Genesis 35:20

KJV

And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that [is] the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} set {H5324} a pillar {H4676} upon her grave {H6900}: that is the pillar {H4678} of Rachel's {H7354} grave {H6900} unto this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov set up a standing-stone on her grave; it is the stand-ing-stone of Rachel's grave to this day.

Berean Standard Bible

Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day.

American Standard Version

And Jacob set up a pillar upon her grave: the same is the Pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:20 poignantly records Jacob's establishment of a memorial pillar over the grave of his beloved wife, Rachel, near Ephrath (later identified with Bethlehem). This enduring monument, explicitly noted as remaining "unto this day," serves as a profound testament to Jacob's deep sorrow and unwavering love, marking a significant, sorrowful milestone in the patriarchal narrative while simultaneously affirming the historical authenticity and geographical rootedness of the account for its original audience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the deeply sorrowful narrative of Rachel's death, a pivotal and heartbreaking event for Jacob within the broader context of his return journey to Canaan. Immediately preceding this, Jacob had experienced a renewed encounter with God at Bethel, where the Abrahamic covenant promises of land and numerous descendants were reaffirmed ([Genesis 35:9-12](/genesis/35-9-12 "God's Covenant Renewal with Jacob at Bethel")). The joy and divine affirmation of Bethel are abruptly contrasted with the profound personal tragedy of Rachel's death during childbirth near Ephrath ([Genesis 35:16-19](/genesis/35-16-19 "Rachel's Death and Benjamin's Birth")), highlighting the interwoven tapestry of divine blessing and human sorrow in the patriarchal life. Jacob's act of setting a pillar is his immediate, tender, and enduring response to this immense personal loss, marking a significant transition point in his family's history.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The erection of memorial pillars, or *matstsêbâh* (מַצֵּבָה), was a common and deeply significant practice in the ancient Near East. These upright stones served various purposes: marking covenants, commemorating divine encounters, or, as here, designating burial sites and honoring the deceased. Such monuments were not merely practical markers but powerful symbols of remembrance, respect, and the enduring legacy of an individual. Rachel's burial "on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)" ([Genesis 35:19](/genesis/35-19 "Rachel's Burial Place")) places this event within a historically identifiable geographical location, suggesting a known landmark for the original audience. The act of setting a pillar was a deeply personal expression of grief, reflecting Jacob's profound emotional attachment to Rachel, whom he had loved more than Leah ([Genesis 29:30](/genesis/29-30 "Jacob's Love for Rachel")).

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 35:20 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Genesis. First, it underscores the theme of **grief and remembrance**, portraying Jacob's profound human sorrow in the face of loss, a universal experience that even patriarchs endured. Second, it highlights the importance of **historical markers and enduring legacy**, as the pillar serves as a tangible link between the past and the present, validating the historical accuracy of the narrative for subsequent generations. Third, it subtly reinforces the theme of **God's faithfulness amidst human sorrow**; despite this personal tragedy, the divine covenant promises concerning Jacob's descendants continue to unfold, as Rachel's death leads to the birth of Benjamin, the twelfth son, completing the foundation of the twelve tribes of Israel. This sorrowful event is a crucial, albeit painful, step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His chosen people, as seen throughout [the patriarchal narratives](/genesis/12 "The Patriarchal Narratives in Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Hebrew, _nâtsab'_):** From H5324, a primitive root meaning "to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)." Here, it denotes the deliberate and purposeful act of erecting or establishing the pillar. It implies a firm and lasting placement, reflecting Jacob's intention for the memorial to endure. This is not a casual act but a foundational one, mirroring his earlier act of setting a pillar at Bethel to commemorate a divine encounter ([Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Jacob's Pillar at Bethel")).
* **pillar (Hebrew, _matstsêbâh'_):** From H4676, a feminine (causatively) participle meaning "something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone)." This term specifically refers to an upright stone monument, often used for commemorative or cultic purposes. In this context, it functions as a burial marker, a visible and enduring sign of Rachel's resting place and Jacob's remembrance. The repetition of "pillar" (also using H4678, _matstsebeth_, meaning "something stationary, a monumental stone") emphasizes its permanence.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, meaning "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal... or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb)." In the phrase "unto this day" (Hebrew: *ʻad hayyōm hazzeh*), 'day' functions adverbially to indicate continuity from the time of the event to the time of the narration. It serves as an authorial affirmation of the monument's continued existence and recognition, lending historical veracity to the account for the contemporary audience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave":** This clause describes Jacob's immediate and tender response to Rachel's death. The act of "setting a pillar" (Hebrew: *wayyaṣṣēb maṣṣēbâ*) was a deeply significant gesture in the ancient world, signifying a permanent memorial. It was not merely a practical marking of a burial site but a profound expression of grief, love, and honor for his beloved wife, Rachel, whom he had loved above all others. This action underscores the depth of his sorrow and the importance of Rachel within his life and the patriarchal family.
* **"that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day":** This concluding clause serves as an authorial affirmation, emphasizing the enduring presence and recognition of the monument at the time the text was written. The phrase "unto this day" (Hebrew: *ʻad hayyōm hazzeh*) is a common literary device in the Old Testament, used to connect past events with the present reality of the audience. It reinforces the historical authenticity of the narrative, providing a tangible, verifiable link for the original readers to the patriarchal past and confirming Rachel's burial site as a known landmark.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, as the "pillar" itself is not merely a stone but a powerful symbol of remembrance, grief, and enduring love. It stands as a silent testament to Rachel's life and Jacob's sorrow. **Repetition** is also evident in the use of "pillar" and "grave," reinforcing the central elements of the verse and emphasizing the permanence of the memorial and the finality of death. Furthermore, the phrase "unto this day" functions as a form of **Authorial Intrusion** or **Historical Verification**, where the narrator directly addresses the audience, confirming the continued existence and recognition of the monument. This device lends credibility and historical depth to the narrative, bridging the gap between the ancient past and the contemporary reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 35:20, while a somber record of human loss, is rich with theological implications. It powerfully illustrates the reality of profound grief even for those chosen by God, affirming that sorrow is an intrinsic part of the human experience. Jacob's act of setting a permanent memorial underscores the human need to honor the departed and to preserve their memory, reflecting a deep-seated value for life and legacy. The enduring nature of the pillar, noted "unto this day," points to the importance of historical continuity and the preservation of God's dealings with His people, reminding us that God's plan unfolds through real historical events and real people, with their joys and sorrows. Even amidst such personal tragedy, the broader narrative of Genesis 35 continues to affirm God's covenant faithfulness to Jacob, as the birth of Benjamin (though costly) completes the foundational twelve sons, moving God's redemptive plan forward.

