1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֔ב ק֛וּם עֲלֵ֥ה בֵֽית אֵ֖ל וְשֶׁב שָׁ֑ם וַעֲשֵׂה שָׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֔חַ לָאֵל֙ הַנִּרְאֶ֣ה אֵלֶ֔יךָ בְּבָרְחֲךָ֔ מִפְּנֵ֖י עֵשָׂ֥ו אָחִֽיךָ
And God said to Jacob, "Rise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there, and make there an altar to the God who appeared to you when you fled from Esau your brother."
A renewed divine command sends Jacob back to Bethel and frames the movement as a response to the God who met him in exile.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; standard verb of divine speech introduction.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of אָמַראֱלֹהִים (H430) plural form, singular verb; Israel's God (plural of majesty).
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) directional/dative preposition 'to, toward.'
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect objectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch Jacob; name from עָקֵב 'heel.'
ק֛וּםrise!Qal impv 2ms · קוּם (H6965)First imperative command→ Volitional: direct divine commandקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; launching verb of the pilgrimage summons.
עֲלֵ֥הgo up!Qal impv 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Second imperative command→ Volitional: direct divine commandעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; Bethel lies in the hill country.
בֵֽיתBethelproper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Destination, direct objectבֵּית-אֵל (H1008) 'house of God'; site of Jacob's earlier theophany (Gen 28).
אֵ֖ל[El]proper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Proper name, second elementSecond component of place name Bethel; אֵל = God.
וְשֶׁבand dwellconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Third imperative command→ Volitional: direct divine commandיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; fulfillment of Jacob's Gen 28 vow.
שָׁ֑םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) locative adverb 'there'; fixes residence at Bethel.
וַעֲשֵׂהand makeconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Fourth imperative command→ Volitional: direct divine commandעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; here constructing the promised altar.
שָׁ֣םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) repeated locative; specifies altar location at Bethel.
מִזְבֵּ֔חַan altarN m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of עָשָׂהמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; from זָבַח 'to slaughter, sacrifice.'
לָאֵל֙to the Godprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Dative prepositional phraseאֵל (H410) generic 'God/god'; with article, the God who appeared to Jacob.
הַנִּרְאֶ֣הwho appearedart + Niphal ptc m sg abs · רָאָה (H7200)Attributive participle modifying אֵל→ Niphal ptc: one who reveals himself — divine self-disclosureרָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to appear, be seen'; marks the theophanic God of Gen 28.
אֵלֶ֔יךָto youprep אֶל + 2ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of appearancePrep אֶל + pronominal suffix; the appearance was directed personally to Jacob.
בְּבָרְחֲךָ֔when you fledprep בְּ + Qal inf cstr + 2ms suffix · בָּרַח (H1272)Temporal infinitive clauseבָּרַח (H1272) 'to flee'; recalls Jacob's flight from Esau in Gen 28.
מִפְּנֵ֖יfrom beforeprep מִן + N m pl cstr · פָּנִים (H6440)Source prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; מִפְּנֵי = 'away from the face of.'
עֵשָׂ֥וEsauproper noun · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Object of מִפְּנֵיעֵשָׂו (H6215) Jacob's elder twin brother, ancestor of Edom.
אָחִֽיךָyour brotherN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · אָח (H251)Appositive to Esauאָח (H251) 'brother'; appositive clarifying Esau's kinship to Jacob.
2
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל בֵּית֔וֹ וְאֶ֖ל כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמּ֑וֹ הָסִ֜רוּ אֶת אֱלֹהֵ֤י הַנֵּכָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּתֹכְכֶ֔ם וְהִֽטַּהֲר֔וּ וְהַחֲלִ֖יפוּ שִׂמְלֹתֵיכֶֽם
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments."
Jacob answers the divine summons by ordering the household to renounce impurity and prepare themselves for worship.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) Jacob now speaks; the command is passed from God to household.
יַעֲקֹב֙Jacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch acting as household authority.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) directional preposition introducing first addressee group.
