Genesis 33:8

8 Esav said, "What do you mean by all this company which I met?" Ya`akov said, "To find favor in the sight of my lord."

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 handmaids came near with their children, and they bowed themselves.

7 Le'ah also and her children came near, and bowed themselves. After them, Yosef came near with Rachel, and they bowed themselves.

8 Esav said, "What do you mean by all this company which I met?" Ya`akov said, "To find favor in the sight of my lord."

9 Esav said, "I have enough, my brother; let that which you have be yours."

10 Ya`akov said, "Please, no, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present at my hand, because I have seen your face, as one sees the face of God, and you were pleased with me.