Genesis 32:18-20

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Genesis 32:18 tn The form is the perfect tense with the vav (ו) consecutive; it has the nuance of an imperfect of instruction.
2. Genesis 32:18 tn The words “they belong” have been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
3. Genesis 32:18 tn Heb “to your servant, to Jacob.”
4. Genesis 32:18 tn Heb “to my lord, to Esau.”
5. Genesis 32:18 tn Heb “and look, also he [is] behind us.” The referent of the pronoun “he” (Jacob) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
6. Genesis 32:19 tn Heb “And he commanded also the second, also the third, also all the ones going after the herds, saying: ‘According to this word you will speak when you find him.’”
7. Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “and look, your servant Jacob [is] behind us.”
8. Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “for he said.” The referent (Jacob) has been specified in the translation for clarity. The Hebrew verb אָמַר (ʾamar), traditionally represents Jacob’s thought or reasoning, and is therefore translated “thought.”
9. Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “I will appease his face.” The cohortative here expresses Jacob’s resolve. In the Book of Leviticus the Hebrew verb translated “appease” has the idea of removing anger due to sin or guilt, a nuance that fits this passage very well. Jacob wanted to buy Esau off with a gift of more than 550 animals.
10. Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “with a gift going before me.”
11. Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “I will see his face.”
12. Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “Perhaps he will lift up my face.” In this context the idiom refers to acceptance.