Let me go, for the day is breaking: these are the words of Jacob’s opponent. Practically all translations in English have Let me go, but this can have two possible meanings: (1) “allow me to leave,” and (2) “release me from your grip.” Both the form of the Hebrew verb and the context of wrestling favor the second as the intended meaning. Day is breaking is based on the same expression as in verse 24. The expression used in translation should show that daylight or dawn is occurring. Jacob’s opponent does not want to be seen. This request is enough to let Jacob know that his opponent is no ordinary man.

Realizing he is wrestling with a god-like person, Jacob tightens his grip on his opponent.

But Jacob said: the Hebrew text has “he said,” but the context makes clear that “he” refers here to Jacob. In many languages “replied” may be more appropriate than “said” in this context.

I will not let you go, unless …: since this is a strong negative response, it is appropriate in some languages to begin with “No! ….” The translation of unless will also require a restructuring of the sentence in some languages; two examples of possible translations are “No way! First you give me a blessing, and then I will let you go” and “No! You are a powerful one! You must bless me first.”

Unless you bless me: bless is the same term used in 1.22; 2.3; 5.2, and in numerous other passages in Genesis. See the discussion of bless in 12.2. Jacob, who is already a wealthy man (and so already greatly blessed), is threatened by Esau. It is likely that what Jacob requests for a blessing at this point is to have good fortune in his encounter with his angry brother. Accordingly, if a fuller expression is required, bless in this context may be expressed as “give me good fortune in what I must do.” In a more general sense we may say, for example, “speak words of help for me.” This may be expressed idiomatically in some languages; for example, “place nothing but goodness upon my head.”

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 .