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Genesis 32:20
New English Translation
Genesis 32:20
New English Translation
20 You must also say, ‘In fact your servant Jacob is behind us.’”[a] Jacob thought,[b] “I will first appease him[c] by sending a gift ahead of me.[d] After that I will meet him.[e] Perhaps he will accept me.”[f]
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- Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “and look, your servant Jacob [is] behind us.”
- 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.”
- 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.
- Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “with a gift going before me.”
- Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “I will see his face.”
- Genesis 32:20 tn Heb “Perhaps he will lift up my face.” In this context the idiom refers to acceptance.
Genesis 32:20
New International Version
Genesis 32:20
New International Version
20 And be sure to say, ‘Your servant(A) Jacob is coming behind us.’” For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts(B) I am sending on ahead;(C) later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.”(D)
Genesis 32:20
English Standard Version
Genesis 32:20
English Standard Version
20 and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him[a] with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”[b]
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- Genesis 32:20 Hebrew appease his face
- Genesis 32:20 Hebrew he will lift my face
New English Translation (NET)
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New International Version (NIV) 
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English Standard Version (ESV) 
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.