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

GENESIS 32:14KJV
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Genesis 32:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 32:14 mean?

Genesis 32:14 lists the specific animals that Jacob set aside as a gift: two hundred female goats, twenty male goats, two hundred female sheep, and twenty rams. This verse is part of a detailed inventory showing the size and value of the present Jacob prepared for his brother Esau.

Jacob is preparing to meet Esau after many years apart, fearing Esau might still be angry with him. To try to gain Esau’s favor and show goodwill, Jacob carefully selects a large and valuable gift from his livestock. The verse highlights both Jacob’s wealth and the seriousness with which he approaches this reunion.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 32:14

  • The word for "hundred" (מֵאָה, me’ah, H3967) appears twice, emphasizing the large quantity of animals Jacob is giving, which would have been a significant fortune in that time.
  • The word for "goats" (עֵז, ez, H5795) refers specifically to female goats, which were valuable for their milk and offspring.
  • The word for "twenty" (עֶשְׂרִים, esrim, H6242) is used for both male goats and rams, showing a deliberate balance in the types of animals chosen.
  • The word for "ewes" (רָחֵל, raḥel, H7353) points to female sheep, again highlighting the practical value of the gift, as ewes were essential for growing a flock.

Why Genesis 32:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies just how generous and strategic Jacob’s gift to Esau was, helping the reader understand the scale of his effort to reconcile.
  • By listing the animals in detail, Genesis 32:14 emphasizes Jacob’s careful planning and the importance of livestock in ancient society.
  • The verse sets up the following narrative, where Jacob’s actions and gifts play a key role in his relationship with Esau and the unfolding of their family story.

Where else these words appear

“goats” Hebrew H8495 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 30:35 And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • Proverbs 30:31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

“ewes” Hebrew H7353 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 31:38 This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.
  • Song of Solomon 6:6 Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them.
  • Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

“goats” Hebrew H5795 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 16:5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
  • Numbers 29:5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you: