Genesis 35:15

KJV

And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} called {H7121} the name {H8034} of the place {H4725} where God {H430} spake {H1696} with him, Bethel {H1008}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov called the place where God spoke with him Beit-El.

Berean Standard Bible

Jacob called the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.

American Standard Version

And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Beth-el.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jacob's solemn act of naming a significant location, Bethel, following a profound and reaffirming divine encounter. This verse serves as a concise yet powerful declaration of remembrance and consecration, marking a pivotal moment in Jacob's spiritual journey and solidifying the site's enduring significance as a place of God's manifest presence and renewed covenant. It underscores the deep connection between divine revelation and human response, transforming a geographical spot into a sacred memorial.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a crucial narrative sequence that began with God's direct command to Jacob in [Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God commands Jacob to return to Bethel") to return to Bethel and build an altar. In obedience, Jacob purifies his household, discarding foreign gods and idols, and then journeys to Bethel. There, God appears to him once more, reaffirming the Abrahamic covenant promises regarding land and descendants, and notably, renaming Jacob as "Israel" in [Genesis 35:9-12](/genesis/35-9-12 "God renames Jacob to Israel and reaffirms promises"). Jacob's act of naming the place Bethel in verse 15 immediately follows this profound divine encounter, serving as a climactic response and a memorial to God's renewed promises and presence. It echoes and reaffirms his initial naming of the site in [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob names Bethel after his dream of the ladder"), creating a narrative bookend to his spiritual journey.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Naming places in the ancient Near East was a common practice, often done to commemorate significant events, divine encounters, or the establishment of a settlement. Such names served as enduring markers of identity and history for future generations. For Jacob, this act of naming was not merely geographical but theological; it was a public declaration of the site's sacred status, transforming it from an ordinary "place" into a "house of God." The purification of Jacob's household before arriving at Bethel ([Genesis 35:2-4](/genesis/35-2-4 "Jacob purifies his household")) reflects the cultural understanding that one must be ritually clean to approach the divine, a practice common in ancient religious contexts. The subsequent building of an altar and pouring of a drink offering and oil ([Genesis 35:14](/genesis/35-14 "Jacob sets up a pillar at Bethel")) further align with ancient Near Eastern customs of consecrating sacred sites and making offerings to deity.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 35:15](/genesis/35-15 "Jacob names Bethel") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Revelation**, as God repeatedly initiates contact with Jacob, speaking directly to him and revealing His purposes. Secondly, it underscores **Covenant Fidelity**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham and Isaac, now reaffirmed to Jacob (Israel) at Bethel. The act of naming also reinforces the theme of **Memory and Memorialization**, as Jacob establishes a lasting physical reminder of God's presence and promises, ensuring that this sacred history would not be forgotten. Furthermore, the concept of **Sacred Space** is prominent, as Bethel is consecrated by God's manifest presence, becoming a unique locus of divine encounter. This foreshadows later biblical concepts of God dwelling among His people, from the Tabernacle to the Temple, and ultimately, in Christ and the Church. The transformation of Jacob's character, from the "supplanter" to "Israel" (one who strives with God), is also central, with Bethel serving as a crucial site for his spiritual maturation, as seen in the broader narrative of [Genesis 35](/genesis/35 "The full chapter of Genesis 35").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 35:15](/genesis/35-15 "Jacob names Bethel") states, "And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel." This concise declaration encapsulates a profound moment of theological significance and personal commitment, serving as a memorial to a pivotal divine encounter.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** This name, meaning "heel-catcher" or "supplanter," identifies the patriarch who, through a lifetime of struggles and divine encounters, is being transformed. His act of naming here is significant, as he is no longer merely Jacob but has been renamed "Israel" by God in [Genesis 35:10](/genesis/35-10 "God renames Jacob to Israel"), signifying a new identity and relationship with God. Yet, the text uses "Jacob" here, perhaps emphasizing the continuity of his personal journey and the fulfillment of his earlier vow.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely uttering words but often implies an authoritative, deliberate, and effective communication. When God "spake" with Jacob, it was a direct, personal, and impactful revelation, carrying the weight of divine command and covenant reaffirmation. This was a verbal encounter, solidifying the reality of God's presence and His specific message to Jacob, which included the renewal of the Abrahamic covenant.
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** Derived from the Hebrew words for "house" (בַּיִת, _bayith_) and "God" (אֵל, _ʼēl_), "Bethel" literally means "House of God." This name perfectly encapsulates Jacob's experience at this site—a place where God's presence was unmistakably felt and where He chose to reveal Himself. It signifies a consecrated space, a dwelling place of the divine on earth, and serves as a perpetual reminder of the profound encounter that occurred there.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob called the name of the place":** This clause highlights Jacob's active and intentional response to the divine encounter. In ancient Near Eastern culture, naming a place was an act of claiming, commemorating, and defining its identity based on a significant event. For Jacob, this was a public and lasting declaration of the site's sacred status, ensuring that the memory of God's presence would endure. It also signifies his personal commitment to the renewed covenant.
* **"where God spake with him,":** This is the crucial theological anchor of the verse. It directly links the naming of the place to a personal, verbal revelation from God. This was not merely a feeling or an abstract sense of presence, but a direct, authoritative communication, reaffirming God's covenant and promises to Jacob (now Israel). This divine address solidifies Bethel as a locus of specific, revealed truth and a place where God actively engages with humanity.
* **"Bethel.":** The culmination of the verse, this name concretizes the spiritual reality of the location. "Bethel," meaning "House of God," encapsulates the essence of Jacob's experience—a place where God's presence was so palpable that it transformed the very ground into a consecrated space. This naming serves as a deliberate act of memorialization, ensuring that the site of God's powerful presence and renewed promises would not be forgotten by future generations, and it reaffirms the name Jacob had given it years earlier, deepening its significance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Repetition** is evident in the reaffirmation of the name "Bethel," which Jacob first named in [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob's first naming of Bethel"). This repetition underscores the enduring sacredness of the site and the continuity of God's promises, emphasizing that despite the intervening years and Jacob's journey, the validity of God's covenant remained unchanged. **Symbolism** is central, as the act of naming itself transforms a physical location into a symbol of divine presence and covenant faithfulness. "Bethel" becomes a potent symbol of God's dwelling among His people. Furthermore, the phrase "where God spake with him" highlights **Theophany**, the manifestation of God to humanity, emphasizing the direct and personal nature of God's revelation to Jacob. This simple declaration, therefore, is rich with layers of meaning, marking a significant point in Jacob's spiritual narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 35:15](/genesis/35-15 "Jacob names Bethel after God speaks to him") profoundly illustrates God's active engagement with humanity, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and the importance of remembering divine encounters. The naming of Bethel serves as a powerful memorial, a physical reminder of a spiritual reality—that God is present, He speaks, and He fulfills His word. This act of memorialization is a recurring theme in Scripture, ensuring that God's mighty acts are not forgotten by subsequent generations. It also highlights the concept of sacred space, not as inherently holy ground, but as a place consecrated by God's manifest presence and revelation, setting it apart for worship and remembrance.

