Genesis 32:14 - two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
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What does "Genesis 32:14" mean?
This verse is part of a larger list describing the gifts Jacob is sending to his brother Esau as a peace offering. It means exactly what it says:
Two hundred female goats and twenty male goats: Jacob is sending 200 female goats and 20 male goats as a gift. The imbalance in genders is intentional; more female goats means a higher potential for breeding and increasing the size of the herd.
Two hundred ewes and twenty rams: Jacob is sending 200 female sheep (ewes) and 20 male sheep (rams) as a gift. Again, the greater number of females is meant to emphasize the potential for breeding.
Why is Jacob sending these gifts?
Jacob is preparing to meet Esau after a long separation. Jacob had previously tricked Esau out of his birthright and blessing, leading to a deep-seated fear that Esau would want revenge. Jacob hopes that these substantial gifts will appease Esau and encourage reconciliation.
Symbolic Significance (less literal interpretation):
While the verse is primarily a literal description of Jacob's gift, there can be some broader interpretations:
Wealth and Prosperity: The livestock represents Jacob's considerable wealth and prosperity, demonstrating that he is not in need of anything from Esau.
Humility and Respect: By sending these gifts, Jacob is showing humility and respect towards Esau, acknowledging Esau's potential anger and attempting to ease it.
Peace Offering: The gifts are a symbolic offering of peace, meant to mend the strained relationship between the brothers.
In conclusion, the verse literally means that Jacob is sending a large number of female and male goats and sheep to Esau as a peace offering, hoping to appease him and avoid conflict. It demonstrates Jacob's wealth, humility, and desire for reconciliation.
Genesis 32:14 - two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
What does "Genesis 32:14" mean?
This verse is part of a larger list describing the gifts Jacob is sending to his brother Esau as a peace offering. It means exactly what it says:
Two hundred female goats and twenty male goats: Jacob is sending 200 female goats and 20 male goats as a gift. The imbalance in genders is intentional; more female goats means a higher potential for breeding and increasing the size of the herd.
Two hundred ewes and twenty rams: Jacob is sending 200 female sheep (ewes) and 20 male sheep (rams) as a gift. Again, the greater number of females is meant to emphasize the potential for breeding.
Why is Jacob sending these gifts?
Jacob is preparing to meet Esau after a long separation. Jacob had previously tricked Esau out of his birthright and blessing, leading to a deep-seated fear that Esau would want revenge. Jacob hopes that these substantial gifts will appease Esau and encourage reconciliation.
Symbolic Significance (less literal interpretation):
While the verse is primarily a literal description of Jacob's gift, there can be some broader interpretations:
Wealth and Prosperity: The livestock represents Jacob's considerable wealth and prosperity, demonstrating that he is not in need of anything from Esau.
Humility and Respect: By sending these gifts, Jacob is showing humility and respect towards Esau, acknowledging Esau's potential anger and attempting to ease it.
Peace Offering: The gifts are a symbolic offering of peace, meant to mend the strained relationship between the brothers.
In conclusion, the verse literally means that Jacob is sending a large number of female and male goats and sheep to Esau as a peace offering, hoping to appease him and avoid conflict. It demonstrates Jacob's wealth, humility, and desire for reconciliation.