KJV ORIGINAL
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Jacob walked ahead of his family and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Jacob is showing deep respect and humility to his brother Esau by bowing seven times as he approaches him.
📚 Historical Context
This verse occurs when Jacob is returning to his homeland after many years and is about to meet his brother Esau, whom he had deceived years earlier by stealing his birthright and blessing. Jacob was terrified that Esau might still want revenge, so he approached with extreme humility and respect. Bowing seven times was a formal gesture of submission used in ancient Near Eastern culture when approaching someone of higher status or when seeking forgiveness.
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