But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.

GENESIS 35:8KJV
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Genesis 35:8 (KJV)

What does Genesis 35:8 mean?

Genesis 35:8 records the death and burial of Deborah, who was Rebekah’s nurse, beneath an oak tree near Bethel, and notes that the place was named Allonbachuth, meaning “oak of weeping.” This verse quietly marks the passing of a significant but often overlooked figure in the family history of Jacob.

In the story, Jacob and his family are traveling, and the mention of Deborah’s death signals the end of a generation connected to Rebekah, Jacob’s mother. The verse highlights the respect and mourning shown for Deborah by naming the burial site, suggesting she was deeply valued by the family.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 35:8

  • דְּבוֹרָה (Devorah): This is the Hebrew name “Deborah,” meaning “bee.” Her mention here shows her importance, even though she is not a central character elsewhere.
  • אֵלוֹן בָּכוּת (Allonbachuth): This phrase means “oak of weeping.” Naming the tree emphasizes the sorrow felt at Deborah’s death and marks the spot as a place of remembrance.
  • אֵלוֹן (allon): The Hebrew word for “oak,” which often appears in the Old Testament as a significant landmark or memorial site.

Why Genesis 35:8 matters

  • Genesis 35:8 draws attention to the role of women like Deborah, who served faithfully in the background of the patriarchal family, reminding readers that their contributions were valued and remembered.
  • The naming of the burial site as Allonbachuth connects this event to the broader theme of memorials in Genesis, where significant events are marked by naming places.
  • This verse quietly links Jacob’s journey to his mother Rebekah’s legacy, showing the ongoing impact of earlier generations even as the story moves forward.

Where else these words appear

“oak” Hebrew H437 · used in 8 verses

  • Isaiah 2:13 And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
  • Isaiah 44:14 He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
  • Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.

“Deborah” Hebrew H1683 · used in 10 verses

  • Judges 4:4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
  • Judges 4:10 And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
  • Judges 5:7 The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.

“Rebekah's” Hebrew H7259 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 22:23 And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother.
  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Genesis 26:35 Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

“nurse” Hebrew H3243 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
  • 1 Samuel 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
  • Isaiah 11:8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.