So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him.

GENESIS 35:6KJV
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Genesis 35:6 (KJV)

What does Genesis 35:6 mean?

Genesis 35:6 describes Jacob arriving at Luz, a place in the land of Canaan that is also known as Bethel, along with all the people traveling with him. The verse marks Jacob’s return to a significant location in his journey, highlighting both the place and the group accompanying him.

In the story, Jacob is moving with his family and household after God told him to go to Bethel. The verse notes that Luz and Bethel are the same place, which helps the reader connect earlier events at Bethel with this return. The focus is on Jacob’s obedience and the gathering of his entire group as they reach this important site.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 35:6

  • לּוּז (Luz, transliterated "Luz"): This name means "almond tree" and was the original name of the city before Jacob renamed it Bethel. The verse clarifies that Luz and Bethel are the same, helping readers track the location’s significance across different parts of Genesis.
  • בֵּית־אֵל (Bethel, transliterated "Bethel"): Meaning "house of God," this name was given by Jacob after his earlier encounter with God there. The verse’s mention of both names ties together Jacob’s personal history with the broader story of the land.
  • עָם (‘am, transliterated "people"): This word refers to the group traveling with Jacob, emphasizing that his whole household and followers were part of this journey, not just his immediate family.

Why Genesis 35:6 matters

  • The verse clears up any confusion about the names Luz and Bethel, showing they refer to the same place and connecting different episodes in Jacob’s life.
  • By mentioning that all the people with Jacob arrived, the verse underscores the unity and size of Jacob’s group, which is important for understanding the scale of his household and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
  • Genesis 35:6 sets the stage for the events that follow at Bethel, where Jacob will build an altar and have another encounter with God, linking this moment to earlier promises and experiences.

Where else these words appear

“Luz” Hebrew H3870 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 28:19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
  • Joshua 16:2 And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,
  • Judges 1:23 And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel.(Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

“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.

“Canaan” Hebrew H3667 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
  • Genesis 45:25 And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father,
  • Numbers 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.