Genesis 33:8
Genesis 33:8 in Multiple Translations
“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered.
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.
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.
And he said, What were all those herds which I saw on the way? And Jacob said, They were an offering so that I might have grace in my lord's eyes.
“What were all the livestock for that I met on the way?” Esau asked. “They're a gift to you my lord so you'd treat me well,” Jacob answered.
Then he said, What meanest thou by all this droue, which I met? Who answered, I haue sent it, that I may finde fauour in the sight of my lorde:
And he saith, 'What to thee [is] all this camp which I have met?' and he saith, 'To find grace in the eyes of my lord.'
Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” Jacob said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.”
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.
And Esau said: What are the droves that I met? He answered: That I might find favour before my lord.
Esau asked, “What is the meaning of all the animals that I saw?” Jacob replied, “I am giving them to you, sir, so that you will feel good toward me.”
Then Esau said to Jacob, “I met your work-men walking along this road, and they gave me lots of animals, and they said, ‘These animals are a present from Jacob.’ Why did you send those animals to me?” Jacob said, “I respect you, just like a work-man respects his boss, and I want you to be happy with me. That’s the reason why I sent those animals to you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 33:8
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 33:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
מִ֥י
לְ/ךָ֛
כָּל
הַ/מַּחֲנֶ֥ה
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
פָּגָ֑שְׁתִּי
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
לִ/מְצֹא
חֵ֖ן
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
אֲדֹנִֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
לְ/ךָ֛
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/מַּחֲנֶ֥ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Art | N-cs
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
פָּגָ֑שְׁתִּי
pâgash
H6298
to meet
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/מְצֹא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חֵ֖ן
chên
H2580
favor
N-ms
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
אֲדֹנִֽ/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 33:8
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: 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. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
לְ/ךָ֛
""
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/מַּחֲנֶ֥ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
פָּגָ֑שְׁתִּי
pâgash
H6298
"to meet"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To meet or encounter someone, like when people come together by chance or on purpose. It appears in the Bible when people gather or run into each other.
Definition: 1) to meet, join, encounter 1a) (Qal) to meet, encounter 1b) (Niphal) to meet together, meet each other 1c) (Piel) to meet, encounter
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: meet (with, together). See also: Genesis 32:18; Psalms 85:11; Proverbs 17:12.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: 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. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִ/מְצֹא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [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. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
חֵ֖ן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: 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). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
אֲדֹנִֽ/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
Study Notes — Genesis 33:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 33:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:8
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:8
- Sermons on Genesis 33:8
Context — Jacob Meets Esau
6Then the maidservants and their children approached and bowed down.
7Leah and her children also approached and bowed down, and then Joseph and Rachel approached and bowed down.
8“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered.
9“I already have plenty, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what belongs to you.” 10But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 32:5 | I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” |
| 2 | Genesis 39:5 | From the time that he put Joseph in charge of his household and all he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s household on account of him. The LORD’s blessing was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field. |
| 3 | Genesis 32:13–20 | Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau: 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, “Go on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds.” He instructed the one in the lead, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you belong, where are you going, and whose animals are these before you?’ then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.’” He also instructed the second, the third, and all those following behind the herds: “When you meet Esau, you are to say the same thing to him. You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me. ” |
| 4 | Esther 2:17 | And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. |
Genesis 33:8 Summary
[Genesis 33:8 shows us that Jacob is trying to make things right with his brother Esau after many years of separation. He sends his family and possessions ahead to meet Esau as a sign of humility and a desire to find favor in Esau's sight. This is similar to how we should approach God with humility and a desire to please Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:34. By studying Jacob's example, we can learn the importance of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness in our own relationships.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob send his family and possessions ahead to meet Esau?
Jacob sent his family and possessions ahead to meet Esau as a gesture of humility and a desire to find favor in Esau's sight, as seen in Genesis 33:8, where Jacob says 'To find favor in your sight, my lord'
What does Jacob mean by 'To find favor in your sight, my lord'?