בֵּית֔וֹhis householdN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Indirect object (first addressee)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; the family unit under Jacob's authority.
וְאֶ֖לand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conj + prepositionExtends the address to non-family members in the camp.
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Totality quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; encompasses everyone in Jacob's camp.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; introduces the predicate 'with him.'
עִמּ֑וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Predicative phrase, relative clauseעִם (H5973) 'with, beside'; camp includes servants and dependents.
הָסִ֜רוּput away!Hiphil impv 2mp · סוּר (H5493)First imperative command→ Volitional: direct command to removeסוּר (H5493) Hiphil 'to remove, put away'; cultic purge of foreign idols.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the definite direct object.
אֱלֹהֵ֤יgods ofN m pl cstr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object, construct headאֱלֹהִים (H430) here plural 'gods'; foreign deities acquired in Paddan-aram.
הַנֵּכָר֙the foreignart + N m sg abs · נֵכָר (H5236)Construct chain, genitivalנֵכָר (H5236) 'foreign, alien'; contrasts with YHWH's exclusive claim on Jacob.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces the locative relative clause.
בְּתֹכְכֶ֔םamong youprep בְּ + N m sg cstr + 2mp suffix · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle of'; idols are present within the camp itself.
וְהִֽטַּהֲר֔וּpurify yourselvesconj וְ + Hitpael impv 2mp · טָהֵר (H2891)Second imperative command→ Volitional: reflexive purification commandטָהֵר (H2891) Hitpael 'to purify oneself'; ritual cleansing before approaching God.
וְהַחֲלִ֖יפוּchangeconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2mp · חָלַף (H2498)Third imperative command→ Volitional: direct commandחָלַף (H2498) Hiphil 'to change, exchange'; new garments mark a new ritual state.
שִׂמְלֹתֵיכֶֽםyour garmentsN f pl cstr + 2mp suffix · שִׂמְלָה (H8071)Direct object of חָלַףשִׂמְלָה (H8071) 'garment, outer robe'; changing clothes signals ritual transition.
3
וְנָק֥וּמָה וְנַעֲלֶ֖ה בֵּֽית אֵ֑ל וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה שָּׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֗חַ לָאֵ֞ל הָעֹנֶ֤ה אֹתִי֙ בְּי֣וֹם צָֽרָתִ֔י וַיְהִי֙ עִמָּדִ֔י בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָלָֽכְתִּי
Then let us rise and go up to Bethel, and I will make there an altar to the God who answered me in the day of my distress and was with me on the way that I went.
Jacob grounds the household’s journey in remembered deliverance, presenting Bethel as the place where gratitude and obedience must now be rendered.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְנָק֥וּמָהlet us riseconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · קוּם (H6965)Cohortative, self-exhortation→ Volitional: cohortative — communal call to actionקוּם (H6965) 'to rise'; cohortative marks Jacob rallying his own household.
וְנַעֲלֶ֖הand let us go upconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · עָלָה (H5927)Second cohortative→ Volitional: cohortative of pilgrimage ascentעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; the hill-country pilgrimage to Bethel.
בֵּֽיתBethelproper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Destination, direct objectבֵּית-אֵל (H1008) 'house of God'; the covenant sanctuary of Gen 28.
אֵ֑ל[El]proper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Proper name, second elementSecond component of Bethel; the divine name אֵל embedded in the place name.
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂהand I will makeconj וְ + Qal yiqtol 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Volitional yiqtol, first-person purpose→ Yiqtol: volitional/purpose — stated cultic intentionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make'; Jacob declares his obligation to fulfill the vow.
שָּׁ֣םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; ties the altar vow specifically to Bethel.
מִזְבֵּ֗חַan altarN m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of עָשָׂהמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; the object promised in the Gen 28 vow.
לָאֵ֞לto the Godprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Dative prepositional phraseאֵל (H410) 'God'; with article, the specific God Jacob pledged himself to.
