Genesis 35:2 So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments.

◄ Genesis 35:2 ►

New International Version
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.

New Living Translation
So Jacob told everyone in his household, “Get rid of all your pagan idols, purify yourselves, and put on clean clothing.

English Standard Version
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments.

Berean Standard Bible
So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments.

King James Bible
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

New King James Version
And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.

New American Standard Bible
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Remove the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments;

NASB 1995
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments;

NASB 1977
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves, and change your garments;

Legacy Standard Bible
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you and cleanse yourselves and change your garments;

Amplified Bible
Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the [idols and images of] foreign gods that are among you, and ceremonially purify yourselves and change [into fresh] clothes;

Christian Standard Bible
So Jacob said to his family and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your clothes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Jacob said to his family and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your clothes.

American Standard Version
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the foreign gods that are among you, and purify yourselves, and change your garments:

Contemporary English Version
Jacob said to his family and to everyone else who was traveling with him: Get rid of your foreign gods! Then make yourselves acceptable to worship God and put on clean clothes.

English Revised Version
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and purify yourselves, and change your garments:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Jacob said to his family and those who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods which you have, wash yourselves until you are ritually clean, and change your clothes.

Good News Translation
So Jacob said to his family and to all who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods that you have; purify yourselves and put on clean clothes.

International Standard Version
Jacob announced to his household and to everyone with him, "Throw away the foreign gods that you've kept among you, purify yourselves, and change your clothes.

Majority Standard Bible
So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, ?Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments.

NET Bible
So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods you have among you. Purify yourselves and change your clothes.

New Heart English Bible
Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods that you have among you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Jacob said to his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

World English Bible
Then Jacob said to his household, and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Jacob says to his household, and to all who [are] with him, “Turn aside the gods of the stranger which [are] in your midst, and cleanse yourselves, and change your garments;

Young's Literal Translation
And Jacob saith unto his household, and unto all who are with him, 'Turn aside the gods of the stranger which are in your midst, and cleanse yourselves, and change your garments;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jacob will say to his house, and to all which are with him, Put away the strange gods which are among you, and be cleansed and change your garments.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jacob having called together all his household, said: Cast away the strange gods that are among you, and be cleansed and change your garments.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In truth, Jacob, having called together all his house, said: “Cast away the foreign gods that are in your midst and be cleansed, and also change your garments.

New American Bible
So Jacob told his household and all who were with him: “Get rid of the foreign gods among you; then purify yourselves and change your clothes.

New Revised Standard Version
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, and purify yourselves, and change your clothes;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and cleanse yourselves, and change your garments;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yaquuv said to the sons of his house and to every one of his people, “Send out the foreign gods that are among you and be purified and change your garments,

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him: 'Put away the strange gods that are among you, and purify yourselves, and change your garments;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jacob said to his house, and to all that were with him, Remove the strange gods that are with you from the midst of you, and purify yourselves, and change your clothes.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Jacob Returns to Bethel
1Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments. 3Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Joshua 24:14-15
Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. / But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

1 Samuel 7:3-4
Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” / So the Israelites put away the Baals and Ashtoreths and served only the LORD.

Exodus 20:3-4
You shall have no other gods before Me. / You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.

Deuteronomy 6:14
Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.

Judges 10:15-16
“We have sinned,” the Israelites said to the LORD. “Deal with us as You see fit; but please deliver us today!” / So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel.

2 Kings 17:33-34
They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away. / To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel.

Isaiah 2:18-20
and the idols will vanish completely. / Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. / In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold—the idols they made to worship.

Ezekiel 20:7-8
And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ / But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. None of them cast away the abominations before their eyes, and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the land of Egypt.

Hosea 14:3
Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.”

Zephaniah 1:4-5
“I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests— / those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom,

1 Corinthians 10:14
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

2 Corinthians 6:16-17
What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” / “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Acts 14:15
“Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.

Romans 1:21-23
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Treasury of Scripture

Then Jacob said to his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

unto his.

Genesis 18:19
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Psalm 101:2-7
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart…

strange.

Genesis 31:19,34
And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's…

Exodus 20:3,4
Thou shalt have no other gods before me…

Exodus 23:13
And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

clean.

Genesis 35:22
And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Genesis 34:2,24,25
And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her…

Exodus 19:10,14
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, …

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Genesis 35

1. God commands Jacob to go to Bethel.
2. He purges his house of idols.
6. He builds an altar at Bethel.
8. Deborah dies at Allon Bacuth.
9. God blesses Jacob at Bethel.
10. Jacob Named Israel.
16. Rachel travails of Benjamin, and dies in the way to Edar.
22. Reuben lies with Bilhah.
23. The sons of Jacob.
27. Jacob comes to Isaac at Hebron.
28. The age, death, and burial of Isaac.

Berean Study Bible

So Jacob told his household
The phrase "Jacob told his household" indicates a patriarchal leadership structure, where Jacob, as the head of the family, exercises authority and spiritual responsibility. In Hebrew, "household" (בֵּיתוֹ, "beyto") encompasses not just immediate family but all those under his care, including servants. This reflects the communal nature of ancient Near Eastern families, where the head's faith and decisions impacted the entire group. Jacob's directive underscores the importance of spiritual leadership within the family unit, a principle that resonates with the biblical call for fathers to lead their families in the ways of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

and all who were with him
This phrase extends the command beyond Jacob's immediate family to include all those associated with him, such as servants and possibly other travelers. It highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant community, where all members, regardless of status, are called to holiness. The Hebrew word for "with" (אִתּוֹ, "itto") suggests a close association or fellowship, emphasizing that those who journey with God's people are also called to share in their spiritual commitments.

