Genesis 33:3

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 33:3

3. he bowed himself . . . seven times—The manner of doing this is by looking towards a superior and bowing with the upper part of the body brought parallel to the ground, then advancing a few steps and bowing again, and repeating his obeisance till, at the seventh time, the suppliant stands in the immediate presence of his superior. The members of his family did the same. This was a token of profound respect, and, though very marked, it would appear natural; for Esau being the elder brother,... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 33:1-17

Jacob arranged his family to preserve those who were most precious to him if his brother proved to be violently hostile (Genesis 33:1-3)."This kind of ranking according to favoritism no doubt fed the jealousy over Joseph that later becomes an important element in the narrative. It must have been painful to the family to see that they were expendable." [Note: The NET Bible note on 33:2.] His going ahead of them to meet Esau shows the new Israel overcoming the fear that had formerly dominated the... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:1-20

1-16.Jacob and Esau meet peaceably.17-20. Jacob settles in Canaan.3. Bowed seven times] in token of submission to Esau. 4. Jacob’s prayer (Genesis 32:11) is answered, and Esau, whatever his original purpose, now shows his brother only goodwill and affection. 10. I have seen thy face, etc.] i.e. I find thee as favourable to me as God is, alluding, no doubt, to the name Peniel (Genesis 32:30).11. My blessing] RV ’my gift’: the present which accompanied expressions of good-will. So Naaman said to... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 33:1-20

THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29). THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS.Abraham begat Isaac—The Tôldôth in its original form gave probably a complete genealogy of Isaac, tracing up his descent to Shem, and showing thereby that the right of primogeniture belonged to him; but the inspired historian uses only so much of this as is necessary for tracing the development of the Divine plan of human redemption.The Syrian.—Really, the Aramean, or descendant of Aram. (See Genesis 10:22-23.) The... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 33:3

XXXIII.(3) He passed over before them.—While providing some small chance of escape for his wives and children, arranged according to their rank, Jacob manfully went first and placed himself entirely in Esau’s power. He endeavoured, nevertheless, by his sevenfold obeisance in acknowledgment of Esau’s superiority, to propitiate him; for the cause of the quarrel had been Jacob’s usurpation of Esau’s right of precedence as the first born. This bowing in the East is made by bending the body forward... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Genesis 33:1-20

Genesis 33:0 'And he had a fine revenge; but when Jacob, on his journey, heard that his brother was near with 400 men, and made division of his flocks and herds, his man-servants and maid-servants, impetuous as a swollen hill-torrent, the fierce son of the desert, baked red with Syrian light, leapt down upon him, and fell on his neck, and wept. And Esau said, "What meanest thou by all this drove which I met?" And Jacob said, "These are to find grace in the sight of my Lord"; then Esau said, "I... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Genesis 33:1-20

CHAPTER 33 The Reconciliation of Esau 1. Jacob meets Esau (Genesis 33:1-17 ) 2. In the city of Shechem and the altar erected (Genesis 33:18-20 ) The reconciliation is effected, but Jacob is the same man of deceit. He tells his brother he will follow him to Seir. But he goes instead to Succoth. He built an altar there, but it is not the worship God expected. He should have gone to Bethel and fulfilled his vow. read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Genesis 33:3

33:3 And he passed over before them, and {b} bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.(b) By this gesture he partly revered his brother and partly prayed to God to appease Esau’s wrath. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:1-20

THE BROTHERS MEET AGAIN Jacob's trepidation is not eased when he sees that Esau has passed by all the droves and is coming with his four hundred men to meet Jacob. He even divides his family at this time, putting the maids and their children first, then Leah and her children, followed by Rachel and Joseph, for whom he was plainly the most concerned (vs.1-2). Now he must meet Esau, and with a servility that is not becoming to a brother, he bows himself seven times to the ground (v.3). Of... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:1-20

JACOB BECOMES ISRAEL MEETING WITH THE ANGELS (32:1-2) Filled with wonders is this lesson! The appearance of the angels, the divine wrestling, the transformation of Esau how much we need the Holy Spirit to understand the meaning of these things! Be sure to identify these places: Galeed or Mizpah of the preceding chapter, and Mahanaim, Peniel and the river Jabbok named in this, are all on the east of the Jordan, not far from what was known later as Ramoth- Gilead. How condescending of God to... read more

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