הָעֹנֶ֤הwho answeredart + Qal ptc m sg abs · עָנָה (H6030)Attributive participle modifying אֵל→ Participle: descriptive attribute — the answering Godעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; God's response to Jacob's Gen 28 prayer.
אֹתִי֙meobj marker + 1cs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of עָנָהאֵת (H853) with 1cs suffix; Jacob is the recipient of divine answer.
בְּי֣וֹםin the day ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with בְּ marks the moment of Jacob's crisis.
צָֽרָתִ֔יmy distressN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · צָרָה (H6869)Construct chain, genitivalצָרָה (H6869) 'distress, trouble, straits'; the Gen 28 flight was a true crisis.
וַיְהִי֙and he wasconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol, resumptive narrative→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequence, continued divine presence reportהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; here predicates God's accompaniment of Jacob.
עִמָּדִ֔יwith meprep עִמָּד + 1cs suffix · עִמָּד (H5978)Predicate, accompanimentעִמָּד (H5978) emphatic variant of עִם 'with'; God's immanent presence on the journey.
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְon the wayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Locative prepositional phraseדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, journey'; the entire sojourn in Paddan-aram.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces the restrictive relative clause on דֶּרֶךְ.
הָלָֽכְתִּיI wentQal perf 1cs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Relative clause predicate→ Perfective: completed action — the past journey recountedהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk, go'; Jacob's entire sojourn expressed as completed travel.
4
וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֗ב אֵ֣ת כָּל אֱלֹהֵ֤י הַנֵּכָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּיָדָ֔ם וְאֶת הַנְּזָמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּאָזְנֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּטְמֹ֤ן אֹתָם֙ יַעֲקֹ֔ב תַּ֥חַת הָאֵלָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר עִם שְׁכֶֽם
And they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that were in their hands and the rings that were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the terebinth that was near Shechem.
The household obeys in concrete form, surrendering both idols and associated ornaments for decisive removal before the ascent.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיִּתְּנ֣וּand they gaveQal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָתַן (H5414)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, hand over'; the household complies concretely with Jacob's command.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) directional preposition indicating the recipient Jacob.
יַעֲקֹ֗בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect objectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch receiving the surrendered idols.
אֵ֣ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the definite direct object.
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Totality quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; the surrender is total, no gods held back.
אֱלֹהֵ֤יgods ofN m pl cstr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object, construct headאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'gods'; foreign deities brought from Paddan-aram.
הַנֵּכָר֙the foreignart + N m sg abs · נֵכָר (H5236)Construct chain, genitivalנֵכָר (H5236) 'foreign, alien'; these are not YHWH but other-nation deities.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces locative relative clause specifying possession.
בְּיָדָ֔םin their handsprep בְּ + N f sg cstr + 3mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom for personal possession and cultic use.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerCoordinates a second direct object — the rings — with the gods.
הַנְּזָמִ֖יםthe ringsart + N m pl abs · נֶזֶם (H5141)Second direct objectנֶזֶם (H5141) 'ring, nose-ring or ear-ring'; associated with idolatrous ornamentation.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces second locative relative clause.
בְּאָזְנֵיהֶ֑םin their earsprep בְּ + N f du cstr + 3mp suffix · אֹזֶן (H241)Locative prepositional phraseאֹזֶן (H241) 'ear'; the rings worn in the ears are part of foreign cultic dress.
וַיִּטְמֹ֤ןand he hidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · טָמַן (H2934)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceטָמַן (H2934) 'to hide, bury'; the objects are not merely discarded but deliberately concealed.
אֹתָם֙themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of טָמַןאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix; refers to the gods and rings combined.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of טָמַןיַעֲקֹב (H3290) Jacob personally performs the burial of the idols.
תַּ֥חַתunderprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositionתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; designates the burial site below the tree.
