Genesis 33:8

8 And he said, What are these things to thee, all these companies that I have met? And he said, That thy servant might find grace in thy sight, 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 And the maid-servants and their children drew near and did reverence.

7 And Lea and her children drew near and did reverence; and after this drew near Rachel and Joseph, and did reverence.

8 And he said, What are these things to thee, all these companies that I have met? And he said, That thy servant might find grace in thy sight, my lord.

9 And Esau said, I have much, my brother; keep thine own.

10 And Jacob said, If I have found grace in thy sight, receive the gifts through my hands; therefore have I seen thy face, as if any one should see the face of God, and thou shalt be well-pleased with me.