Genesis 33:3 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 33:1-4

Here, I. Jacob discovered Esau's approach, Gen. 33:1. Some think that his lifting up his eyes denotes his cheerfulness and confidence, in opposition to a dejected countenance; having by prayer committed his case to God, he went on his way, and his countenance was no more sad, 1 Sam. 1:18. Note, Those that have cast their care upon God may look before them with satisfaction and composure of mind, cheerfully expecting the issue, whatever it may be; come what will, nothing can come amiss to him... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:3

And he passed over before them ,.... At the head of them, as the master of the family, exposing himself to the greatest danger for them, and in order to protect and defend them in the best manner he could, or to endeavour to soften the mind of his brother by an address, should there be any occasion for it: and bowed himself to the ground seven times ; in a civil way, as was the manner in the eastern countries towards great personages; and this he did to Esau as being his elder brother,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:3

Verse 3 3.And bowed himself to the ground seven times. This, indeed, he might do for the sake of giving honor: for we know that the people of the east are addicted to far more ceremonies than are in use with us. To me, however, it seems more probable, that Jacob did not pay this honor simply to his brother, but that he worshipped God, partly to give him thanks, and partly to implore him to render his brother propitious; for he is said to have bowed down seven times before he approached his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 33:1-20

Jacob and Esau, or the brothers reconciled. I. THE MEETING OF THE BROTHERS . 1. The approach of Esau . 2. The advance of Jacob . 3. The reconciliation of both . The conflict of emotions in the breast of Esau was brought to a decision by the sight of Jacob, which at once cast the balance on the side of fraternal affection. Old memories of boyhood and home revived in the bosom of the stalwart hunter as he looked on his twin-brother, and, under the impulse of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 33:1-20

The fruits of prayer. The " prince " who has been lifted by the grace of God out of the humiliation of his fear and shame to the height of his favor at the throne of the Most High now reveals his princely power. He takes captive Esau's heart; he blesses him in the name of God, he bestows his gifts upon him. Notice the fruits of Divine discipline in the patriarch . I. THE THEOCRATIC FEELING IS ALIVE IN JACOB 'S HEART . He puts the handmaids first, Leah next, Rachel... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 33:3-4

And he (the introduction of the pronoun giving emphasis to the statement) passed over before them ( i . e . passed on in front of them, thus chivalrously putting himself in the place of danger), and bowed himself to the ground— not completely prostrating the body, as Abraham did in Genesis 19:1 , but bending forward till the upper part of it became parallel with the ground, a mode of expressing deep reverence and respect, which may be seen to life in Oriental countries at the p,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 33:1-20

- Jacob and Esau Meet17. סכת sûkkôth, Sukkoth, “booths,” consisting of poles forming a roof covered with branches, leaves, or grass.19. חמור chămôr Chamor, “ass, red, heap.” קשׂיטה qeśı̂yṭâh Qesitah, weighed or measured. Ἀμνὸς Amnos, Septuagint and OnkelosJacob has a friendly interview with Esau, and re-+enters Kenaan.Genesis 33:1-3Jacob, upon seeing Esau approach with his four hundred men, advances with circumspection and lowly obeisance. He divided his family, arranged them according... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 33:2-3

Genesis 33:2-3 . He put Rachel and Joseph hinder-most Giving those that were dearest to him most opportunity to escape. He passed over before them Exposing himself to the first and greatest danger for the security of his wives and children. He bowed himself to the ground Thus doing obeisance to Esau as an elder brother, though he feared him as an enemy. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:1-17

Meeting with Esau (33:1-17)Jacob may have had a dramatic spiritual experience with God, but he still had to face Esau the next day. He took precautions to protect his family against any possible hostility, then went ahead to meet Esau personally (33:1-3). Esau showed a generous spirit of forgiveness, with the result that the dreaded meeting proved to be a happy reunion. Jacob had gained Esau’s birthright and blessing by cunning and deceit, but he was not allowed to enjoy them fully till he... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 33:3-7

"And he himself passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are these with thee? And he said, The children whom God hath graciously given thy servant. Then the handmaids came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. And Leah also and her children... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 33:1-4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 33:1-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 33:1-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 33:3-4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 33:1-20

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 33:2-3

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:1-17

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 33:3-7

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