Genesis 33:8

8 And he said, "What meanest thou by all this drove which I met?" And he said, "These are to find grace 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 handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.

7 And Leah also with her children came near and bowed themselves; and after these came Joseph and Rachel near, and they bowed themselves.

8 And he said, "What meanest thou by all this drove which I met?" And he said, "These are to find grace in the sight of my lord."

9 And Esau said, "I have enough, my brother. Keep what thou hast unto thyself."

10 And Jacob said, "Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand; for therefore I have seen thy face as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.