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

GENESIS 32:16KJV
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Genesis 32:16 (KJV)

What does Genesis 32:16 mean?

Genesis 32:16 describes Jacob giving groups of animals to his servants and instructing them to go ahead of him, with each group separated by some distance. Jacob organizes these droves as gifts for his brother Esau, hoping to make a good impression and ease their upcoming meeting.

In this scene, Jacob is preparing to meet Esau after many years apart, worried about Esau’s reaction because of their troubled past. Jacob carefully arranges the animals—each group led by a servant—to create a series of generous gifts, spaced out to maximize their impact as Esau encounters them one after another.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 32:16

  • "Drove" (עֵדֶר, eder): This word refers to a herd or group of animals. The repetition in the verse highlights that Jacob is sending multiple separate groups, not just one large herd, to Esau.
  • "Space" (רֶוַח, revach): This word means an interval or distance. Jacob’s instruction to put a space between each drove shows his careful planning, ensuring that Esau receives each group as a distinct gift, increasing the sense of abundance and thoughtfulness.
  • "Servants" (עֶבֶד, eved): The use of this word for Jacob’s men emphasizes that these are trusted people carrying out his specific instructions, not just random workers.

Why Genesis 32:16 matters

  • This verse shows Jacob’s strategic thinking and concern for reconciliation, revealing his anxiety about Esau’s response and his desire to soften Esau’s heart through generosity.
  • The careful arrangement of the gifts, with space between each group, highlights Jacob’s understanding of human nature—he hopes repeated gestures will have a greater emotional effect than a single offering.
  • Genesis 32:16 connects to the larger story of Jacob and Esau’s relationship, showing how Jacob is trying to make amends for past wrongs and approach his brother with humility and caution.

Where else these words appear

“space” Hebrew H7305 · used in 2 verses

  • Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

“betwixt” Hebrew H996 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
  • Exodus 16:12 I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.
  • Job 24:11 Which make oil within their walls, and tread their winepresses, and suffer thirst.

“drove” Hebrew H5739 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 29:2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.
  • Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.