Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Esau said, “Then let me leave some of my men with you.” “But why do that?” Jacob asked. “Just let me find favor in the eyes of my lord.” New Living Translation “All right,” Esau said, “but at least let me assign some of my men to guide and protect you.” Jacob responded, “That’s not necessary. It’s enough that you’ve received me warmly, my lord!” English Standard Version So Esau said, “Let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” Berean Standard Bible “Let me leave some of my people with you,” Esau said. But Jacob replied, “Why do that? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” Berean Literal Bible And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” And he said, “Why this? Let me find favor in the eyes of my lord.” King James Bible And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. New King James Version And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” New American Standard Bible Then Esau said, “Please let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” NASB 1995 Esau said, “Please let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” NASB 1977 And Esau said, “Please let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Esau said, “Please let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “Why do this? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” Amplified Bible Then Esau said, “Please let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But Jacob said, “What need is there [for it]? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” Berean Annotated Bible “Let me leave some of my people with you, Esau (hairy) said. But Jacob replied, “Why do that? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord. Christian Standard Bible Esau said, “Let me leave some of my people with you.” But he replied, “Why do that? Please indulge me, my lord.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Esau said, “Let me leave some of my people with you.” But he replied, “Why do that? Please indulge me, my lord.” American Standard Version And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find favor in the sight of my lord. Contemporary English Version Esau replied, "Let me leave some of my men with you." "You don't have to do that," Jacob answered. "I am happy, simply knowing that you are friendly to me." English Revised Version And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. GOD'S WORD® Translation Esau said, "Then let me leave some of my men with you." "Why do that?" Jacob asked. "I only want to win your favor, sir." Good News Translation Esau said, "Then let me leave some of my men with you." But Jacob answered, "There is no need for that for I only want to gain your favor." International Standard Version Esau said, "Let me leave with you some of the people who are with me." "Why do that?" Jacob asked. "I've already found favor in your sight, sir." NET Bible So Esau said, "Let me leave some of my men with you." "Why do that?" Jacob replied. "My lord has already been kind enough to me." New Heart English Bible Esau said, "Let me now leave with you some of my people who are with me. "But he said, "What need is there? Please indulge me, my lord." Webster's Bible Translation And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the people that are with me: And he said, What needeth it? Let me find grace in the sight of my lord. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Let me leave some of my people with you,” Esau said. But Jacob replied, “Why do that? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” World English Bible Esau said, “Let me now leave with you some of the people who are with me.” He said, “Why? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Esau says, “Please let me place with you some of the people who [are] with me”; and he said, “Why [is] this? I find grace in the eyes of my lord.” Berean Literal Bible And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” And he said, “Why this? Let me find favor in the eyes of my lord.” Young's Literal Translation And Esau saith, 'Let me, I pray thee, place with thee some of the people who are with me;' and he said, 'Why is this? I find grace in the eyes of my lord.' Smith's Literal Translation And Esau will say, I will leave now with thee, from the people which are to me; and he will say, For what this? I shall find grace in the eyes of my lord. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleEsau answered: I beseech thee, that some of the people at least, who are with me, may stay to accompany thee in the way. And he said: There is no necessity: I want nothing else but only to find favor, my lord, in thy sight. Catholic Public Domain Version Esau responded, “I beg you, that at least some of the people who are with me may remain to accompany you on the way.” But he said, “There is no need. I have need of one thing only: to find favor in your sight, my lord.” New American Bible Esau replied, “Let me at least put at your disposal some of the people who are with me.” But Jacob said, “Why is this that I am treated so kindly, my lord?” New Revised Standard Version So Esau said, “Let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “Why should my lord be so kind to me?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Esau said to him, Let me leave with you some of the men that are with me. But Jacob said, What need have I for them? Let me find mercy in the sight of my lord. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Esau said, “I shall leave for you some of the people who are with me”, and Yaquuv said, “Why has it happened for me to find mercy in the eyes of my Lord?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Esau said: 'Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me.' And he said: 'What needeth it? let me find favour in the sight of my lord.