And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

GENESIS 35:1KJV
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Genesis 35:1 (KJV)

What does Genesis 35:1 mean?

Genesis 35:1 describes God telling Jacob to leave where he is, travel to Bethel, settle there, and build an altar to God, who had appeared to Jacob earlier when Jacob was escaping from his brother Esau. The verse shows God giving Jacob clear instructions to return to a significant place and worship Him there.

In this verse, God (speaking directly to Jacob) commands Jacob to go up to Bethel, which was the place where Jacob had previously encountered God while fleeing from Esau. The instruction to build an altar is a call for Jacob to acknowledge and remember God's help and presence during his time of trouble. This moment marks a turning point, as Jacob is being told to reconnect with his spiritual roots and fulfill a vow he made earlier.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 35:1

  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim, H430) is the term used here for the divine speaker, emphasizing God's power and authority in giving Jacob this command.
  • "Arise" (קוּם, qum, H6965) and "go up" (עָלָה, alah, H5927) together stress the urgency and importance of Jacob’s movement toward Bethel, not just physically but spiritually.
  • "Bethel" (בֵּית־אֵל, Bethel, H1008) means "house of God," highlighting the special significance of this location as a place where Jacob previously encountered God.
  • "Altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach, H4196) refers to a structure for worship and sacrifice, underlining the act of dedicating this place and moment to God.

Why Genesis 35:1 matters

  • Genesis 35:1 clarifies that Jacob’s return to Bethel is not just a personal decision but a direct command from God, showing God’s ongoing guidance in Jacob’s life.
  • The verse connects back to earlier events (Jacob fleeing Esau and meeting God at Bethel), tying together Jacob’s story and God’s faithfulness across time.
  • This command sets the stage for a renewal of Jacob’s relationship with God and the fulfillment of promises made in earlier chapters, showing the importance of remembering and honoring past encounters with God.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“fleddest” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 23:6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

“Esau” Hebrew H6215 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
  • Genesis 28:6 When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;
  • Genesis 36:13 And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.