Get rid of the foreign gods
The command to "get rid of the foreign gods" is a call to renounce idolatry, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for "foreign" (נֵכָר, "nekar") implies something alien or strange, contrasting with the worship of Yahweh, the one true God. This reflects the historical context of the patriarchs, who lived among polytheistic cultures. Jacob's command is a decisive step towards spiritual purity, echoing the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) and foreshadowing Israel's ongoing struggle against idolatry.

that are among you
The phrase "that are among you" suggests that these idols were not just external influences but had infiltrated the community. The Hebrew word "among" (בְּתוֹכְכֶם, "betokhem") indicates something within or in the midst, highlighting the insidious nature of idolatry. This serves as a warning to believers about the subtle ways in which ungodly influences can permeate their lives, calling for vigilance and discernment in maintaining spiritual integrity.

Purify yourselves
The call to "purify yourselves" involves a ritual cleansing, a common practice in ancient Israelite religion symbolizing inner spiritual renewal. The Hebrew root טָהֵר ("taher") means to be clean or pure, both physically and morally. This purification process signifies repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness, preparing the people to encounter God. It underscores the biblical principle that holiness is essential for fellowship with God (Hebrews 12:14).

and change your garments
Changing garments symbolizes a transformation or new beginning. In the ancient Near East, clothing often represented one's status or condition. The Hebrew word for "garments" (שִׂמְלֹתֵיכֶם, "simlotekhem") can also imply a change in identity or purpose. This act of changing clothes signifies a break from the past and a readiness to embrace a new, consecrated life. It reflects the New Testament concept of putting off the old self and putting on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24), illustrating the transformative power of God's call to holiness.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) Strange gods.--Besides Rachel's teraphim, many, probably, of the persons acquired by Jacob at Haran were idolaters, and had brought their gods with them. Besides these, the numerous men and women who formed the"tafs" of the Shechemites were certainly worshippers of false deities. The object, then, of this reformation was not merely to raise Jacob's own family to a higher spiritual state, but also to initiate the many heathen belonging to their households into the true religion. Outward rites of purification and changes of garment were to accompany the religious teaching given, because of their symbolical value; and we can well believe that much deep and earnest religious feeling would be evoked by the solemnities which accompanied this drawing near of the whole tribe to God. This reformation is also interesting as being the first of a long series of such acts constantly recurring in the history of Israel; and especially it is parallel to the sanctification of the people at Sinai. There, also, there was the initiation not merely of the lineal Israel, but also of the mixed multitude, into the true religion--for Jacob's family had then grown into a nation; and there, also, symbolical washings were enjoined (Exodus 19:10-14). These subsequently were still practised under the Law, and grew into the baptism by which we are now admitted into the Church of Christ.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 2, 3. - Then Jacob said unto his household (i.e. those more immediately belonging to his family), and to all that were with him (referring probably to the captured Shechemites), Put away the strange gods - literally, the gods of the stranger, including most likely the teraphim of Laban, which Rachel still retained, and other objects of idolatrous worship, either brought by Jacob's servants from Mesopotamia, or adopted in Canaan, or perhaps possessed by the captives - that are among you, and be clean, - literally, cleanse yourselves. The word is that which afterwards describes the purifications of the law (Numbers 19:11, 12; Leviticus 14:4; Leviticus 15:13). Aben Ezra interprets it as meaning that they washed their bodies; and Michaelis views the rite as a kind of baptism, signifying their adoption of the true religion of Jehovah - a quasi baptism of repentance, like that afterwards preached by John (vide 'Suppl.,' p. 1000) - and change your garments. The directions here given are very similar to those which were subsequently issued at Sinai (Exodus 19:10), and were meant to symbolize a moral and spiritual purification of the mind and heart. And let us arise, and go to Bethel. "This is obviously not the first time Jacob acquainted his family with the vision at Bethel (Inglis). And I will make there an altar unto God, - El is probably employed because of its proximity to and connection with Bethel, or house of El, and the intended contrast between the El of Bethel and the strange Elohim which Jacob's household were commanded to put away (cf. Quarry, p. 512) - who answered me in the day of my distress, - this seems to imply that Jacob prayed at Bethel before he slept, if it does not refer to his supplication before meeting, Esau (Genesis 32:9) - and was with me in the way which I went. This language clearly looks back to Bethel (vide Genesis 28:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So Jacob
יַעֲקֹב֙ (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

told
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

his household
בֵּית֔וֹ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

and all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

were with him,
עִמּ֑וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

“Get rid of
הָסִ֜רוּ (hā·si·rū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

the foreign
הַנֵּכָר֙ (han·nê·ḵār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5236: That which is foreign, foreignness

gods
אֱלֹהֵ֤י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

are among you.
בְּתֹכְכֶ֔ם (bə·ṯō·ḵə·ḵem)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

Purify yourselves
וְהִֽטַּהֲר֔וּ (wə·hiṭ·ṭa·hă·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure

and change
וְהַחֲלִ֖יפוּ (wə·ha·ḥă·lî·p̄ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2498: To slide by, to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce, change

your garments.
שִׂמְלֹתֵיכֶֽם׃ (śim·lō·ṯê·ḵem)
Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 8071: A dress, a mantle

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OT Law: Genesis 35:2 Then Jacob said to his household (Gen. Ge Gn)