Genesis 35:8

KJV

But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Deborah {H1683} Rebekah's {H7259} nurse {H3243} died {H4191}, and she was buried {H6912} beneath Bethel {H1008} under an oak {H437}: and the name {H8034} of it was called {H7121} Allonbachuth {H439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then D'vorah, Rivkah's nurse, died. She was buried below Beit-El under the oak, which was given the name Alon-Bakhut [oak of weeping].

Berean Standard Bible

Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bachuth.

American Standard Version

And Deborah Rebekah’s nurse died, and she was buried below Beth-el under the oak: and the name of it was called Allon-bacuth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:8 records the poignant death and burial of Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, during Jacob's significant return journey to Bethel. This seemingly minor detail highlights the deep bonds within Jacob's household and the profound respect accorded to all its members, regardless of their social standing. Her burial beneath an oak, named "Allonbachuth" or "Oak of Weeping," serves as a lasting memorial to the genuine grief experienced by Jacob and his family, underscoring the human element within the unfolding divine narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal chapter that marks a significant turning point in Jacob's life and the patriarchal narrative. Following God's command to return to Bethel ([Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God Commands Jacob to Return to Bethel")), the site of his foundational vision of a ladder reaching heaven ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel")), Jacob undertakes a spiritual cleansing of his household, ridding them of foreign gods and purifying themselves ([Genesis 35:2-4](/genesis/35-2-4 "Jacob's Household Purifies Themselves")). Amidst this preparation for renewed covenant communion and worship, the narrative pauses to note Deborah's death. Her presence with Jacob's family, long after Rebekah would have departed Haran, underscores her profound loyalty and enduring role, likely having accompanied Jacob's wives and children from Paddan-Aram, signifying her integration into the family unit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, nurses often held a position of significant trust and intimacy within a household, sometimes serving as surrogate mothers or lifelong companions. They were not merely employees but integral members of the extended family, often remaining with their charges throughout their lives. Deborah's continued presence with Jacob's household, decades after Rebekah's marriage to Isaac, exemplifies this deep-rooted cultural practice. Burial under prominent trees was also a common practice, serving as a natural landmark and a place of remembrance. The act of naming a place after a significant event, particularly one involving strong emotion like weeping, was a common ancient practice to memorialize events and emotions, making the location itself a historical marker.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 35 contributes to several major theological and narrative themes. It emphasizes God's faithfulness in bringing Jacob back to the land and renewing His covenant promises, echoing the themes found throughout [the Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant"). The cleansing of Jacob's household highlights the theme of **holiness and separation** for God's chosen people, a recurring motif in the Pentateuch. The death of Deborah, a non-covenant figure, subtly introduces the theme of **the value of every individual life** within God's broader plan, even those not directly in the patriarchal lineage. Furthermore, the naming of "Allonbachuth" underscores the universal human experience of **grief and mourning**, demonstrating that even in moments of spiritual renewal, the realities of human loss are deeply felt and acknowledged by the patriarchs and their families. This chapter also serves as a transition, setting the stage for the birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel, further emphasizing life's cycles within the unfolding narrative of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 35:8 states, "But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth." This concise verse, though seemingly a minor interjection, carries significant emotional and thematic weight, revealing much about the values and experiences of the patriarchal family.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deborah (Hebrew, _Dᵉbôwrâh'_):** From H1683, meaning "bee." This is the name of Rebekah's nurse, indicating her identity and role. Her presence in Jacob's camp, likely accompanying Rebekah from Haran and remaining with the family for decades, signifies her deep integration and importance within the household, far beyond a mere servant.
* **nurse (Hebrew, _yânaq'_):** From H3243, a primitive root meaning "to suck; causatively, to give milk." This term highlights Deborah's intimate and nurturing role, providing care and sustenance from Rebekah's infancy. The enduring bond between a nurse and her charge was culturally significant, often extending throughout their lives, making her a trusted and beloved figure.
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** From H1008, meaning "house of God." This is the highly significant location where Jacob had his foundational dream and made a vow to God ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). Burying Deborah "beneath Bethel" connects her passing to a sacred, covenantal site, imbuing her death with a sense of belonging within the divine narrative of the patriarchs.
* **Allonbachuth (Hebrew, _ʼAllôwn Bâkûwth'_):** From H439, meaning "oak of weeping." This monumental name given to the burial site directly reflects the profound grief and mourning of Jacob's household. The "oak" (H437, _ʼallôwn_) signifies a prominent, enduring landmark, while "weeping" underscores the genuine sorrow experienced, making the place a permanent memorial to Deborah's cherished memory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died":** This clause introduces the unexpected death of Deborah, a figure whose presence is only mentioned here in the entire biblical narrative. Her identification as "Rebekah's nurse" immediately establishes her long-standing relationship and deep connection to the patriarchal family, having served Rebekah from her youth and evidently remaining with Jacob's household for many years. Her death, recorded with solemnity, indicates her significant, albeit unstated, influence and beloved status within the family unit.
* **"and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak":** This specifies the location of her burial, emphasizing its proximity to Bethel, a place of immense spiritual significance for Jacob as the "House of God." The choice of an "oak" tree as her burial marker is consistent with ancient Near Eastern practices of burying under prominent trees, which served as natural, enduring landmarks, often associated with significant events or individuals. This act of burial signifies respect and the formal acknowledgment of her passing within the family's journey.
* **"and the name of it was called Allonbachuth":** This final clause reveals the profound emotional impact of Deborah's death. The naming of the burial site "Allonbachuth," meaning "Oak of Weeping," is a direct and powerful expression of the deep sorrow and mourning experienced by Jacob and his entire household. It transforms the physical location into a permanent memorial of their grief, underscoring the genuine affection and value placed upon Deborah, a faithful servant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its meaning and emotional weight. The most prominent is **Eponymous Naming**, where the place of burial is named "Allonbachuth" ("Oak of Weeping") to commemorate the event and the emotional response it evoked. This act of naming transforms a geographical location into a memorial, permanently linking the place with the family's grief. The unexpected inclusion of Deborah's death, a seemingly minor character, serves as a form of **Foreshadowing** or **Anticipation**, subtly preparing the reader for subsequent, more significant deaths in the chapter, such as Rachel's ([Genesis 35:19](/genesis/35-19 "Rachel's Burial Near Bethlehem")). The narrative's brevity regarding Deborah's life, contrasted with the detailed account of her burial and the naming of the site, creates a sense of **Poignancy**, highlighting the profound impact of her death despite her humble role. The mention of "Rebekah's nurse" also functions as a form of **Analeptic Reference**, reaching back into the past to remind the reader of Rebekah's journey from Haran and Deborah's long-standing dedication to the family.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Deborah's death, a non-covenant figure and a servant, highlights a profound biblical truth: the inherent dignity and value of every individual in the eyes of God and within the human community, regardless of their social standing or direct lineage to the covenant promises. Her lifelong dedication, first to Rebekah and then to Jacob's family, exemplifies a powerful theme of enduring loyalty and faithful service, which is consistently honored throughout Scripture as a virtue pleasing to God. The naming of "Allonbachuth" powerfully conveys the reality of human grief and mourning, demonstrating that sorrow is a natural and acknowledged response to loss, even for those not directly related by blood to the patriarch. This moment of shared grief also underscores the strong familial bonds and the communal nature of life within the patriarchal household, where even a servant's death deeply impacts the entire family.

