Genesis 33

Genesis 33:1

behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to a surprising new part of the story.

Jacob divided the children ... female servants

This does not mean Jacob divided the children evenly so that each woman had the same amount of children with her. Jacob divided the children so that each one went with his or her mother.

Genesis 33:3

He himself went on ahead of them

Here "himself" emphasizes that Jacob went alone in front of the others.

He bowed

Here the word "bow" means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

Genesis 33:4

meet him

"meet Jacob"

embraced him, hugged his neck, and kissed him

"Esau put his arms around Jacob, hugged him, and kissed him"

Then they wept

"Then Esau and Jacob cried because they were happy to see each other again"

Genesis 33:5

he saw the women and the children

"he saw the women and children who were with Jacob"

Genesis 33:8

What do you mean by all these groups that I met?

"Why did you send all of those different groups to meet me?"

To find favor in the sight of my master

"So that you, my master, would be pleased with me"

Genesis 33:9

I have enough

"I have enough animals" or "I have enough property"

Genesis 33:10

if I have found favor in your eyes

"if you are pleased with me"

my gift from my hand

"this gift that I am giving to you"

I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God

The meaning of this simile is unclear. Possible meanings are 1) Jacob is happy that Esau has forgiven him like God has forgiven him or 2) Jacob is amazed to see his brother again like he was amazed to see God or 3) Jacob is humbled to be in Esau's presence like he was humbled to be in God's presence.

Genesis 33:11

God has dealt graciously with me

"God has treated me very well" or "God has blessed me very much"

Thus Jacob urged him, and Esau accepted it

It was customary to refuse a gift first, but then to accept the gift before the giver was offended.

Genesis 33:13

the children are young

"the children are too young to travel fast"

If they are driven hard even one day

"If we force them to go too fast even for one day"

Genesis 33:14

Please let my master go on ahead of his servant

"My lord, I am your servant. Please go ahead of me"

at the pace of the livestock that are before me

"at the speed the animals I am looking after can go"

Genesis 33:15

Why do that?

"Do not do that!" or "You do not need to do that!"

Genesis 33:17

Sukkoth

Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name Sukkoth means 'shelters.'"

built himself a house

"built a house for himself and his family"

for his livestock

"for the animals he looked after"

Genesis 33:18

When Jacob came from Paddan Aram

"After Jacob left Paddan Aram"

He camped near

"He set up his camp near"

Genesis 33:19

piece of ground

"piece of land"

Hamor

This is the name of a man.

Shechem's father

Shechem is the name of a city and the name of a man.

Genesis 33:20

El Elohe Israel

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name El Elohe Israel means 'God, the God of Israel.'"