Keraia
Genesis 33

Genesis 33:8

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

Translations

Modern
“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And he said, “What is all this camp to you, that I have met?” And he said, “To find favor in the eyes of my lord.”
Latin
Dixitque Esau: Quænam sunt istæ turmæ quas obviam habui? Respondit: Ut invenirem gratiam coram domino meo.

Original

Hebrew
English
“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered.

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:

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 Symbolic Numbers

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 Prayer: Answered: Jacob, for Deliverance from Esau