What does Genesis 32:4 mean?

To return home, Jacob and his large company must pass near the region where his brother Esau lives. Does Esau still want to kill Jacob for taking his birthright and blessing? The threat was dire twenty years ago (Genesis 27:41–45), and nothing has happened since then to imply that the two men have been in contact.

In a show of good faith, Jacob sends messengers to Esau before moving through the land. He tells his messengers to tell Esau that he has been living with Laban, in Haran, for the last 20 years since he left home. Jacob's message pointedly refers to his brother as "my lord Esau" and refers to himself as Esau's servant. This indicates Jacob's deference, respect and, likely, his great fear of his brother. This does not imply that Jacob mistakes his actual authority: though he was the younger, he held the birthright and the blessing. In addition, two separate prophesies declared that Esau would serve Jacob (Genesis 25:23; 27:40).

Jacob, though, would not risk claiming authority over his brother for the moment. A person can be right, and still suffer the consequences of acting foolishly, especially if the other person's mind is set on revenge.