Genesis 33:15

15 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."

Genesis 33:15 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 33:15

And Esau said, let me now leave with thee [some] of the folk
that [are] with me
To show him the way, and guard him on the road, and he appear the more honourable when he entered into Seir: and he said, what needeth it?
Jacob saw not the necessity of it; he knew the direct way very probably; he thought himself in no danger, since he was at peace with Esau, and he did not affect the grandeur of an equipage: let me find grace in the sight of my lord;
having his favour and good will, that was enough for him; and among the rest of the favours he received from him, he begged this might be added, that he might be excused retaining any of his retinue with him.

Genesis 33:15 In-Context

13 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.

14 Please go on ahead of me, and I will follow slowly, going as fast as I can with the livestock and the children until I catch up with you in Edom."

15 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."

16 So that day Esau started on his way back to Edom.

17 But Jacob went to Sukkoth, where he built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock. That is why the place was named Sukkoth.

Footnotes

• [a]. for I only want to gain your favor; [or] if it's all right with you.