And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

GENESIS 28:22KJV
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Genesis 28:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 28:22 mean?

Genesis 28:22 records Jacob’s promise that the stone he set up as a pillar will mark God’s house, and that he will give a tenth of all he receives back to God. Jacob is responding to God’s appearance and promise by pledging both a physical memorial and a commitment to give back a portion of his blessings.

Jacob is speaking alone, making a vow after his dream at Bethel where God promised to be with him. The “stone” refers to the one Jacob used as a pillow, now set up as a marker. By calling it “God’s house,” Jacob recognizes the place as sacred. His promise to give a tenth reflects a practice of dedicating part of one’s increase to God, showing gratitude and dependence.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 28:22

  • "stone" (אֶבֶן, ’even): This word points to the specific stone Jacob used as a pillow and then set up as a marker, showing how ordinary objects could become significant in encounters with God.
  • "pillar" (מַצֵּבָה, matzevah): This term means a standing stone or monument. In ancient times, such pillars were often set up to mark important events or places, highlighting Jacob’s intent to remember and honor the encounter.
  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): Here, “house” means more than a building; it refers to a dwelling place or a site where God’s presence is recognized, underlining Jacob’s sense that this spot is special.
  • "tenth" (עָשַׂר, ‘asar): The word for “tenth” refers to giving a tithe, a practice of dedicating a portion (ten percent) of one’s resources to God, showing Jacob’s intention to honor God with what he receives.

Why Genesis 28:22 matters

  • Genesis 28:22 clarifies that Jacob’s response to God’s promise is both physical (the stone as a marker) and practical (a commitment to give a tenth), showing a twofold act of remembrance and dedication.
  • This verse connects to the larger story of Jacob’s journey and transformation, marking a turning point where he personally acknowledges God’s role in his life.
  • The mention of a “tenth” links Jacob’s actions to earlier traditions (like Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek), showing continuity in how people expressed devotion and gratitude to God.

Where else these words appear

“surely” Hebrew H6237 · used in 7 verses

  • Deuteronomy 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
  • 1 Samuel 8:15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
  • Nehemiah 10:37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

“pillar” Hebrew H4676 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
  • Leviticus 26:1 Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
  • 2 Kings 23:14 And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men.