Definition: Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 33:14. It's a really important moment in the story of Jacob’s journey with his brother Esau. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Jacob is trying to sneak past Joseph, who is a powerful and cunning man, while he’s traveling with his brothers in Egypt. He wants to avoid being caught by Joseph. Let's unpack the parts: “Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant:” This means Jacob is asking for God’s permission – a blessing – to move past Joseph. “…and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure…” This is where it gets a bit more complex. He’s saying he wants to travel slowly and carefully, just like animals moving along. "The cattle that goeth before me" refers to his brothers and crew. “The children” are Jacob’s sons. The key word here is "endure." It means to survive or endure hardship. "...until I come unto my lord unto Seir.” This is the crucial part. He's saying he will eventually reach Joseph, but only after a certain distance and with careful consideration. “unto my lord” means “to my God.” "Seir" is a place Jacob doesn’t know exactly, but it’s a significant destination that will lead him to his eventual salvation. What's the Big Picture? This verse shows Jacob’s humility and a bit of desperation. He's acknowledging that he's in a difficult situation – being pursued by someone powerful who is trying to thwart his plans. He’s seeking a way to avoid confrontation, prioritizing safety and survival. It’s a moment of strategic thinking and a plea for God's protection. Why is this important? This verse highlights: Jacob’s faith: He’s willing to make a difficult choice to avoid punishment. The power of Joseph: Joseph is incredibly influential, making the situation dangerous for Jacob. Divine Protection: The verse suggests that God is watching and protecting him, even when he’s trying to be sneaky. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story (the theft of the colored sheep)? Discuss the symbolism behind the "Seir" destination?