הָאֵלָ֖הthe terebinthart + N f sg abs · אֵלָה (H424)Object of תַּחַתאֵלָה (H424) 'terebinth, oak'; a large sacred tree near Shechem, a traditional landmark.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces the locative clause identifying which tree.
עִםnearprep · עִם (H5973)Locative prepositionעִם (H5973) 'with, beside, near'; proximity marker situating the tree near Shechem.
שְׁכֶֽםShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Object of עִםשְׁכֶם (H7927) the city near which Jacob had previously camped (Gen 33–34).
5
וַיִּסָּ֑עוּ וַיְהִ֣י חִתַּ֣ת אֱלֹהִ֗ים עַל הֶֽעָרִים֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם וְלֹ֣א רָֽדְפ֔וּ אַחֲרֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב
And they set out, and a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.
As the family travels, divine dread restrains surrounding cities and shields Jacob’s household from reprisal.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּסָּ֑עוּand they set outQal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to set out, travel, pull up stakes'; departure from Shechem area.
וַיְהִ֣יand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Existential wayyiqtol→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequence introducing new stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; introduces the subject חִתַּת אֱלֹהִים.
חִתַּ֣תterror ofN f sg cstr · חִתַּת (H2847)Subject of הָיָה, construct headחִתַּת (H2847) 'terror, dread'; from חָתַת 'to shatter'; divine dread as protective force.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain, genitivalאֱלֹהִים (H430) the source of the dread; a genitive of origin — terror sent by God.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositionעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; the dread falls on the surrounding cities.
הֶֽעָרִים֙the citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Object of עַלעִיר (H5892) 'city'; the settled Canaanite populations surrounding Jacob's route.
אֲשֶׁר֙thatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces the relative clause identifying the cities.
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔םaround themN f pl cstr + 3mp suffix · סָבִיב (H5439)Predicative phrase in relative clauseסָבִיב (H5439) 'surrounding, around'; the encircling towns that could have retaliated.
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conj + negationלֹא (H3808) standard negation; introduces the consequence of divine dread.
רָֽדְפ֔וּthey pursuedQal perf 3cp · רָדַף (H7291)Negated predicate verb→ Perfective: completed (non-)action — they did not pursueרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue, chase'; the expected reprisal for Gen 34 is prevented by God.
אַחֲרֵ֖יafterprep · אַחֲרֵי (H310)Directional prepositionאַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after, behind'; marks the direction of pursuit that did not occur.
בְּנֵ֥יsons ofN m pl cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of אַחֲרֵי, construct headבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural — the sons of Jacob as a collective.
יַעֲקֹֽבJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Construct chain, genitivalיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the family group; the entire traveling household under Jacob's name.
6
וַיָּבֹ֨א יַעֲקֹ֜ב ל֗וּזָה אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן הִ֖וא בֵּֽית אֵ֑ל ה֖וּא וְכָל הָעָ֥ם אֲשֶׁר עִמּֽוֹ
And Jacob came to Luz, that is, Bethel, which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him.
The commanded journey reaches its destination, gathering Jacob and his company at the covenant site in Canaan.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיָּבֹ֨אand he cameQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; marks the fulfillment of the commanded journey.
יַעֲקֹ֜בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch arriving at the covenant sanctuary.
ל֗וּזָהto Luzproper noun + directional ה · לוּז (H3870)Destination, directional suffixלוּז (H3870) the old Canaanite name of Bethel; directional ה marks motion toward.
אֲשֶׁר֙whichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces relative clause locating Luz in Canaan.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N f sg cstr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; here the covenant land of Canaan.
כְּנַ֔עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Construct chain, genitivalכְּנַעַן (H3667) the promised land; Jacob returns to the land of covenant.
הִ֖ואthat is3fs pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Identifying appositive (glossing clause)הוּא (H1931) demonstrative-identifying pronoun; equates Luz with Bethel.
בֵּֽיתBethelproper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Predicate of identificationבֵּית-אֵל (H1008) 'house of God'; the narrator glosses the old Canaanite name.
אֵ֑ל[El]proper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Proper name, second elementSecond component of Bethel; the whole name = 'house of God.'
ה֖וּאhe himself3ms pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Subject of participial clauseהוּא (H1931) resumes Jacob as subject, distinguishing him from the people with him.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated subjectכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the whole company arrives together with Jacob.
הָעָ֥םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Construct chain, appositive to כָּלעַם (H5971) 'people, folk'; the entire camp of Jacob's household.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces relative clause identifying the people as Jacob's companions.
עִמּֽוֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Predicative phrase, relative clauseעִם (H5973) 'with'; the whole camp arrives safely under divine protection.
7
וַיִּ֤בֶן שָׁם֙ מִזְבֵּ֔חַ וַיִּקְרָא֙ לַמָּק֔וֹם אֵ֖ל בֵּֽית אֵ֑ל כִּ֣י שָׁ֗ם נִגְל֤וּ אֵלָיו֙ הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים בְּבָרְח֖וֹ מִפְּנֵ֥י אָחִֽיו
And he built there an altar and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother.
Jacob answers the command fully by building the altar and naming the place in remembrance of the earlier divine self-disclosure.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיִּ֤בֶןand he builtQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build, construct'; Jacob fulfills the altar command given in v. 1.
שָׁם֙thereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; specifies Bethel as the altar site.
מִזְבֵּ֔חַan altarN m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of בָּנָהמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; the votive altar promised in Gen 28:22.
וַיִּקְרָא֙and he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the naming of the site follows the building of the altar.
לַמָּק֔וֹםthe placeprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Indirect object of קָרָאמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the sacred locale is formally named and memorialized.
אֵ֖לElN m sg cstr · אֵל (H410)Predicate of naming, construct headאֵל (H410) 'God'; first element of the compound place name El-bethel.
בֵּֽיתBethelproper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Construct chain, genitivalבֵּית-אֵל (H1008) 'house of God'; embedded in the name — the God of Bethel.
אֵ֑ל[El]proper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Proper name, second elementSecond component of Bethel; the compound name אֵל בֵּית-אֵל = God of Bethel.
כִּ֣יbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) causal 'because, for'; grounds the naming in the earlier theophany.
שָׁ֗םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb (fronted)שָׁם (H8033) fronted for emphasis; the place is named because it is the very site.
נִגְל֤וּthey revealed themselvesNiphal perf 3cp · גָּלָה (H1540)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: completed divine self-disclosureגָּלָה (H1540) Niphal 'to reveal oneself, appear'; the plural subject הָאֱלֹהִים is idiomatic for God.
אֵלָיו֙to himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of revelationPrep אֶל + pronominal suffix; the theophany was directed personally to Jacob.
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔יםGodart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of נִגְלוּאֱלֹהִים (H430) with article; Israel's God as the subject of the Niphal plural.
בְּבָרְח֖וֹwhen he fledprep בְּ + Qal inf cstr + 3ms suffix · בָּרַח (H1272)Temporal infinitive clauseבָּרַח (H1272) 'to flee'; recalls the Gen 28 flight; the theophany is located in that crisis.
מִפְּנֵ֥יfrom beforeprep מִן + N m pl cstr · פָּנִים (H6440)Source prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; מִפְּנֵי = 'from the face of' — fleeing Esau's threat.
אָחִֽיוhis brotherN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · אָח (H251)Object of מִפְּנֵיאָח (H251) 'brother'; the flight was from Esau, Jacob's own twin brother.
8
וַתָּ֤מָת דְּבֹרָה֙ מֵינֶ֣קֶת רִבְקָ֔ה וַתִּקָּבֵ֛ר מִתַּ֥חַת לְבֵֽית אֵ֖ל תַּ֣חַת הָֽאַלּ֑וֹן וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ אַלּ֥וֹן בָּכֽוּת
And Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; so its name was called Allon-bacuth.
