And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.

GENESIS 33:7KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 33:7 (KJV)

What does Genesis 33:7 mean?

Genesis 33:7 describes Leah and her children, followed by Joseph and Rachel, approaching Esau and bowing down before him. This act shows respect and humility as Jacob’s family meets his brother Esau after years of separation.

In this scene, Jacob’s family is meeting Esau during a tense reunion after past conflict. Each group—first Leah and her children, then Joseph and Rachel—comes forward in turn and bows, following Jacob’s earlier example. The verse highlights the careful, respectful approach Jacob’s family takes, showing both order and deference in the way they greet Esau.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 33:7

  • "Bowed themselves" (שָׁחָה, shachah): This word means to bow down or prostrate oneself, often as a sign of respect, submission, or honor. Here, it emphasizes the humility and respect Jacob’s family shows to Esau.
  • "Came near" (נָגַשׁ, nagash): This word means to draw near or approach. The repeated use in the verse underlines the careful, step-by-step approach of each family group as they come before Esau.

Why Genesis 33:7 matters

  • Genesis 33:7 shows the deliberate and respectful way Jacob’s family approaches Esau, reflecting the seriousness of their reunion and the desire for peace.
  • The verse emphasizes the unity and order within Jacob’s family, as each group follows the same respectful gesture.
  • This detail connects to the broader story of reconciliation between Jacob and Esau, showing how old wounds are addressed with humility and care.

Where else these words appear

“Leah” Hebrew H3812 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 29:16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
  • Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.
  • Genesis 31:14 And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

“Rachel” Hebrew H7354 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 29:6 And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.
  • Genesis 30:1 And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
  • Genesis 31:34 Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.

“children” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

“near” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Joshua 3:9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.