Jacob is seeking to make amends and gain Esau's approval, showing that he values their relationship and is willing to humble himself, similar to how we are called to humble ourselves before God in James 4:10
Is Esau's question in Genesis 33:8 a sign of hostility or genuine curiosity?
Esau's question seems to be a genuine inquiry, as he is trying to understand Jacob's intentions, and his response in Genesis 33:9 shows that he is not seeking to harm Jacob, but rather is open to reconciliation
How does Jacob's response in Genesis 33:8 reflect his character?
Jacob's response reflects his humility and desire to make things right with his brother, as seen in his willingness to call Esau 'my lord' and acknowledge his authority, demonstrating a change in Jacob's character since his encounter with God in Genesis 32:22-33
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can humble myself and seek to find favor in God's sight, just like Jacob did with Esau?
- How can I apply Jacob's example of seeking reconciliation with others in my own relationships?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek forgiveness and make amends, just like Jacob did with Esau?
- How can I demonstrate my commitment to humility and seeking favor with God, like Jacob did by calling Esau 'my lord'?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:8
And he said, what [meanest] thou by all this drove which I met?.... Not as being ignorant of the design of it; for no doubt the several drovers, according to their instructions from Jacob, had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:8
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. What meanest thou by all this drove? - literally, Who, or what to thee are all these bands?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:8
He knew his meaning before from the servants’ mouths; but he asks, that he might both be more certainly informed of the truth, and have an occasion for a civil refusal of the gift.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:8
Genesis 33:8 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.Ver. 9. I have enough, my brother.] Here is no mention of God: God is not in all the wicked man’ s thoughts: he contents himself with a natural use of the creature, as brute beasts do. The godly taketh all as from God, and findeth no such sweetness, as in tasting how good the Lord is, in the creature. Tam Dei meminisse, opus est, quam respirare, saith one. But profane Esaus will neither have God in their heads, nor hearts, nor ways, nor words. They stand in a posture of distance, nay, of defiance to God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:8
(8) What meanest thou by all this drove . . .? Heb., What is all this camp of thine that I met? From the time of Jacob’s coming to Mahanaim, the word mahaneh, “camp,” is used in a very remarkable way. It is the word translated bands in Genesis 32:7, and company in Genesis 32:8; Genesis 32:21. It is the proper word for an encampment of pastoral people with their flocks, and might be used not unnaturally of the five droves; for they would remind Esau of the cattle driven in at evening to the place where they were to pass the night.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:8
8. all this company] Lit. “all this camp.” Esau refers to the droves sent on ahead as a present by Jacob (Genesis 32:13-22). The word “camp” (mahaneh) is an additional reference to Mahanaim.
Sermons on Genesis 33:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
And the Lord Was With Joseph - Part 1 by Steve Mays | In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of Joseph from the Bible as an example of how God can use difficult circumstances to shape and prepare us for His purposes. Joseph, wh |
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(Genesis) Genesis 32:13-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his preparations to meet his brother Esau. Jacob decides to send a generous gift of livestock to Esau in order to appe |
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Priesthood - Part 1 by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about going to Madame Tussauds with his large family and waiting in a queue. He then transitions to discussing the story of J |
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God, the God of Israel by Ron Reed | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob wrestling with God and how it relates to our own struggles with God. The preacher highlights how Jacob initially wanted t |
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The Beloved and His Bride by Randy Jones | Randy Jones delves into the profound mystery of the relationship between the Father and the Son, emphasizing how God delights in His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to reveal the glori |
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From the First Year of Cyrus to the Death of Alexander the Great by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen to King Artaxerxes after the removal of Queen Vashti. Esther, under the care of her uncle Mordecai, |
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Bible Survey - Esther by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the powerful drama and historical significance of the book of Esther, highlighting the colossal conflict between continents during Xerxes' reign and the c |