Genesis 35:2

KJV

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Jacob {H3290} said {H559} unto his household {H1004}, and to all that were with him, Put away {H5493} the strange {H5236} gods {H430} that are among you {H8432}, and be clean {H2891}, and change {H2498} your garments {H8071}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Ya'akov said to his household and all the others with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods that you have with you, purify yourselves, and put on fresh clothes.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments.

American Standard Version

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the foreign gods that are among you, and purify yourselves, and change your garments:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:2 records Jacob's pivotal command to his entire household and all accompanying him, initiating a profound spiritual and ritual purification. This divine directive was a crucial preparatory step for their journey to Bethel, the sacred site where God had previously appeared to Jacob and where he was now divinely instructed to erect an altar, signifying a renewed covenant commitment and a decisive break from any lingering idolatrous practices within his camp.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's direct and urgent command to Jacob in [Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God's Command to Jacob to Go to Bethel") to journey to Bethel, build an altar, and dwell there. This divine instruction serves as the catalyst for Jacob's subsequent actions. The necessity for purification is underscored by the preceding narrative, particularly the violent and morally questionable events at Shechem in [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "The Rape of Dinah and Slaughter at Shechem"), which had brought Jacob's family into disrepute and danger. Jacob's command in [Genesis 35:2](/genesis/35-2 "Jacob's Command for Purification") thus represents a turning point, a spiritual house-cleaning essential for approaching a holy God and re-establishing their covenant relationship at a place of profound spiritual significance. Bethel itself held deep personal meaning for Jacob, being the site of his foundational dream and God's reaffirmation of the Abrahamic covenant promises in [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a polytheistic milieu where the worship of multiple gods and the use of household idols (teraphim) were common. Even within families who acknowledged Yahweh, syncretistic practices—mixing the worship of the true God with pagan customs—were a persistent temptation. The presence of "strange gods" within Jacob's household, likely including the teraphim Rachel had stolen from Laban ([Genesis 31:19](/genesis/31-19 "Rachel Steals Laban's Teraphim")), illustrates this cultural reality. The commands to "be clean" and "change your garments" reflect ancient Near Eastern ritual purity laws, which were not unique to Israel but were given new theological significance within the Mosaic Law. Changing garments often symbolized a transition to a sacred state, mourning, or a new beginning, while ritual washing was a prerequisite for approaching the divine or participating in sacred rites.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 35:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, as Jacob's action is a direct response to God's command. It powerfully highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Renewal**, as Jacob's family prepares to re-engage with God at the site of a foundational covenant promise. The explicit command to "put away the strange gods" introduces the critical theme of **Exclusive Worship and the Rejection of Idolatry**, a principle that becomes a cornerstone of Israelite faith. Furthermore, the instructions to "be clean, and change your garments" emphasize the theme of **Holiness and Purity as Prerequisites for Divine Encounter**, underscoring that approaching a holy God requires a corresponding state of ritual and spiritual consecration. These themes collectively prepare the reader for the unfolding narrative of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **household (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this term denotes more than just a physical dwelling; it encompasses the entire family unit, including servants, extended relatives, and all who lived under Jacob's authority. Its usage here emphasizes that Jacob's command for purification was comprehensive, extending to every individual within his sphere of influence, underscoring the communal responsibility for spiritual integrity.
* **strange (Hebrew, _nêkâr'_):** From H5236, this word means "foreign" or "alien." When applied to "gods" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), it signifies deities that are not Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. Their "strangeness" highlights their incompatibility with the true worship demanded by God, emphasizing that they are an intrusion and an affront to His exclusive claim on His people's devotion.
* **clean (Hebrew, _ṭâhêr'_):** From H2891, this primitive root signifies being "bright," and by implication, "pure." It refers to both physical purity (e.g., sound, unadulterated) and, crucially, Levitical (ceremonial) and moral purity. In this context, it implies a ritual washing to remove defilement, but also points to an underlying spiritual cleansing—a shedding of anything that would render one unfit to stand in God's presence.
* **change (Hebrew, _châlaph'_):** From H2498, this root means "to slide by," "pass on," or "change." When paired with "garments" (H8071, _simlâh'_), it implies a complete alteration of attire, not merely a superficial adjustment. This act was a powerful symbolic gesture in the ancient world, signifying a transition from an old state to a new, consecrated one, mirroring the internal transformation required for approaching God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him,"**: This opening clause establishes the scope of Jacob's authority and the breadth of the command. It wasn't just his immediate family but everyone under his care, including servants and any other individuals who had joined his nomadic company. This inclusivity highlights the communal nature of the impending spiritual encounter and the responsibility of the patriarch for the spiritual welfare of his entire camp.
* **"Put away the strange gods that [are] among you,"**: This is the primary and most urgent directive. "Put away" (Hebrew: _çûwr_) implies a decisive removal, a conscious act of separation. The "strange gods" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym nêkâr_) refer to foreign deities or idols, indicating that despite their journey with Jacob, elements of polytheistic worship persisted within his extended family. This command underscores God's demand for exclusive worship and Jacob's recognition that idolatry was an impediment to true communion with Yahweh.
* **"and be clean,"**: This second command calls for ritual and spiritual purification. The Hebrew word _ṭâhêr_ denotes a state of ceremonial purity, typically achieved through washing. This act was not merely external but symbolized an internal readiness to shed defilement and present oneself as consecrated before a holy God. It signifies a moral and spiritual cleansing, preparing the heart for divine encounter.
* **"and change your garments:"**: This final instruction reinforces the call for complete transformation. Changing garments (Hebrew: _châlaph simlâh_) was a common ancient Near Eastern practice to mark a significant transition, such as entering a holy place, mourning, or signifying a new status. Here, it symbolizes a visible commitment to a new, consecrated state, leaving behind the old, defiled ways and embracing a renewed dedication to God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as Jacob issues direct commands ("Put away," "be clean," "change"), conveying the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the purification. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the actions commanded: "strange gods" symbolize anything that displaces God in one's life; "being clean" symbolizes spiritual purity and preparedness; and "changing garments" symbolizes a complete transformation, a shedding of the old self and an embracing of a consecrated new identity. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the defiled state of the household (due to the presence of idols and the events at Shechem) and the desired state of purity necessary for approaching the holy God at Bethel. These devices collectively underscore the gravity of the moment and the radical transformation required.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's command in Genesis 35:2 encapsulates fundamental theological principles that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. It powerfully asserts God's absolute holiness and His demand for exclusive worship, establishing that syncretism—the blending of devotion to Yahweh with pagan practices—is an affront to His nature. The necessity of purification, both ritual and spiritual, before approaching the divine is a foundational truth, demonstrating that a holy God cannot be casually encountered while clinging to defilement. This passage also highlights the ongoing need for covenant faithfulness and renewal, as believers are continually called to reaffirm their loyalty to God and separate themselves from anything that compromises their devotion.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")
* [Joshua 24:14-15](/joshua/24-14-15 "Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [1 Samuel 7:3](/1_samuel/7-3 "Samuel's Call to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:2 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the enduring necessity of spiritual cleansing and singular devotion to God. We are called to engage in a continuous process of self-examination, identifying and decisively "putting away" any "strange gods" that may have infiltrated our lives. These modern idols are often not physical statues but anything that subtly or overtly takes precedence over God—be it wealth, career, relationships, self-image, comfort, or even spiritual pride. This involves a conscious commitment to repentance, seeking forgiveness for sin, and actively pursuing a life consecrated solely to God. Just as Jacob's household prepared for a physical encounter with God at Bethel, we are to prepare our hearts for God's presence in our daily lives, in corporate worship, and through His Word. This preparation entails consciously separating ourselves from worldly defilements, cultivating purity of heart, and striving to live in a manner worthy of His calling, reflecting His holiness in every aspect of our being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange gods" might be present in my life or household today, subtly or overtly competing for my ultimate allegiance?**
* **In what ways do I need to "be clean" and "change my garments" spiritually, shedding old habits or mindsets that hinder my walk with God?**
* **How does the principle of preparing oneself for divine encounter apply to my personal prayer life, worship, and engagement with God's Word?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to decisively "put away" anything that displaces God from His rightful supremacy in my life?**

