Genesis 33:3

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Genesis 33:3

Genesis 33:3 describes a pivotal moment in the reunion of Jacob and Esau, two brothers estranged for over two decades due to Jacob's deception in securing the birthright and blessing. Jacob is returning to Canaan after living with Laban in Haran, and his journey is marked by significant apprehension about facing his brother's potential wrath. Just before this encounter, Jacob had a transformative night wrestling with a divine being at Peniel (Genesis 32:24-32), where he received the new name Israel. Despite this divine encounter, Jacob remains deeply concerned for the safety of his family and himself, strategically arranging his household and possessions to minimize risk.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Humility and Deference: Jacob's act of bowing "seven times" is not a casual greeting but a demonstration of deep submission and profound respect. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such an act was a powerful gesture of humility, seeking favor or appeasement from a superior or one who held power over life and death. It signifies Jacob's complete surrender and desire for peace, rather than confrontation.
  • Seeking Reconciliation: This verse highlights Jacob's proactive effort to mend a broken relationship. His actions are carefully calculated to soften Esau's heart and avert any lingering anger or desire for revenge. It underscores the importance of humility and earnestness in pursuing reconciliation after a long-standing rift.
  • Fear and Prudence: Jacob's careful arrangement of his family (placing the handmaids and their children first, then Leah and her children, and finally Rachel and Joseph) and his personal advance before them, combined with his repeated bowing, reveal his deep fear of Esau. Yet, this fear is coupled with strategic prudence, demonstrating his reliance on both human effort and divine protection.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bowed himself to the ground seven times" is significant. The number seven (ืฉึถืื‘ึทืข - sheva') often carries connotations of completeness, perfection, or totality in Hebrew thought. This repeated prostration emphasizes the extreme degree of Jacob's 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.

Practical Application

Genesis 33:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Humility in Relationships: Jacob's example teaches the power of humility in resolving conflicts and seeking reconciliation. Sometimes, putting aside pride and taking a humble posture is essential for healing broken relationships, even when one feels justified or wronged.
  • Proactive Peacemaking: Jacob did not wait for Esau to initiate contact or reconciliation. He actively sought to make peace, demonstrating courage and a willingness to face the consequences of his past actions. This encourages believers to be peacemakers, as taught in Matthew 5:9.
  • Trust and Prudence: While Jacob had received God's assurance and blessing, he still exercised wisdom and prudence in his approach to Esau. This illustrates that faith in God's providence does not negate the need for careful planning and wise action in human affairs. We trust God's sovereignty while also acting responsibly.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 42:6 (6 votes)

    And Joseph [was] the governor over the land, [and] he [it was] that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him [with] their faces to the earth.

  • Genesis 18:2 (5 votes)

    And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

  • Genesis 43:26 (4 votes)

    ยถ And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which [was] in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth.

  • Luke 14:11 (3 votes)

    For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:4 (2 votes)

    ยถ If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

  • 1 Samuel 2:5 (2 votes)

    [They that were] full have hired out themselves for bread; and [they that were] hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

  • John 10:11 (2 votes)

    I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.