Genesis 28:19

He called that place Bethel. Bethel means God's house. But before that time, it was called Luz.

Barkly (portions)

In The King James Version

And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.

In Context

18Early the next morning, Jacob picked up the stone that he had used for a pillow and put it up in a place where people would see it. Then he poured olive oil all over the stone to show that it was a special place for God.

20Then Jacob made a strong promise to God. He said, “God, if you go with me and look after me while I am travelling, if you give me food and clothes to wear, and if you take me back to my father Isaac's camp safely, then you, Lord, you will be my God. And I tell you, I will not worship or respect any other gods or spirit. You are the only God that I will respect, and I will do everything you tell me.

Read all of Genesis 28

Cross References

Genesis 35:1Then God said to Jacob, “Go back and live in Bethel. And pile up some stones to make an altar there so that you can burn animals to show me respect. Bethel is the place where I met you and showed you that stairway going up to heaven when you were running away from your brother Esau.”

Genesis 48:3When Joseph was with his father, Jacob said to him, “I met God All Powerful in a place called Luz. Luz's other name is Bethel and it is in the country called Canaan. He blessed me and said, ‘Jacob, I will give you a big family. You will be the father of a lot of people and I will give this country to all the family that comes from you, forever.’

Matthew Henry on Genesis 28:17-22

Jacob's Vow. ( b. c. 1760.) 16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. 17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. 18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Beth-el: but the name of that city was called Luz at the… Read the whole commentary →

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Study Genesis 28:19