King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel.
Complete Jewish Bible:
There he put up an altar, which he called El-Elohei-Yisra'el [God, the God of Isra'el].
Berean Standard Bible:
There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.
American Standard Version:
And he erected there an altar, and called it El-Elohe-Israel.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And he erected{H5324} there an altar{H4196}, and called it{H7121} Elelohe-Israel{H415}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 21:33
- ¶ And [Abraham] planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.
Genesis 35:7
- 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.
Genesis 32:28
- And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Genesis 12:7
- And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.
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.
Genesis 13:18
- Then Abram removed [his] tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
Genesis 8:20
- ¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
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Commentary for Genesis 33:20
Genesis 33:20 is a verse that captures a significant moment in the life of the patriarch Jacob, who later is named Israel. The verse occurs after Jacob's reconciliation with his brother Esau, following a long period of estrangement and fear of retribution for Jacob's deceit in obtaining their father Isaac's blessing.
**Themes:**
1. **Worship and Thanksgiving:** Jacob erects an altar as an act of worship to God, demonstrating his gratitude for the peaceful encounter with Esau and the safe passage of his family and possessions. This act of devotion underscores the importance of acknowledging God's providence and protection.
2. **Covenant Relationship:** By naming the altar "El Elohe Israel," which can be translated as "God, the God of Israel," Jacob is affirming his personal relationship with God and declaring God's sovereignty over himself and his descendants. This signifies a covenantal relationship between God and the nation that would come from Jacob's lineage.
3. **Identity and Renaming:** The name change from Jacob to Israel is significant. Jacob, meaning "heel-grabber" or "deceiver," is replaced by Israel, which can mean "he struggles with God" or "God contends." This reflects Jacob's transformation from a trickster to a man of faith, and it marks a new chapter in his life.
**Historical Context:**
The event takes place in the land of Canaan, to which Jacob has returned after many years in Paddan-aram. This return marks a homecoming and a fulfillment of God's promise to bring Jacob back to the land of his fathers. The altar's construction is not only an act of personal piety but also a claim to the land and a declaration of faith in the God who had promised it to his ancestors and now to him.
This moment is part of the broader narrative of the patriarchs, which lays the foundation for the identity and religious practices of the Israelite nation. It reflects the early stages of the Israelites' relationship with God, characterized by covenants, promises, and acts of worship. The altar serves as a physical and symbolic anchor for the religious and national identity that will develop through the narratives of the Pentateuch.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5324
There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָצַב
Transliteration: nâtsab
Pronunciation: naw-tsab'
Description: a primitive root; to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively); appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. - Strong's Number: H4196
There are 338 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִזְבֵּחַ
Transliteration: mizbêach
Pronunciation: miz-bay'-akh
Description: from זָבַח; an altar; altar. - Strong's Number: H7121
There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרָא
Transliteration: qârâʼ
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. - Strong's Number: H415
There are 266 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵל אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל
Transliteration: ʼÊl ʼĕlôhêy Yisrâʼêl
Pronunciation: ale el-o-hay' yis-rawale'
Description: from אֵל and אֱלֹהִים and יִשְׂרָאֵל; the mighty god if Jisrael; El-Elohi-Jisrael, the title given to a consecrated spot by Jacob; Elelohe-israel.