Genesis 35:6

KJV

¶ So Jacob came to Luz, which [is] in the land of Canaan, that [is], Bethel, he and all the people that [were] with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Jacob {H3290} came {H935} to Luz {H3870}, which is in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, that is, Bethel {H1008}, he and all the people {H5971} that were with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov and all the people with him arrived at Luz (that is, Beit-El) in the land of Kena'an.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan.

American Standard Version

So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan (the same is Beth-el), he and all the people that were with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:6 marks the culmination of Jacob's journey of obedience as he arrives safely at Luz, the place he had previously consecrated as Bethel, in the land of Canaan. This arrival signifies a pivotal moment in his spiritual pilgrimage, fulfilling God's direct command to return to the site of his foundational encounter with the Almighty and serving as a powerful reaffirmation of divine promises and covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic fulfillment of God's explicit command to Jacob in [Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God commands Jacob to go to Bethel") to "Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God." It follows a period of significant spiritual and personal development for Jacob, including his reconciliation with Esau in [Genesis 33](/genesis/33 "Jacob's Reconciliation with Esau"), the traumatic events at Shechem in [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "The Rape of Dinah and Vengeance of Simeon and Levi"), and a crucial act of household purification in [Genesis 35:2-4](/genesis/35-2-4 "Jacob's Household Purification"), where Jacob commanded his family to put away foreign gods and purify themselves. The safe arrival at Bethel, despite the dangers and challenges faced, underscores God's protective hand and Jacob's renewed commitment to monotheistic worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jacob's journey from Paddan Aram, his twenty-year sojourn with Laban, and his return to Canaan were fraught with peril, reflecting the realities of travel and tribal movements in the ancient Near East. The concept of a "house of God" (Bethel) was significant, as sacred sites often served as focal points for worship, covenant renewal, and divine communication. The act of returning to a specific location where God had previously appeared (a "theophany") was a common way to acknowledge and re-establish a relationship with the deity. Jacob's purification of his household, including the burying of foreign gods and earrings, was a culturally significant act of religious cleansing, preparing his family for a renewed encounter with Yahweh, the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 35:6 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the book of Genesis and Jacob's narrative. It highlights **Divine Faithfulness**, as God fulfills His promise to bring Jacob back to the land ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")). It underscores **Obedience and Covenant Renewal**, as Jacob's journey to Bethel is a direct response to God's command, leading to a re-establishment of the covenant at a sacred site. The renaming of Luz to Bethel also emphasizes the theme of **Sacred Space and Divine Presence**, transforming a geographical location into a consecrated sanctuary where heaven and earth meet, echoing the significance of the ladder dream in [Genesis 28:12](/genesis/28-12 "Jacob's Dream of a Ladder to Heaven").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 35:6 succinctly records Jacob's obedient and safe arrival at a place of profound spiritual significance, highlighting both its geographical reality and its divinely ordained identity.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** From the primitive root H935, meaning "to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)." In this context, it denotes Jacob's successful and purposeful arrival, emphasizing the completion of a divinely commanded journey. This is not a casual visit but a deliberate return to a sacred site.
* **Luz (Hebrew, _Lûwz'_):** From H3870, likely meaning "almond tree" or "nut tree." This was the original Canaanite name for the city. Its inclusion in the text alongside "Bethel" serves to identify the geographical location precisely, acknowledging its pre-existing identity before its spiritual transformation by Jacob.
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** From H1008, a compound of "house" (bayit) and "God" (El), meaning "house of God." This is the name Jacob himself gave the place in [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob names Luz Bethel after his dream") after his transformative dream and encounter with God. Its mention here reaffirms the spiritual significance of the location as a consecrated sanctuary and a place of divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Jacob came to Luz":** This phrase marks the successful completion of Jacob's journey from Paddan Aram and his subsequent movements within Canaan. His arrival at "Luz" signifies reaching the specific geographical location God had commanded him to go to, emphasizing the direct obedience to the divine instruction in [Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God commands Jacob to go to Bethel").
* **"which [is] in the land of Canaan":** This clarifies the broader geographical context, situating Luz within the promised land. It reminds the reader that Jacob is now firmly established in the territory promised to Abraham and his descendants, reinforcing the unfolding of God's covenant plan.
* **"that [is], Bethel":** This parenthetical explanation is crucial, identifying Luz with the spiritually significant name "Bethel," meaning "house of God." It highlights the transformation of a mere geographical location into a sacred space, a place where Jacob had a foundational encounter with God and made a vow. The dual naming acknowledges both the original identity and its profound spiritual renaming.
* **"he and all the people that [were] with him":** This detail underscores the communal nature of Jacob's obedience and the spiritual significance of this journey for his entire household. It implies that the preceding purification (putting away foreign gods) was a corporate act, preparing the whole family to enter this sacred space and participate in worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Identification** and **Apposition** by clarifying that "Luz" is "that is, Bethel." This literary technique serves to bridge the gap between the original Canaanite name and the new, divinely-inspired Hebrew name, emphasizing the transformation of the place's identity from secular to sacred. The phrase "he and all the people that were with him" uses **Synecdoche**, where "all the people" represents his entire household, including family, servants, and possessions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of this obedient return and the corporate spiritual journey. The narrative also exhibits **Fulfillment**, as Jacob's arrival directly fulfills the divine command given in [Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God commands Jacob to go to Bethel"), underscoring God's faithfulness and Jacob's obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's arrival at Bethel is more than a mere geographical relocation; it is a profound act of spiritual homecoming and covenant renewal. It demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in guiding and protecting Jacob throughout his tumultuous journey, fulfilling the promises made to him at this very spot years before. Bethel, as the "house of God," becomes a tangible symbol of divine presence and a consecrated space where the covenant between God and Jacob is reaffirmed, setting the stage for further blessings and the unfolding of Israel's history. This return to the place of initial encounter emphasizes the importance of remembering and revisiting foundational spiritual experiences as a source of strength and renewed commitment.

