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Genesis 33:3

HumilityConflict and reconciliation

1 Now 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.

2 He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.

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

4 Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.

5 When 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.”

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Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
KJV
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
WEB
He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
ASV
And he himself passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
DARBY
And he passed on before them, and bowed to the earth seven times, until he came near to his brother.
BLB
And he himself passed over before them and he bowed himself to the earth seven times, until he came near to his brother.
ÅB
Og selv gikk han foran dem og bøyde seg syv ganger til jorden, inntil han kom fram til sin bror.
OTB
Jakob selv gikk foran dem og bøyde seg til jorden syv ganger mens han nærmet seg sin bror.
B1930
Og selv gikk han foran dem og bøide sig syv ganger til jorden, inntil han kom frem til sin bror.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 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.

    Read in context

  • Luke 14:11

    For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

    Read in context

  • 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.

    Read in context

  • Genesis 43:26

    When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him.

    Read in context

  • Ecclesiastes 10:4

    If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.

    Read in context

  • John 10:15

    just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.

    Read in context

  • 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.

    Read in context

  • 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.

    Read in context