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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he passed over {H5674} before them {H6440}, and bowed himself {H7812} to the ground {H776} seven {H7651} times {H6471}, until he came near {H5066} to his brother {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he himself passed on ahead of them and prostrated himself on the ground seven times before approaching his brother.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 33:3](/genesis/33-3 "Jacob's humble approach to Esau") depicts Jacob's profound act of humility and strategic deference as he approaches his estranged brother, Esau. Having strategically arranged his family and possessions, Jacob personally advanced ahead of them, bowing himself to the ground seven times. This deliberate and sustained gesture demonstrated his complete submission and earnest desire for reconciliation, aiming to disarm any lingering wrath from Esau and secure peace after decades of estrangement.

### CONTEXT
[Genesis 33:3](/genesis/33-3 "Jacob's humble approach to Esau") is a pivotal moment in the long-anticipated reunion of Jacob and Esau, brothers estranged for over two decades following Jacob's deception in securing the [birthright and blessing](/genesis/27-36 "Read about Jacob's deception for the birthright and blessing in Genesis 27:36"). Jacob is returning to Canaan after living with Laban in Haran, filled with apprehension about facing Esau's potential wrath. Just prior to this encounter, Jacob experienced a transformative night wrestling with a divine being at [Peniel](/genesis/32-24 "Learn about Jacob's wrestling with God at Peniel in Genesis 32:24"), where he received the new name Israel. Despite this divine assurance, Jacob remained deeply concerned for the safety of his family and strategically arranged his household and possessions to minimize risk, demonstrating both faith and prudence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 33:3](/genesis/33-3 "Jacob's humble approach to Esau") details Jacob's personal and profound act of submission as he prepares to meet Esau. His decision to "pass over before them" signifies his leadership and willingness to face the initial danger himself, placing his family's safety above his own. The subsequent action of bowing "seven times" is not a casual greeting but a deeply significant gesture in ancient Near Eastern culture, conveying extreme humility, deference, and a plea for favor or appeasement from a superior. This sustained act of prostration, continued "until he came near to his brother," underscores the earnestness and totality of Jacob's desire for peace.

* **"And he passed over before them"**: Jacob, despite his fear and the divine encounter at [Peniel](/genesis/32-24 "Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel"), takes personal responsibility and leads the way. This shows his courage and commitment to protecting his family by being the first to face Esau.
* **"And bowed himself to the ground seven times"**: This act was a powerful gesture of submission, often used when approaching a king or a person of great authority, or when seeking to avert wrath. It signifies Jacob's complete surrender and his desire to disarm any hostility from Esau. The number "seven" (שֶׁבַע - _sheva'_) in Hebrew thought often denotes completeness, perfection, or totality. Jacob's repeated prostration emphasizes the extreme degree of his humility and the earnestness of his plea for peace. It was a comprehensive and utter act of deference, meant to fully disarm any lingering anger or desire for revenge from Esau.
* **"Until he came near to his brother"**: This phrase highlights the sustained nature of Jacob's humility. He did not merely bow once but continued the gesture of submission throughout his approach, ensuring Esau perceived the depth of his contriteness and desire for reconciliation. This sustained action was a vital part of his strategy to soften Esau's heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence and Human Responsibility**: Despite Jacob's recent transformative encounter with God and the assurance of divine protection ([Genesis 32:28-29](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob's new name, Israel")), he still exercises extreme prudence and strategic planning. This demonstrates that faith in God's sovereignty does not negate the need for wise human action and responsibility.
* **The Power of Humility in Reconciliation**: Jacob's profound act of bowing serves as a powerful example of how humility can disarm hostility and open the door to reconciliation, even in deeply fractured relationships. It prioritizes peace over pride.
* **Proactive Peacemaking**: Jacob does not wait for Esau to initiate contact or reconciliation; he actively seeks to make peace. This highlights the biblical call to be a peacemaker, taking the initiative to mend broken relationships.
* **Consequences and Restoration**: The verse implicitly acknowledges the long-standing consequences of Jacob's past deception ([Genesis 27:36](/genesis/27-36 "Jacob's deception for the birthright and blessing")). His actions here represent a step towards seeking restoration and making amends for past wrongs.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 33:3](/genesis/33-3 "Jacob's humble approach to Esau") offers timeless lessons for believers navigating conflict and seeking reconciliation. Jacob's example teaches the profound power of humility in mending broken relationships; sometimes, setting aside pride and taking a humble posture is essential for healing, even when one feels justified or wronged. Furthermore, Jacob's proactive approach encourages us to be peacemakers, actively seeking to reconcile and mend rifts, rather than waiting for others to initiate. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that "blessed are the peacemakers" ([Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Read about the blessings of peacemakers in Matthew 5:9")). Finally, Jacob's blend of faith and prudence reminds us that while we trust in God's providence and protection, we are also called to exercise wisdom, careful planning, and responsible action in our human interactions.

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob bow seven times to Esau?**

Answer: Jacob bowed seven times to Esau as a profound gesture of humility, submission, and respect, characteristic of ancient Near Eastern customs when approaching a superior or seeking to appease someone. The number seven in Hebrew thought often signifies completeness or totality, emphasizing the extreme earnestness and comprehensive nature of Jacob's plea for peace and reconciliation, aiming to fully disarm any lingering anger from Esau.

**Does Jacob's fear and strategic planning contradict his wrestling with God at Peniel?**

Answer: No, Jacob's fear and strategic planning do not contradict his encounter with God at [Peniel](/genesis/32-24 "Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel"). Instead, they demonstrate a realistic understanding of human frailty and the need for prudence. While Jacob received a divine blessing and a new name, Israel, signifying his struggle with God and man, he still faced the practical consequences of his past actions. His actions show a reliance on both divine providence and responsible human effort, illustrating that faith does not negate the need for wisdom and careful action in the world.

**What is the significance of the number "seven" (שֶׁבַע - _sheva'_) in this verse?**

Answer: The number "seven" (שֶׁבַע - _sheva'_) in Hebrew culture often carries connotations of completeness, perfection, or totality. In [Genesis 33:3](/genesis/33-3 "Jacob's humble approach to Esau"), Jacob's act of bowing "seven times" emphasizes the extreme degree of his humility and the earnestness of his plea for peace. It was a complete and utter act of deference, meant to fully disarm any hostility from Esau and convey the absolute sincerity of his desire for reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's profound act of humility and self-abasement before Esau, seeking reconciliation and averting wrath, foreshadows the ultimate humility of Christ. While Jacob bowed out of fear and a desire to make amends for his own past wrongs, Christ, though perfectly innocent, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's humility")), humbling himself even to the point of death on a cross to reconcile humanity to God. Jacob's desperate plea for peace points to the perfect peace and reconciliation offered through Christ's atoning work, where God's wrath against sin is fully appeased not by human prostration, but by divine sacrifice. Christ is the ultimate peacemaker, bridging the chasm between God and humanity, and between estranged individuals, through His own self-giving love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.