Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. New Living Translation Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him. English Standard Version He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Berean Standard Bible But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. King James Bible And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. New King James Version Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. New American Standard Bible But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. NASB 1995 But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. NASB 1977 But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Legacy Standard Bible But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Amplified Bible Then Jacob crossed over [the stream] ahead of them and bowed himself to the ground seven times [bowing and moving forward each time], until he approached his brother. Christian Standard Bible He himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times until he approached his brother. Holman Christian Standard Bible He himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times until 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. Contemporary English Version Jacob himself walked in front of them all, bowing to the ground seven times as he came near his brother. English Revised Version And he himself passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. GOD'S WORD® Translation He went on ahead of them and bowed seven times with his face touching the ground as he came near his brother. Good News Translation Jacob went ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. International Standard Version Then he went out to meet Esau, passing in front of all of them, and bowed low to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. Majority Standard Bible But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. NET Bible But Jacob himself went on ahead of them, and he bowed toward the ground seven times as he approached his brother. New Heart English Bible He himself went on ahead of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he approached his brother. Webster's Bible Translation And he passed on before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, till he came near to his brother. World English Bible He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he himself passed over before them, and bows himself to the earth seven times, until his drawing near to his brother, Young's Literal Translation And he himself passed over before them, and boweth himself to the earth seven times, until his drawing nigh unto his brother, Smith's Literal Translation And he passed through before them, and he will bow himself upon the earth seven times till he brought himself near to his brother. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he went forward and bowed down with his face to the ground seven times until his brother came near. Catholic Public Domain Version And advancing, he reverenced prostrate on the ground seven times, until his brother approached. New American Bible He himself went on ahead of them, bowing to the ground seven times, until he reached his brother. New Revised Standard Version He himself went on ahead of them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near his brother. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he himself went on before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he passed before them and he bowed on the Earth seven times until he approached his brother. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he himself passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Brenton Septuagint Translation But he advanced himself before them, and did reverence to the ground seven times, until he drew near to his brother. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Meets Esau…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.… Cross References Genesis 32:3-5 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. / He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. / 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.’” Genesis 32:11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me. Genesis 32:20 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.” Genesis 27:41 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” Genesis 27:45 until your brother’s rage against you wanes and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send for you and bring you back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?” Genesis 28:13-15 And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. / Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 31:3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” Genesis 31:55 Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. Genesis 32:6-7 When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” / In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. Genesis 32:28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” Genesis 50:17-21 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. / His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ... Matthew 5:23-24 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. Luke 15:18-20 I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. / I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ / So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Romans 12:18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Treasury of Scripture And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. passed. John 10:4,11,12,15 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice… bowed. Genesis 18:2 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 42:6 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 43:26 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. seven times. 1 Samuel 2:5 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. Jump to Previous Ahead Approached Bowed Boweth Bowing Drawing Earth Face Front Ground Nigh Passed Seven TimesJump to Next Ahead Approached Bowed Boweth Bowing Drawing Earth Face Front Ground Nigh Passed Seven TimesGenesis 33 1. Jacob and Esau's meeting; and Esau's departure.17. Jacob comes to Succoth. 18. At Shechem he buys a field, and builds an altar, called El Elohe Israel. But Jacob himself went on ahead Jacob, after years of separation from Esau, takes the initiative to meet his brother. This act demonstrates courage and a willingness to reconcile. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, the head of the family or group often led the way in important encounters, signifying leadership and responsibility. Jacob's decision to go ahead of his family shows his readiness to face the consequences of his past actions, particularly the deception that led to his flight from Esau. and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch who is returning to Canaan after years in Haran. He is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the twin brother of Esau. Jacob is known for his cunning and for wrestling with God, after which he is named Israel. 2. Esau Jacob's elder twin brother, who was wronged by Jacob years earlier when Jacob deceitfully obtained Esau's birthright and blessing. Esau is now meeting Jacob after many years apart. 3. Canaan The land promised to Abraham and his descendants, where Jacob is returning with his family and possessions. 4. Bowing Seven Times A gesture of deep respect and submission, indicating Jacob's desire for reconciliation and peace with Esau. 5. Reconciliation The event of Jacob meeting Esau after years of estrangement, highlighting themes of forgiveness and restoration. Teaching Points Humility in ReconciliationJacob's act of bowing seven times demonstrates humility and a sincere desire for peace. In our relationships, approaching others with humility can pave the way for healing and reconciliation. The Power of Forgiveness Jacob's encounter with Esau shows the transformative power of forgiveness. As believers, we are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us, fostering unity and peace. Trusting God's Promises Despite his fear, Jacob trusted in God's promise to protect him. We, too, can rely on God's faithfulness in difficult situations, knowing He is with us. Preparation for Reconciliation Jacob prepared for his meeting with Esau by sending gifts and praying. Similarly, we should prepare our hearts and actions when seeking reconciliation with others. The Role of Prayer Jacob's prayer in Genesis 32 reflects his dependence on God. Prayer should be central in our lives, especially when facing challenging situations.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. Verses 3, 4. - And he (the introduction of the pronoun giving emphasis to the statement) passed over before them (i.e. passed on in front of them, thus chivalrously putting himself in the place of danger), and bowed himself to the ground - not completely prostrating the body, as Abraham did in Genesis 19:1, but bending forward till the upper part of it became parallel with the ground, a mode of expressing deep reverence and respect, which may be seen to life in Oriental countries at the present day (Roberts, 'Oriental Illustrations,' p. 41) - seven times (not in immediate succession, but bowing and advancing), until he came near to his brother. The conduct of Jacob was dictated neither by artful hypocrisy nor by unmanly timidity; but by true politeness and a sincere desire to conciliate. And as such it was accepted by Esau, who ran to meet him, and, his better feelings kindling at the sight of his long-absent brother, embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him - as Joseph afterwards did to Benjamin (Genesis 45:14, 15), though the puncta extraordinaria of the Masorites over the word "kissed" seem to indicate either that in their judgment Esau was incapable of such fraternal affection (Delitzsch, Kalisch), or that the word was suspicious, Origen appearing not to have found it in his codices (Rosenmüller, Keil), unless indeed the conjecture be correct that the word was marked to draw attention to the power of God's grace in changing Esau's heart (Ainsworth). And they wept - the LXX. adding both. "All this is beautiful, natural, Oriental" ('Land and Book,' p. 372).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But [Jacob]וְה֖וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are himself went on עָבַ֣ר (‘ā·ḇar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on ahead לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face and bowed וַיִּשְׁתַּ֤חוּ (way·yiš·ta·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate to the ground אַ֙רְצָה֙ (’ar·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land seven שֶׁ֣בַע (še·ḇa‘) Number - feminine singular Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number times פְּעָמִ֔ים (pə·‘ā·mîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence as עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while he approached גִּשְׁתּ֖וֹ (giš·tōw) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach his brother. אָחִֽיו׃ (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) Links Genesis 33:3 NIVGenesis 33:3 NLT Genesis 33:3 ESV Genesis 33:3 NASB Genesis 33:3 KJV Genesis 33:3 BibleApps.com Genesis 33:3 Biblia Paralela Genesis 33:3 Chinese Bible Genesis 33:3 French Bible Genesis 33:3 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 33:3 He himself passed over in front (Gen. 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