Genesis 33:8

8 Esau asked, "What about that other group I met? What did that mean?" Jacob answered, "It was to gain your 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 concubines came up with their children and bowed down;

7 then Leah and her children came, and last of all Joseph and Rachel came and bowed down.

8 Esau asked, "What about that other group I met? What did that mean?" Jacob answered, "It was to gain your favor."

9 But Esau said, "I have enough, my brother; keep what you have."

10 Jacob said, "No, please, if I have gained your favor, accept my gift. To see your face is for me like seeing the face of God, now that you have been so friendly to me.