Genesis 32:8
New International Version
He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.”

New Living Translation
He thought, “If Esau meets one group and attacks it, perhaps the other group can escape.”

English Standard Version
thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.”

Berean Standard Bible
He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”

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

New King James Version
And he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape.”

New American Standard Bible
for he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the company which is left will escape.”

NASB 1995
for he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the company which is left will escape.”

NASB 1977
for he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the company which is left will escape.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And he said, “If Esau comes to the one camp and strikes it, then the camp which remains will escape.”

Amplified Bible
and he said, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the other camp which is left will escape.”

Christian Standard Bible
He thought, “If Esau comes to one camp and attacks it, the remaining one can escape.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He thought, “If Esau comes to one camp and attacks it, the remaining one can escape.”

American Standard Version
and he said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the company which is left shall escape.

Contemporary English Version
He thought, "If Esau attacks one group, perhaps the other can escape."

English Revised Version
and he said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the company which is left shall escape.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He thought, "If Esau attacks the one camp, then the other camp will be able to escape."

Good News Translation
He thought, "If Esau comes and attacks the first group, the other may be able to escape."

International Standard Version
Jacob was thinking, "If Esau comes to one group and attacks it, then the remaining group may escape."

Majority Standard Bible
He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”

NET Bible
"If Esau attacks one camp," he thought, "then the other camp will be able to escape."

New Heart English Bible
and he said, "If Esau comes to the one camp, and strikes it, then the other camp will escape."

Webster's Bible Translation
And said, If Esau shall come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left, will escape.

World English Bible
He said, “If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and says, “If Esau comes to one camp, and has struck it—then the camp which is left has been for an escape.”

Young's Literal Translation
and saith, 'If Esau come in unto the one camp, and have smitten it -- then the camp which is left hath been for an escape.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say, If Esau shall come to the one camp and smite it, and the remaining camp was to escape.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Saying: If Esau come to one company and destroy it, the other company that is left shall escape.

Catholic Public Domain Version
saying: “If Esau goes to one company, and strikes it, the other company, which is left behind, will be saved.”

New American Bible
“If Esau should come and attack one camp,” he reasoned, “the remaining camp may still escape.”

New Revised Standard Version
thinking, “If Esau comes to the one company and destroys it, then the company that is left will escape.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jacob said, If my brother Esau should come against one group and destroy it, then the group which is left shall escape.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yaquuv said, “If Esau my brother will come upon one camp and he will destroy it, the camp that remains escapes.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said: 'If Esau come to the one camp, and smite it, then the camp which is left shall escape.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jacob said, If Esau should come to one camp, and smite it, the other camp shall be in safety.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob's Fear of Esau
7In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. 8He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.” 9Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’…

Cross References
Genesis 33:1-4
Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. ...

Genesis 27:41-45
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” / When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. ...

Genesis 28:13-15
And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. / Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Genesis 31:3
Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”

Genesis 35:1-3
Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” / So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments. / Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.”

Exodus 14:10-14
As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD. / They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? / Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” ...

1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

2 Samuel 15:13-14
Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”

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 91:2-4
I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” / Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. / He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.

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 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / 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.

Jeremiah 1:8
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Matthew 10:28-31
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. / Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ...

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.”


Treasury of Scripture

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

Genesis 33:1-3
And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids…

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Jump to Previous
Attack Attacks Camp Company Destroys Esau Escape Group Makes Meeting Others Safely Smite Smitten Strikes Thinking Thought Troop
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Attack Attacks Camp Company Destroys Esau Escape Group Makes Meeting Others Safely Smite Smitten Strikes Thinking Thought Troop
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.














He thought
The Hebrew word for "thought" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often translated as "said" or "spoke." In this context, it reflects an internal dialogue, indicating Jacob's deep concern and strategic planning. This introspection reveals Jacob's human vulnerability and his reliance on his own understanding, a common theme in the lives of biblical patriarchs who often wrestled with faith and fear.

If Esau comes
The mention of Esau brings to mind the historical and familial tension between Jacob and Esau, dating back to Genesis 25, where Jacob deceived Esau out of his birthright. The Hebrew name "עֵשָׂו" (Esav) is associated with the color red and the land of Edom. This phrase underscores the looming threat and unresolved conflict that Jacob anticipates, highlighting the consequences of past actions and the need for reconciliation.

and attacks
The Hebrew root "פָּגַע" (paga) means to meet, encounter, or attack. This word choice reflects Jacob's fear of a violent confrontation. Historically, this fear is not unfounded, as tribal and familial conflicts were common in the ancient Near East. Jacob's anticipation of an attack underscores the precariousness of his situation and the potential for violence in resolving familial disputes.

one camp
The term "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh) refers to a camp or encampment. In the context of Jacob's journey, it signifies the division of his family and possessions into two groups. This strategic move reflects Jacob's cautious nature and his attempt to preserve at least part of his household. The concept of a camp also evokes the idea of a temporary dwelling, symbolizing the transient nature of Jacob's journey and his reliance on God's promises for a permanent home.

then the other camp can escape
The phrase "can escape" comes from the Hebrew "פָּלַט" (palat), meaning to escape or deliver. This reflects Jacob's hope for survival and deliverance, a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. The division of the camps is a practical measure, but it also symbolizes Jacob's struggle between self-reliance and trust in divine protection. Historically, this reflects the broader theme of God's providence and the deliverance of His people, as seen throughout the Scriptures.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He thought,
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

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

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

and attacks
וְהִכָּ֑הוּ (wə·hik·kā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

one
הָאַחַ֖ת (hā·’a·ḥaṯ)
Article | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

camp,
הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה (ham·ma·ḥă·neh)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

then
וְהָיָ֛ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the other
הַנִּשְׁאָ֖ר (han·niš·’ār)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant

camp
הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה (ham·ma·ḥă·neh)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

can escape.”
לִפְלֵיטָֽה׃ (lip̄·lê·ṭāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6413: Deliverance, an escaped portion


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OT Law: Genesis 32:8 And he said If Esau comes (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 32:7
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