Genesis 35:27

KJV

And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which [is] Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} came {H935} unto Isaac {H3327} his father {H1} unto Mamre {H4471}, unto the city of Arbah {H7153}, which is Hebron {H2275}, where Abraham {H85} and Isaac {H3327} sojourned {H1481}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov came home to his father Yitz'chak at Mamre, near Kiryat-Arba (also known as Hevron), where Avraham and Yitz'chak had lived as foreigners.

Berean Standard Bible

Jacob returned to his father Isaac at Mamre, near Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed.

American Standard Version

And Jacob came unto Isaac his father to Mamre, to Kiriath-arba (the same is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:27 chronicles Jacob's poignant return to his aged father Isaac at Mamre, a location intrinsically linked to the patriarchal heritage near Hebron. This verse signifies a crucial moment of familial reunion and underscores the enduring continuity of God's covenantal promises, as Jacob, the third patriarch, settles in the very land where Abraham and Isaac had long sojourned, thereby reinforcing the divine faithfulness to His chosen lineage and the promised inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a significant narrative culmination within the broader story of Jacob's life, marking the end of his long and arduous journey back to Canaan from Padan-Aram. The preceding chapters detail a series of transformative and often tumultuous events: his reconciliation with Esau ([Genesis 33](/genesis/33 "Jacob and Esau Reconcile")), the tragic events at Shechem involving Dinah ([Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "The Rape of Dinah and the Massacre at Shechem")), and the profound sorrow of Rachel's death while giving birth to Benjamin ([Genesis 35:16-20](/genesis/35-16-20 "Rachel's Death and Benjamin's Birth")). Following God's explicit instruction to return to Bethel ([Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God's Command to Jacob at Bethel")), where Jacob renewed his covenant vows, his southward journey continues until he reaches Mamre. This arrival at his ancestral home brings a sense of closure and stability to Jacob's narrative, signifying the fulfillment of God's promise to bring him back to the land and his family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mamre, specifically "the oaks of Mamre," was a well-known landmark near Hebron, a prominent and ancient city in the hill country of Judah. This region held immense historical and cultural significance for the early Israelites, serving as a primary dwelling place for Abraham and Isaac. Culturally, the act of "sojourning" (living as a temporary resident or foreigner) was common for semi-nomadic peoples like the patriarchs, who did not yet fully possess the land promised to them. Hebron itself was a pivotal center, not only for dwelling but also for worship and burial. It was here that Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah as a family burial plot ([Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah")), establishing a physical claim and a lasting presence in the land before its full inheritance. Jacob's return to this specific location re-establishes the family's presence in their historical and spiritual heartland.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 35:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Guidance**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises, particularly His pledge to Jacob to bring him safely back to the land of his fathers, as declared in [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Covenantal Continuity and Lineage**, as Jacob's reunion with Isaac reinforces the unbroken chain of the Abrahamic covenant, ensuring the transmission of divine promises through the chosen descendants. Finally, the mention of Abraham and Isaac having "sojourned" in Hebron emphasizes the theme of **The Land Promise and Sojourning**. This paradox of being promised an entire land yet living as temporary residents highlights the patriarchs' faith-filled existence, relying on God's future fulfillment rather than present possession, a theme echoed in the New Testament's portrayal of believers as pilgrims awaiting a heavenly inheritance ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "The Patriarchs as Sojourners and Pilgrims")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** From the root meaning "heel-catcher" or "supplanter," this name encapsulates the patriarch's early life marked by cunning and struggle. His journey back to Isaac at Mamre signifies a maturation and a return to his spiritual roots, having wrestled with God and received the new name "Israel" ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob Wrestles with God and is Renamed Israel")), yet still identified by his birth name, emphasizing the continuity of his personal history and God's work in his life.
* **Hebron (Hebrew, _Chebrôwn'_):** Derived from a word meaning "seat of association," Hebron was a profoundly significant city for the patriarchs. Its name itself suggests a place of fellowship, connection, and covenant. For Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob, Hebron was not merely a geographical location but a spiritual anchor, a place where they associated with God's promises and where their family's legacy was deeply rooted through dwelling and burial.
* **sojourned (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** This primitive root means "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose)," implying a temporary residence, to live as a guest, or a stranger. Its use here for Abraham and Isaac highlights their transient existence in the Promised Land. They were not permanent possessors but lived by faith, trusting in God's future fulfillment of the land promise, a concept that underscores their pilgrim status and reliance on divine provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob came unto Isaac his father":** This clause marks the long-awaited reunion between Jacob and his aged father, Isaac. After decades of separation, including Jacob's flight to Padan-Aram and his subsequent return, this meeting signifies the re-establishment of familial bonds and the continuity of the patriarchal line. It carries deep emotional and spiritual weight, as Jacob, now a mature patriarch himself, returns to the living source of his covenantal heritage.
* **"unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which [is] Hebron":** This precise geographical designation underscores the significance of the location. Mamre, specifically "the oaks of Mamre," was a familiar and sacred place for Abraham and Isaac, where they had dwelt and interacted with God. The clarification that "the city of Arbah" is "Hebron" emphasizes the antiquity and prominence of this city, which served as a central hub for the patriarchs' activities, including their encampments, altars, and the pivotal burial site of the Cave of Machpelah.
* **"where Abraham and Isaac sojourned":** This final clause provides crucial context for the nature of the patriarchs' presence in the Promised Land. The term "sojourned" (Hebrew _gûwr_) indicates that they lived as temporary residents, foreigners, or guests, rather than as permanent, undisputed owners. This highlights their faith-filled existence, living in the land promised to them but not yet fully possessing it, trusting in God's future fulfillment of His covenant. It also foreshadows the transient nature of God's people in the world, looking forward to a permanent, eternal inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Repetition** of key names (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and locations (Mamre, Hebron) serves to emphasize the continuity of the patriarchal line and the sacredness of the ancestral land. The specific mention of "the city of Arbah, which is Hebron" acts as an **Apposition**, providing clarification and reinforcing the historical depth of the place. Furthermore, the use of the verb "sojourned" carries significant **Symbolism**, representing the transient nature of the patriarchs' lives and, by extension, the life of faith for all believers. It symbolizes a pilgrimage, a journey through a temporary earthly existence while awaiting a greater, eternal inheritance. This choice of word underscores a theological truth: even in the Promised Land, the patriarchs lived by faith, not by full possession, looking forward to God's ultimate fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 35:27 profoundly reinforces the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, showcasing His meticulous guidance of Jacob back to the ancestral land and family. This reunion at Mamre, a place steeped in patriarchal history, signifies the unbroken continuity of the divine plan, flowing from Abraham to Isaac and now securely into the hands of Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes. It highlights that despite Jacob's many trials and wanderings, God remained true to His word, ensuring the preservation of the chosen lineage and the eventual inheritance of the Promised Land. The patriarchs' experience of "sojourning" in the land, never fully possessing it, serves as a powerful theological metaphor for living by faith, trusting in God's future fulfillment rather than present circumstances, and looking forward to an ultimate, eternal dwelling.

* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel"): God's promise to Jacob to bring him back to the land is directly fulfilled by his arrival at Mamre.
* [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah"): This verse connects Jacob's arrival at Hebron to Abraham's prior establishment of a family burial plot, reinforcing the ancestral claim to the land.
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "The Patriarchs as Sojourners and Pilgrims"): The New Testament explicitly interprets the patriarchs' sojourning as a demonstration of their faith, looking for a "better country," thereby providing a profound theological lens for understanding their transient lives.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:27 offers enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us of the profound importance of family connections and the spiritual legacy passed down through generations. Jacob's long-awaited reunion with Isaac, though briefly stated, underscores the value of honoring our elders and maintaining vital bonds within our families and spiritual communities. His journey, marked by both divine guidance and personal struggles, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness; even through life's unexpected turns, severe challenges, and periods of separation, we can trust that God will fulfill His promises and guide us to our ultimate spiritual destination. Furthermore, the patriarchs' experience as "sojourners" in the Promised Land provides a compelling metaphor for our own lives, calling us to cultivate an eternal perspective. It encourages us to recognize that our true and ultimate home is not found in this transient world, but in God's eternal presence, thereby prompting us to prioritize spiritual values and eternal rewards over fleeting earthly possessions and temporary comforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's journey and his return to Isaac encourage us to value our family connections and the spiritual heritage passed down through generations?**
* **In what ways does God's faithfulness to Jacob, despite his many trials, resonate with His faithfulness in our own lives, especially through difficult seasons?**
* **How can embracing the concept of being "sojourners" or "pilgrims" in this world shape our daily priorities, decisions, and overall perspective on life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the location Mamre/Hebron so significant in this verse?**

Answer: Mamre, near Hebron, holds immense significance because it was a primary dwelling place for Abraham and Isaac, and the site where Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah as a family burial plot ([Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah")). Jacob's return there signifies a deep connection to his ancestral roots, the land promised by God, and the physical continuity of the covenant lineage. It represents coming home to the very heart of the patriarchal heritage, a place where foundational covenantal interactions occurred and where the family's claim to the land was physically established.

**What does the term "sojourned" imply about the patriarchs' lives?**

Answer: The term "sojourned" (Hebrew _gûwr_) means to dwell as a temporary resident or foreigner. It implies that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived in the Promised Land without fully possessing it, relying on God's future fulfillment of His promises. This highlights their faith-filled existence, their transient earthly status, and their ultimate hope in a future, eternal inheritance. It underscores that their true security was not in land ownership but in God's faithfulness, a concept powerfully echoed in the New Testament where believers are described as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth," looking for a "better, that is, a heavenly country" ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "The Patriarchs as Sojourners and Pilgrims")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 35:27, depicting Jacob's return to the ancestral land and his father, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ. The patriarchs' experience of "sojourning" in the Promised Land, living as temporary residents and awaiting a full inheritance, powerfully prefigures the believer's journey as a "sojourner" in this present world, awaiting the heavenly city and the true, eternal rest found exclusively in Christ. Jesus, as the ultimate heir of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is the one who brings His people into their eternal inheritance, not merely a physical land, but a "better country—a heavenly one" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "A Better, Heavenly Country")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ accomplishes the ultimate reunion, reconciling humanity with God, our true Father, thereby bringing us "home" to the ultimate spiritual dwelling place. He is the true "seed" promised to Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise Made to Abraham and His Seed")), through whom all the families of the earth are blessed, establishing an eternal covenant and an everlasting kingdom that far surpasses the temporary dwelling in Canaan. Just as Jacob's return signified a restoration of family and a step towards the fulfillment of the covenant, so Christ's coming ushers in the full and final realization of God's redemptive plan, providing eternal belonging and rest for all who believe.

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 13:18

Then Abram removed [his] tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

Genesis 23:19

And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 18:1

¶ And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

Joshua 15:13

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.

Genesis 23:2

And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

2 Samuel 5:1

¶ Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.

2 Samuel 5:3

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.