Genesis 35:5
Genesis 35:5 in Multiple Translations
As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.
And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
And they journeyed: and a terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
So they went on their journey: and the fear of God was on the towns round about, so that they made no attack on the sons of Jacob.
As they left on their journey, the terror of God spread over all the surrounding towns, so nobody tried to retaliate against Jacob's sons.
Then they went on their iourney, and the feare of God was vpon the cities that were roud about them: so that they did not follow after the sonnes of Iaakob.
and they journey, and the terror of God is on the cities which [are] round about them, and they have not pursued after the sons of Jacob.
They traveled, and a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn’t pursue the sons of Jacob.
And they journeyed: and the terror of God was on the cities that were round them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
And when they were departed, the terror of God fell upon all the cities round about, and they durst not pursue after them as they went away.
As they prepared to leave there, God caused the people who lived in the cities around them to be extremely afraid of Jacob’s family [PRS], so that they did not pursue and attack them.
Then Jacob and his mob left Shekem, and they started to go towards Bethel. Jacob thought that the people in the towns nearby might attack them. But God looked after Jacob’s mob. God made the people in those towns really frightened, so none of them attacked Jacob’s mob.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 35:5
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Genesis 35:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 35:5
Study Notes — Genesis 35:5
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 35:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
- Sermons on Genesis 35:5
Context — Jacob Returns to Bethel
5As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.
6So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. 7There 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 23:27 | I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 17:10 | And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. |
| 3 | Joshua 5:1 | Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites. |
| 4 | Psalms 14:5 | There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is in the company of the righteous. |
| 5 | Exodus 34:24 | For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God. |
| 6 | Exodus 15:15–16 | Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by. |
| 7 | Joshua 2:9–11 | and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. |
| 8 | Genesis 34:30 | Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 14:14 | and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 11:7 | He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they turned out as one man. |
Genesis 35:5 Summary
Genesis 35:5 tells us that as Jacob and his sons were traveling, God sent a 'terror' or a fear over the surrounding cities, which kept them from being attacked. This shows us that God is always with us and wants to protect us, just like He did for Jacob's sons. As we read in Psalm 91:4, God is our refuge and shelter, and we can trust in His care and provision for us. By surrendering our lives to God and trusting in His goodness, we can experience His protection and peace, just like Jacob's sons did in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'terror from God' that fell over the surrounding cities in Genesis 35:5?
The 'terror from God' refers to a divine intervention that instilled fear in the people of the surrounding cities, preventing them from pursuing Jacob's sons, as seen in Genesis 35:5. This is similar to the fear that God struck in the hearts of the Egyptians in Exodus 12:23, which protected the Israelites from harm.
Why did God intervene on behalf of Jacob's sons in Genesis 35:5?
God intervened on behalf of Jacob's sons because they had recently surrendered their foreign gods and earrings to Jacob, demonstrating their commitment to worshiping the one true God, as seen in Genesis 35:4. This act of obedience and faithfulness prompted God to protect them from their enemies.
Is the 'terror from God' in Genesis 35:5 an example of God's wrath or judgment?
While the 'terror from God' in Genesis 35:5 is a display of God's power and authority, it is not necessarily an example of His wrath or judgment. Instead, it is an act of protection and provision for Jacob's sons, demonstrating God's care and concern for those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 23:4.
How does Genesis 35:5 relate to the broader story of Jacob's life and faith?
Genesis 35:5 is a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey, as it marks a turning point in his relationship with God and his commitment to worshiping Him alone. This event is part of a larger narrative that showcases Jacob's growth in faith and trust in God, as seen in Genesis 28:20-22 and Genesis 32:24-33:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has protected or provided for you in times of uncertainty or danger, and how can you trust Him more fully in the future?
- How does the 'terror from God' in Genesis 35:5 challenge or comfort you in your own walk with God, and what does it reveal about His character and nature?
- In what ways can you surrender your own 'foreign gods' or idols to God, as Jacob's sons did in Genesis 35:4, and what might be the consequences of doing so?
- How does the story of Jacob's sons in Genesis 35:5 encourage or challenge you to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in your own life, and what are some practical steps you can take to deepen your faith and trust in Him?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:5
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:5
Sermons on Genesis 35:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 35:3-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not wasting our lives as Christians. He draws parallels to the story of the children of Israel who wasted 40 years wanderi |
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Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 5 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being willing to be overcome and conquered by God in order to receive His grace. He refers to a hymn by George Matheson th |
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Exodus 23:27 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the principles of victory in the Christian life, illustrating how the journey from bondage in Egypt to the promised land symbolizes our struggle against the |
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Guilt and Freedom by David Roper | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the book of Joshua and the thrilling days of Israel's conquest of the land. He emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience as crucial |
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Revival in the Home by Tom Allen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revival of spiritual genetics. He highlights the importance of parents and partners in the revival of love, and the role of g |
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Epistle 217 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about living in the power of God, which brings unity, peace, and joy, and overcomes strife and the works of the devil. He emphasizes the importance of dwelling |
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Week of Meetings 06 Christ the Nazarene by David Clifford | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of working together in pairs, as exemplified by Jesus sending out his disciples two by two. He then goes on to desc |






