Genesis 33:3
Genesis 33:3 in Multiple Translations
But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
And he himself passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
And he himself, going before them, went down on his face to the earth seven times till he came near his brother.
Then Jacob went ahead of them and bowed low to the ground seven times before approaching his brother.
So he went before them and bowed him selfe to the ground seuen times, vntill he came neere to his brother.
And he himself passed over before them, and boweth himself to the earth seven times, until his drawing nigh unto his brother,
He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
And he passed on before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, till he came near to his brother.
And he went forward and bowed down with his face to the ground seven times until his brother came near.
He himself went ahead of them all, and as he continued to approach his older brother, he prostrated himself with his face on the ground seven times.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 33:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 33:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/ה֖וּא
עָבַ֣ר
לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֤חוּ
אַ֨רְצָ/ה֙
שֶׁ֣בַע
פְּעָמִ֔ים
עַד
גִּשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
עַד
אָחִֽי/ו
וְ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
עָבַ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֤חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַ֨רְצָ/ה֙
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
פְּעָמִ֔ים
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
גִּשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 33:3
וְ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
עָבַ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֤חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
אַ֨רְצָ/ה֙
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
פְּעָמִ֔ים
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
גִּשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 33:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 33:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 33:3
- Sermons on Genesis 33:3
Context — Jacob Meets Esau
1Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants.
2He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.
3But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
4Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. 5When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 42:6 | Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. |
| 2 | Luke 14:11 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 3 | Genesis 18:2 | And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. |
| 4 | Genesis 43:26 | When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him. |
| 5 | John 10:11–12 | I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 2:5 | The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away. |
| 7 | John 10:15 | just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. |
| 8 | John 10:4 | When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. |
| 9 | Proverbs 6:3 | then do this, my son, to free yourself, for you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go, humble yourself, and press your plea with your neighbor. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 10:4 | If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. |
Genesis 33:3 Summary
In Genesis 33:3, we see Jacob showing respect and humility towards his brother Esau by bowing to the ground seven times. This act of humility and respect is a powerful example for us today, reminding us of the importance of seeking to live at peace with others, as referenced in Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:9. By following Jacob's example, we can learn to approach difficult relationships with humility and respect, and seek to make amends and start anew, just as Jacob did. This can help us to build stronger, healthier relationships and to live out the biblical principle of loving our neighbors as ourselves, as seen in Mark 12:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob bow to the ground seven times as he approached his brother Esau?
Jacob bowed to the ground seven times as a sign of respect and humility, acknowledging Esau's position as his older brother, as seen in Genesis 33:3, and also possibly as a way of showing repentance for his past mistakes, as referenced in Genesis 27:1-40 and Genesis 28:1-22.
What can we learn from Jacob's actions in this verse about how to approach difficult relationships?
We can learn from Jacob's example the importance of humility and respect in approaching difficult relationships, as seen in Genesis 33:3, and also the value of seeking to make amends and start anew, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24 and Romans 12:18.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger narrative of forgiveness and reconciliation, as seen in Genesis 33:1-16, and is also reflective of the biblical theme of seeking to live at peace with others, as referenced in Romans 12:14-21 and Matthew 6:14-15.
What role does cultural context play in understanding Jacob's actions in this verse?
The cultural context of the time, in which bowing to the ground was a common sign of respect and submission, is important to understanding Jacob's actions in Genesis 33:3, and is also reflected in other biblical passages, such as 1 Samuel 20:41 and 2 Samuel 9:6.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of humility and respect, as seen in Jacob's actions, to my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some ways in which I can seek to make amends and start anew in my relationships, just as Jacob did in this verse?
- How can I balance the need to show respect and humility with the need to maintain healthy boundaries and assert myself in my relationships?
- What role does forgiveness and reconciliation play in my own life, and how can I seek to live out these principles in my interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:3
And he passed over before them,.... At the head of them, as the master of the family, exposing himself to the greatest danger for them, and in order to protect and defend them in the best manner he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:3
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. He ... bowed himself ... seven times.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:3
He passed over before them, exposing himself to the first and greatest hazard for the security of his wives and children.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:3
Genesis 33:3 And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.Ver. 3. And he passed over before them.] As a good captain and shepherd, ready to be sacrificed for the safety of his charge. So the Captain of our salvation, the Arch-shepherd, Christ. So should the under-shepherds, the captains, as ministers are called, fight in the front, and bear the brunt of the battle, "not loving their lives unto the death, so they may finish their course with joy," de scuto magis quam de vita solliciti, as Epaminondas. The diamond in the priests’ breastplate showed what should be their hardness and hardiness, for the people’ s welfare.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:3
XXXIII.(3) He passed over before them.—While providing some small chance of escape for his wives and children, arranged according to their rank, Jacob manfully went first and placed himself entirely in Esau’s power. He endeavoured, nevertheless, by his sevenfold obeisance in acknowledgment of Esau’s superiority, to propitiate him; for the cause of the quarrel had been Jacob’s usurpation of Esau’s right of precedence as the first born. This bowing in the East is made by bending the body forward with the arms crossed, and the right hand held over the heart.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:3
3. before them] Jacob himself goes in front of his household to protect them. seven times] Jacob prostrates himself before his brother, in token of complete subservience. Not content with one prostration, he bows seven times to the ground, with which has aptly been compared a letter from a Canaanite king to the king of Egypt in the Tel-el-Amarna tablets: “At the feet of the king, my lord, seven times and seven times do I fall.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 33:3
3. Before them — He goes on first to meet whatever evil may be feared.
Sermons on Genesis 33:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 42 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers during the time of famine in Egypt. Jacob, their father, sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy corn, but h |
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Rough, but Friendly by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of experiencing deep trouble and affliction as a means for God to bring about blessings in our lives. It uses various analogies, such as |
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Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t |
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Prayer and Fasting - When You Fast by Derek Prince | This sermon emphasizes the importance of fasting as a key to effective praying, highlighting the need for humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. It dra |
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(Basics) 34. Humility in Jesus' Death by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the life of Christ in our own lives and localities. He highlights the humility of Jesus, particularly in the |
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Clothed in Humility, Part Two by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon emphasizes the importance of humility in the Christian life. He encourages listeners to recognize their unworthiness and to view themselves as |
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Giving Our Mind to Christ - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life free from selfishness and pride, urging believers to adopt humility, unselfish love, and generosity towards others. It contra |