Translations that follow the verse numbering of the Hebrew Bible place 31.55 (numbered as verse 1) as the opening verse of chapter 32. See the explanation at 31.55. This verse is then numbered as 32.2.

In some versions verse 31.55 (Hebrew 32.1) serves as a conclusion to the story of Jacob and Laban. However, 32.1 in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation does not open the next story, which is the next episode in the story of Jacob and Esau. Rather verses 1-2 serve as a transition between the end of the story of Jacob and Laban and the beginning of the new episode of Jacob and Esau. Only in verse 3 does the new story really get under way. Accordingly the Handbook considers 31.1 and 2 as transitional. The nature of the transition is a movement away from the threat of Laban, which was laid to rest in chapter 31, to the new threat of Esau, which will be overcome in chapter 33.

In some languages it will be helpful to mark the opening of chapter 32 with something like “After Laban had gone home, Jacob continued his journey….”

Jacob went on his way: Jacob’s departure from the place where he made the treaty with Laban takes place after Laban leaves for home. His destination has been set for him by God in a dream (31.13). Therefore it is important that the expression went on his way has the sense of going forward with a destination in mind, not just walking aimlessly about. In some languages it may be necessary to say, for example, “Jacob went on toward his own country” or “… toward Canaan.” If this can mean that Jacob traveled alone, it may be necessary to say “Jacob and those with him” or “Jacob took his people and animals and went….”

And the angels of God met him: for angels see 16.7; 31.11. This is the first occurrence of the plural of “angel.” There is no way of knowing how many angels there may have been; but from Jacob’s remark there must have been many. Good News Translation says “some.” Revised English Bible use the indefinite “angels of God.” Met in this context means “to encounter,” “to meet up with unexpectedly.” There is nothing hostile about this encounter.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .