King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Then D'vorah, Rivkah's nurse, died. She was buried below Beit-El under the oak, which was given the name Alon-Bakhut [oak of weeping].
Berean Standard Bible:
Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bachuth.
American Standard Version:
And Deborah Rebekah’s nurse died, and she was buried below Beth-el under the oak: and the name of it was called Allon-bacuth.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
But Deborah{H1683} Rebekah's{H7259} nurse{H3243} died{H4191}, and she was buried{H6912} beneath Bethel{H1008} under an oak{H437}: and the name{H8034} of it was called{H7121} Allonbachuth{H439}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 24:59
- And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.
1 Samuel 31:13
- And they took their bones, and buried [them] under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
Judges 2:5
- And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD.
Judges 2:1
- ¶ And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.
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Commentary for Genesis 35:8
Genesis 35:8 is a verse that marks a significant moment in the life of the patriarch Jacob, within the broader context of the patriarchal narratives in the Book of Genesis. The verse mentions the death of Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, and her burial under an oak tree near Bethel, which is then named Allon-bacuth, meaning "oak of weeping."
**Themes:**
1. **Death and Burial:** The passage underscores the theme of mortality and the rituals surrounding death, as well as the significance of burial places, which often become sites of remembrance and sacred significance in the biblical narrative.
2. **Continuity and Change:** Deborah's presence in the story connects the past (Rebekah's household) with the present (Jacob's family). Her death symbolizes the end of an era and the transition to a new generation.
3. **Naming and Memorial:** The act of naming the place "Allon-bacuth" signifies the importance of remembrance and the way places become imbued with meaning through the events that occur there.
4. **Journey and Return:** This event occurs during Jacob's return to Bethel, a place of spiritual significance for him. It is a stop on his journey back to the land of his ancestors, reflecting a broader theme of return and reconnection with one's heritage.
**Historical Context:**
Genesis 35:8 is set within the narrative of Jacob's life, after he has returned from his time with Laban in Paddan-aram, and is in the process of reconciling with his brother Esau. Jacob is instructed by God to return to Bethel, the place where he had a profound encounter with God years earlier (Genesis 28:10-22). This return to Bethel is part of Jacob's spiritual journey and his fulfillment of a vow he made to God.
The mention of Rebekah's nurse, Deborah, connects the story to the previous generation, reminding the reader of Jacob's mother, Rebekah, and her origins. It also reflects the cultural practice of the time, where servants, especially those as close as nurses, would often remain with a family throughout their lives.
The verse is situated within the larger context of the patriarchal narratives, which detail the lives of the ancestors of Israel and their relationships with God. These narratives were likely compiled during the period of the monarchy or later, reflecting the religious and social concerns of the Israelite community, including issues of identity, land, and covenant with God.
*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: H1683
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דְּבּוֹרָה
Transliteration: Dᵉbôwrâh
Pronunciation: deb-o-raw'
Description: or (shortened) דְּבֹרָה; the same as דְּבוֹרָה; Deborah, the name of two Hebrewesses; Deborah. - Strong's Number: H7259
There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רִבְקָה
Transliteration: Ribqâh
Pronunciation: rib-kaw'
Description: from an unused root probably meaning to clog by tying up the fetlock; fettering (by beauty); Ribkah, the wife of Isaac; Rebekah. - Strong's Number: H3243
There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָנַק
Transliteration: yânaq
Pronunciation: yaw-nak'
Description: a primitive root; to suck; causatively, to give milk; milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling). - Strong's Number: H4191
There are 694 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוּת
Transliteration: mûwth
Pronunciation: mooth
Description: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. - Strong's Number: H6912
There are 122 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָבַר
Transliteration: qâbar
Pronunciation: kaw-bar'
Description: a primitive root; to inter; [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). - Strong's Number: H1008
There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֵּית־אֵל
Transliteration: Bêyth-ʼÊl
Pronunciation: bayth-ale'
Description: from בַּיִת and אֵל; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine; Beth-el. - Strong's Number: H437
There are 122 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַלּוֹן
Transliteration: ʼallôwn
Pronunciation: al-lone'
Description: a variation of אֵלוֹן; {an oak or other strong tree}; oak. - Strong's Number: H8034
There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁם
Transliteration: shêm
Pronunciation: shame
Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - 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: H439
There are 699 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַלּוֹן בָּכוּת
Transliteration: ʼAllôwn Bâkûwth
Pronunciation: al-lone' baw-kooth'
Description: from אַלּוֹן and a variation of בְּכִית; oak of weeping; Allon-Bakuth, a monumental tree; Allon-bachuth.