Genesis 35:3
Genesis 35:3 in Multiple Translations
Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.”
And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; 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.
and let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; 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.
And let us go up to Beth-el: and there I will make an altar to God, who gave me an answer in the day of my trouble, and was with me wherever I went.
We have to get ready and go to Bethel so I can build an altar to God who answered me in my time of trouble. He has been with me wherever I went.”
For we will rise and goe vp to Beth-el, and I will make an altar there vnto God, which heard me in the day of my tribulation, and was with me in the way which I went.
and we rise, and go up to Bethel, and I make there an altar to God, who is answering me in the day of my distress, and is with me in the way that I have gone.'
Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.”
And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
Arise, and let us go up to Bethel, that we may make there an altar to God: who heard me in the day of my affliction, and accompanied me in my journey.
Then we will get ready and go up to Bethel. There I will make an altar to worship God. He is the one who helped me at the time when I was greatly distressed and afraid, and he has been with me wherever I have gone.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 35:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 35:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָק֥וּמָה
וְ/נַעֲלֶ֖ה
בֵּֽית
אֵ֑ל
וְ/אֶֽעֱשֶׂה
שָּׁ֣ם
מִזְבֵּ֗חַ
לָ/אֵ֞ל
הָ/עֹנֶ֤ה
אֹתִ/י֙
בְּ/י֣וֹם
צָֽרָתִ֔/י
וַ/יְהִי֙
עִמָּדִ֔/י
בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הָלָֽכְתִּי
וְ/נָק֥וּמָה
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
וְ/נַעֲלֶ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
בֵּֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
אֵ֑ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
וְ/אֶֽעֱשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
שָּׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
מִזְבֵּ֗חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
לָ/אֵ֞ל
ʼêl
H410
god
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עֹנֶ֤ה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Art | V-Qal
אֹתִ/י֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
צָֽרָתִ֔/י
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
N-fs | Suff
וַ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עִמָּדִ֔/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
with me
Prep | Suff
בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הָלָֽכְתִּי
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 35:3
וְ/נָק֥וּמָה
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וְ/נַעֲלֶ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
בֵּֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
אֵ֑ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
וְ/אֶֽעֱשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
שָּׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
מִזְבֵּ֗חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לָ/אֵ֞ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
הָ/עֹנֶ֤ה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֹתִ/י֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
צָֽרָתִ֔/י
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
N-fs | Suff
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
וַ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עִמָּדִ֔/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
"with me"
Prep | Suff
Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.
Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.
בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
הָלָֽכְתִּי
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 35:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 35:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
- Sermons on Genesis 35:3
Context — Jacob Returns to Bethel
1Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”
2So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments.
3Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.”
4So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem. 5As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 43:2 | When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. |
| 2 | Genesis 32:7 | In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. |
| 3 | Genesis 31:3 | Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” |
| 4 | Genesis 31:42 | If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 3:6 | in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:19 | O people in Zion who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious when you cry for help; when He hears, He will answer you. |
| 7 | Genesis 32:24 | So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. |
| 8 | Genesis 28:15 | Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” |
| 9 | Psalms 107:6 | Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. |
| 10 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
Genesis 35:3 Summary
In Genesis 35:3, Jacob decides to build an altar to God at Bethel because God has been with him and answered his prayers, especially in difficult times. This shows that Jacob trusts God and wants to worship Him. We can learn from Jacob's example by trusting God and worshiping Him, even when things are hard, just as it says in Psalm 34:17-18 and Romans 8:28. By doing so, we can experience God's presence and guidance in our lives, just as Jacob did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob want to build an altar at Bethel?
Jacob wanted to build an altar at Bethel to worship God, who had answered him in his time of need, as seen in Genesis 35:3. This act of worship was a response to God's faithfulness and presence in his life, similar to the altar Abraham built in Genesis 12:7.
What does it mean that God 'has been with me wherever I have gone'?
