Genesis 33:10

10 Jacob said, "No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably.

Genesis 33:10 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 33:10

And Jacob said, nay, I pray thee
Do not say so, as the Targum of Jonathan supplies it, or do not refuse my present: if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my
hand;
signifying, that the acceptance of his present would be a token to him, and give him full satisfaction that he bore a good will to him, and did not retain anger and resentment against him: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of
God;
or of princes, as Onkelos, as the face of some great personage, as he was; or as the face of an angel, very pleasant and lovely; or as the face of God himself, he observing the love and favour of God to him, in working upon the heart of Esau, and causing him to carry it so lovingly to him; wherefore for this reason receive it, because I have had such an agreeable sight of thee: and thou wast pleased with me;
accepted of me, and kindly received me:

Genesis 33:10 In-Context

8 And he said, "What do you mean by all this company which I have met?" And he said, "To find favor in the sight of my lord ."
9 But Esau said, "I have plenty, my brother; let what you have be your own."
10 Jacob said, "No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably.
11 "Please take my gift which has been brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have plenty." Thus he urged him and he took it.
12 Then Esau said, "Let us take our journey and go, and I will go before you."

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Lit "for therefore I have seen your face like seeing God's face"
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