And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

GENESIS 33:17KJV
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Genesis 33:17 (KJV)

What does Genesis 33:17 mean?

Genesis 33:17 describes how Jacob traveled to a place called Succoth, where he built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock, which is why the place was named Succoth. The verse highlights Jacob’s actions after meeting his brother Esau, showing his decision to settle temporarily and care for his family and animals.

In the story, Jacob is returning from years away and has just reconciled with Esau. Instead of following Esau to Seir, Jacob stops at Succoth. The name "Succoth" means "booths" or "shelters," referring to the temporary structures Jacob made for his cattle. This verse marks a pause in Jacob’s journey and shows his practical concern for his household and animals.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 33:17

  • סֻכּוֹת (Sukkoth): This word means "booths" or "temporary shelters." The verse explains that the place was named Succoth because Jacob made these shelters for his cattle, directly tying the name to his actions.
  • בַּיִת (bayit): This word means "house." The verse points out that Jacob built a more permanent structure for himself, which is notable since he only made temporary shelters for his animals, showing a distinction between his own dwelling and those for his livestock.

Why Genesis 33:17 matters

  • Genesis 33:17 clarifies that Jacob did not immediately settle in Canaan but stopped at Succoth, which helps explain the timeline and movement of Jacob’s family after meeting Esau.
  • The verse emphasizes Jacob’s practical leadership and care for his household and animals, showing a thoughtful transition from a wandering lifestyle to a more settled one.
  • By naming the place after the shelters he built, the verse connects Jacob’s actions to the geography and memory of the land, showing how personal experiences shaped place names in the biblical narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Succoth” Hebrew H5523 · used in 16 verses

  • Exodus 12:37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
  • Judges 8:5 And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
  • Judges 8:16 And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

“booths” Hebrew H5521 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 23:34 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.
  • 1 Kings 20:16 And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.
  • Job 38:40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?

“cattle” Hebrew H4735 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 4:20 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
  • Exodus 9:4 And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.

“journeyed” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.