Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version There he built an altar, and he called the place El Bethel, because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. New Living Translation Jacob built an altar there and named the place El-bethel (which means “God of Bethel”), because God had appeared to him there when he was fleeing from his brother, Esau. English Standard Version and there he built an altar and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother. Berean Standard Bible There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. King James Bible And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. New King James Version And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother. New American Standard Bible Then he built an altar there, and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed Himself to him when he fled from his brother. NASB 1995 He built an altar there, and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed Himself to him when he fled from his brother. NASB 1977 And he built an altar there, and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed Himself to him, when he fled from his brother. Legacy Standard Bible And he built an altar there and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed Himself to him when he fled from his brother. Amplified Bible There he built an altar [to worship the LORD], and called the place El-bethel (God of the House of God), because there God had revealed Himself to him when he escaped from his brother. Christian Standard Bible Jacob built an altar there and called the place El-bethel because it was there that God had revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. Holman Christian Standard Bible Jacob built an altar there and called the place God of Bethel because it was there that God had revealed Himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. American Standard Version And he built there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el; because there God was revealed unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. Contemporary English Version Jacob built an altar there and called it "God of Bethel," because that was the place where God had appeared to him when he was running from Esau. English Revised Version And he built there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el: because there God was revealed unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. GOD'S WORD® Translation He built an altar there and called that place El Bethel [God of the House of God]. That's where God had revealed himself to Jacob when he was fleeing from his brother. Good News Translation He built an altar there and named the place for the God of Bethel, because God had revealed himself to him there when he was running away from his brother. International Standard Version He built an altar there to God and named the place El Beth-el, because God had revealed himself there when he was fleeing from his brother. NET Bible He built an altar there and named the place El Bethel because there God had revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. New Heart English Bible He built an altar there, and called the place El Bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. Webster's Bible Translation And he erected there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el; because there God appeared to him, when he fled from the face of his brother. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThere Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. World English Bible He built an altar there, and called the place El Beth El; because there God was revealed to him, when he fled from the face of his brother. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he builds there an altar, and proclaims at the place the God of Bethel: for there had God been revealed to him, in his fleeing from the face of his brother. Young's Literal Translation and he buildeth there an altar, and proclaimeth at the place the God of Bethel: for there had God been revealed unto him, in his fleeing from the face of his brother. Smith's Literal Translation And he will build there an altar, and will call the place, God, the house of God; for there God appeared to him in his fleeing from the face of his brother. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he built there an altar, and called the name of that place, The house of God: for there God appeared to him when he fled from his brother. Catholic Public Domain Version And he built an altar there, and he called the name of that place, ‘House of God.’ For there God appeared to him when he fled from his brother. New American Bible There he built an altar and called the place El-Bethel, for it was there that God had revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. New Revised Standard Version and there he built an altar and called the place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he built there an altar, and called the place Beth-el (the house of God), because there God appeared to him when he fled from the presence of his brother Esau. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he built there an altar and he called that place BaythEil, because there God was revealed unto him when he had fled from before Esau his brother. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he built there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el, because there God was revealed unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he built there an altar, and called the name of the place Baethel; for there God appeared to him, when he fled from the face of his brother Esau. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Returns to Bethel…6So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. 7There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. 8Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bachuth.… Cross References Genesis 28:19 and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz. Genesis 12:7 Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. Genesis 28:10-22 Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. / On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. / And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. ... Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up, leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’” Genesis 32:30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” Exodus 3:6 Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 6:3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the LORD I did not make Myself known to them. Exodus 33:19 “I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the LORD—in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Judges 6:24 So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 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.” 2 Samuel 24:25 And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague upon Israel was halted. 1 Kings 18:31-32 And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” / And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. Psalm 46:7 The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 91:2 I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Isaiah 12:4 and on that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD; proclaim His name! Make His works known among the peoples; declare that His name is exalted. Treasury of Scripture And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared to him, when he fled from the face of his brother. built. Genesis 35:1,3 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother… Ecclesiastes 5:4,5 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed… El-beth-el. Genesis 28:13,19,22 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; … Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: Judges 6:24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Jump to Previous Altar Appeared Beth Bethel Buildeth Built El Erected Face Fled Fleeing Flight Naming Proclaimeth Revealed VisionJump to Next Altar Appeared Beth Bethel Buildeth Built El Erected Face Fled Fleeing Flight Naming Proclaimeth Revealed VisionGenesis 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. There Jacob built an altar Jacob's act of building an altar signifies a moment of worship and dedication to God. Altars in the Old Testament were places of sacrifice and communion with God, often marking significant encounters with the divine. This act reflects Jacob's obedience to God's command to return to Bethel (Genesis 35:1) and his desire to honor God for His faithfulness. Altars were central to the patriarchal worship practices, serving as tangible reminders of God's presence and promises. and he called that place El-bethel because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch who built the altar at El-bethel. He is a central figure in Genesis, known for his journey of faith and transformation. 2. El-bethel The name Jacob gave to the place where he built the altar. "El-bethel" means "God of Bethel," signifying the divine encounter Jacob had at this location. 3. God The divine being who revealed Himself to Jacob, affirming His covenant and presence in Jacob's life. 4. Bethel A significant location in Jacob's life, previously named Luz, where he had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28). 5. Esau Jacob's brother, from whom Jacob was fleeing when he first encountered God at Bethel. Teaching Points The Importance of RemembranceJacob's act of building an altar serves as a physical reminder of God's faithfulness and presence. In our lives, we should establish practices that help us remember God's work and promises. Encountering God in Times of Distress Just as God revealed Himself to Jacob during a time of fear and uncertainty, we can trust that God is present in our own times of distress, offering guidance and reassurance. The Significance of Names Naming the place "El-bethel" reflects Jacob's recognition of God's presence and sovereignty. We should be mindful of how we acknowledge God's role in our lives. Returning to Sacred Places Jacob's return to Bethel signifies the importance of revisiting places or moments where we have experienced God's presence, to renew our faith and commitment. Building Altars in Our Lives While we may not build physical altars, we can create spiritual markers through prayer, worship, and testimony, to honor God's work in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 35:7?2. How does Genesis 35:7 demonstrate God's faithfulness in Jacob's life journey? 3. Why is building an altar significant in Genesis 35:7 for worship practices today? 4. How does Genesis 35:7 connect with God's promises in Genesis 28:13-15? 5. What lessons from Genesis 35:7 can we apply to our worship of God? 6. How does Jacob's action in Genesis 35:7 reflect obedience to God's commands? 7. Why did Jacob build an altar in Genesis 35:7? 8. What is the significance of God revealing Himself to Jacob in Genesis 35:7? 9. How does Genesis 35:7 reflect God's covenant with Jacob? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 35? 11. What is Bethel's significance in the Bible? 12. What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes? 13. What is Bethel's significance in the Bible? 