Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender and that I must care for the ewes and cows that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard just one day, all the animals will die. New Living Translation But Jacob replied, “You can see, my lord, that some of the children are very young, and the flocks and herds have their young, too. If they are driven too hard, even for one day, all the animals could die. English Standard Version But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die. Berean Standard Bible But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die. Berean Literal Bible And he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender, and the flock and the cattle with me are nursing; and if they are driven hard one day, then all the flock will die. King James Bible 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. New King James Version But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. New American Standard Bible But he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds that are nursing are a matter of concern to me. And if they are driven hard just one day, all the flocks will die. NASB 1995 But he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds which are nursing are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one day, all the flocks will die. NASB 1977 But he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds which are nursing are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one day, all the flocks will die. Legacy Standard Bible But he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak and that the flocks and herds which are nursing are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one day, all the flocks will die. Amplified Bible But Jacob replied, “You know, my lord, that the children are frail and need gentle care, and the nursing flocks and herds [with young] are of concern to me; for if the men should drive them hard for a single day, all the flocks will die. Berean Annotated Bible But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die. Christian Standard Bible Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and I have nursing flocks and herds. If they are driven hard for one day, the whole herd will die. Holman Christian Standard Bible Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and I have nursing sheep and cattle. If they are driven hard for one day, the whole herd will die. American Standard Version And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young: and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die. Contemporary English Version But Jacob answered, "Master, you know traveling is hard on children, and I have to look after the sheep and goats that are nursing their young. If my animals travel too much in one day, they will all die. English Revised Version And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me give suck: and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die. GOD'S WORD® Translation Jacob said to him, "Sir, you know that the children are frail and that I have to take care of the flocks and cattle that are nursing their young. If they're driven too hard for even one day, all the flocks will die. Good News Translation Jacob answered, "You know that the children are weak, and I must think of the sheep and livestock with their young. If they are driven hard for even one day, the whole herd will die. International Standard Version "Sir, you know that the children are frail," Jacob suggested, "and the ewes and cows with me are still nursing their young. If they're driven even for a day, the entire flock will die. NET Bible But Jacob said to him, "My lord knows that the children are young, and that I have to look after the sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven too hard for even a single day, all the animals will die. New Heart English Bible Jacob said to him, "My lord knows that the children are tender, and that the sheep and cattle with me have their young, and if they overdrive them one day, the whole herd will die. Webster's Bible Translation And he said to him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me, and if men should over-drive them one day, all the flock will die. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die. World English Bible Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young, and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says to him, “My lord knows that the children [are] tender, and the suckling flock and the herd [are] with me; when they have beaten them one day, then all the flock has died. Berean Literal Bible And he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender, and the flock and the cattle with me are nursing; and if they are driven hard one day, then all the flock will die. Young's Literal Translation And he saith unto him, 'My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the suckling flock and the herd are with me; when they have beaten them one day, then hath all the flock died. Smith's Literal Translation And he will say to him, My lord knew that the children are tender, and the sheep and the oxen bringing forth with me, and they overdrive them one day all the flock will die. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jacob said: My lord, thou knowest that I have with me tender children, and sheep, and kine with young: which if I should cause to be overdriven, in one day all the flocks will die. Catholic Public Domain Version And Jacob said: “My lord, you know that I have with me tender little ones, and sheep, and cows with young. If I cause these to labor too much in walking, all the flocks will die in one day. New American Bible But Jacob replied: “As my lord knows, the children are too young. And the flocks and herds that are nursing are a concern to me; if overdriven for even a single day, the whole flock will die. New Revised Standard Version But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds, which are nursing, are a care to me; and if they are overdriven for one day, all the flocks will die. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Jacob said. My lord knows that the children are too young, and that the flocks and herds with young are with me; and if I should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Yaquuv said to him, “My Lord, know that the boys are young and the flocks and oxen are nursing with me and if I drive them one day, the entire flock will die. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said unto him: 'My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds giving suck are a care to me; and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said to him, My lord knows, that the children are very tender, and the flocks and the herds with me are with young; if then I shall drive them hard one day, all the cattle will die. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Meets Esau…12Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way, and I will go ahead of you.” 13But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die. 14Please let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until I come to my lord at Seir.”… Cross References But Jacob replied, Genesis 32:4-5 He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. / I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” 1 Samuel 25:24 She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. “My lord knows that the children are frail, Psalm 78:39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return. Psalm 103:13-14 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. / For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust. Matthew 18:10 See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. Proverbs 27:23-27 Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; / for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation. / When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered, … 2 Samuel 12:3 but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. If they are driven hard for even a day, Exodus 23:5 If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it. Deuteronomy 22:4 If you see your brother’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, you must not ignore it; you must help him lift it up. Deuteronomy 25:4 Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain. all the animals will die. Exodus 9:6 And the next day the LORD did just that. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. Ezekiel 34:4 You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. Ecclesiastes 3:19-21 For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile. / All go to one place; all come from dust, and all return to dust. / Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal descends into the earth? Genesis 32:13-20 Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau: / 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, / 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. … Treasury of Scripture And he said to him, My lord knows 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. the children. 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Jump to Previous Care Children Cows Day's Destruction Die Driven Ewes Flock Flocks Frail Herds Jacob Nursing Ones Sheep Small Suck Suckling Tender YoungJump to Next Care Children Cows Day's Destruction Die Driven Ewes Flock Flocks Frail Herds Jacob Nursing Ones Sheep Small Suck Suckling Tender YoungGenesis 33 1. Jacob and Esau's meeting; and Esau's departure.17. Jacob comes to Succoth. 18. At Shechem he buys a field, and builds an altar, called El Elohe Israel. But Jacob replied Jacob's response to Esau reflects his cautious and diplomatic nature. This encounter follows their reconciliation after years of estrangement due to Jacob's earlier deception. Jacob's reply is respectful, addressing Esau as "my lord," which indicates humility and a desire to maintain peace. This approach is consistent with Jacob's character, who often uses strategic thinking to navigate complex situations, as seen throughout his life. My lord knows that the children are frail and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young If they are driven hard for even a day all the animals will die Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch who is returning to Canaan after years in Haran. He is cautious and protective of his family and livestock. 2. Esau Jacob's brother, whom Jacob is addressing. Esau has come to meet Jacob with 400 men, which initially causes Jacob to fear. 3. Children Refers to Jacob's children, who are young and vulnerable during the journey. 4. Ewes and Cows Represents Jacob's livestock, which are essential for his wealth and survival. 5. Journey to Canaan The context of this verse is Jacob's return to the land promised to his ancestors, a significant event in the biblical account. Teaching Points Compassionate LeadershipJacob demonstrates a leadership style that prioritizes the well-being of those under his care, including his children and animals. This reflects a biblical model of stewardship and compassion. Wisdom in Decision-Making Jacob's response to Esau shows prudence and foresight. He understands the limitations of his group and makes decisions that ensure their safety and well-being. Trust in God's Timing Jacob's journey is a reminder to trust in God's timing and provision. He does not rush but moves at a pace that is sustainable for his family and livestock. Family Responsibility The verse highlights the importance of caring for one's family and dependents, a principle that extends to spiritual and physical nurturing. Balance of Fear and Faith Jacob's cautious approach to meeting Esau reflects a balance between fear and faith, teaching us to prepare wisely while trusting in God's protection. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 33:13?2. How does Jacob's approach in Genesis 33:13 demonstrate humility and wisdom? 3. Why does Jacob prioritize the needs of "the children" and "the flocks"? 4. How can we apply Jacob's patience in Genesis 33:13 to our daily lives? 5. What other biblical examples show prioritizing family and stewardship like Genesis 33:13? 6. How does Genesis 33:13 teach us to balance leadership with compassion? 7. Why does Jacob prioritize the well-being of his livestock in Genesis 33:13? 8. How does Genesis 33:13 reflect Jacob's leadership qualities? 9. What does Genesis 33:13 reveal about Jacob's relationship with Esau? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 33? 11. Why is there no mention of repercussions or pursuit from Laban, despite prior tensions, when Jacob meets Esau in Genesis 33? 12. What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy? 13. In Acts 7:16, Stephen says Abraham bought a burial place in Shechem, yet Genesis 33:19 credits Jacob with that purchase. Which account is correct? 14. Where is the archaeological or historical corroboration for Jacob purchasing land and setting up an altar at Shechem in Genesis 33:18-20? What Does Genesis 33:13 Mean But Jacob repliedJacob’s answer comes after Esau’s generous offer to travel together (Genesis 33:12). Rather than blindly accepting, Jacob responds with measured discernment. • He shows respect, yet maintains responsibility for those entrusted to him (cf. Genesis 32:9–12). • Scripture honors such careful leadership—“The prudent man acts with knowledge” (Proverbs 13:16). My lord knows Addressing Esau as “my lord” signals sincere humility without compromising truth (Genesis 32:4–5). • Romans 12:10 urges, “Outdo one another in showing honor.” • First Peter 5:5 commends clothing ourselves “with humility toward one another,” exactly what Jacob models here. That the children are frail Jacob highlights the genuine limits of his little ones. • Psalm 103:13–14 reminds us the Father “knows our frame.” • Ephesians 6:4 directs parents to nurture, not exasperate, their children. • A leader who values family health above haste mirrors God’s heart (Mark 10:14). I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young Jacob’s stewardship extends to vulnerable animals. • Proverbs 27:23: “Know well the condition of your flocks.” • John 10:11 portrays the Good Shepherd laying down His life; Jacob follows that shepherding pattern. • First Timothy 5:8 ties provision for one’s household to faithful obedience—Jacob lives this out. If they are driven hard for even a day He recognizes the cost of pushing weak ones beyond capacity. • Isaiah 40:11: God “gathers the lambs in His arms… He gently leads those that have young.” • Matthew 11:28–30 shows our Lord’s gentle yoke—leadership that refuses harsh demands. All the animals will die Jacob speaks plainly about consequences. Neglect brings ruin; careful pacing preserves life. • Proverbs 12:10 says, “A righteous man regards the life of his animal.” • Luke 14:5 illustrates rescuing an ox from a pit—God values living creatures, and so should we. summary Genesis 33:13 reveals a leader who tempers haste with compassion. Jacob’s respectful reply, concern for frail children, and protective care for nursing livestock illustrate wise, humble stewardship. He honors his brother yet insists on a pace that guards life, displaying the very character of the Good Shepherd and teaching us to value people and creatures entrusted to us above personal convenience or social pressure. (13) Flocks and herds with young.--Heb., that give such. Thompson (Land and Book, p. 205) infers from this that it was now winter, and thinks that this is confirmed by Jacob making folds for his cattle at Succoth. If so, more than six months would have elapsed since Jacob's flight from Haran; but the conclusion is uncertain, and Jacob probably halted at Succoth because of his lameness.Verse 13. - And he (Jacob, politely declining Esau's society and protection, though apparently accepting his invitation to go to Mount Seir) said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender (Joseph at this time being little over six years of age), and the flocks and herds with young (literally, giving milk; עַלות, from עוּל, to give suck) are with me, - literally, upon me, i.e. are an object of my special care, because of their condition (Rosenmüller, Keil) - and if men should over-drive them literally, and they (sc. the shepherds) will over-drive them, i.e. in order to keep pace with Esau's armed followers they must do so, and in that case, if they were to do so for only - one day, all the flock (literally, and all the flock) will die. Thomson says that Oriental shepherds gently lead along the mothers when in the condition spoken of by Jacob, knowing well that even one day's over-driving would be fatal to them, and, from the fact that Jacob's ewes were giving milk, infers that it was winter time, since then alone the flocks are in that condition - an inference which he further confirms by observing that at Succoth Jacob constructed booths for their protection ('Land and Book,' p. 205).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But Jacob replied,וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “My lord אֲדֹנִ֤י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller knows יֹדֵ֙עַ֙ (yō·ḏê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the children הַיְלָדִ֣ים (hay·lā·ḏîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring are frail, רַכִּ֔ים (rak·kîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7390: Tender, delicate, soft and I must care for עָלָ֑י (‘ā·lāy) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against sheep וְהַצֹּ֥אן (wə·haṣ·ṣōn) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock and cattle וְהַבָּקָ֖ר (wə·hab·bā·qār) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd that are nursing their young. עָל֣וֹת (‘ā·lō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 5763: To suckle, give milk If they are driven hard וּדְפָקוּם֙ (ū·ḏə·p̄ā·qūm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 1849: To knock, to press severely for even a אֶחָ֔ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first day, י֣וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the animals הַצֹּֽאן׃ (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock will die. וָמֵ֖תוּ (wā·mê·ṯū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4191: To die, to kill Links Genesis 33:13 NIVGenesis 33:13 NLT Genesis 33:13 ESV Genesis 33:13 NASB Genesis 33:13 KJV Genesis 33:13 BibleApps.com Genesis 33:13 Biblia Paralela Genesis 33:13 Chinese Bible Genesis 33:13 French Bible Genesis 33:13 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 33:13 Jacob said to him My lord knows (Gen. 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