Genesis 33:8

8 'Esav asked, "What was the meaning of this procession of droves I encountered?" and he answered, "It was to win my lord's favor."

Genesis 33:8 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 33:8

And he said, what [meanest] thou by all this drove which I met?
&c.] Not as being ignorant of the design of it; for no doubt the several drovers, according to their instructions from Jacob, had acquainted him with it; but he chose not to take the present on what they said, but was willing to have it from Jacob's own mouth, and that he might have the opportunity of refusing it: and he said, [these are] to find grace in the sight of my lord;
to gain his favour and good will; and which, as it was a token of Jacob's good will to him, so, by his acceptance of it, he would know that he bore the same to him also. It was usual in the eastern countries to carry presents to friends, and especially to great men, whenever visits were paid, as all travellers in general testify to be still the usage in those parts, to this day.

Genesis 33:8 In-Context

6 Then the slave-girls approached with their children, and they prostrated themselves;

7 Le'ah too and her children approached and prostrated themselves; and last came Yosef and Rachel; and they prostrated themselves.

8 'Esav asked, "What was the meaning of this procession of droves I encountered?" and he answered, "It was to win my lord's favor."

9 'Esav replied, "I have plenty already; my brother, keep your possessions for yourself."

10 Ya'akov said, "No, please! If now I have won your favor, then accept my gift. Just seeing your face has been like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me.