* [Ruth 2:12](/ruth/2-12 "Ruth's Reward for Loyalty") - "The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
* [Proverbs 27:18](/proverbs/27-18 "Reward for Faithful Service") - "Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured."
* [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Reward for a Cup of Cold Water") - "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account of Deborah's death in Genesis 35:8 serves as a profound reminder that the biblical narrative is deeply human, valuing relationships and acknowledging the impact of individuals beyond the immediate lineage of covenant promise. Her story underscores that faithfulness and a life of dedicated service, even in a humble role, are cherished and remembered, not only by those she served but also by the divine author of Scripture. It challenges us to recognize and appreciate the often-unsung contributions of those who serve diligently in our own lives and communities, reminding us that every person, regardless of their station, holds intrinsic worth and can leave a lasting legacy of love and commitment. The genuine mourning for Deborah, expressed through the naming of "Allonbachuth," encourages us to cultivate deep, compassionate relationships with all those in our sphere of influence, to grieve authentically, and to honor the lives of those who have poured themselves out in service to others. It calls us to embody the same valuing of human dignity that is subtly but powerfully present in this ancient text.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of Deborah challenge our modern perceptions of value and status in society?**
* **In what ways can we better recognize and honor the contributions of those who serve faithfully in less prominent roles within our own communities or families?**
* **What does the naming of "Allonbachuth" teach us about the biblical understanding of grief and the importance of communal mourning?**
* **How might we cultivate deeper, more compassionate relationships with all individuals in our lives, regardless of their perceived importance?**

### FAQ
**Who was Deborah and why is her death recorded in Genesis 35?**

Answer: Deborah was Rebekah's nurse, a significant figure who had been with Rebekah since her youth and likely accompanied her from Haran to Canaan. Her death is recorded in [Genesis 35](/genesis/35 "Jacob's Return to Bethel and Family Events") to highlight her beloved and integral status within Jacob's household, even though she was a servant. It underscores the deep familial bonds that extended beyond blood relatives and the value placed on all members of the community, demonstrating that her passing was a moment of genuine sorrow and significance for the entire family, worthy of inclusion in the patriarchal narrative.

**What is the significance of the name "Allonbachuth"?**

Answer: "Allonbachuth" is a Hebrew name meaning "Oak of Weeping." It was the name given to the prominent oak tree under which Deborah was buried near Bethel. The name directly reflects the profound grief and mourning experienced by Jacob and his family at her death. It serves as a permanent memorial, signifying that her loss was deeply felt and remembered, emphasizing the emotional humanity of the biblical characters and the lasting impact of even those not directly in the covenant lineage. This naming practice was a common way in the ancient world to commemorate significant events and emotions, making the place itself a testament to their sorrow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound mourning for Deborah at "Allonbachuth" subtly foreshadows Christ's radical empathy and His divine valuing of every individual, regardless of their social standing or perceived importance. Just as Jacob's family wept for a faithful servant, recognizing her intrinsic worth, Christ consistently demonstrated boundless compassion for the marginalized, the humble, and the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "The Least of These")). His earthly ministry was characterized by service, not being served ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")), culminating in His sacrificial death, which transformed the deepest human sorrow into eternal hope. The "Oak of Weeping" can be seen as a poignant shadow of the cross, where the ultimate act of divine love met humanity's deepest grief and sin, turning mourning into joy for all who believe in the redemptive work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through Christ, even the tears shed at "Allonbachuth" find their ultimate comfort and meaning, as He promises to one day [wipe away every tear from our eyes](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears").

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 24:59

And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.

1 Samuel 31:13

And they took their bones, and buried [them] under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

Judges 2:5

And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD.

Judges 2:1

¶ And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.