1 tn Heb “and he said to him, ‘You know how I have served you.’” The order of the introductory clause and the direct discourse has been rearranged in the translation for stylistic reasons, and the referent of the pronoun “he” (Jacob) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
2 tn Heb “and how your cattle were with me.”
3 sn The name Peniel means “face of God.” Since Jacob saw God face to face here, the name is appropriate.
4 tn The word “explaining” is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
5 tn Or “because.”
6 sn I have seen God face to face. See the note on the name “Peniel” earlier in the verse.
7 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.
