And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

GENESIS 35:5KJV
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Genesis 35:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 35:5 mean?

Genesis 35:5 says that as Jacob and his family traveled, a fear sent by God fell on the nearby cities, so no one chased after them. This verse shows that God protected Jacob’s family from harm as they moved through potentially hostile territory.

Jacob, his household, and all those with him were leaving Shechem after a violent incident involving his sons. The text highlights that the surrounding cities did not pursue or attack Jacob’s group, not because of their own strength, but because a special "terror of God" kept others away. This protection allowed Jacob’s family to continue their journey safely.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 35:5

  • "terror" (חִתָּה, ḥittah): This word means a deep fear or dread. The verse emphasizes that it was not just ordinary fear, but a supernatural dread sent by God that kept the cities from attacking.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): The use of this word underlines that the source of the terror was divine, not natural events or human intimidation.
  • "pursue" (רָדַף, radaph): This verb means to chase or follow after with hostile intent. The verse makes clear that the people of the cities did not even attempt to go after Jacob’s family.

Why Genesis 35:5 matters

  • Genesis 35:5 clarifies that Jacob’s safety was not due to his own power or planning, but because God actively intervened to protect him.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing God’s faithfulness to His promises, especially after Jacob’s sons’ actions put the family at risk.
  • It helps explain how Jacob’s family could travel safely through a region where they might have expected retaliation, showing God’s control over the situation.

Where else these words appear

“pursue” Hebrew H7291 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • 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.
  • Psalms 69:26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.

“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.