1 tn The verb קוּם (qum, “to arise, to stand up”) in the Hiphil verbal stem means “to confirm, to give effect to, to carry out” (i.e., a covenant or oath; see BDB 878-79 s.v. קוּם).
2 tn Or “as an eternal.”
3 tn Heb “to be to you for God and to your descendants after you.”
4 tn Heb “and Jacob said when he saw them.”
5 sn The name Mahanaim apparently means “two camps.” Perhaps the two camps were those of God and of Jacob.
6 sn The name Peniel means “face of God.” Since Jacob saw God face to face here, the name is appropriate.
7 tn The word “explaining” is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
8 tn Or “because.”
9 sn I have seen God face to face. See the note on the name “Peniel” earlier in the verse.
10 tn Heb “and my soul [= life] has been preserved.”
sn I have survived. It was commonly understood that no one could see God and live (Gen 48:16; Exod 19:21, 24:10; and Judg 6:11, 22). On the surface Jacob seems to be saying that he saw God and survived. But the statement may have a double meaning, in light of his prayer for deliverance in v. 11. Jacob recognizes that he has survived his encounter with God and that his safety has now been guaranteed.