Genesis 31:13

KJV

I [am] the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, [and] where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am the God {H410} of Bethel {H1008}, where thou anointedst {H4886} the pillar {H4676}, and where thou vowedst {H5087} a vow {H5088} unto me: now arise {H6965}, get thee out {H3318} from this land {H776}, and return {H7725} unto the land {H776} of thy kindred {H4138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am the God of Beit-El, where you anointed a standing-stone with oil, where you vowed your vow to me. Now get up, get out of this land, and return to the land where you were born.'"

Berean Standard Bible

I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up and leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’”

American Standard Version

I am the God of Beth-el, where thou anointedst a pillar, where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy nativity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 31:13 records a pivotal divine encounter where God identifies Himself to Jacob as the God of Bethel, recalling Jacob's past acts of anointing a pillar and making a solemn vow. This direct communication serves as a divine imperative, commanding Jacob to depart from Laban's household and return to his ancestral land and kindred, thereby underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness, active remembrance of covenant, and providential guidance in fulfilling His purposes for Jacob and his descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This divine revelation to Jacob occurs in a dream, as explicitly stated in [Genesis 31:11](/genesis/31-11 "The Angel of God appears to Jacob in a dream"). Jacob has spent two decades serving his uncle Laban in Haran, a period marked by Laban's repeated deceit and shifting wages (cf. [Genesis 31:7, 41](/genesis/31-7-41 "Laban's changing wages and Jacob's servitude")). The relationship between Jacob and Laban's sons has deteriorated significantly, creating an untenable situation (cf. [Genesis 31:1-2](/genesis/31-1-2 "Laban's sons' jealousy")). This command to "arise, get thee out from this land" is not a new idea but a divine confirmation and intensification of an earlier instruction given to Jacob in [Genesis 31:3](/genesis/31-3 "God's initial command to Jacob to return"), where God promised His presence. The immediate context of [Genesis 31](/genesis/31 "Genesis 31 - Jacob flees Laban") depicts Jacob's growing wealth, Laban's increasing hostility, and the divine intervention necessary to extricate Jacob from a complicated and potentially dangerous situation, setting the stage for his return to Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of a "vow" (Hebrew: *neder*) was a serious, binding commitment made to a deity, often in exchange for divine favor or protection. Anointing a pillar (Hebrew: *matstsebah*) was a common practice to mark a sacred space or memorialize a significant event, often involving the pouring of oil to consecrate the object or place to a deity. Jacob's actions at Bethel (recorded in [Genesis 28:18-22](/genesis/28-18-22 "Jacob's vow at Bethel")) reflect these cultural practices, but they are imbued with unique theological significance due to God's direct revelation. Furthermore, the concept of "kindred" (Hebrew: *môwledeth*) was paramount in ancient patriarchal societies, emphasizing lineage, family, and the inherited land. Jacob's return to his kindred in Canaan was not merely a family reunion but a crucial step in the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob, concerning the land and the formation of a great nation (cf. [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights God's **covenant faithfulness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the promises made to Jacob at Bethel, even after two decades. The theme of **divine guidance and providence** is central, as God actively directs Jacob's steps, extricating him from a difficult situation and leading him toward his destiny in the promised land. The verse also underscores the **significance of past divine encounters**, emphasizing how God's prior revelations (like the one at [Bethel](/genesis/28 "Jacob's dream at Bethel")) serve as foundational anchors for present faith and obedience. Finally, it touches on the theme of **human responsibility and the fulfillment of vows**, implicitly reminding Jacob of his own commitment made at Bethel, which God is now enabling him to fulfill by bringing him back to his homeland.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** From *bayit* (house) and *ʼêl* (God), literally meaning "house of God." This is not merely a geographical location but a deeply significant theological marker, representing the place where Jacob had a transformative encounter with God, where God reaffirmed the Abrahamic covenant to him, and where Jacob dedicated a pillar and made a vow (cf. [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's dream and vow at Bethel")). God's self-identification as "the God of Bethel" immediately grounds the current command in a foundational moment of Jacob's spiritual journey, emphasizing the continuity of His covenant faithfulness.
* **Anointedst (Hebrew, _mâshach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to rub with oil," "to anoint," or by implication, "to consecrate." Jacob's act of anointing the pillar with oil (cf. [Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Jacob anoints the stone pillar")) was a ritual act of dedication, setting apart the stone as sacred and marking the place as consecrated to God. God's remembrance of this specific act highlights His attention to Jacob's responsive worship and the sacredness of the covenant established there.
* **Arise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** A primitive root meaning "to rise," "to get up," or "to stand." In this context, it is an imperative command signifying immediate action and a change of state or location. It implies not just physical movement but a decisive, divinely initiated transition from one phase of life to another, calling Jacob to active obedience and signaling a crucial turning point in his narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I [am] the God of Bethel,"**: This opening declaration is a powerful self-identification by God. It immediately establishes a deeply personal and covenantal connection with Jacob, recalling the transformative encounter at Bethel (cf. [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's dream and vow at Bethel")). By using this specific title, God reminds Jacob that He is the same God who met him in his vulnerability, made promises to him, and established a covenant with him. This serves as both an assurance of God's unchanging character and a foundation for the command that follows.
* **"where thou anointedst the pillar, [and] where thou vowedst a vow unto me:"**: God explicitly recalls two significant actions Jacob performed at Bethel: the anointing of the stone pillar and the making of a vow. The anointing of the pillar (cf. [Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Jacob anoints the pillar")) was an act of consecration, marking the place as sacred and a memorial to God's presence. Jacob's vow (cf. [Genesis 28:20-22](/genesis/28-20-22 "Jacob's vow to God")) was a conditional promise of loyalty and worship to God if God would protect him and bring him back to his father's house. God's remembrance of these specific acts underscores His faithfulness to Jacob's commitments and His expectation of Jacob's reciprocal obedience, implying that the time has come for Jacob to fulfill his part of the covenant.
* **"now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred."**: This is the direct, imperative command that forms the climax and primary directive of the verse. It provides Jacob with explicit divine authorization and direction to leave Laban's household, a place of hardship and deceit, and return to the promised land and his family. The repeated use of imperatives ("arise," "get thee out," "return") emphasizes the urgency and divine authority behind the command. This is not merely a suggestion but a crucial turning point, signaling God's active involvement in guiding Jacob back to the place of his inheritance and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Anaphora** is subtly present in the repetition of "where thou" ("where thou anointedst... where thou vowedst"), emphasizing the specific, remembered actions of Jacob at Bethel and reinforcing the continuity of God's relationship with him. **Allusion** is central, as God's self-identification as "the God of Bethel" is a direct and powerful reference to the foundational covenant encounter detailed in [Genesis 28](/genesis/28 "Jacob's dream at Bethel"), immediately bringing to mind God's promises and Jacob's response. This creates a strong sense of **intertextuality**, linking the present divine command to a pivotal past event. The use of **imperative verbs** ("arise," "get thee out," "return") conveys the divine authority and urgency of the command, highlighting God's direct intervention and guidance in Jacob's life. The entire declaration functions as a form of **divine speech**, a direct address from God that carries ultimate authority and significance, shaping the narrative's direction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 31:13 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His active remembrance of His people's past encounters and commitments. By recalling Bethel, God assures Jacob that He is the same God who promised to be with him and bring him back (cf. [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's promise to Jacob")). This divine memory serves as the foundation for the present command, demonstrating that God's plan for Jacob's life, and indeed for His chosen people, is continuous and purposeful, leading them towards their destined inheritance. It highlights that God's guidance is not arbitrary but rooted in His enduring promises and His intimate knowledge of His children's journeys.

* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's promise to Jacob at Bethel")
* [Psalm 105:8](/psalm/105-8 "God remembers His covenant forever")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God will never leave or forsake us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 31:13 offers a powerful blueprint for navigating life's transitions and uncertainties with faith. Just as God reminded Jacob of their shared history at Bethel, we too can draw immense strength and clarity by remembering our own "Bethel moments"—those times when God has unmistakably revealed His presence, His promises, or His specific will in our lives. These past encounters serve as anchors, reminding us of God's unchanging character and His faithfulness, even when current circumstances are challenging or confusing. The command to "arise, get thee out, and return" is a call to active obedience, urging us to trust God's leading even when it requires leaving familiar, albeit difficult, situations. It challenges us to reflect on any vows or commitments we have made to God and to consider how He might be calling us to fulfill them, trusting that His timing and direction are perfect. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to live in responsive faith, knowing that the God who met us in the past is the same God who faithfully guides us into our future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are your "Bethel moments"—specific times when God has clearly revealed Himself or His will to you? How do these memories strengthen your faith today?**
* **Are there any vows or commitments you have made to God that you are being called to revisit or fulfill in your current season of life?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "arise, get out," and move towards a new season or direction, trusting His guidance?**

### FAQ
**Why does God remind Jacob of Bethel and his vow?**

Answer: God reminds Jacob of Bethel and his vow for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it serves to reinforce His own identity as the faithful, covenant-keeping God. By recalling the specific location and the promises made there, God demonstrates His perfect memory and unwavering commitment to Jacob, assuring him that the God who met him in his vulnerability is the same God now guiding his steps. Secondly, it strengthens Jacob's faith and provides undeniable assurance of divine guidance, grounding the present command in a foundational past encounter. This continuity underscores that God's plan for Jacob is unfolding precisely as promised. Thirdly, God's remembrance of Jacob's vow subtly prompts Jacob to remember and fulfill his own commitment made at Bethel. Just as God is now fulfilling His part of the covenant by directing Jacob's return to the promised land, He expects Jacob to reciprocate by honoring his vow, reinforcing the principle of mutual covenant responsibility. This divine reminder is therefore both an act of grace and a call to obedience, preparing Jacob for a significant transition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine self-identification as "the God of Bethel" and the command to return to the land of kindred finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Bethel, meaning "house of God," was where heaven met earth in Jacob's dream of a ladder. This foreshadows Jesus, who declares Himself the true "ladder" or "door" to God, the ultimate point of connection between the divine and humanity (cf. [John 1:51](/john/1-51 "Jesus is the ladder to heaven") and [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "Jesus is the door to the sheep")). He is Emmanuel, "God with us" (cf. [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Jesus is Emmanuel")), the very embodiment of God's presence among His people, making every place where believers gather in His name a "Bethel." Furthermore, Jacob's call to leave a foreign land and return to his inheritance in the promised land profoundly foreshadows the spiritual journey of believers. Through Christ, we are called out of the "world" and its spiritual bondage, to return to our true spiritual home and inheritance in the heavenly kingdom (cf. [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Our citizenship is in heaven") and [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "We have obtained an inheritance in Christ")). The promises made to Jacob are ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who brings all believers into a deeper, eternal covenant relationship with God, establishing the true and everlasting "house of God" in His body, the Church (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Believers as living stones in God's spiritual house")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 31:3

And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

Genesis 32:9

¶ And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

Genesis 28:12

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 28:22

And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

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.