Genesis 33:2

2 He put the concubines and their children first, then Leah and her children, and finally Rachel and Joseph at the rear.

Genesis 33:2 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 33:2

And he put the handmaids and their children foremost
In the first division, as being less honourable and less beloved by him: and Leah and her children after;
still according to the degree of honour and affection due unto them; Leah being a wife that was imposed and forced upon him: and Rachel and Joseph hindermost;
being most beloved by him, and therefore most careful of them; Rachel being his principal and lawful wife, and who had the greatest share in his affection, and Joseph his only child by her.

Genesis 33:2 In-Context

1 Jacob saw Esau coming with his four hundred men, so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two concubines.

2 He put the concubines and their children first, then Leah and her children, and finally Rachel and Joseph at the rear.

3 Jacob went ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

4 But Esau ran to meet him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. They were both crying.

5 When Esau looked around and saw the women and the children, he asked, "Who are these people with you?" "These, sir, are the children whom God has been good enough to give me," Jacob answered.