Genesis 33:5 kjv

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.

Genesis 33:5 nkjv

And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, "Who are these with you?" So he said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant."

Genesis 33:5 niv

Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. "Who are these with you?" he asked. Jacob answered, "They are the children God has graciously given your servant."

Genesis 33:5 esv

And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, "Who are these with you?" Jacob said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant."

Genesis 33:5 nlt

Then Esau looked at the women and children and asked, "Who are these people with you?" "These are the children God has graciously given to me, your servant," Jacob replied.

Genesis 33 verses

Genesis 33 5 Meaning

Genesis 33:5 records Esau's inquiry about the women and children accompanying Jacob, to which Jacob attributes their presence and prosperity directly to the gracious provision of God. This declaration emphasizes divine sovereignty and favor in his life, particularly concerning his offspring, aligning with the Abrahamic covenant promises. It signifies Jacob's transformed perspective, humbly acknowledging God as the source of his blessings after a period of intense spiritual struggle and fear regarding his reunion with Esau.

Genesis 33 5 Context

Genesis chapter 33 recounts the long-anticipated and feared reunion between Jacob and Esau, after Jacob's flight over two decades earlier due to deceiving Esau of his birthright and blessing. Leading up to this encounter, Jacob expressed immense fear (Gen 32:7), prayed fervently (Gen 32:9-12), and wrestled with God at Peniel, receiving a new name, Israel (Gen 32:24-32). His cautious preparations, including sending gifts ahead and dividing his camp, underscore his apprehension. The verse in question marks a pivotal moment where Esau's heart is unexpectedly softened (Gen 33:4), illustrating divine intervention and transformation beyond human expectation. Jacob's humble response to Esau, specifically attributing his children to God's grace, reflects his profound spiritual growth and a shift from relying on his own schemes to recognizing God's complete sovereignty over his life and family.

Genesis 33 5 Word analysis

• Then Esau lifted his eyes
  • וַיִּשָּׂ֨א עֵינָיו֙ (vayyissa `eynaw): Literally "and he lifted his eyes." This phrase often signifies a significant observation or survey, directing attention to something important. Here, Esau's gaze shifts from Jacob to the approaching procession, prompting his question.
• and saw the women and the children,
  • אֶת־הַנָּשִׁים֙ וְאֶת־הַיְלָדִ֔ים (et-hanashim v'et-hayeladim): "The women" (nashim) refers to Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah, and "the children" (yeladim) refers to Jacob's twelve children (including Dinah, but excluding Benjamin who was not yet born). The immediate perception of his extended family reinforces the magnitude of Jacob's household and the blessing on him.
• and said, "Who are these with you?"
  • Esau's question, while seemingly direct, sets the stage for Jacob's profound response. It acknowledges Jacob's unexpected prosperity and large family.
• And Jacob said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant."
  • הַיְלָדִ֖ים אֲשֶׁר־חָנַ֨ן אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־עַבְדֶּֽךָ (hayeladim asher-chanan Elohim et-avdekha):
    • הַיְלָדִים (hayeladim): "The children." Jacob directly identifies them, not merely as "people" or "family members."
    • אֲשֶׁר־חָנַן (asher-chanan): "whom has graciously given," or "whom has shown favor." The verb "chanan" means to show favor, be gracious, bestow. This highlights divine grace and unsolicited favor as the source of blessing. Jacob explicitly rejects any notion that his large family is due to his own merit, shrewdness, or any human fertility cults common in the region.
    • אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): "God." This general name for God emphasizes His sovereign power and benevolent activity as the Creator and controller of all things. Jacob attributes his fruitfulness to God, the one true source of life and blessings, implicitly contrasting Him with pagan deities of fertility.
    • אֶת־עַבְדֶּֽךָ (et-avdekha): "your servant." Jacob humbles himself before Esau, continuing his strategy of deference. More significantly, it also carries the implication of his standing as a servant of God. By identifying himself as "God's servant" to Esau, he reiterates his commitment to divine leadership. This demonstrates a transformed Jacob, no longer the deceiver but one who acknowledges divine providence.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "The women and the children": This collective group represents Jacob's numerous offspring, which directly fulfills the covenant promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their descendants. It showcases the tangible evidence of God's faithfulness in increasing Jacob's family despite his challenging circumstances in Haran.
  • "whom God has graciously given your servant": This powerful phrase is Jacob's testament of faith and humility. It summarizes his recognition that his progeny, wealth, and survival are not products of his own schemes, efforts, or Laban's good will, but solely due to God's unmerited favor. This deep spiritual insight reflects the impact of his encounter at Peniel, where he wrestled with God and became Israel.

Genesis 33 5 Bonus Section

The term חָנַן (chanan) used in Gen 33:5 implies not just giving, but giving with unmerited favor, highlighting divine mercy and compassion. This aligns with Jacob's prior experience where he received God's blessing and protection despite his past deceptions. This instance is a precursor to a frequent biblical theme where God provides despite human unworthiness. Jacob's response subtly points to a deeper reality: God’s fidelity to His covenant promises transcends Jacob's failures and Esau's initial anger, bringing about unexpected favor and reconciliation. The "women and children" also signify the nascent beginnings of the nation of Israel, showcasing the initial fulfillment of the promises of countless descendants made to Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. The peaceful reunion, a direct result of God's intervention as Jacob implies, foreshadows future peace that God's people would experience through His sovereign work.

Genesis 33 5 Commentary

Genesis 33:5 serves as a profound statement of divine providence and Jacob's spiritual maturation. It portrays a critical moment of vulnerability and trust where Jacob, having wrestled with God and man, stands before Esau no longer as a scheming survivor but as a recipient of God's grace. His immediate and unreserved attribution of his family's existence and prosperity to "God has graciously given" is pivotal. This isn't a mere polite response but a theological declaration. It underlines the belief that children are not just biological outcomes or cultural achievements, but sacred gifts from the Almighty. This perspective counters ancient world views that might attribute fertility to idols, human effort, or pure chance. Jacob's humility in calling himself "your servant" further accentuates his dependence on God, rather than his past reliance on cunning. The scene beautifully culminates Jacob's journey of faith, showing that genuine blessings and reconciliation flow from acknowledging God as the sole Giver. Practically, this verse encourages believers to recognize God's hand in every aspect of their lives, especially in family, prosperity, and survival, fostering humility and gratitude rather than pride in self-sufficiency. For instance, in moments of success, acknowledging God's grace prevents arrogance. When receiving a blessing, verbalizing God's involvement points to His sovereignty.