14. (Genesis 35:1) How can we verify historically or archeologically that Bethel existed as described here? What Does Genesis 35:7 Mean There Jacob built an altar• Jacob obeys God’s call to return to Bethel (Genesis 35:1) and immediately responds with worship, just as his grandfather Abraham did when God appeared to him (Genesis 12:7; 26:25). • Altars in Genesis mark decisive moments of covenant and gratitude—Noah after the flood (Genesis 8:20); Isaac at Beersheba (Genesis 26:25); Jacob earlier at Shechem (Genesis 33:20). • Building this altar shows that Jacob understands every victory—safe travel, protection from surrounding cities (Genesis 35:5)—comes from the Lord, echoing Exodus 20:24 where God promises His presence where an altar is raised to Him. and he called that place El-bethel • Naming places after divine encounters preserves the memory of God’s work for future generations, just as Jacob did earlier at Bethel (Genesis 28:19) and Moses at Rephidim (Exodus 17:15). • By publicly naming the site, Jacob invites his household and all who will hear the story to recognize God’s faithfulness—much like Samuel later erects a memorial stone called Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12). • The repetition of the name Bethel in Jacob’s life (Genesis 35:15) underlines its significance as a spiritual anchor point: God met him here at the beginning of his journey and now again on his return. because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob • Genesis 28:12-17 records God’s first revelation at Bethel—the ladder reaching to heaven, angels ascending and descending, and the Lord standing above, assuring Jacob of covenant promises. • Decades later, Jacob can testify that God has kept every word: protection abroad (Genesis 31:5, 42) and a safe return to Canaan (Genesis 32:10). • Repeated revelation highlights God’s patience and persistence; though Jacob’s walk was imperfect, God remained steadfast (cf. Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 105:8). as he fled from his brother • The mention of flight recalls the bitter family conflict ignited by Jacob’s deception of Isaac and Esau (Genesis 27:41-43). • God met Jacob at his lowest point—lonely, fearful, and running for his life (Genesis 28:10-11). Now, years later, God meets him again after reconciling with Esau (Genesis 33:4); the memory of divine mercy brackets Jacob’s entire exile. • Scripture often reminds believers of past deliverance to fuel present faith: Israel’s Exodus (Deuteronomy 15:15) and David’s rescue from lions and bears before facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). summary Genesis 35:7 shows Jacob intentionally memorializing God’s faithfulness. He raises an altar to declare, “The Lord brought me full circle.” By naming the spot El-bethel, he marks it as a perpetual reminder that the God who revealed Himself in Jacob’s darkest hour is the same God worthy of worship and trust today. (7) El-beth-el.--That is, the God of the house of God: the God into whose house he had been admitted, and seen there the wonders of His providence.God appeared.--The verb here, contrary to rule, is plural (see Note on Genesis 20:13), but the Samaritan Pentateuch has the singular. No argument can be drawn either way from the versions, as the word for God is singular in them all, and the verb necessarily singular also. In no other language but Hebrew is the name of God plural, but joined with verbs and adjectives in the singular. Verse 7. - And he built there an altar, - thus redeeming his vow (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:4) - and called the place El-beth-el: - i.e. God of Bethel. Not he called the place of God, or the place sacred to God, Bethel (Michaelis, 'Suppl.,' p. 2174), nor he called the altar (Keil, Kalisch, Gerlach, etc.), but he called the place where the altar was El-beth-el; i.e. either he devoted the place as sacred to the El of Bethel (Rosenmüller), or he gave to the place the name of (so. the place of) the El of Bethel, reading the first El as a genitive (Lange); or he called it El-Beth-el metaphorically, as Jerusalem afterwards was styled Jehovah Tsidkenu (Jeremiah 33:16) and Jehovah Shammah (Ezekiel 48:35; Inglis). It has been proposed, after the LXX., to avoid the seeming incongruity of assigning such a name to a place, to read, he invoked upon the place the El of Bethel (Quarry, p. 513) - because there God appeared unto him, - the El of Bethel was Jehovah (vide Genesis 28:13; Genesis 31:13) - when he fled from the face of his brother.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thereשָׁם֙ (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither Jacob built וַיִּ֤בֶן (way·yi·ḇen) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1129: To build an altar, מִזְבֵּ֔חַ (miz·bê·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar and he called וַיִּקְרָא֙ (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read that place לַמָּק֔וֹם (lam·mā·qō·wm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition El-bethel, אֵ֖ל (’êl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction it was there שָׁ֗ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither that God הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative had revealed Himself נִגְל֤וּ (niḡ·lū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal to him אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to as he fled בְּבָרְח֖וֹ (bə·ḇā·rə·ḥōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1272: To bolt, to flee suddenly from מִפְּנֵ֥י (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face his brother. אָחִֽיו׃ (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) Links Genesis 35:7 NIVGenesis 35:7 NLT Genesis 35:7 ESV Genesis 35:7 NASB Genesis 35:7 KJV Genesis 35:7 BibleApps.com Genesis 35:7 Biblia Paralela Genesis 35:7 Chinese Bible Genesis 35:7 French Bible Genesis 35:7 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 35:7 He built an altar there and called (Gen. 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