Definition: And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 33:10. It's a really significant moment in Jacob’s story! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jacob is expressing immense gratitude and awe at being spared from a terrible fate. He’s admitting he found grace (a blessing or favor) from God, and he’s telling God that he’s seen God’s face – which is a very powerful expression of divine presence. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Jacob said…” : This sets the scene – we’re following Jacob’s thoughts and feelings. “…Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight…” : This is a plea. He’s saying, “I’m so grateful to you for this! I don't deserve this!” "Nay" signifies a strong refusal – he’s not giving up. “…then receive my present at my hand:” This means he's offering something valuable – likely some goods or treasure – as a sign of his gratitude. “for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God…” : This is the key part. He’s describing a vivid and overwhelming experience. He says he’s seen God's face. It’s not just a fleeting glimpse; it’s a complete, profound encounter. He feels like he’s glimpsed God directly. “and thou wast pleased with me.” : This is the final statement – God has approved of him! He's expressing his joy and recognition of divine favor. Overall Meaning: Jacob’s response is a moment of profound humility and acceptance. He acknowledges that he's been blessed, and he expresses gratitude for God’s presence in his life. It shows a shift from being a somewhat vulnerable man to someone who recognizes the divine power in his world. Why it’s important: This verse highlights several themes: Divine Favor: It emphasizes that God’s grace is not just about physical gifts, but also about recognizing and appreciating those who are favored by Him. Personal Encounter: It suggests a direct encounter with the divine – a glimpse of something beyond ordinary human understanding. Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain its significance within the story of Genesis 33? Discuss the possible interpretations of the "face of God" that theologians have offered?