Genesis 35:7

KJV

And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he built {H1129} there an altar {H4196}, and called {H7121} the place {H4725} Elbethel {H416}: because there God {H430} appeared {H1540} unto him, when he fled {H1272} from the face {H6440} of his brother {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He built there an altar and called the place El-Beit-El [God of Beit-El], because it was there that God was revealed to him, at the time when he was fleeing from his brother.

Berean Standard Bible

There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother.

American Standard Version

And he built there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el; because there God was revealed unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:7 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Jacob's spiritual pilgrimage, where, by divine command, he constructs an altar at Bethel and renames the site Elbethel. This act of worship serves as a profound memorial to God's prior manifestation and unwavering faithfulness to Jacob during his desperate flight from Esau, powerfully reaffirming God's enduring presence, protective care, and covenant promises to His chosen servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 35:7 is nestled within a significant narrative arc detailing Jacob's return to Bethel, a place of profound personal and theological significance. Immediately preceding this verse, God commands Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar there ([Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God's Command to Jacob to Go to Bethel")). This divine instruction prompts Jacob to purify his household, removing foreign gods and defiling objects, signaling a renewed commitment to the God of his fathers ([Genesis 35:2-4](/genesis/35-2-4 "Jacob's Purification of His Household")). The journey to Bethel is marked by divine protection, preventing any pursuit from surrounding peoples ([Genesis 35:5](/genesis/35-5 "God's Protection of Jacob's Journey")). Upon arrival, Jacob fulfills God's command to build the altar, and this verse specifically records the naming of the place, explicitly linking it back to his initial, transformative encounter with God decades earlier when he was fleeing Esau ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). The subsequent verses in Genesis 35 continue to detail God's reaffirmation of the Abrahamic covenant to Jacob at Bethel ([Genesis 35:9-15](/genesis/35-9-15 "God Renames Jacob Israel and Reaffirms the Covenant")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the building of altars was a common practice among patriarchs and early communities to mark significant encounters with the divine, offer sacrifices, and establish places of worship. These altars served as tangible memorials of God's presence and intervention, often signifying a renewed covenant or a public declaration of allegiance. The act of naming a place, particularly after a significant event or divine revelation, was also a deeply meaningful cultural practice, imbuing the location with historical and theological significance that would be remembered by future generations. Jacob's renaming of the place to "Elbethel" is consistent with this practice, transforming a site of personal distress into a monument of divine faithfulness. Furthermore, the concept of a "house of God" (Bethel) was significant, representing a sacred space where the divine and human realms intersected, often marked by a pillar or an altar. Jacob's flight from Esau, a desperate act of self-preservation, underscores the vulnerability of individuals in a tribal society and highlights the profound nature of divine protection and guidance in such circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 35:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even when Jacob's own actions have been flawed. God had promised to be with Jacob and bring him back to the land ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob")), and this verse shows the fulfillment of that promise. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Worship and Covenant Renewal**. Jacob's act of building an altar and naming the place is a direct response of worship and a public reaffirmation of his covenant relationship with God, marking a spiritual recommitment after years of wandering. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Significance of Sacred Space** and **Theophany**. Bethel, a place where God "appeared" (a theophany), becomes a consecrated site, demonstrating that God reveals Himself in specific, transformative ways, thereby sanctifying the location and imbuing it with lasting spiritual meaning. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Transformation of Experience**, turning a place of Jacob's fear and flight into a monument of God's grace and enduring presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely construction, but also the act of establishing or setting up, often with implications of permanence or foundation. In the context of an altar, it denotes the deliberate creation of a sacred structure for worship and communion with God, signifying a foundational act of devotion.
* **appeared (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** While literally meaning "to denude" or "uncover," in this context, _gâlâh_ is used figuratively to mean "to reveal" or "to disclose." It describes a divine manifestation, where God made Himself known to Jacob in a clear, undeniable way, pulling back the veil of the unseen to reveal His presence and purpose.
* **Elbethel (Hebrew, _ʼÊl Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** This compound proper name, derived from "God" (ʼÊl) and "House of God" (Bêyth-ʼÊl), literally means "The God of Bethel" or "God of the House of God." It signifies a profound theological declaration, emphasizing not just that the place is God's dwelling, but that the specific, personal God who met Jacob there is sovereign over that sacred space and actively present within it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he built there an altar":** This clause describes Jacob's immediate and obedient response to God's command in [Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God's Command to Jacob to Go to Bethel"). The construction of an altar was a customary and deeply significant act of worship among the patriarchs. It served as a physical marker of a divine encounter, a place for offering sacrifices, and a tangible expression of devotion, gratitude, and renewed covenant. This altar signifies Jacob's public declaration of allegiance to God and a memorial to God's past mercies and future promises.
* **"and called the place Elbethel":** Jacob's renaming of the site is a profound act of theological declaration. While the place was already known as Bethel ("House of God") from his earlier encounter ([Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob Names the Place Bethel")), the addition of "El" ("God" or "Mighty One") to form "Elbethel" ("God of Bethel") intensifies its meaning. It emphasizes that the God who met him there is not merely a resident of the house, but the sovereign, personal God who is actively present and has a specific relationship with that place and with Jacob himself. This renaming solidifies the identity of the God of Abraham and Isaac as the God who personally intervenes in Jacob's life.
* **"because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother":** This final clause provides the explicit theological rationale for Jacob's actions. It directly references the pivotal moment decades earlier when Jacob, in fear and desperation, fled from Esau's wrath ([Genesis 27:41-45](/genesis/27-41-45 "Rebekah's Warning to Jacob About Esau")). At that time, God appeared to him in a dream, revealing a ladder to heaven and giving him foundational covenant promises ([Genesis 28:12-15](/genesis/28-12-15 "Jacob's Dream of the Ladder at Bethel")). The renaming of the place to Elbethel is thus an act of profound remembrance and gratitude, acknowledging God's consistent faithfulness from the time of his deepest need to his safe return. It transforms a place associated with past fear into a monument of present faith and enduring divine presence.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 35:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Recapitulation** is central, as the verse explicitly recalls Jacob's initial encounter with God at Bethel when he "fled from the face of his brother," thereby linking the present act of worship to a foundational moment in Jacob's spiritual history. This serves to highlight God's enduring faithfulness across decades. The act of building an altar and naming the place "Elbethel" is rich in **Symbolism**. The **altar** symbolizes worship, sacrifice, and renewed covenant, a tangible marker of Jacob's devotion. The name "Elbethel" itself is a powerful **Symbol** of God's personal presence and sovereignty over a specific sacred space, transforming a geographical location into a theological statement. Furthermore, the "appearing" of God is a **Theophany**, a divine manifestation that underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His personal relationship with His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 35:7 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His consistent presence and protective care over Jacob throughout his life's journey. This act of worship at Elbethel serves as a powerful reminder that God remembers His people and fulfills His word, even when they wander or face hardship. It emphasizes that true worship is often a response of grateful remembrance, acknowledging God's past interventions and present reality. The renaming of the place highlights the theological significance of sacred spaces where God reveals Himself, transforming ordinary locations into monuments of divine encounter and covenant renewal.

* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob to Be With Him"): "And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."
* [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "God Identifies Himself to Moses"): "Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God."
* [Psalm 103:2](/psalms/103-2 "Bless the Lord, O My Soul"): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:7 offers profound lessons for believers today, inviting us to reflect on the places and moments in our own lives where God has uniquely met us, provided for us, or delivered us. Just as Jacob built a physical altar, we are called to establish spiritual "altars" of remembrance through intentional worship, prayer, and recounting God's faithfulness. This narrative encourages us to return to our spiritual "Bethels"—those foundational encounters with God's grace that shaped our faith—and to renew our commitment to Him, especially after periods of spiritual wandering or adversity. It reminds us that God's presence is not confined to specific locations but is profoundly revealed in our personal journeys, transforming places of fear into monuments of His enduring grace and faithfulness. Our worship, like Jacob's, should be a heartfelt response to the undeniable reality of God's active presence and transformative work in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where have you experienced a "Bethel" moment in your life—a place or time where God profoundly met you in your need or fear?**
* **How can you intentionally "build an altar" of remembrance in your daily life to acknowledge God's faithfulness?**
* **What past experiences of God's deliverance or provision can you recall to strengthen your faith in His present and future faithfulness?**
* **In what ways might you need to "purify your household" (spiritually speaking) to prepare for a renewed encounter with God, as Jacob did?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob rename the place "Elbethel" if it was already called "Bethel" ("House of God")?**

Answer: While the place was indeed previously named Bethel ("House of God") by Jacob himself after his initial dream ([Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob Names the Place Bethel")), his renaming of it to "Elbethel" in [Genesis 35:7](/genesis/35-7 "Jacob Builds an Altar at Elbethel") carries a deeper, more personal theological significance. The addition of "El" (meaning "God" or "Mighty One") transforms the name from simply "House of God" to "God of the House of God" or "The God of Bethel." This emphasizes not just that the place is a sacred dwelling, but that the specific, personal God who appeared to Jacob—the God of Abraham and Isaac—is actively present, sovereign, and intimately connected to that location and to Jacob's life. It's a more intense and specific declaration of God's identity and His enduring relationship with Jacob, underscoring that the divine inhabitant, not merely the sacred space, is the focus of his renewed worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The significance of Bethel as a place of divine appearance and covenant renewal finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Elbethel marked a specific location where God made Himself known, Christ is the very embodiment of God's presence dwelling among humanity, fulfilling the prophecy of [Emmanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us"). Jacob's altar, built as a memorial and a place of worship, foreshadows the singular, perfect sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which provides the true and lasting means for humanity to encounter God, receive forgiveness, and enter into a new, eternal covenant relationship. The "ladder" Jacob saw connecting heaven and earth at Bethel ([Genesis 28:12](/genesis/28-12 "Jacob's Dream of the Ladder")) is fully realized in Jesus, who declares Himself to be the ultimate connection between God and humanity ([John 1:51](/john/1-51 "John 1:51 - Angels Ascending and Descending on the Son of Man")). Through Christ, the promise of God's enduring presence with His people, first revealed at Elbethel, is not merely a localized event but an ever-present reality for all who believe, making every place a potential "house of God" through the indwelling Spirit ([1-corinthians/3-16](/1-corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")).

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 35:1

¶ And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Genesis 28:13

And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I [am] the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

Genesis 35:3

And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

Judges 6:24

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Ecclesiastes 5:4

¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Ecclesiastes 5:5

Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Ezekiel 48:35

[It was] round about eighteen thousand [measures]: and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there.