Genesis 33 | New International Reader’s Version

New International Reader’s Version

Jacob meets Esau

1 Jacob looked and saw Esau coming with his 400 men! So Jacob separated the children. He put them with Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. 2 He put the servants and their children in front. He put Leah and her children next. And he put Rachel and Joseph last. 3 He himself went on ahead. As he came near his brother, he bowed down to the ground seven times. 4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob. He hugged him and threw his arms around his neck. He kissed him, and they cried for joy. 5 Then Esau looked around and saw the women and children. ‘Who are these people with you?’ he asked. Jacob answered, ‘They are the children God has so kindly given to me.’ 6 Then the female servants and their children came near and bowed down. 7 Next, Leah and her children came and bowed down. Last of all came Joseph and Rachel. They bowed down too. 8 Esau asked, ‘Why did you send all those herds I saw?’ ‘I hoped I could do something to please you,’ Jacob replied. 9 But Esau said, ‘I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.’ 10 ‘No, please!’ said Jacob. ‘If I’ve pleased you, accept this gift from me. Seeing your face is like seeing the face of God. You have welcomed me so kindly. 11 Please accept the present that was brought to you. God has given me so much. I have everything I need.’ Jacob wouldn’t give in. So Esau accepted it. 12 Then Esau said, ‘Let’s be on our way. I’ll go with you.’ 13 But Jacob said to him, ‘You know that the children are young. You also know that I have to take care of the cows and female sheep that are feeding their little ones. If the animals are driven hard for just one day, all of them will die. 14 So you go on ahead of me. I’ll move along only as fast as the flocks and herds and the children can go. I’ll go slowly until I come to you in Seir.’ 15 Esau said, ‘Then let me leave some of my men with you.’ ‘Why do that?’ Jacob asked. ‘I just hope I’ve pleased you.’ 16 So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir. 17 But Jacob went to Sukkoth. There he built a place for himself. He also made shelters for his livestock. That’s why the place is named Sukkoth. 18 After Jacob came from Paddan Aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in Canaan. He camped where he could see the city. 19 For 100 pieces of silver he bought a piece of land. He got it from Hamor’s sons. Hamor was the father of Shechem. Jacob set up his tent on that piece of land. 20 He also set up an altar there. He named it El Elohe Israel.