Genesis 33:8 NIV

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 33:8

(8) What meanest thou by all this drove . . .? Heb., What is all this camp of thine that I met? From the time of Jacob’s coming to Mahanaim, the word mahaneh, “camp,” is used in a very remarkable way. It is the word translated bands in Genesis 32:7, and company in Genesis 32:8; Genesis 32:21. It is the proper word for an encampment of pastoral people with their flocks, and might be used not unnaturally of the five droves; for they would remind Esau of the cattle driven in at evening to the... 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

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

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 33:8-9

It is one thing to have enough of this world's goods, and it is another to have the Lord himself for our portion. Genesis 27:39 . read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:8

Favour. Esau had already heard from the servants. But he asks again, meaning to excuse himself from receiving them. (Haydock) --- This civil and unexpected behaviour, filled the breast of Jacob with such gratitude and love, that he made use of an hyperbole, I have seen, &c. ... of God . Chaldean, "of a prince," Syriac, "of an angel," Elohim. See 2 Kings xix. 27; Esther xv. 16. (Calmet) --- A little present. Hebrew monee, or mincha, calculated to shew the subjection of the giver.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:1-16

1-16 Jacob, having by prayer committed his case to God, went on his way. Come what will, nothing can come amiss to him whose heart is fixed, trusting in God. Jacob bowed to Esau. A humble, submissive behaviour goes far towards turning away wrath. Esau embraced Jacob. God has the hearts of all men in his hands, and can turn them when and how he pleases. It is not in vain to trust in God, and to call upon him in the day of trouble. And when a man's ways please the Lord he maketh even his enemies... read more