Genesis 33 3

Genesis 33:3 kjv

And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Genesis 33:3 nkjv

Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Genesis 33:3 niv

He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

Genesis 33:3 esv

He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Genesis 33:3 nlt

Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him.

Genesis 33 verses

Genesis 33 3 meaning

Genesis 33:3 describes Jacob's personal act of profound humility and submission as he approached his estranged brother Esau. Placing himself at the front of his entire company, he repeatedly prostrated himself—seven times—demonstrating a deep level of deference and reverence, aiming to appease and honor Esau, thus seeking reconciliation and mitigating any lingering wrath from their troubled past. This action underscores his recognition of Esau's potentially superior status or deserved honor after Jacob's deception.

Genesis 33 3 Context

Genesis 33:3 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob's return to Canaan after two decades in Paddan Aram. Following his desperate wrestling match with God at Peniel (Gen 32:24-32), where his hip was wrenched, Jacob's character is transformed; he emerges as 'Israel,' signifying one who has striven with God and prevailed, but also one who now walks with a limp, a perpetual reminder of his humility. This personal encounter with the divine profoundly shapes his approach to meeting Esau. Jacob, still fearful of Esau's long-held wrath over the stolen birthright and blessing (Gen 27), had strategically divided his household and livestock, sending wave after wave of gifts ahead of him to appease Esau (Gen 32:1-21). This verse describes the ultimate step in his carefully orchestrated plan—his own vulnerable, humble, and decisive leadership, placing himself personally in the position of greatest submission and respect before his brother, before any words are exchanged.

Genesis 33 3 Word analysis

• And he himself (וְהוּא, və·hū): The emphatic personal pronoun "he" stresses Jacob's initiative and personal leadership in this dangerous encounter. It highlights that despite all the strategic preparations (gifts, division of camp), Jacob chose to face Esau directly and alone, symbolizing his new walk as 'Israel' – no longer scheming, but submitting.
• went on before them (וַיַּעֲבֹר לִפְנֵיהֶם, vayya‘ăvōr lifnêhem): This implies Jacob took the most vulnerable position, exposing himself first to Esau's reaction before his wives and children. It showcases both his courage and his profound humility. This is a deliberate reversal of the typical order of protection for a tribal leader; the leader usually stays protected in the rear or center.
• and bowed himself (וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ, wayyiš·taḥăw): From the root שָׁחָה (sha-chah), meaning "to prostrate," "to bow down," "to worship," or "to do homage." In this context, it signifies an act of deep reverence, extreme submission, and homage, akin to how one would approach a king or a deity. It's not religious worship but an absolute surrender of one's status in a formal gesture of respect. It implies acknowledgment of past wrong and willingness to suffer for it.
• to the ground (אַרְצָה, arṣâ): Emphasizes full prostration, indicating total abasement, not just a nod or a slight bow. It is a posture of utter vulnerability and subservience.
• seven times (שֶׁבַע פְּעָמִים, sheva pə‘āmîm): The number seven frequently denotes completion, perfection, intensity, or fullness in the Bible. Here, it conveys the completeness and extremity of Jacob's homage. It wasn't a casual gesture, but a repeated, purposeful demonstration of his total submission and earnestness for reconciliation. It could also symbolize appeasement in stages, intensifying with each bow.
• until he came near (עַד־גִּשְׁתּוֹ, ‘ad giš·tō): This highlights the persistence of Jacob's bowing; he maintained this humble posture throughout his approach. The continuous action emphasizes the sincerity and thoroughness of his attempt to disarm Esau.
• to his brother (אֶל־אָחִיו, ’el-’āḥîw): The term "brother" reminds the reader of their shared lineage, emphasizing the fractured family bond Jacob is attempting to mend. Despite all the gifts and prostrations, the goal is restoration with "his brother," implying a desire for familial peace, not just survival. This familiar term heightens the contrast with the ceremonial bowing.

• "he himself went on before them": This phrase marks a significant turning point in Jacob's character. After a life of trickery and self-preservation (e.g., deceiving Esau, wrestling with Laban), Jacob now courageously and humbly places himself in the most vulnerable position, leading his family and confronting his past. This is the act of 'Israel', walking with a limp but empowered by divine encounter.
• "bowed himself...seven times, until he came near": This sequence of repeated prostration is a visual rhetoric of submission. It communicates volumes without words: "I acknowledge your superior status, my past wrong, and I seek your grace entirely." It is a performative act of peace and complete deference, a direct application of his wrestling at Peniel – from striving with God and humans to submitting to both.

Genesis 33 3 Bonus section

• Jacob's limp from Peniel (Gen 32:31) serves as a physical, perpetual reminder of his dependence on God and his newfound humility. This limp might have made his physical act of repeatedly bowing to the ground even more difficult and therefore more impactful and sincere, visibly communicating his changed state.
• The elaborate bowing ritual here can be contrasted with Esau's simple reaction of running and embracing, highlighting Esau's surprising graciousness which was perhaps cultivated by God in response to Jacob's transformation and repentance. Jacob's prepared humility paved the way for divine favor in Esau's heart.
• This verse provides insight into ancient Near Eastern customs of approaching superiors or appeasing offended parties, where such gestures were potent non-verbal forms of communication about status and intent. It's more than courtesy; it's a petition for acceptance.

Genesis 33 3 Commentary

Genesis 33:3 captures a transformative moment for Jacob. Having wrestled with God and emerged changed (Gen 32), Jacob now embodies the humility and dependence on divine grace necessary to face his past. His deliberate act of going before his family and repeatedly bowing to the ground seven times before Esau is not merely a custom but a profound and intentional demonstration of subservience, designed to dismantle Esau's anger. It shows Jacob shedding his conniving nature for true humility, strategically appealing to Esau's compassion and honor by offering an unparalleled level of respect. This extreme act of self-abasement effectively disarms Esau, who later runs to embrace him (Gen 33:4). Jacob's actions demonstrate the power of humility and a proactive desire for reconciliation in overcoming deep-seated conflict, proving that true peace often begins with laying down pride. It is a powerful illustration of seeking peace by placing the other's honor above one's own.