King James Version
Genesis 33:3 in the King James Version says “And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.”
Genesis 33:3 · King James Version
And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids.
And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. with: Heb. to thee
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
“And he passed over”
H5674to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
“before them”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
“and bowed himself”
H7812to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
“seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
“times”
H6471a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
“until he came near”
H5066to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
“to his brother”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Genesis 33:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 33:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge