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Genesis 33:3 - Humility before estranged brother?

Genesis 33:3 - בראשית 33:3

Hebrew Text

וְהוּא עָבַר לִפְנֵיהֶם וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ אַרְצָה שֶׁבַע פְּעָמִים עַד־גִּשְׁתּוֹ עַד־אָחִיו׃

English Translation

And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Transliteration

Vehu avar lifneihem vayishtachu artzah sheva pe'amim ad-gishto ad-achiv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְה֖וּא עָבַ֣ר לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֤חוּ אַ֙רְצָה֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פְּעָמִ֔ים עַד־גִּשְׁתּ֖וֹ עַד־אָחִֽיו׃
וְה֖וּא עָבַ֣ר לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֤חוּ אַ֙רְצָה֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פְּעָמִ֔ים עַד־גִּשְׁתּ֖וֹ עַד־אָחִֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 33:3) describes Yaakov Avinu's encounter with his brother Eisav after many years of separation. Yaakov, upon seeing Eisav approaching with 400 men, takes the initiative to bow before him seven times as a gesture of humility and reconciliation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ אַרְצָה שֶׁבַע פְּעָמִים" ("and bowed himself to the ground seven times") by noting that this act fulfilled Yaakov's earlier vow (Genesis 28:20-22) to give a tenth of all he had to Hashem. Rashi explains that Yaakov's sevenfold bowing corresponded to the seven "flocks" he had prepared as gifts for Eisav (Genesis 32:14-16), symbolizing his dedication of a tenth of his possessions (70 animals out of 700).

Symbolism of Seven Bows

  • Complete Submission: The number seven represents completeness in Jewish thought (e.g., seven days of creation). Yaakov's seven bows signify his total submission to Eisav in this moment, despite his earlier fear (Genesis 32:8).
  • Counter to Eisav's Anger: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 78:8) suggests that Yaakov's bowing was meant to appease Eisav's anger, as Eisav had waited "seven years" for his father's mourning period after Avraham's death to claim his birthright.
  • Spiritual Protection: The Zohar (1:170a) interprets the seven bows as creating a spiritual "shield" against Eisav's negative energy, aligning with the seven lower Sefiros that protect Klal Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective on Bowing

The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 9:1) discusses the halachic boundaries of bowing to another human being, noting that while excessive bowing can border on avodah zarah, Yaakov's actions were permissible as a tactical gesture to preserve peace (darchei shalom). This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Gittin 62a) that one may temporarily humble oneself to avoid conflict.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal HaTanya (Likutei Torah, Bereishis 34a) explains that Yaakov's bowing represents the soul's descent into physicality ("אַרְצָה"—to the earth) to elevate sparks of holiness. The seven bows parallel the seven emotional attributes (middos) that require refinement in our service of Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Jacob bow down seven times to Esau?
A: Jacob bowed seven times to Esau as a sign of deep respect and submission, hoping to appease his brother after their long separation and past conflicts. The number seven represents completeness in Jewish tradition, showing Jacob's full humility (Rashi on Genesis 33:3).
Q: What can we learn from Jacob bowing to Esau?
A: We learn the importance of humility and seeking reconciliation, even when we may be in the right. Jacob showed great respect to Esau despite having received the blessings from their father Isaac, teaching us the value of peace (shalom) over pride (Talmud, Sanhedrin 110b).
Q: Why is the number seven significant in this verse?
A: In Jewish tradition, the number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection (like the seven days of creation). Jacob bowing seven times signifies his total and sincere effort to make peace with Esau (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 78:8).
Q: How does Jacob's action apply to resolving conflicts today?
A: Jacob's approach teaches us to take the first step in reconciliation, even if we feel wronged. The Torah values peace (shalom) so highly that it permits showing extra humility to mend relationships, as long as it doesn't compromise Torah principles (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 6:9).