Genesis 33:10

Jacob Meets Esau · Genesis 33:1–17
Read Genesis 33

Translations

Modern
But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And Jacob said, “No, please, if now I have found favor in your eyes, then you shall take my gift from my hand, for upon thus I have seen your face which is like seeing the face of God, and you have received me favorably.
Latin
Dixitque Jacob: Noli ita, obsecro: sed si inveni gratiam in oculis tuis, accipe munusculum de manibus meis. Sic enim vidi faciem tuam, quasi viderim vultum Dei: esto mihi propitius,

Original

Hebrew
English
But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably.

Notes

Jacob knew that Esau’s friendly greeting was God’s work, secured at Peniel when he saw God face to face.

Jacob was scared even though he had no reason to be. He tried to calm his brother by acting like a servant to a king:

Jacob had long expected to meet his brother Esau, and the meeting turned out much better than he feared. Esau’s changed heart shows how “God fights” for his people (See 32:28). God works powerfully for his people when they trust him.

Earlier, Esau did not value his birthright (the rights and blessing of the firstborn son; 25:32–34). Now he no longer held on to old anger. Jacob understood that God had stepped in and changed the situation.

Theme notes and profiles

Esau Jacob Symbolic Numbers

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Esau Genesis, Book of Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Conscience of Jacob, After he Defrauded Esau Flattery by Jacob God: Preserver: when he Met Esau Prayer: Answered: Jacob, for Deliverance from Esau Presents: Receiving of, a Token of Good Will