Genesis 33:3

Translations

Modern

But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

Traditional

And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Literal

And he himself passed over before them and he bowed himself to the earth seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Latin

Et ipse progrediens adoravit pronus in terram septies, donec appropinquaret frater ejus.

Original

Hebrew

English

But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

Notes

Genesis 33:3–13

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:

he bowed (33:3),
used respectful titles (33:8, 13),
introduced people (33:6–7), and
gave gifts (33:8).

Genesis 33:1–17

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 Leah Rachel Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Genesis 42:6
Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.
Genesis 18:2
And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Genesis 43:26
When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him.
Proverbs 6:3
…then do this, my son, to free yourself, for you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go, humble yourself, and press your plea with your neighbor.
John 10:11–12
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
John 10:15
…just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.
1 Samuel 2:5
The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away.
Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
John 10:4
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Glossary

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

Topics

Conscience of Jacob, After he Defrauded Esau God: Preserver: when he Met Esau Leah: Flees with Jacob Prayer: Answered: Jacob, for Deliverance from Esau Salutations by Bowing Salutations: Often Accompanied by Bowing Frequently to the Ground

Genesis 33:3

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