22:49
who frees me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Luke 22:42
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

John 17:15
I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.

Romans 15:31
Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,


Treasury of Scripture

Deliver me, I pray you, 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.

Deliver.

1 Samuel 12:10
And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.

1 Samuel 24:15
The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

Psalm 16:1
Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

the mother.

Deuteronomy 22:6
If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:

Hosea 10:14
Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.

with.

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Afraid Attack Child Children Death Deliver Esau Fear Fearing Hand Mother Mothers Please Putting Save Saviour Slay Smite Smitten Strike
Genesis 32
1. Jacob's vision at Mahanaim.
3. His message to Esau.
6. He is afraid of Esau's coming.
9. He prays for deliverance.
13. He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok.
24. He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel.
31. He halts.














Please deliver me
The Hebrew word for "deliver" is "נָצַל" (natsal), which conveys the idea of being snatched away or rescued. This plea for deliverance is a heartfelt cry from Jacob, who finds himself in a vulnerable position. Historically, Jacob's life has been marked by struggle and conflict, particularly with his brother Esau. This moment of prayer reflects a deep reliance on God, acknowledging that only divine intervention can save him from impending danger. It is a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's protection in times of fear and uncertainty.

from the hand of my brother
The phrase "from the hand" is a Hebrew idiom that signifies power or control. Jacob is acutely aware of the potential threat posed by Esau, who has previously vowed to kill him. The mention of "my brother" highlights the personal and familial nature of the conflict. This is not just a political or territorial dispute; it is a deeply personal matter that has roots in their shared history. The Bible often uses familial relationships to illustrate broader spiritual truths, and here, the tension between Jacob and Esau serves as a metaphor for the struggles between flesh and spirit, or between human nature and divine calling.

from the hand of Esau
Esau, the elder twin of Jacob, represents a significant figure in Jacob's life. Historically, Esau is associated with the Edomites, a nation that often found itself in conflict with Israel. The mention of Esau by name underscores the specific and personal nature of Jacob's fear. It is not just any adversary he faces, but his own brother, with whom he has a complicated and fraught history. This highlights the theme of reconciliation and the hope for peace, even amidst longstanding enmity.

For I am afraid of him
Fear is a powerful emotion that can drive individuals to seek divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "afraid" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which can also mean reverence or awe. In this context, it reflects Jacob's genuine concern for his safety and the safety of his family. This admission of fear is significant because it shows Jacob's vulnerability and humanity. It is a moment of humility where he acknowledges his limitations and turns to God for strength and protection.

that he may come and attack me
The potential for violence is a real and present danger for Jacob. The word "attack" in Hebrew is "הִכָּה" (hikah), which means to strike or smite. This reflects the physical threat that Esau poses, but it also symbolizes the spiritual battles that believers face. Jacob's concern for an attack is not just about physical harm but also about the disruption of God's promises and plans for his life. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that Christians are called to engage in, trusting in God's protection and deliverance.

and the mothers with the children
This phrase highlights Jacob's concern for his family, emphasizing the patriarchal responsibility he feels. The mention of "mothers with the children" underscores the vulnerability of those who depend on him. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's care for the family unit and the importance of protecting and nurturing future generations. Jacob's prayer is not just for his own safety but for the well-being of his entire household, illustrating the selfless nature of true leadership and the protective instincts that God instills in those He calls to lead.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Please
נָ֛א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

deliver me
הַצִּילֵ֥נִי (haṣ·ṣî·lê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver

from the hand
מִיַּ֥ד (mî·yaḏ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of my brother
אָחִ֖י (’ā·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Esau,
עֵשָׂ֑ו (‘ê·śāw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I
אָנֹכִי֙ (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

am afraid that
יָרֵ֤א (yā·rê)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3373: Fearing, reverent

he may come
יָב֣וֹא (yā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and attack me,
וְהִכַּ֔נִי (wə·hik·ka·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

and also the mothers
אֵ֖ם (’êm)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

and
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

their children [with me].
בָּנִֽים׃ (bā·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT Law: Genesis 32:11 Please deliver me from the hand (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 32:10
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