And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

GENESIS 33:13KJV
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Genesis 33:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 33:13 mean?

Genesis 33:13 shows Jacob explaining to Esau that he cannot travel quickly because his children are young and his animals are caring for their young; if they are pushed too hard, the whole group could die. Jacob is asking for understanding and patience, making it clear that he must move at a gentle pace for the sake of his family and livestock.

In this verse, Jacob is speaking directly to his brother Esau after they have reconciled. Esau has offered to travel together, but Jacob points out the practical needs of his group. The verse highlights Jacob’s responsibility for vulnerable dependents and his carefulness in leading them, giving a glimpse into the realities of ancient family and pastoral life.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 33:13

  • "tender" (רַךְ, rakh): This word describes the children as fragile or delicate, emphasizing their need for special care and protection.
  • "overdrive" (דָּחַף, dakhaf): This word means to drive or push too hard. Jacob is concerned that forcing the pace would be dangerous for the animals, especially those with young.
  • "die" (מוּת, muth): The word here is direct and strong, showing that Jacob is not just worried about discomfort but about the real risk of death for the flock if they are overdriven.

Why Genesis 33:13 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jacob is simply making excuses; the language shows real concern for the well-being of his children and animals.
  • The verse highlights the practical challenges of ancient travel with families and herds, helping modern readers picture the scene more vividly.
  • Genesis 33:13 connects to the wider story by showing Jacob’s cautious and thoughtful nature, especially after his tense reunion with Esau, and sets the stage for how the brothers will part ways peacefully.

Where else these words appear

“overdrive” Hebrew H1849 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 19:22 Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.
  • Song of Solomon 5:2 I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.

“young” Hebrew H5763 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Samuel 6:7 Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:
  • 1 Samuel 6:10 And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home:
  • Psalms 78:71 From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

“tender” Hebrew H7390 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 18:7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
  • 2 Samuel 3:39 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
  • Proverbs 4:3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

“children” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.