Genesis 35:3
New International Version
Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.”

New Living Translation
We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.”

English Standard Version
Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then 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.”

King James Bible
And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

New King James Version
Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.”

New American Standard Bible
and let’s arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me on the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.”

NASB 1995
and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.”

NASB 1977
and let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and has been with me wherever I have gone.”

Legacy Standard Bible
and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.”

Amplified Bible
then let us get up and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.”

Christian Standard Bible
We must get up and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to the God who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me everywhere I have gone.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We must get up and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to the God who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me everywhere I have gone.”

American Standard Version
and let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

Contemporary English Version
Afterwards, we'll go to Bethel. I will build an altar there for God, who answered my prayers when I was in trouble and who has always been at my side.

English Revised Version
and let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then let's go to Bethel. I will make an altar there to God, who answered me when I was troubled and who has been with me wherever I've gone."

Good News Translation
We are going to leave here and go to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who helped me in the time of my trouble and who has been with me everywhere I have gone."

International Standard Version
Then let's get up and go to Bethel, where I'll build an altar to the God who answered me when I was in distress and who was with me on the road, wherever I went."

Majority Standard Bible
Then 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.?

NET Bible
Let us go up at once to Bethel. Then I will make an altar there to God, who responded to me in my time of distress and has been with me wherever I went."

New Heart English Bible
Let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and has been with me wherever I went."

Webster's Bible Translation
And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

World English Bible
Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and we rise, and go up to Bethel, and I make there an altar to God, who is answering me in the day of my tribulation, and is with me in the way that I have gone.”

Young's Literal Translation
and we rise, and go up to Bethel, and I make there an altar to God, who is answering me in the day of my distress, and is with me in the way that I have gone.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And we will arise and go to the house of God; and I will make there an altar to God, having answered me in the day of my distress; and he will be with me in the way which I go.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Arise, and let us go up to Bethel, that we may make there an altar to God: who heard me in the day of my affliction, and accompanied me in my journey.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Arise, and let us go up to Bethel, so that we may make an altar there to God, who heeded me in the day of my tribulation, and who accompanied me on my journey.”

New American Bible
Let us now go up to Bethel so that I might build an altar there to the God who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.”

New Revised Standard Version
then come, let us go up to Bethel, that I may make an altar there to the God who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And let us arise and go up to Beth-el; and I will build there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the journey that I took.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And arise, go up to BaythEil, and I shall make there an altar to God who answered me in the day of my suffering, and he was with me in the way that I have gone.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And let us rise and go up to Baethel, and let us there make an alter to God who hearkened to me in the day of calamity, who was with me, and preserved me throughout in the journey, by which I went.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Returns to Bethel
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.” 4So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem.…

Cross References
Genesis 28:20-22
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, / so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God. / And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.”

Genesis 31:3
Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”

Genesis 32:9-12
Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ / I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps. / Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me. ...

Genesis 33:18-20
After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city. / And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. / There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.

Exodus 3:12
“I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”

Exodus 13:21-22
And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.

Exodus 33:14
And the LORD answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Joshua 1:5
No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

1 Samuel 7:12
Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

1 Kings 8:57
May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He never leave us or forsake us.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.


Treasury of Scripture

And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

who answered.

Genesis 28:12,13
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it…

Genesis 32:7,24
Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; …

Psalm 46:1
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

was with.

Genesis 28:20
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

Genesis 31:3,42
And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee…

Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

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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.














Then let us arise
This phrase signifies a call to action and obedience. The Hebrew root for "arise" is "קוּם" (qum), which often implies not just physical rising but also a spiritual awakening or readiness to fulfill God's command. In the context of Jacob's journey, it reflects a decisive moment of commitment to follow God's direction, leaving behind any complacency or hesitation.

and go up to Bethel
"Bethel," meaning "House of God" in Hebrew, is a significant location in Jacob's life. It is where he previously encountered God in a dream (Genesis 28:19). The phrase "go up" suggests a pilgrimage or ascent, both physically and spiritually, to a place of divine encounter. Historically, Bethel was a central place of worship and covenant renewal for the patriarchs, symbolizing a return to foundational faith and promises.

I will build an altar there
Building an altar is an act of worship and dedication. The Hebrew word for "altar" is "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), which comes from a root meaning "to sacrifice." This indicates Jacob's intention to honor God through sacrifice and worship, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace. Altars in the Old Testament were places of encounter, remembrance, and covenant, serving as tangible expressions of faith and devotion.

to God, who answered me
This phrase highlights God's responsiveness and faithfulness. The Hebrew root for "answered" is "עָנָה" (anah), which conveys the idea of responding or paying attention. Jacob acknowledges that God is not distant or indifferent but actively involved in his life, listening and responding to his cries in times of need. This assurance of divine interaction is a cornerstone of faith, encouraging believers to trust in God's attentive care.

in my day of distress
The "day of distress" refers to times of trouble and adversity. The Hebrew word for "distress" is "צָרָה" (tsarah), often used to describe situations of anguish or hardship. Jacob's life was marked by such moments, yet he recognizes that God was his refuge and deliverer. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder that God is present and powerful even in the darkest times, offering hope and deliverance.

He has been with me
This phrase underscores God's constant presence and faithfulness. The Hebrew concept of God's presence, "עִמָּנוּ" (immanu), is foundational to the biblical narrative, emphasizing that God is not only transcendent but also immanent, walking alongside His people. Jacob's testimony of God's companionship reassures believers of the enduring promise that God will never leave nor forsake them.

wherever I have gone
This phrase speaks to the omnipresence and guidance of God throughout life's journey. The Hebrew word for "wherever" is "בְּכֹל" (bekol), meaning "in all" or "throughout," indicating that there is no place or situation beyond God's reach. Jacob's life journey, filled with both triumphs and trials, illustrates the truth that God's guidance and protection are not limited by geography or circumstance, offering believers confidence in His unchanging presence.

(3) Who answered me . . . --The narrative of Jacob's life, and the detail of God's providential care of him, would doubtless affect strongly the minds of his followers, and make them ready to abandon their idols, "and worship the God that was Israel's God" (Genesis 33:20).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then let us arise
וְנָק֥וּמָה (wə·nā·qū·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

and go
וְנַעֲלֶ֖ה (wə·na·‘ă·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

to
בֵּֽית־ (bêṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew

Bethel.
אֵ֑ל (’êl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1008: Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah

I will build
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה־ (wə·’e·‘ĕ·śeh-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

an altar
מִזְבֵּ֗חַ (miz·bê·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

there
שָּׁ֣ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

to the God
לָאֵ֞ל (lā·’êl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

who answered
הָעֹנֶ֤ה (hā·‘ō·neh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

me in my day
בְּי֣וֹם (bə·yō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of distress.
צָֽרָתִ֔י (ṣā·rā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6869: Tightness, a female rival

He has been
וַיְהִי֙ (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with me
עִמָּדִ֔י (‘im·mā·ḏî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5978: Against, by, from, me, mine, of, that I take, unto,

wherever
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ (bad·de·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

I have gone.”
הָלָֽכְתִּי׃ (hā·lā·ḵə·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk


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OT Law: Genesis 35:3 Let us arise and go up (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 35:2
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