He likewise instructed the second and the third: Jacob gave the same instructions to the herdsmen leading the second and the third herds.

And all who followed the droves: doubtless this clause refers to herdsmen, as they are included with those who received the instruction concerning what is to be said to Esau. Verse 19 may then be translated, for example, “He also told the leaders of the second and third herds and all the other herdsmen.”

You shall say the same thing to Esau … him: same thing means give the same replies as told to the herdsmen of the first herd.

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 .