* [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel and Vow")
* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's desire to dwell among His people")
* [Joshua 18:13](/joshua/18-13 "Bethel as a landmark in tribal inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:6 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the "Bethels" in our own lives—those sacred moments or places where God has profoundly met us, where we have made significant commitments, and where divine promises were first revealed. Just as Jacob was called to remember and revisit the site of God's initial promises, we are encouraged to regularly return to our spiritual foundations, recalling God's unwavering faithfulness in guiding and protecting us through our own life's journeys. This passage challenges us to live out our vows and commitments to God, prioritizing worship and consecrating our lives, homes, and communities as places where God is honored and His presence is welcomed. It reminds us that true spiritual progress often involves a disciplined return to the basics of faith, purifying ourselves from anything that hinders our relationship with God, and intentionally making our entire existence a "house of God" where His glory dwells.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Bethels" in your spiritual journey—the places or moments where you have profoundly encountered God?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness encourage you to trust Him in your current circumstances?**
* **In what ways might your "household" (family, work, community) need spiritual purification to better honor God's presence?**
* **What vows or commitments have you made to God that you need to revisit or reaffirm today?**

### FAQ
**Why is the place called both Luz and Bethel in this verse?**

Answer: The verse uses both names to provide clarity and emphasize the spiritual transformation of the location. "Luz" was the original, older Canaanite name for the city, likely known to the original audience. "Bethel" (meaning "house of God") was the new, spiritual name given by Jacob himself in [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob names Luz Bethel after his dream") after his profound dream and encounter with God there. By stating "Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel," the text acknowledges the historical and geographical identity while highlighting its divinely appointed significance as a sacred site where God had revealed Himself and established a covenant with Jacob.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's journey to Bethel, the "house of God," and the re-establishment of worship there, profoundly prefigures the ultimate "house of God" found in Jesus Christ. The very ladder Jacob saw at Bethel, connecting heaven and earth in [Genesis 28:12](/genesis/28-12 "Jacob's dream of a ladder to heaven"), is directly referenced by Jesus in [John 1:51](/john/1-51 "Jesus references Jacob's ladder dream"), where He declares Himself to be the true ladder, the ultimate connection between the divine and humanity, through whom angels ascend and descend. Just as Jacob encountered God's presence and promises at Bethel, believers now encounter the fullness of God's presence and the fulfillment of all His promises in Christ, who is the true temple and dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "Jesus speaks of the temple of His body") and [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "The fullness of God dwells in Christ")). Jacob's return to Bethel signifies a return to the place of divine encounter and covenant, mirroring the believer's journey of faith that culminates in intimate communion with God through Jesus, the cornerstone of God's spiritual house ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Believers as a dwelling place for God's Spirit")).

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.

Genesis 12:8

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

Genesis 28:22

And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Judges 1:22

And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD [was] with them.

Judges 1:26

And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which [is] the name thereof unto this day.

Genesis 48:3

And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,