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

GENESIS 32:8KJV
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Genesis 32:8 (KJV)

What does Genesis 32:8 mean?

Genesis 32:8 describes Jacob’s plan in case his brother Esau attacks him: if Esau comes and strikes one group of Jacob’s company, the other group that remains will be able to escape. Jacob is preparing for the possibility of danger by dividing his people and possessions into two separate groups.

Jacob is speaking to himself as he prepares to meet Esau, whom he fears may still be angry after years of separation. Jacob’s strategy shows both his anxiety about Esau’s intentions and his careful planning to protect his family and belongings. This verse is part of a larger story where Jacob is returning home after many years away and is unsure whether Esau will welcome him or seek revenge.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 32:8

  • The word for “company” is מַחֲנֶה (machaneh), which means a camp or group. Jacob divides everything into two camps, showing a tactical approach to the threat he fears from Esau.
  • The word for “escape” is פָּלִיטָה (pelitah), meaning to slip away or be delivered. Jacob’s hope is that even if one group is attacked, the other will have a chance to survive.
  • The word for “left” is שָׁאָר (sha’ar), which means to remain or be left over. This highlights Jacob’s concern for preserving at least part of his household, even in the worst-case scenario.

Why Genesis 32:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jacob is not acting out of blind fear but is thinking ahead and making practical preparations in the face of uncertainty.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of Jacob’s concern about Esau, reminding readers of the unresolved conflict between the brothers.
  • Understanding this plan helps explain the actions Jacob takes in the following verses, setting the stage for the dramatic reunion with Esau.

Where else these words appear

“escape” Hebrew H6413 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 45:7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
  • 2 Chronicles 30:6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
  • Isaiah 37:31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

“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.

“left” Hebrew H7604 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Joshua 13:2 This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,
  • Nehemiah 1:2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.