* [Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Jacob's Pillar at Bethel")
* [2 Samuel 18:18](/2_samuel/18-18 "Absalom's Pillar")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalm/34-18 "God's Nearness to the Brokenhearted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:20 offers timeless insights into the human experience of loss and the profound importance of remembrance. Jacob's act of setting a memorial acknowledges the deep reality and necessity of grief, reminding us that mourning is a natural and healthy human response to loss, even for figures of great faith. This verse validates our own experiences of sorrow, assuring us that it is permissible to grieve deeply for those we love. Whether through physical monuments, cherished traditions, or shared stories, memorials serve a vital role in helping us process loss, preserve history, and honor the legacies of those who have impacted our lives, acting as tangible links to the past and reminders of what was cherished. Furthermore, while this verse focuses on human sorrow, the broader context of Genesis 35 demonstrates God's continued presence and faithfulness to Jacob even amidst personal tragedy, offering profound comfort that God is intimately with us in our moments of deepest sorrow, just as He is in our joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's act of setting a pillar for Rachel resonate with your own experiences of grief and remembrance?**
* **In what ways do we, in our modern context, create "memorials" to honor those we have lost or to mark significant life events?**
* **How does the biblical narrative's honest portrayal of sorrow, even for God's chosen, encourage you in your own struggles and losses?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob set a pillar on Rachel's grave?**

Answer: Jacob set a pillar on Rachel's grave as a lasting and deeply personal memorial to his beloved wife. This was a common and significant ancient custom to mark important burial sites and to express profound grief, honor, and remembrance. It was a tangible expression of his immense love and sorrow, ensuring that her resting place would be recognized and perpetually honored, reflecting the deep emotional bond they shared, as highlighted in [Genesis 29:30](/genesis/29-30 "Jacob's Deep Love for Rachel").

**What is the significance of the phrase "unto this day"?**

Answer: The phrase "unto this day" (Hebrew: *ʻad hayyōm hazzeh*) is a common literary device in the Old Testament, used by the biblical narrator. It indicates that the monument, landmark, or event described was still recognizable and known to the audience at the time the text was written or compiled. Its significance lies in its function as a historical authenticator, serving to validate the accuracy and enduring reality of the narrative. By stating "unto this day," the text connects the ancient event to the contemporary experience of the readers, confirming that Rachel's grave and its pillar were a known and enduring landmark in the land of Israel, thus grounding the patriarchal history in verifiable geography.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 35:20 primarily details a poignant moment of human grief and the establishment of a physical memorial, it subtly points to the broader narrative of God's faithfulness amidst sorrow, which finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jacob's act of setting a lasting monument for Rachel, a beloved figure whose death was a profound loss, foreshadows the ultimate and eternal remembrance and victory over death achieved through Christ. The temporary stone pillar, a testament to earthly sorrow, is transcended by the living hope and eternal comfort found in Jesus, who is the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). Through His own death and resurrection, Christ conquered the sting of death, transforming human mourning into the promise of a future where sorrow and mourning will be no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Thus, Rachel's pillar, a symbol of a patriarch's grief, ultimately directs our gaze to the Lamb of God, who offers true and lasting solace for all who mourn, providing not merely a memorial, but eternal life and a blessed hope for reunion in His presence ([1_thessalonians/4-13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Comfort of Christ's Return")).

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

1 Samuel 10:2

When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

Genesis 35:14

And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, [even] a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

2 Samuel 18:17

And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

2 Samuel 18:18

Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which [is] in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

Genesis 35:9

And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.