Genesis 33:18
Genesis 33:18 in Multiple Translations
After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city.
¶ And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan-aram; and pitched his tent before the city.
And Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram; and encamped before the city.
So Jacob came safely from Paddan-aram to the town of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and put up his tents near the town.
Later Jacob continued his journey from Paddan-aram. He arrived safely at Shechem in the country of Canaan where he camped outside the town.
Afterward, Iaakob came safe to Sheche a citie, which is in the lande of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram, and pitched before the citie.
And Jacob cometh in to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which [is] in the land of Canaan, in his coming from Padan-Aram, and encampeth before the city,
Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan Aram; and encamped before the city.
And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan-aram; and pitched his tent before the city.
And he passed over to Salem, a city of the Sichemites, which is in the land of Chanaan, after he returned from Mesopotamia of Syria: and he dwelt by the town:
Some time later, Jacob and his family left Paddan-Aram in Mesopotamia, and they traveled safely to the Canaan region. There they set up their tents in a field near Shechem city.
Jacob was born in Canaan country, and he grew up there. But then he went to Paddan Aram country for a long time. Now he finally got back to his home country again. When he got there, he set up his camp on some land outside the town called Shekem.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 33:18
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 33:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹא֩
יַעֲקֹ֨ב
שָׁלֵ֜ם
עִ֣יר
שְׁכֶ֗ם
אֲשֶׁר֙
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
כְּנַ֔עַן
בְּ/בֹא֖/וֹ
מִ/פַּדַּ֣ן
אֲרָ֑ם
וַ/יִּ֖חַן
אֶת
פְּנֵ֥י
הָ/עִֽיר
וַ/יָּבֹא֩
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֨ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
שָׁלֵ֜ם
shâlêm
H8003
complete
Adj
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
שְׁכֶ֗ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
כְּנַ֔עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
Canaan
N-proper
בְּ/בֹא֖/וֹ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מִ/פַּדַּ֣ן
Paddân
H6307
Paddan
Prep | N-proper
אֲרָ֑ם
Paddân
H6307
Paddan
N-proper
וַ/יִּ֖חַן
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הָ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 33:18
וַ/יָּבֹא֩
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יַעֲקֹ֨ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
שָׁלֵ֜ם
shâlêm
H8003
"complete"
Adj
Complete means being whole, safe, and at peace, like the covenant relationship between God and his people. It's used to describe something or someone that is perfect and unharmed. The Bible uses this word to talk about keeping promises and being faithful.
Definition: 1) complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace 1a) complete 1a1) full, perfect 1a2) finished 1b) safe, unharmed 1c) peace (of covenant of peace, mind) 1c1) perfect, complete (of keeping covenant relation)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed), quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole. See also: Genesis 15:16; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Proverbs 11:1.
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
שְׁכֶ֗ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כְּנַ֔עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
"Canaan"
N-proper
Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.
בְּ/בֹא֖/וֹ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מִ/פַּדַּ֣ן
Paddân
H6307
"Paddan"
Prep | N-proper
Paddan is a region in Syria mentioned in Genesis as the place where Jacob's wife Rachel was from. It was a plain or tableland in northern Mesopotamia, also known as Padan-Aram. This area is significant in the story of Jacob and his family.
Definition: § Padan or Padan-aram = "field" a plain or tableland in northern Mesopotamia in Aram, a region of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Padan, Padan-aram. See also: Genesis 25:20; Genesis 31:18; Genesis 48:7.
אֲרָ֑ם
Paddân
H6307
"Paddan"
N-proper
Paddan is a region in Syria mentioned in Genesis as the place where Jacob's wife Rachel was from. It was a plain or tableland in northern Mesopotamia, also known as Padan-Aram. This area is significant in the story of Jacob and his family.
Definition: § Padan or Padan-aram = "field" a plain or tableland in northern Mesopotamia in Aram, a region of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Padan, Padan-aram. See also: Genesis 25:20; Genesis 31:18; Genesis 48:7.
וַ/יִּ֖חַן
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 33:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 33:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
- Sermons on Genesis 33:18
Context — Jacob Settles in Shechem
16So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir,
17but Jacob went on to Succoth, where he built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock; that is why the place was called Succoth.
18After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city.
19And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. 20There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 9:1 | Now Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother’s brothers at Shechem and said to them and to all the clan of his mother, |
| 2 | Acts 7:16 | Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver. |
| 3 | Joshua 24:1 | Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. |
| 4 | Genesis 25:20 | and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean. |
| 5 | John 4:5 | So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. |
| 6 | Genesis 35:9 | After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. |
| 7 | Genesis 28:2 | “Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. |
| 8 | Genesis 46:15 | These are the sons of Leah born to Jacob in Paddan-aram, in addition to his daughter Dinah. The total number of sons and daughters was thirty-three. |
| 9 | Genesis 28:6–7 | Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to take a wife there, commanding him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and gone to Paddan-aram. |
| 10 | John 3:23 | Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized. |
Genesis 33:18 Summary
This verse tells us that Jacob, after traveling from Paddan-aram, arrived safely in the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan. He camped just outside the city, which shows that he was being cautious and careful. This reminds us that, like Jacob, we can trust in God's protection and guidance, even when we're in new or uncertain places (Genesis 28:15, Psalm 23:4). Jacob's journey and experiences can teach us about the importance of obedience, trust, and worship, and how these can help us grow in our relationship with God (Genesis 35:1-15, Psalm 103:1-5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob camp just outside the city of Shechem?
Jacob likely camped outside the city to avoid conflict with the inhabitants and to have a safe place for his family and livestock, as seen in his previous experiences in Genesis 32:1-33:17.
What is the significance of Jacob arriving safely in the land of Canaan?
Jacob's safe arrival in Canaan is a fulfillment of God's promise to him in Genesis 28:15, where God said He would be with Jacob and bring him back to the land.
Is there any spiritual significance to Jacob's journey from Paddan-aram to Shechem?
Jacob's journey from Paddan-aram to Shechem represents his return to the promised land and his obedience to God's command to return to Bethel, as seen in Genesis 31:3 and Genesis 35:1.
How does Jacob's arrival in Shechem relate to his overall journey with God?
Jacob's arrival in Shechem is a part of his ongoing journey with God, where he is learning to trust and obey Him, as seen in his experiences in Genesis 28-35, and ultimately preparing him for his future role as a patriarch of the nation of Israel, as promised in Genesis 28:13-14 and Genesis 35:11-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply Jacob's example of obedience to God's commands in my own life, especially when it comes to following His promises and guidance?
- How can I, like Jacob, trust in God's protection and provision, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances, as seen in Psalm 91:1-2 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to return to a place of spiritual renewal and refreshment, like Jacob's return to Bethel in Genesis 35:1-15, and how can I make that journey?
- In what ways can I, like Jacob, use my experiences and journeys to worship and honor God, and to share His love and promises with others, as seen in Genesis 33:20 and Psalm 105:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 33:18
And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem,.... Not Salem, of which Melchizedek was king, much less Jerusalem, for it was forty miles from it (w); more likely Salim near Aenon, where John was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 33:18
And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan-aram; and pitched his tent before the city.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
Shalem; most take it for the proper name of a place belonging to Shechem, as it here follows, called Salim, , and Sichem or Sychar, . But others take it for an appellative noun, and render the place thus, he came safe or whole to the city of Shechem; to note either that he was then cured of the lameness which the angel gave him; or rather, to note the good providence of God that had brought him safe in his person, family, and estate through all his dangers, first from Laban, then from Esau, till he came to this place, where it seems he intended to make his abode for a good while, had not the following miscarriages obliged him to remove. Before the city, i.e. near to it, but not in it, for the conveniency of his cattle.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
Genesis 33:18 And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which [is] in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.Ver. 18. Came to Shalem.] Or, Came safe and sound to Shechem, as the Chaldee interprets it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
(18) Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem.—The Sam. Pent. has shalom,”safe”; but shalem is right, and means whole, sound. Onkelos, however, followed by most modern commentators, renders it in peace, but this too would not mean peaceably, but that his troubles were now at an end, and his lameness cured. Philippsohn’s rendering, however, is more exact, namely, wohlbehalten, in good condition. Rashi also, no mean authority, sees in it an allusion to the cure of Jacob’s lameness. As Shechem was a man, his city would not be Shalem, but that called after his own name. In Genesis 12:6 it is called “Sichern,” where see Note. Sichern was probably the old name, but after the cruel fate brought upon it by Shechem’s misconduct the spelling was modified to suit the history. In the land of Canaan.—Jacob therefore had now crossed the river Jordan, and so far completed his homeward journey. Probably as soon as he had recovered from his lameness he visited his father, but as his possessions were large, and Esau was the chief at Hebron, there was no room at present for him to dwell there, nor in fact was this possible until Isaac’s death.
