King James Version
What Does Genesis 33:8 Mean?
“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: Heb. What is all this band to thee?”
Context
6
Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.
7
And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.
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: Heb. What is all this band to thee?
9
And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. keep: Heb. be that to thee that is thine
10
And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(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.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
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.
Theological Significance
Genesis 33:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Genesis 33:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge