Genesis 33:6

6 Then the handmaids and their children came near and bowed themselves.

Genesis 33:6 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 33:6

Then the handmaids came near, they and their children
Being foremost, and next to, Jacob, as Bilhah and her two sons, Dan and Naphtali, and Zilpah and her two sons, Gad and Asher: and they bowed themselves;
in token of respect to Esau, as Jacob had done before them, and set them an example, and no doubt instructed them to do it.

Genesis 33:6 In-Context

4 Then Esau ran to meet his brother, and embraced him: and clasping him fast about the neck, and kissing him, wept.

5 And lifting up his eyes, he saw the women and their children, and said: What mean these? And do they belong to thee? He answered: They are the children which God hath given to me, thy servant.

6 Then the handmaids and their children came near and bowed themselves.

7 Lia also, with her children, came near and bowed down in like manner; and last of all, Joseph and Rachel bowed down.

8 And Esau said: What are the droves that I met? He answered: That I might find favour before my lord.