Genesis 33:12
New International Version
Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way; I’ll accompany you.”

New Living Translation
“Well,” Esau said, “let’s be going. I will lead the way.”

English Standard Version
Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way, and I will go ahead of you.”

Berean Literal Bible
And he said, “Let us journey and go on, and I will go before you.”

King James Bible
And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.

New King James Version
Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you.”

New American Standard Bible
Then Esau said, “Let’s journey on and go, and I will go ahead of you.”

NASB 1995
Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey and go, and I will go before you.”

NASB 1977
Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey and go, and I will go before you.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey and go, and I will go before you.”

Amplified Bible
Then Esau said, “Let us get started on our journey and I will go in front of you [to lead the way].”

Berean Annotated Bible
Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way, and I will go ahead of you.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Esau said, “Let’s move on, and I’ll go ahead of you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Esau said, “Let’s move on, and I’ll go ahead of you.”

American Standard Version
And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.

Contemporary English Version
"Let's get ready to travel," Esau said. "I'll go along with you."

English Revised Version
And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Esau said, "Let's get ready to go, and I'll go with you."

Good News Translation
Esau said, "Let's get ready and leave. I will go ahead of you."

International Standard Version
Then Esau suggested, "Let's set out and travel together, but let me go in front of you."

NET Bible
Then Esau said, "Let's be on our way! I will go in front of you."

New Heart English Bible
Esau said, "Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go ahead of you."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way, and I will go ahead of you.”

World English Bible
Esau said, “Let’s take our journey, and let’s go, and I will go before you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and says, “Let us journey and go on, and I go on before you.”

Berean Literal Bible
And he said, “Let us journey and go on, and I will go before you.”

Young's Literal Translation
and saith, 'Let us journey and go on, and I go on before thee.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say, We will remove and go, and I will go before thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And said: Let us go on together, and I will accompany thee in thy journey.

Catholic Public Domain Version
he said, “Let us go on together, and I will accompany you on your journey.”

New American Bible
Then Esau said, “Let us break camp and be on our way; I will travel in front of you.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go alongside you.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Esau said to him, Let us depart, and go, and I will go before you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Esau said to him, “We will pick up and we will go, and I shall go before you.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said: 'Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said, Let us depart, and proceed right onward.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Meets Esau
11Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted. 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.…

Cross References
Then Esau said,

Genesis 24:56
But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.”

1 Samuel 9:26
They got up early in the morning, and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way!” So Saul got ready, and both he and Samuel went outside together.

Numbers 20:17
Please let us pass through your land. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.”
“Let us be on our way,

Numbers 10:29
Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.”

Ruth 1:7
Accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road leading back to the land of Judah.

Genesis 31:17
Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels,
and I will go ahead of you.”

Deuteronomy 1:33
who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

Exodus 23:20
Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.

Exodus 13:21
And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night.
Genesis 32:3-5
Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. / 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.’”

Genesis 31:3
Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”

Genesis 28:15
Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Genesis 27:41-45
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” / When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. …

Genesis 32:6-8
When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” / In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. / He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”

Genesis 32:11
Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me.

Genesis 32:28
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”


Treasury of Scripture

And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before you.

Jump to Previous
Accompany Esau Front I'll Journey Together Way
Jump to Next
Accompany Esau Front I'll Journey Together Way
Genesis 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.












Then Esau said,
This phrase marks a significant moment in the narrative of Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau's words come after a long period of estrangement following Jacob's deception to receive Isaac's blessing. The reconciliation between the brothers is a pivotal moment, reflecting themes of forgiveness and restoration. Esau's willingness to speak first indicates a readiness to move past their previous conflict, which is a testament to the transformative power of time and possibly divine intervention.

“Let us be on our way,
Esau's invitation to journey together suggests a desire for unity and companionship. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, traveling together was a sign of peace and mutual trust. This phrase implies that Esau has forgiven Jacob and is willing to restore their relationship. The journey also symbolizes a new beginning for both brothers, moving forward from their past grievances.

and I will go ahead of you.”
Esau's offer to lead the way can be seen as an act of protection and leadership. In the patriarchal society of the time, the elder brother often assumed a leadership role. Esau's willingness to go ahead may also indicate his acceptance of Jacob's position and blessings, showing humility and a relinquishment of past grievances. This act can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's role as the Good Shepherd, who leads and protects His flock. Additionally, it reflects the biblical theme of reconciliation and peace, as seen in other scriptures such as Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Persons / Places / Events
1. Esau
The elder brother of Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah. Known for selling his birthright to Jacob and being deceived out of his father's blessing. In this passage, Esau shows a reconciliatory spirit towards Jacob.

2. Jacob
The younger brother of Esau, who previously deceived Esau and their father Isaac. Jacob is returning to Canaan after years of living with his uncle Laban, and he is anxious about meeting Esau.

3. Reconciliation
This event marks a significant moment of reconciliation between Esau and Jacob, who had been estranged due to past conflicts.

4. Journey to Canaan
The context of this passage is Jacob's return to Canaan, the land promised to his grandfather Abraham, after living in Haran.

5. Seir
The region where Esau settled, which is mentioned in the broader context of their meeting.
Teaching Points
The Power of Reconciliation
Esau's willingness to reconcile with Jacob demonstrates the power of forgiveness and the restoration of broken relationships. As believers, we are called to seek reconciliation and peace with others.

God's Faithfulness in Fulfilling Promises
Jacob's return to Canaan is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust God to guide us back to His purposes, even after periods of wandering or conflict.

Humility in Relationships
Jacob's approach to Esau, marked by humility and respect, serves as a model for how we should approach those we have wronged or who have wronged us.

The Role of Leadership in Reconciliation
Esau's offer to lead the way shows the importance of taking initiative in mending relationships. As Christians, we should be proactive in seeking peace and guiding others towards it.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 33:12?

2. How does Genesis 33:12 demonstrate reconciliation between Jacob and Esau?

3. What can we learn from Esau's offer to "set out" together with Jacob?

4. How does this verse connect to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation?

5. How can we apply Esau's willingness to journey together in our relationships?

6. What steps can you take to promote peace and unity in your community?

7. What is the significance of Esau's proposal in Genesis 33:12 for reconciliation?

8. How does Genesis 33:12 reflect the theme of forgiveness in the Bible?

9. What historical context influences the interaction between Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:12?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 33?

11. How did Jacob's life unfold in biblical narratives?

12. Who is Jacob, also known as Israel?

13. What explains the absence of any further conflict between Jacob and Esau after their dramatic meeting in Genesis 33?

14. Psalm 20:1 - If this verse promises divine help in trouble, why do so many faithful people still suffer without apparent intervention?
What Does Genesis 33:12 Mean
Then Esau said

• Esau, once determined to kill Jacob (Genesis 27:41), now speaks first, signaling genuine reconciliation (Genesis 33:4).

• His initiative models the power of forgiveness to restore broken family bonds (Ephesians 4:32; Proverbs 15:1).

• The narrative underscores God’s faithfulness in calming Esau’s wrath, just as He promised Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:15).


Let us be on our way

• Esau invites joint travel, picturing unity after years of estrangement (Psalm 133:1; Amos 3:3).

• The forward motion suggests leaving past offenses behind and stepping into a new chapter of peace (Philippians 3:13-14).

• By including Jacob’s entire household, Esau acknowledges the covenant family’s legitimacy (Genesis 33:5), illustrating how reconciliation benefits future generations (Romans 12:18).


I will go ahead of you

• As the elder brother, Esau offers protective leadership, much like a shepherd going before the flock (John 10:4; Deuteronomy 1:30-33).

• His proposal shows concern for Jacob’s vulnerable company—children and nursing livestock (Genesis 33:13)—and displays servant-hearted strength (Matthew 20:26-28).

• Jacob’s respectful decline in verses 13-14 reveals mutual honor: Esau provides safety, Jacob upholds his responsibilities, and both maintain peace (Genesis 33:15).


summary

Genesis 33:12 captures Esau’s invitation to walk together and his offer to lead. The verse illustrates the fruit of repentance and forgiveness: restored fellowship, shared direction, and protective love. It reminds believers that God can transform hostility into harmony, guiding His people forward in unity and peace.

Verse 12. - And he (i.e. Esau) said (in further token of his amity), Let us take our journey, and let us go, - but whether he intended to accompany Jacob on his way (Keil, Kalisch, et alii) or invited Jacob to go with him to Mount Seir (Ainsworth, Clericus) is uncertain. On the first hypothesis it is difficult to explain how Esau came to be traveling in the same direction as his brother, while the adoption of the second will serve in some measure to elucidate Jacob's language in ver. 2. But whichever way the words of Esau are understood, they amounted to an offer to be an escort to Jacob through the desert regions with which his excursions had made him familiar, since he added, and I will go before thee - i.e. to lead the way.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Esau said,
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Let us be on our way,
נִסְעָ֣ה (nis·‘āh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

and I will go
וְאֵלְכָ֖ה (wə·’ê·lə·ḵāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

ahead of you.”
לְנֶגְדֶּֽךָ׃ (lə·neḡ·de·ḵā)
Preposition-l | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before


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OT Law: Genesis 33:12 Esau said Let us take our journey (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 33:11
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