### FAQ
**What were these "strange gods" and why were they present in Jacob's household?**

Answer: The "strange gods" (Hebrew: *elohim nekar*) were likely household idols or teraphim, small images or figurines used for various purposes in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including divination, protection, or as symbols of family inheritance rights. Their presence in Jacob's household, despite Jacob's personal faith in Yahweh, suggests a lingering syncretism within his extended family. This was not uncommon, as individuals often brought their former religious practices and objects into new contexts. A notable example is Rachel's theft of Laban's teraphim in [Genesis 31:19](/genesis/31-19 "Rachel's Theft of Laban's Teraphim"), indicating that idolatry was a real and persistent challenge even within the patriarchal families. Jacob's command highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain monotheistic purity amidst pervasive polytheistic influences, underscoring the importance of decisive separation from all forms of idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 35:2, with its imperative call for purification and separation from idols before encountering God, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jacob's household underwent ritual cleansing and changed garments as an outward sign of an inward commitment, Christ offers a far more profound and lasting purification. He is the ultimate High Priest who, through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, provides the means for true spiritual cleansing, washing away the defilement of sin once and for all ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Christ's Cleansing Power Through His Blood")). Believers are not merely called to change their garments but to "put off the old man with his deeds" and "put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" ([Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9-10 "Putting Off the Old Man and Putting On the New")). This transformation is not achieved through external rituals but through an internal regeneration wrought by the Holy Spirit, making us clean and righteous in Christ. He is the true "Bethel," the "house of God," where God fully dwells among His people, and through Him, we are granted access to the Father, cleansed and consecrated not by human effort but by divine grace ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Access to the Father Through Christ")).

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

Exodus 19:14

And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.

Exodus 19:10

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

Ezekiel 18:31

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Joshua 24:15

¶ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.