Genesis 33:13 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.

◄ Genesis 33:13 ►

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.

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.

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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
And 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.

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
But 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 1917
And 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.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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. ...

Genesis 30:43
Thus Jacob became exceedingly prosperous. He owned large flocks, maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys.

Genesis 31:38-40
I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. / I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.

Genesis 34:1-2
Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land. / When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.

Genesis 46:34
you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”

Exodus 12:38
And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.

Exodus 23:29
I will not drive them out before you in a single year; otherwise the land would become desolate and wild animals would multiply against you.

Numbers 32:24
Build cities for your little ones and folds for your flocks, but do what you have promised.”

Deuteronomy 7:22
The LORD your God will drive out these nations before you little by little. You will not be enabled to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals would multiply around you.

1 Samuel 16:11
And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

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.

Psalm 78:70-72
He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

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.

Ezekiel 34:12-16
As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. / I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. ...

John 10:11-14
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

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.

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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.

Berean Study Bible

But Jacob replied
This phrase introduces Jacob's response to Esau, highlighting his tactful and humble approach. The Hebrew root for "replied" (וַיֹּ֣אמֶר, vayomer) is often used in the context of dialogue, indicating a thoughtful and deliberate response. Jacob's reply is not just a simple answer but a carefully considered statement that reflects his wisdom and experience. Historically, Jacob's life has been marked by cunning and strategy, and here he uses his words to ensure the safety of his family and livestock.

My lord knows
Jacob addresses Esau with respect, using the term "my lord" (אֲדֹנִי, adoni), which signifies deference and acknowledgment of Esau's position. This is significant in the context of their previous conflict, as Jacob had previously deceived Esau. By using this respectful address, Jacob seeks to mend their relationship and demonstrate humility. The phrase also implies that Esau, as a leader and experienced man, understands the situation, appealing to his sense of responsibility and empathy.

that the children are weak
The mention of "children" (יְלָדִים, yeladim) being "weak" (רַכּוֹת, rakot) underscores the vulnerability of Jacob's family. The Hebrew word for "weak" can also mean tender or delicate, emphasizing the need for care and protection. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the importance of family and the responsibility of the patriarch to safeguard his household. In a historical context, the journey through the harsh terrain would have been arduous, and Jacob's concern for the well-being of his children is both practical and compassionate.

and I have nursing ewes and cows
This phrase highlights Jacob's wealth and responsibility. The Hebrew word for "nursing" (עָלוֹת, alot) indicates that these animals are in a critical stage of life, requiring special care. Ewes and cows were valuable assets in ancient times, representing sustenance and economic stability. Jacob's mention of them underscores his role as a steward of God's blessings, tasked with ensuring their survival and prosperity. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where one is entrusted with resources to manage wisely.

If they are driven hard for even a day
Jacob's concern about driving the animals "hard" (דָּחַק, dakhak) reveals his understanding of the limits of his livestock. The phrase "for even a day" emphasizes the immediate risk and potential consequences of overexertion. This reflects a broader biblical theme of rest and the importance of pacing oneself, as seen in the Sabbath commandment. Jacob's foresight and prudence serve as a model for responsible leadership and care for one's dependents.

all the animals will die
The stark warning that "all the animals will die" (וּמֵ֥תוּ כָּל־הַצֹּֽאן, umetu kol-hatzon) underscores the gravity of the situation. The Hebrew word for "die" (מוּת, mut) is a strong term, indicating the finality and seriousness of the potential outcome. This phrase serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities. In a scriptural context, it highlights the need for wisdom and discernment in decision-making, aligning with the biblical call to protect and preserve life.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Pulpit Commentary

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

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OT Law: Genesis 33:13 Jacob said to him My lord knows (Gen. Ge Gn)