And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him.

GENESIS 32:19KJV
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Genesis 32:19 (KJV)

What does Genesis 32:19 mean?

Genesis 32:19 describes Jacob giving instructions to the second, third, and all the other servants who were driving his herds, telling them to say the same message to Esau when they met him. Jacob wanted each group to speak to Esau in a specific way as he approached, following the plan he set out.

Jacob is preparing to meet his brother Esau after many years apart, and he is concerned about Esau’s reaction. To calm Esau and show goodwill, Jacob sends gifts ahead in separate groups, instructing each servant on exactly what to say. This careful planning shows Jacob’s desire to be cautious and respectful in reuniting with Esau.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 32:19

  • "Droves" (עֵדֶר, ʿēder) refers to herds or groups of animals. The use of this word highlights that Jacob’s gifts were sent in organized groups, not all at once, to make a greater impression on Esau.
  • "Followed" (הָלַךְ, hālak) and "after" (אַחַר, ʾaḥar) together mean those who were coming behind or after the first group. This shows the sequence and order Jacob set up for meeting Esau.
  • "Speak" (דָּבַר, dābar) is the word for "to speak" or "to say," emphasizing that Jacob wanted each servant to repeat the same message to Esau, reinforcing his intentions.

Why Genesis 32:19 matters

  • This verse shows Jacob’s careful and strategic approach to a potentially dangerous family reunion, highlighting his wisdom and concern for peace.
  • The repeated instructions to each group underline how important it was to Jacob that Esau heard the same respectful message multiple times, which could help soften Esau’s attitude.
  • Understanding the order and repetition in Jacob’s plan helps clarify the tension and anticipation in the story, setting the stage for the dramatic encounter between the brothers.

Where else these words appear

“so” Hebrew H1571 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • 1 Samuel 12:16 Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.
  • Job 12:3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

“droves” 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.

“Esau” Hebrew H6215 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
  • Genesis 28:6 When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;
  • Genesis 36:13 And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.

“third” Hebrew H7992 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
  • 1 Samuel 3:8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:10 The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: