And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.

GENESIS 28:19KJV
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Genesis 28:19 (KJV)

What does Genesis 28:19 mean?

Genesis 28:19 says that Jacob gave a new name, Bethel, to the place where he had his dream of the ladder reaching to heaven, though the city was originally called Luz. This verse marks a moment where a significant spiritual event leads to a change in the place’s identity.

Jacob is traveling alone after leaving his family and has just experienced a powerful dream from God. In response, he renames the location to reflect its new meaning for him—Bethel, which means “house of God.” The verse also notes that the city had previously been called Luz, highlighting the shift from its old identity to one shaped by Jacob’s encounter.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 28:19

  • בֵּית־אֵל (Bethel, transliteration: Beit-El): This name means “house of God.” Jacob’s choice of this name shows how deeply the dream affected him and how he saw this place as a meeting point between heaven and earth.
  • לוּז (Luz, transliteration: Luz): The original name of the city, Luz, is mentioned to contrast the old identity with the new one Jacob gives it. This detail helps the reader see the importance of Jacob’s experience in redefining the place.

Why Genesis 28:19 matters

  • The verse shows how personal encounters with God can lead to lasting changes, even in the names and identities of places.
  • Mentioning both names—Luz and Bethel—helps readers track the location through different parts of the Bible, since both names appear in later stories.
  • This moment connects to the broader story of Jacob, marking a turning point in his journey and relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“Luz” Hebrew H3870 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 35:6 So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him.
  • Joshua 16:2 And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,
  • Judges 1:23 And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel.(Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

“but” Hebrew H199 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 48:19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
  • 1 Kings 20:23 And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.

“Bethel” Hebrew H1008 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 1:23 And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel.(Now the name of the city before was Luz.)
  • 2 Kings 2:23 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.