But as we find Deborah with them soon afterwards, it is plain that he had gone to visit Isaac, and, finding his mother dead, had brought away with him her beloved nurse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
Verse 18. And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem] The word שלם shalem, in the Samaritan שלום shalom, should be translated here in peace, or in safety. After resting some time at Succoth, which was necessary for the safety of his flocks and the comfort of his family, he got safely to a city of Shechem, in health of body, without any loss of his cattle or servants, his wives and children being also in safety. Coverdale and Matthews translate this word as above, and with them agree the Chaldee and the Arabic: it is not likely to have been the name of a city, as it is nowhere else to be found. Shechem is called in Acts 7:16, Sychem, and in John 4:5, Sychar; in the Arabic it is called Nablous, and to the present day Neapolis. It was near to Samaria; and the place where the wretched remains of the sect of the Samaritans were lately found, from whom Dr. Huntington received a perfect copy of the Samaritan Pentateuch.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 33:18
18–20. Jacob at Shechem 18. in peace] R.V. marg. to Shalem, a city of. The rendering in the margin is possible. It is supported by LXX and Vulg. There is a village, Salim, still to be found near Shechem. On the other hand, the context speaks of Jacob “before the city” of Shechem; and the fact of his arrival there “in peace” is not without significance in view of the events narrated in ch. 34. Canaan … Paddan-aram] The transition in this verse is abrupt. Jacob is suddenly transferred from the east to the west side of the Jordan. The clause, “when he came from Paddan-aram,” seems to ignore the previous chapters, and is clearly taken from a different source, viz. P. before the city] “In front of it,” lit. “in the presence of the city” of Shechem.
It is the preposition rendered “before” in Genesis 19:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 33:18
18. Came to Shalem, a city of Shechem — So the Sept., Vulg., and Syr. But it is better to render Shalem adverbially, in peace. Jacob came in peace to a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan.
Sermons on Genesis 33:18
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(Genesis) - Part 26 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of being in the right place according to God's will, using Jacob's journey to Shechem as a cautionary tale. Jacob settled in Shechem instead of |
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Placing Your Enemies in the Hands of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word in order to receive His blessings. He tells a story using the imagery of different trees represent |
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The Great Need of the Hour by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 7th and 16th chapters of the Book of Acts. He emphasizes the need for a revival in America and the importance of witnessing to others ab |
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God's School of Faith by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a sentence from the book of Joshua that states, "His thoughts are not our thoughts." The speaker suggests that this sentence holds the key to |
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Mid South Conference 1981-02 the People of Israel by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a tragic incident that occurred during a summer camp. Two young people, full of life and laughter just moments before, d |
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(Genesis) - Part 22 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of opening up the wells of truth in the church. They emphasize the need to dig up and uncover the teachings of the Apostles th |
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Become an Inward Christian by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of allowing God to bring us in touch with Himself. He highlights the need to be still and focused on the Bible and have faith |