Keraia
Genesis 33

Genesis 33:7

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

Translations

Modern
Leah and her children also approached and bowed down, and then Joseph and Rachel approached and bowed down.
Traditional
And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.
Literal
And Leah also came near, and her children, and they bowed themselves. And afterward Joseph came near, and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.
Latin
Accessit quoque Lia cum pueris suis: et cum similiter adorassent, extremi Joseph et Rachel adoraverunt.

Original

Hebrew
English
Leah and her children also approached and bowed down, and then Joseph and Rachel approached and bowed down.

Notes

Genesis 33:7

Among Jacob’s sons, only Joseph is named. Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son and the recipient of the blessing.

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:

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

People

Joseph: Son of Jacob, ruler in Egypt Leah: Wife of Jacob; mother of six sons and Dinah Rachel: Wife of Jacob; mother of Joseph and Benjamin

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 God: Preserver: when he Met Esau Leah: Flees with Jacob Prayer: Answered: Jacob, for Deliverance from Esau