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Esau said, I will leave with thee some of the people who are with me. And he said, Why so? it is enough that I have found favour before thee, my lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Meets Esau…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.” 15“Let me leave some of my people with you,” Esau said. But Jacob replied, “Why do that? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” 16So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir,… Cross References “Let me leave some of my people with you,” 2 Samuel 15:19-20 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. / In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” Numbers 10:29-32 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.” / “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.” / “Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes. … 1 Samuel 30:24-25 Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.” / And so it has been from that day forward. David established this statute and ordinance for Israel to this very day. Esau said. Genesis 27:38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, O my father!” Then Esau wept aloud. Genesis 27:36 So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” Genesis 27:34 When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!” But Jacob replied, Genesis 31:36-42 Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? / You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us. / 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. … Genesis 24:54-56 Then he and the men with him ate and drank and spent the night there. When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.” / But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.” / 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.” Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. “Why do that? Luke 7:6 So Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with the message: “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 2 Kings 5:16 But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused. Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” Genesis 32:5 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.’” 2 Samuel 14:22 Joab fell facedown in homage and blessed the king. “Today,” said Joab, “your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, because the king has granted his request.” Genesis 18:3 “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. 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.’” Treasury of Scripture And Esau said, Let me now leave with you some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needs it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. leave. find grace. Genesis 34:11 And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give. Genesis 47:25 And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants. Ruth 2:13 Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens. Jump to Previous Esau Eyes Favor Favour Find Folk Grace Jacob Leave Need Needeth Please Pleased SightJump to Next Esau Eyes Favor Favour Find Folk Grace Jacob Leave Need Needeth Please Pleased SightGenesis 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. Let me leave some of my people with you, Esau's offer to leave some of his men with Jacob can be seen as a gesture of goodwill and protection. In the ancient Near Eastern context, traveling with a group provided safety from bandits and wild animals. This offer indicates Esau's desire to reconcile and support his brother, contrasting with their earlier conflict. It also reflects the cultural importance of kinship and mutual aid within family units. Esau said. But Jacob replied, “Why do that? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” Persons / Places / Events 1. EsauThe elder brother of Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is known for selling his birthright to Jacob and later being deceived out of his blessing. In this passage, Esau offers to leave some of his men with Jacob as a gesture of goodwill. 2. Jacob The younger brother of Esau, who had previously deceived Esau and their father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau. In this passage, Jacob is returning to Canaan and is meeting Esau after many years. 3. The Meeting This event takes place as Jacob returns to Canaan after living with his uncle Laban. Jacob is apprehensive about meeting Esau, fearing retribution for past wrongs. Teaching Points Reconciliation and HumilityJacob's response to Esau's offer shows humility and a desire for reconciliation. Believers are encouraged to seek peace and reconciliation in their relationships, even when past wrongs have occurred. Trust in God's Favor Jacob's statement, "Let me find favor in the sight of my lord," reflects his reliance on God's favor rather than human assistance. Christians are reminded to trust in God's provision and favor in their lives. Generosity and Forgiveness Esau's willingness to offer help to Jacob demonstrates generosity and forgiveness. Believers are called to forgive others and extend grace, as God has forgiven us. God's Sovereignty in Relationships The reconciliation between Jacob and Esau highlights God's sovereignty in mending broken relationships. Christians can trust that God is at work in their relationships, even when reconciliation seems impossible. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 33:15?2. How does Genesis 33:15 demonstrate Esau's willingness to support Jacob's journey? 3. What can we learn about reconciliation from Esau's offer in Genesis 33:15? 4. How does Esau's offer connect to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness? 5. How can we apply Esau's generosity in Genesis 33:15 to our relationships? 