And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.

GENESIS 35:21KJV
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Genesis 35:21 (KJV)

What does Genesis 35:21 mean?

Genesis 35:21 says that Israel (Jacob) continued his travels and set up his tent beyond a place called the tower of Edar. The verse marks a moment of movement and transition for Jacob after significant family events.

In this part of Genesis, Jacob is traveling with his family after the death of his wife Rachel. The verse notes his journey and where he camped, mentioning a landmark called the "tower of Edar," which means "tower of the flock." This detail helps locate Jacob’s movements in the land and sets the stage for later events involving his family.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 35:21

  • Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el): This is the new name given to Jacob, highlighting his changed identity after wrestling with God. The use of "Israel" here signals a turning point in his story.
  • tower (מִגְדָּל, migdal): This word means "tower," often used for watchtowers in fields or near towns. The "tower of Edar" would have been a known landmark, possibly used to watch over flocks.
  • Edar (עֵדֶר, 'Eder): This name means "flock," so "tower of Edar" is "tower of the flock." It shows the area's connection to shepherding and livestock, which fits the context of Jacob’s family.

Why Genesis 35:21 matters

  • The verse helps track Jacob’s journey through the land, showing his movement after personal loss and family changes.
  • Mentioning the "tower of Edar" gives a concrete location, which later Jewish tradition connects to Bethlehem and events in Israel’s history.
  • Using the name "Israel" instead of "Jacob" signals a shift in focus from Jacob as an individual to the beginnings of the nation of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Edar” Hebrew H4029 · used in 2 verses

  • Micah 4:8 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.

“beyond” Hebrew H1973 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • 1 Samuel 10:3 Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:
  • Isaiah 18:7 In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion.

“tower” Hebrew H4026 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
  • Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

“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.