Genesis 33:17

KJV

And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} journeyed {H5265} to Succoth {H5523}, and built {H1129} him an house {H1004}, and made {H6213} booths {H5521} for his cattle {H4735}: therefore the name {H8034} of the place {H4725} is called {H7121} Succoth {H5523}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov went on to Sukkot, where he built himself a house and put up shelters for his cattle. This is why the place is called Sukkot [shelters].

Berean Standard Bible

but Jacob went on to Succoth, where he built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock; that is why the place was called Succoth.

American Standard Version

And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him a house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 33:17 chronicles Jacob's strategic pause in his return journey to Canaan, immediately following his momentous reconciliation with Esau. At a location east of the Jordan River, Jacob established a temporary but substantial settlement, constructing a house for his family and distinct booths for his extensive livestock. This significant act of building and settling led to the naming of the place "Succoth," a Hebrew term meaning "booths" or "shelters," thereby embedding the reason for its designation into its very identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 33:17 is strategically positioned within the narrative of Jacob's return to the Promised Land after two decades in Paddan-Aram. It immediately follows the intensely dramatic and spiritually transformative encounter at [Peniel](/genesis/32-24-32 "Jacob Wrestles with God at Peniel"), where Jacob wrestled with a divine being and received the new name Israel. This profound experience is directly succeeded by his anxious yet ultimately peaceful reunion with his estranged brother Esau in [Genesis 33:1-16](/genesis/33-1-16 "Jacob and Esau Reconcile"). Having successfully navigated these two pivotal encounters—one with God and one with man—Jacob's journey continues, but rather than proceeding directly into the heart of Canaan as Esau suggested, he makes a deliberate detour to Succoth, signaling a period of consolidation and rest before the next phase of his life in the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples like Jacob's clan often moved with their flocks, utilizing temporary shelters. However, the construction of a "house" (Hebrew: *bayith*) in this context suggests a more substantial, albeit perhaps not permanent, dwelling than a typical tent, indicating an intention to reside for an extended period. This would have been common for patriarchs managing large households and extensive livestock, requiring stable bases for pasturing and security. The practice of naming places based on significant events, structures, or natural features was also a prevalent cultural norm, serving as a mnemonic device and a way to imbue the landscape with historical and spiritual meaning. Succoth itself was located east of the Jordan River, in the fertile Ghor valley, an area suitable for pasturing animals, providing a practical reason for Jacob's pause.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, as God continues to protect and prosper Jacob, enabling him to find a place of rest and build after his trials, fulfilling the promises made to him at [Bethel](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel") and [Paddan-Aram](/genesis/31-3 "God's Command to Jacob"). It also highlights **Jacob's Transformation and Maturation**, as he moves from a cunning deceiver to a patriarch responsibly caring for his large household and livestock, demonstrating a newfound stability and wisdom. The act of building and settling, even temporarily, underscores the theme of **Establishing Roots and Inheritance** within the broader narrative of the patriarchal journey towards the Promised Land, even if Succoth itself is outside the traditional boundaries. Finally, the naming of the place "Succoth" reinforces the biblical theme of **The Significance of Names and Memorials**, where names serve as enduring reminders of God's actions and human experiences, a motif seen throughout [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **journeyed (Hebrew, _nâçaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to pull up," especially tent-pins, thereby meaning "to start on a journey" or "to remove." In this context, it emphasizes Jacob's continued movement and the deliberate act of breaking camp to proceed to a new location.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** Derived likely from the root "to build," this term refers to a dwelling, but encompasses a wide range of applications including family, household, palace, or temple. Here, it denotes a more substantial, perhaps semi-permanent, structure for Jacob's family, contrasting with the nomadic tent life he had previously led.
* **booths (Hebrew, _çukkâh'_):** This feminine noun denotes a hut or lair, a temporary shelter often made of branches or foliage. Its use here specifically for "cattle" highlights the practical need for protection for his valuable livestock, and it is the direct etymological root for the name of the place, "Succoth."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob journeyed to Succoth":** Following his reconciliation with Esau, Jacob did not immediately cross the Jordan River into central Canaan but instead traveled to a specific location east of the river. This journey signifies a deliberate choice of destination, indicating a planned pause rather than an impulsive stop.
* **"and built him an house":** This phrase indicates Jacob's construction of a dwelling for himself and his family. The term "house" (Hebrew: *bayith*) suggests a more permanent or substantial structure than a typical tent, implying an intention to settle for an extended period, perhaps for rest, recuperation, and the care of his large household and flocks.
* **"and made booths for his cattle":** In addition to his own dwelling, Jacob constructed temporary shelters (Hebrew: *sukkot*) specifically for his livestock. This act demonstrates his pastoral responsibility and foresight, providing protection for his valuable animals from the elements, which were essential to his wealth and livelihood.
* **"therefore the name of the place is called Succoth":** This final clause provides the etymological explanation for the place name. The Hebrew word "Succoth" (סֻכּוֹת) is the plural form of *sukkah* (סֻכָּה), meaning "booth" or "shelter." Thus, the name of the location serves as a direct memorial to Jacob's act of constructing these shelters, embedding his history into the geography of the land.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Genesis 33:17 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Etiology**, as the verse explicitly explains the origin of the place name "Succoth" by linking it directly to Jacob's action of "making booths for his cattle." This etiological naming serves to embed the historical event into the geographical landscape, providing a memorable and tangible connection between Jacob's journey and the land. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Symbolism**: the "house" represents Jacob's desire for stability and a settled life after years of wandering and conflict, while the "booths" (sukkot) for his cattle, though practical, also carry a symbolic weight, foreshadowing the temporary dwellings of the Israelites in the wilderness and the later [Feast of Tabernacles](/leviticus/23-42-43 "The Feast of Booths (Sukkot)"), which commemorates God's provision during their transient journey. The verse also demonstrates **Narrative Progression**, marking a distinct phase in Jacob's journey—a period of rest and consolidation before his eventual re-entry into the heart of Canaan, highlighting a moment of relative peace and prosperity after the preceding anxieties.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 33:17 underscores the theme of divine providence and the practical outworking of God's covenant promises in Jacob's life. After enduring significant trials—the wrestling match with God and the tense reunion with Esau—Jacob is granted a period of peace and stability, enabling him to build and settle. This pause at Succoth demonstrates God's continued care, providing not only safety but also the resources and opportunity for Jacob to establish a temporary home and protect his valuable livestock. It signifies a transition from a life of flight and uncertainty to one of relative security, reflecting God's faithfulness to bring Jacob back to the land and prosper him. The act of building, even if temporary, speaks to a newfound sense of belonging and responsibility, marking a significant step in Jacob's journey towards fully inheriting the land promised to Abraham and Isaac.

* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")
* [Genesis 32:9-12](/genesis/32-9-12 "Jacob's Prayer Before Meeting Esau")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "The Lord Builds the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 33:17 offers profound insights into the rhythm of life's journey, particularly after periods of intense challenge or significant transition. Jacob's decision to pause at Succoth, to build a house and make booths for his cattle, models the wisdom of intentional rest and responsible stewardship. In our own lives, after navigating difficult seasons, achieving significant milestones, or experiencing profound change, there is a spiritual and practical need to consolidate, to establish a temporary "base camp" where we can recover, assess, and prepare for the next leg of the journey. This isn't merely about physical rest, but about spiritual grounding—acknowledging God's provision that enables such stability, caring for those entrusted to our charge, and reflecting on the meaning embedded in our temporary stops. It reminds us that even provisional dwellings can be places of profound significance, where we experience God's faithfulness and prepare for His continued leading.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Succoth" moments have you experienced in your life—periods of intentional pause and consolidation after significant challenges or transitions?**
* **How does Jacob's act of building for his family and livestock inspire you to care for those under your stewardship, both physically and spiritually?**
* **In what ways can you acknowledge and celebrate God's provision during your own "temporary" stops along life's journey, even when the ultimate destination is still ahead?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob choose to stop at Succoth instead of immediately proceeding into Canaan?**

Answer: Jacob's decision to pause at Succoth, located east of the Jordan River, was likely a strategic and practical choice. After the emotionally and physically taxing events of his wrestling match with God at [Peniel](/genesis/32-24-32 "Jacob Wrestles with God at Peniel") and the potentially dangerous, yet ultimately peaceful, reunion with Esau in [Genesis 33:1-16](/genesis/33-1-16 "Jacob and Esau Reconcile"), Jacob and his large company, including many children and extensive livestock, would have been exhausted. Succoth offered fertile ground suitable for pasturing his flocks and a safe, accessible location to rest, recuperate, and consolidate his resources before venturing into the more populated and potentially challenging territories within the heart of Canaan, such as [Shechem](/genesis/33-18 "Jacob Arrives at Shechem"). This pause allowed for a period of stability and preparation.

**What is the significance of the "booths" (Succoth) in this verse?**

Answer: The "booths" (Hebrew: *sukkot*, plural of *sukkah*) were temporary shelters, likely constructed from branches, leaves, and other readily available materials, primarily intended to protect Jacob's numerous cattle from the elements. Their significance is twofold: pragmatically, they demonstrate Jacob's responsible care for his valuable livestock, which represented his wealth and livelihood. Theologically and etymologically, these temporary dwellings are the direct reason the place was named "Succoth," meaning "booths" or "shelters." This act of naming serves as a memorial. Furthermore, these "booths" carry a profound foreshadowing, as they connect to the later Israelite tradition of dwelling in temporary shelters during the [Feast of Tabernacles](/leviticus/23-42-43 "The Feast of Booths (Sukkot)"), a festival commemorating God's provision and protection for Israel during their transient wilderness wanderings, reminding them of their identity as sojourners under God's care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's journey to Succoth, marked by his establishment of a temporary dwelling and shelters, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate rest and secure dwelling found in Jesus Christ. Just as Jacob's "house" and "booths" provided a temporary haven and protection after his trials and uncertainties, Christ offers eternal security and a permanent dwelling place for all who are weary and burdened. He is the true "booth" or tabernacle, the one in whom God truly dwells among humanity, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Our earthly journey, much like Jacob's, is often one of sojourning and transience, but in Christ, we find our ultimate rest and the promise of a heavenly Canaan—not a temporary settlement, but a city with eternal foundations, whose builder and maker is God ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Abraham Looking for a City")). He is our refuge and strength ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "God is Our Refuge and Strength")), providing shelter and provision for our souls, leading us to the ultimate, permanent dwelling place in His presence ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God's Dwelling Place with Man")).

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

Psalms 60:6

¶ God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

Joshua 13:27

And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and [his] border, [even] unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.

Judges 8:5

And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they [be] faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

Judges 8:8

And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered [him].

Judges 8:16

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

Exodus 12:37

¶ And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men, beside children.

Judges 8:14

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, [even] threescore and seventeen men.