Genesis 33:6
Genesis 33:6 in Multiple Translations
Then the maidservants and their children approached and bowed down.
Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.
Then the handmaids came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.
Then the servants and their children came near, and went down on their faces.
The personal maids and their children came over and bowed down.
Then came the maides neere, they, and their children, and bowed themselues.
And the maid-servants draw nigh, they and their children, and bow themselves;
Then the servants came near with their children, and they bowed themselves.
Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.
Then the handmaids and their children came near, and bowed themselves.
Then the female slaves and their children came near and bowed in front of Esau.
Then Jacob’s 2 working women and their kids, they came over to Esau, and they got down on their knees to show him respect.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 33:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 33:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּגַּ֧שְׁןָ
הַ/שְּׁפָח֛וֹת
הֵ֥נָּה
וְ/יַלְדֵי/הֶ֖ן
וַ/תִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽיןָ
וַ/תִּגַּ֧שְׁןָ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הַ/שְּׁפָח֛וֹת
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
Art | N-fp
הֵ֥נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Pron
וְ/יַלְדֵי/הֶ֖ן
yeled
H3206
youth
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וַ/תִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽיןָ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 33:6
וַ/תִּגַּ֧שְׁןָ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
הַ/שְּׁפָח֛וֹת
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
Art | N-fp
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
הֵ֥נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
וְ/יַלְדֵי/הֶ֖ן
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
וַ/תִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽיןָ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 33:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Meets Esau
4Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.
5When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.”
6Then the maidservants and their children approached and bowed down.
7Leah and her children also approached and bowed down, and then Joseph and Rachel approached and bowed down. 8“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered.Genesis 33:6 Summary
[In Genesis 33:6, the maidservants and their children show respect to Esau by bowing down to him, which is a sign of humility and submission. This action is a key part of the Bible's teaching on relationships and authority, as seen in verses like Romans 13:1-2 and Ephesians 5:21. By bowing down, the maidservants and their children are recognizing Esau's position and authority, and they are setting an example for us to follow in our own relationships. As we read this verse, we can learn the importance of humility and respect in our interactions with others, and we can be encouraged to cultivate these qualities in our own lives, just like the maidservants and their children in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the maidservants and their children bow down to Esau?
The maidservants and their children bowed down to Esau as a sign of respect and submission, recognizing his position as the older brother and Jacob's superior in their family hierarchy, as seen in Genesis 33:6 and supported by the cultural norms of the time, such as those described in Genesis 27:29.
What can we learn from the maidservants' actions in this verse?
The maidservants' actions demonstrate humility and a willingness to submit to authority, which is a key principle in the Bible, as seen in Romans 13:1-2 and Ephesians 5:21.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 33?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Jacob and Esau's reunion, and it highlights the theme of reconciliation and forgiveness, as seen in Genesis 33:4, where Esau and Jacob weep and embrace each other.
What does this verse reveal about Jacob's character?
This verse suggests that Jacob is a humble and respectful person, as evidenced by his instruction to his household to bow down to Esau, demonstrating his recognition of Esau's authority and his desire to make amends, as seen in Genesis 32:13-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and respect to those in authority over me, just like the maidservants in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of submission and respect to my relationships with others, as seen in this verse and in other parts of the Bible, such as Ephesians 5:21-33?
- What can I learn from Jacob's example of instructing his household to bow down to Esau, and how can I apply that to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways can I seek to reconcile with others and make amends, just like Jacob and Esau in this chapter?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and respect in my daily interactions with others, as demonstrated by the maidservants and their children in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:6
Then the handmaids came near, they and their children,.... 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:6
Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:6
Genesis 33:6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.Ver. 7. After came Joseph near, &c.] Iussus accedere Joseph, saith Junius; for he was but a little one of six years old, therefore he did nothing, but as his mother bade him; and, because he went before her, he is first named.