6. What does Esau's offer reveal about humility and grace in conflict resolution? 7. Why does Esau offer to leave some of his men with Jacob in Genesis 33:15? 8. What does Esau's offer in Genesis 33:15 reveal about his character and intentions? 9. How does Genesis 33:15 reflect the theme of reconciliation between Jacob and Esau? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 33? 11. What explains the absence of any further conflict between Jacob and Esau after their dramatic meeting in Genesis 33? 12. Why is there no mention of repercussions or pursuit from Laban, despite prior tensions, when Jacob meets Esau in Genesis 33? 13. How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men? 14. Why does Jacob liken seeing Esau's face to seeing God's in Genesis 33:10, and does this conflict with other monotheistic teachings? What Does Genesis 33:15 Mean Let me leave some of my people with you“Let me leave some of my people with you,” Esau said. (Genesis 33:15a) • Esau’s offer shows genuine goodwill. Earlier, he had arrived with 400 men (Genesis 33:1), a number that once terrified Jacob, yet now those same men are being offered as help, not harm. • The gesture signals full reconciliation. Like Joseph later sending wagons for Jacob (Genesis 45:19-20), Esau seeks his brother’s welfare, demonstrating that past hostility is gone. • Similar protective companionship is found when Pharaoh assigned men to escort Abram (Genesis 12:20) and when Nehemiah received an armed guard from the king (Nehemiah 2:9). Each instance highlights a leader’s desire to ensure safety for travelers. But Jacob replied But Jacob replied, (Genesis 33:15b) • Jacob responds immediately, mirroring the quick back-and-forth of their restored relationship (compare Genesis 33:9 where Esau promptly declined Jacob’s gift, and Jacob insisted). • This respectful dialogue contrasts sharply with Jacob’s earlier evasive strategies (Genesis 27:35-36; 32:13-20). Grace has replaced guile. Why do that? “Why do that?” (Genesis 33:15c) • Jacob gently declines, valuing independence after years of trusting God in exile (Genesis 31:4-13). • He likely wishes to avoid misunderstandings or obligations that could resurrect tension, recalling the strife between Abram’s and Lot’s herdsmen (Genesis 13:5-9). • By refusing military escort, Jacob places confidence in the Lord’s protection rather than human strength, echoing Psalm 20:7—“Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Let me find favor in the sight of my lord “Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” (Genesis 33:15d) • Jacob’s language is humble and deferential, paralleling his earlier plea, “If I have found favor in your sight” (Genesis 32:5). He addresses Esau as “my lord,” reflecting Eastern courtesy and honoring the older brother without compromising the blessing God gave him (Genesis 27:29). • True favor, not a security detail, is what Jacob seeks. Proverbs 22:1 affirms this priority: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.” • The phrase underscores Jacob’s desire for relational peace. Romans 12:18 echoes the principle: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” summary Esau’s offer of an escort displays brotherly care; Jacob’s polite refusal expresses trust in God and a desire to keep their renewed relationship unburdened by obligations. By choosing favor over force, both brothers act with humility, demonstrating that genuine reconciliation rests on grace, not on the presence of armed guards. Verse 15. - And Esau said, Let me now leave (literally, set, or place) with thee (as an escort or guard) some of the folk - i.e. armed followers (vide ver. 1) - that are with me. But of even this proposal Jacob appears to have been apprehensive. And he said, What needeth it! (literally, For what, or wherefore, this?) let me find grace in the sight of my lord - meaning either, I am satisfied, since thou art gracious to me (Vatablus), - ἱκανὸν ὅτι εϋρον χάριν ἐναντίον σου κύριε (LXX.); hoc uno tantum indigeo, ut inveniam gratiam in conspectu tuo (Vulgate), - or, be gracious to me in this also, and leave none of thy followers (Ainsworth, Patrick), though the two clauses might perhaps be connected thus: "Wherefore do I thus find grace in the eyes of my lord?" (Kalisch).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Let me leaveאַצִּֽיגָה־ (’aṣ·ṣî·ḡāh-) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 3322: To place permanently some of מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of my אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that people הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock with you,” עִמְּךָ֔ (‘im·mə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Esau עֵשָׂ֔ו (‘ê·śāw) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac said. וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say But [Jacob] replied, וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Why לָ֣מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what do that? זֶּ֔ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that Let me find אֶמְצָא־ (’em·ṣā-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present favor חֵ֖ן (ḥên) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective in the sight בְּעֵינֵ֥י (bə·‘ê·nê) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain of my lord.” אֲדֹנִֽי׃ (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller Links Genesis 33:15 NIVGenesis 33:15 NLT Genesis 33:15 ESV Genesis 33:15 NASB Genesis 33:15 KJV Genesis 33:15 BibleApps.com Genesis 33:15 Biblia Paralela Genesis 33:15 Chinese Bible Genesis 33:15 French Bible Genesis 33:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 33:15 Esau said Let me now leave (Gen. 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