This phrase, found in Genesis 35:3, indicates that Jacob had experienced God's constant presence and guidance throughout his life, even in difficult circumstances, much like the promise God made to Moses in Exodus 3:12 and to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:6.
How does this verse relate to Jacob's previous experiences?
This verse is closely tied to Jacob's past, as he is recalling God's faithfulness to him, particularly in times of distress, such as when he fled from his brother Esau, as mentioned in Genesis 27:41-28:22 and Genesis 32-33.
What can we learn from Jacob's decision to build an altar?
We can learn the importance of acknowledging and responding to God's faithfulness in our lives, just as Jacob did, by worshiping Him and giving thanks for His presence and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 100:4-5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Reflection Questions
- How has God been with you in your times of distress, and how can you acknowledge and respond to His faithfulness?
- What are some ways you can build an 'altar' in your life to worship and honor God, just as Jacob did?
- In what ways have you experienced God's presence and guidance in your life, and how can you trust Him more fully?
- How can you, like Jacob, purify yourself and get rid of 'foreign gods' that may be distracting you from a deeper relationship with God?
- What does it mean for you to 'arise and go' to a place of worship and devotion, as Jacob did, and how can you make time for God in your daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:3
And let us arise and go up to Bethel,.... Thus prepared and purged, their tents clear of idols, their bodies washed with pure water, and their garments new, neat, and clean; all symbolical of inward
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
He takes God’ s gracious promise, and the comfortable hope and assurance of God’ s favour to him, and care of him, impressed by God upon his mind and heart, for an answer to his prayers, though he had then seen no success nor accomplishment of God’ s word to him.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
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.Ver. 3. And was with me in the way, &c.] Deducendo, reducendo, fraenumque socero, fratri, finitimisque Shecemi inieciendo, ne me ullo pacto laederent, saith Junius. All this called for thankfulness. Prayer and thanks should be like the double motion of the lungs. The air that is sucked in by prayer should be breathed out again by praises. God had heard Jacob; now he should hear of him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
(3) Who answered me . . . —The narrative of Jacob’s life, and the detail of God’s providential care of him, would doubtless affect strongly the minds of his followers, and make them ready to abandon their idols, “and worship the God that was Israel’s God” (Genesis 33:20).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
Verse 3. Answered me in the day of my distress] Not only when he fled from the face of his brother, but more particularly when he was in his greatest strait at the brook of Jabbok.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:3
3. who answered me] Jacob here refers to his flight from Esau (chap. 28), not, as some have supposed, to his flight from Laban (chap. 31). in the day of my distress] Cf. Psalms 20:1, “The Lord answer thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob set thee up on high.” was with me] Cf. Genesis 28:20, Genesis 31:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:3
3. I will make there an altar — Shechem had not been without its altar, (Genesis 33:20,) but the one at Beth-el is to be a memorial altar, to the special honour of Him who answered Jacob in the day of his distress.
Sermons on Genesis 35:3
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(Hebrews) 1-Overview-2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the feeling of God's hiddenness and the darkness that comes when God withdraws his favor. He emphasizes the need for God's truth to set us fr |
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Suffering and Glory by David Jeremiah | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of a man named Joseph who faced severe persecution for sharing his faith in Jesus. Despite being beaten and left to die multiple time |
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Four Wonderful Discoveries by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the providence of God and how He prepares and guides His people. He emphasizes that if God has led someone to a particular church or ministry, |
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Through Jordan by William Booth | William Booth emphasizes the challenges faced in life, comparing them to running with footmen and contending with the swelling of Jordan, symbolizing trials and tribulations. He en |
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God Answers Man's Suffering: Companionship by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when we face difficulties in life, it is because God has a glorious purpose to fulfill. He compares our lack of understanding to Job, w |
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Future Trends for the Body of Christ by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the things that are at hand rather than being distracted by distant and exciting things. He shares a pe |
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(John - Part 25): He departed...into a Mountain Himself Alone by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the word of God has multiple meanings and adapts itself to the needs of different individuals. The story of Jesus walking on water is pr |