Genesis 33:6

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 33:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then the handmaids came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then the handmaids came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.
Genesis 33:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 33

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6Then the handmaids came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then the handmaids came near, they and their children, etc.] Being foremost, and next to, Jacob, as Bilhah and her two sons, Dan and Naphtali, and Zilpah and her two sons, Gad and Asher: and they bowed themselves; in token of respect to Esau, as Jacob had done before them, and set them an example, and no doubt instructed them to do it.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Jacob and Esau Meet 17. סכת sûkkôth, Sukkoth, “booths,” consisting of poles forming a roof covered with branches, leaves, or grass. 19. חמור chămôr Chamor, “ass, red, heap.” קשׂיטה qeśı̂yṭâh Qesitah, weighed or measured. Ἀμνὸς Amnos, Septuagint and Onkelos Jacob has a friendly interview with Esau, and re-+enters Kenaan. Genesis 33:1-3 Jacob, upon seeing Esau approach with his four hundred men, advances with circumspection and lowly obeisance. He divided his family, arranged them according to their preciousness in his eyes, and walks himself in front. In drawing near, he bows seven times, in token of complete submission to his older brother. Esau, the wild hunter, is completely…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification