Genesis 33:8

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 33:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he said, What meanest thou by all this company which I met? And he said, To find favor in the sight of my lord.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he said, What meanest thou by all this company which I met? And he said, To find favor in the sight of my lord.
Genesis 33:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 33

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And he said, What meanest thou by all this company which I met? And he said, To find favor in the sight of my lord.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he said, what [meanest] thou by all this drove which I met? etc.] Not as being ignorant of the design of it; for no doubt the several drovers, according to their instructions from Jacob, had acquainted him with it; but he chose not to take the present on what they said, but was willing to have it from Jacob’s own mouth, and that he might have the opportunity of refusing it: and he said, [these are] to find grace in the sight of my lord; to gain his favour and good will; and which, as it was a token of Jacob’s good will to him, so, by his acceptance of it, he would know that he bore the same to him also. It was usual in the eastern countries to carry presents to friends, and especially to…”
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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…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification