Gen 32:20 | NETfull | STEP | You must also say, ‘In fact your servant Jacob is behind us.’” Jacob thought, “I will first appease him by sending a gift ahead of me. After that I will meet him. Perhaps he will accept me.”

Genesis 32:20

20 You must also say, ‘In fact your servant Jacob is behind us.’” ^{▼▼ Heb “and look, your servant Jacob [is] behind us.”} Jacob thought, ^{▼▼ Heb “for he said.” The referent (Jacob) has been specified in the translation for clarity. The Hebrew word מַקֵל (maqel), traditionally represents Jacob’s thought or reasoning, and is therefore translated “thought.”} “I will first appease him ^{▼▼ 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 five hundred and fifty animals.} by sending a gift ahead of me. ^{▼▼ Heb “with a gift going before me.”} After that I will meet him. ^{▼▼ Heb “I will see his face.”} Perhaps he will accept me.” ^{▼▼ Heb “Perhaps he will lift up my face.” In this context the idiom refers to acceptance.}