Genesis 33:1-10

Jacob Meets Esau

1 Jacob looked up. And there was Esau, coming with his 400 men! So Jacob separated the children. He put them with Leah, Rachel and the two female servants.

2 He put the servants and their children in front. He put Leah and her children next. And he put Rachel and Joseph last.

3 He himself went on ahead. As he came near his brother, he bowed down to the ground seven times.

4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob. He hugged him and threw his arms around his neck. He kissed him, and they cried.

5 Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. "Who are these people with you?" he asked. Jacob answered, "They are the children God has so kindly given to me."

6 Then the female servants and their children came near and bowed down.

7 Next, Leah and her children came and bowed down. Last of all came Joseph and Rachel. They bowed down too.

8 Esau asked, "Why did you send all of those herds I saw?" "I hoped I could do something to please you," Jacob replied.

9 But Esau said, "I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself."

10 "No, please!" said Jacob. "If I've pleased you, accept this gift from me. Seeing your face is like seeing the face of God. You have welcomed me so kindly.

Genesis 33:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 33

In this chapter we find Esau meeting Jacob in a friendly manner, contrary to his fears and expectation, having set his family in order in case of the worst, Ge 33:1-4; putting questions to Jacob concerning the women and children with him, who make their obeisance to him as Jacob had done before, Ge 33:5-7; and concerning the drove he met, which was a present to him, and which he refused at first to take, but at the urgency of Jacob accepted of it, Ge 33:8-11; proposing to travel with him, unto which Jacob desired to be excused, he, with the women, children, and flocks, not being able to keep pace with him, Ge 33:12-14, and to leave some of his men with him to guard him, which Jacob judged unnecessary, upon which they parted friendly, Ge 33:15,16; and the chapter is concluded with an account of Jacob's journey, first to Succoth, then to Shalem, where he pitched his tent, bought a field and built an altar, Ge 33:17-20.