Genesis 33:15-17

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Genesis 33:15 tn The cohortative verbal form here indicates a polite offer of help.
2. Genesis 33:15 tn Heb “and he said, ‘Why this?’” The referent of the pronoun “he” (Jacob) has been specified for clarity, and the order of the introductory clause and the direct discourse has been rearranged in the translation for stylistic reasons.
3. Genesis 33:15 tn Heb “I am finding favor in the eyes of my lord.”
4. Genesis 33:16 tn Heb “returned on his way.”
5. Genesis 33:17 tn The disjunctive clause contrasts Jacob’s action with Esau’s.
6. Genesis 33:17 sn But Jacob traveled to Sukkoth. There are several reasons why Jacob chose not to go to Mt. Seir after Esau. First, as he said, his herds and children probably could not keep up with the warriors. Second, he probably did not fully trust his brother. The current friendliness could change, and he could lose everything. And third, God did tell him to return to his land, not Seir. But Jacob is still not able to deal truthfully, probably because of fear of Esau.
7. Genesis 33:17 tn Heb “why he called.” One could understand “Jacob” as the subject of the verb, but it is more likely that the subject is indefinite, in which case the verb is better translated as passive.
8. Genesis 33:17 sn The name Sukkoth means “shelters,” an appropriate name in light of the shelters Jacob built there for his livestock.