Genesis 32:5

5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, men-servants, and maid-servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.'"

Genesis 32:5 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 32:5

And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and
womenservants
This he would have said, lest he should think he was come to ask anything of him, and put himself and his family upon him; and lest he should treat him with contempt, as a poor mean beggarly creature, and be ashamed of the relation he stood in to him: and I have sent to tell my lord;
of his coming, and of his state and circumstances: that I may find grace in thy sight;
share in his good will, which was all he wanted, and that friendship, harmony, and brotherly love, might subsist between them, which he was very desirous of.

Genesis 32:5 In-Context

3 Ya`akov sent messengers in front of him to Esav, his brother, to the land of Se`ir, the field of Edom.

4 He commanded them, saying, "This is what you shall tell my lord, Esav: 'This is what your servant, Ya`akov, says. I have sojourned with Lavan, and stayed until now.

5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, men-servants, and maid-servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.'"

6 The messengers returned to Ya`akov, saying, "We came to your brother Esav. Not only that, but he comes to meet you, and four hundred men with him."

7 Then Ya`akov was greatly afraid and was distressed: and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;