* [Genesis 28:16-19](/genesis/28-16-19 "Jacob's dream and naming of Bethel") – Jacob's initial encounter with God at this place, where he first names it Bethel and makes a vow.
* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God commands Israel to build a sanctuary") – God's command to build the Tabernacle, demonstrating His desire to "dwell among" His people, echoing the "House of God" theme.
* [Joshua 4:6-7](/joshua/4-6-7 "Stones as a memorial of crossing the Jordan") – The setting up of twelve stones as a memorial after crossing the Jordan, emphasizing the biblical practice of creating physical markers to remember God's mighty acts.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 35:15](/genesis/35-15 "Jacob names Bethel") invites believers to acknowledge and remember the specific "Bethel" moments in their own lives—those profound encounters where God has unmistakably spoken, provided, or renewed His promises. For Jacob, Bethel was more than a geographical location; it was a consecrated space, a physical marker of God's unwavering faithfulness and the renewal of His covenant. In our lives, this means intentionally recalling instances where God's presence was tangible, allowing these memories to deepen our trust and obedience. Recognizing that certain experiences or places can become personal "Bethels"—sites of divine encounter that profoundly shape our spiritual journey—motivates us to live in light of God's enduring promises, knowing that His character is unchanging and His Word is true, from the [initial call of Abraham](/genesis/12-2 "God's initial promises to Abraham") to the establishment of the new covenant in Christ. These personal Bethels serve as anchors in times of doubt, reminding us of God's past faithfulness and assuring us of His future steadfastness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Bethel" moments in your own spiritual journey—times or places where God's presence was unmistakably clear and transformative?**
* **How do you intentionally remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in your life, ensuring those memories continue to shape your faith?**
* **In what ways does God continue to "speak" to you today, and how do you respond to His ongoing revelation?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob reaffirm the name Bethel in [Genesis 35:15](/genesis/35-15 "Jacob reaffirms the name Bethel") when he had already named it in [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob's first naming of Bethel")?**

Answer: Jacob did not "rename" Bethel, but rather "reaffirmed" or re-consecrated its name. He first named it Bethel in [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob's first naming of Bethel") after his visionary dream of the ladder. His return to Bethel in [Genesis 35](/genesis/35 "The full chapter of Genesis 35"), commanded by God, brought him back to the very place of his initial profound encounter. This second naming or reaffirmation in [Genesis 35:15](/genesis/35-15 "Jacob reaffirms the name Bethel") serves multiple purposes: it underscores the enduring significance and sacredness of the site; it publicly acknowledges God's renewed covenant promises and His re-naming of Jacob as "Israel" there; and it fulfills Jacob's vow made in [Genesis 28:20-22](/genesis/28-20-22 "Jacob's vow at Bethel") to make the place God's house if God would be with him. It highlights the continuity of God's presence and promises in Jacob's life, marking a full circle in his spiritual journey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The naming of Bethel, "House of God," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jacob's Bethel was a specific geographic location where God met humanity, Christ is the true and living "House of God," the very dwelling place of God among us. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh") declares, the Word became flesh and "dwelt among us," using a Greek word (ἐσκήνωσεν, _eskēnōsen_) that literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent," echoing the Old Testament Tabernacle as God's dwelling. Jesus Himself refers to His body as the temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "Jesus speaks of the temple of his body")" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "Jesus speaks of the temple of his body")), signifying that He is the ultimate locus of divine presence. The ladder dream at the first naming of Bethel ([Genesis 28:12](/genesis/28-12 "Jacob's dream of the ladder")) is explicitly interpreted by Jesus Himself as pointing to Him, the "Son of Man," upon whom angels ascend and descend ([John 1:51](/john/1-51 "Jesus is the ladder to heaven")), signifying His role as the sole mediator and bridge between heaven and earth. Through Christ, all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ")), and in Him, believers become the spiritual temple, the true "House of God," built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Believers as a holy temple in the Lord"); [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Believers as living stones in a spiritual house")). Thus, the temporary, localized "House of God" at Bethel is fully realized in the eternal, universal "House of God" that is Christ and His Church.

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 28:19

And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.