Genesis 33:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he said, What [meanest] thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, [These are] to find grace in the sight of my lord.

Complete Jewish Bible:

'Esav asked, "What was the meaning of this procession of droves I encountered?" and he answered, "It was to win my lord's favor."

Berean Standard Bible:

“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered.

American Standard Version:

And he said, What meanest thou by all this company which I met? And he said, To find favor in the sight of my lord.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he said^{H559}, What meanest thou by all this drove^{H4264} which I met^{H6298}? And he said^{H559}, These are to find^{H4672} grace^{H2580} in the sight^{H5869} of my lord^{H113}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 33:8

**Themes:**
- Reconciliation: The verse reflects an attempt to reconcile a strained relationship through the offering of gifts.
- Grace and Favor: The giver of the gifts seeks to gain the recipient's goodwill and forgiveness, emphasizing the theme of seeking favor or grace.
- Hospitality and Generosity: The act of giving a substantial drove of animals demonstrates the cultural value of hospitality and generosity in ancient Near Eastern society.

**Historical Context:**
Genesis 33:8 is part of the narrative concerning the reunion of Jacob and Esau, sons of Isaac and grandsons of Abraham. Jacob had previously deceived Esau out of his birthright and blessing, leading to a long separation and Jacob's fear that Esau might seek revenge. Upon their impending reunion, Jacob sends multiple droves of livestock as gifts to Esau, hoping to appease him and find favor in his eyes. This event occurs after Jacob's wrestling with God (or an angel) at Peniel, where he receives the name Israel, and just before he and Esau meet face to face.

The historical setting is likely the early 2nd millennium BCE, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle and pastoral economy of the time, where livestock was a primary measure of wealth and status. The narrative underscores the importance of family ties and the social protocols of seeking peace and forgiveness within the cultural context of the ancient Near East.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4264
   There are 190 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַחֲנֶה
   Transliteration: machăneh
   Pronunciation: makh-an-eh'
   Description: from חָנָה; an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or even the sacred courts); army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6298
   There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּגַשׁ
   Transliteration: pâgash
   Pronunciation: paw-gash'
   Description: a primitive root; to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur; meet (with, together).
   
4. Strong's Number: H4672
   There are 425 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָצָא
   Transliteration: mâtsâʼ
   Pronunciation: maw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present; [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2580
   There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֵן
   Transliteration: chên
   Pronunciation: khane
   Description: from חָנַן; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty); favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured.
   
6. Strong's Number: H5869
   There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַיִן
   Transliteration: ʻayin
   Pronunciation: ah'-yin
   Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).
   
7. Strong's Number: H113
   There are 337 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָדוֹן
   Transliteration: ʼâdôwn
   Pronunciation: aw-done'
   Description: or (shortened) אָדֹן; from an unused root (meaning to rule); sovereign, i.e. controller (human or divine); lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'.