A brief burial notice interrupts the ascent narrative and marks Bethel with a name of mourning tied to Deborah’s death.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַתָּ֤מָתand she diedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · מוּת (H4191)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; brief death notice interrupts the Bethel narrative.
דְּבֹרָה֙Deborahproper noun · דְּבֹרָה (H1683)Subjectדְּבֹרָה (H1683) Rebekah's nurse; her unexpected mention preserves an old tradition.
מֵינֶ֣קֶתnurse ofN f sg cstr · מֵינֶקֶת (H3243)Appositive, construct headמֵינֶקֶת (H3243) 'nurse, wet-nurse'; from יָנַק 'to suckle'; Deborah's lifelong role.
רִבְקָ֔הRebekahproper noun · רִבְקָה (H7259)Construct chain, genitivalרִבְקָה (H7259) Isaac's wife and Jacob's mother; Deborah's identity is tied to her.
וַתִּקָּבֵ֛רand she was buriedNiphal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָבַר (H6912)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — burial following deathקָבַר (H6912) Niphal 'to be buried'; formal burial rite at a named site.
מִתַּ֥חַתbelowprep מִן + prep · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phraseתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, below'; מִתַּחַת = 'below, just beneath'; locates the grave.
לְבֵֽיתBethelprep לְ + proper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Location referenceבֵּית-אֵל (H1008) the sanctuary site; the burial is south or below the town.
אֵ֖ל[El]proper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Proper name, second elementSecond component of Bethel; completes the place name.
תַּ֣חַתunderprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative preposition (second)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under'; second prep narrows the burial to beneath the oak specifically.
הָֽאַלּ֑וֹןthe oakart + N m sg abs · אַלּוֹן (H437)Object of תַּחַתאַלּוֹן (H437) 'great oak'; a landmark tree; in later tradition a site of memory.
וַיִּקְרָ֥אand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol, naming formula→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the naming of the tree memorializes the grief.
שְׁמ֖וֹits nameN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of קָרָאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the tree receives a name from the mourning.
אַלּ֥וֹןAllonproper noun · אַלּוֹן בָּכוּת (H439)Predicate of naming (first element)אַלּוֹן (H439) 'oak'; first element of the memorial place name Allon-bacuth.
בָּכֽוּתBacuthproper noun · אַלּוֹן בָּכוּת (H439)Predicate of naming (second element)בָּכוּת from בָּכָה 'to weep'; the 'oak of weeping' memorializes Deborah's death.
9
וַיֵּרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֶֽל יַעֲקֹב֙ ע֔וֹד בְּבֹא֖וֹ מִפַּדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם וַיְבָ֖רֶךְ אֹתֽוֹ
And God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and he blessed him.
After Jacob’s return to Bethel, God appears again, turning the fulfilled journey into a renewed scene of blessing.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֵּרָ֨אand he appearedNiphal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — new divine encounterרָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to appear, be seen'; formal theophany at Bethel after return.
אֱלֹהִ֤יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of theophany verbאֱלֹהִים (H430) Israel's God; subject of the Niphal appearance verb.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) directional preposition; the appearance is directed to Jacob personally.
יַעֲקֹב֙Jacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect objectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch as the recipient of the renewed theophany.
ע֔וֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb of repetitionעוֹד (H5750) 'again, still'; marks this as a second Bethel theophany (cf. Gen 28).
בְּבֹא֖וֹwhen he cameprep בְּ + Qal inf cstr + 3ms suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal infinitive clauseבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the temporal frame is Jacob's return from Paddan-aram.
מִפַּדַּ֣ןfrom Paddanprep מִן + proper noun · פַּדַּן-אֲרָם (H6307)Source prepositional phraseפַּדַּן-אֲרָם (H6307) 'Paddan-aram'; the Mesopotamian region of Laban's household.
אֲרָ֑םAramproper noun · אֲרָם (H6307)Proper name, second elementאֲרָם (H6307) 'Aram'; second element of the compound place name Paddan-aram.
וַיְבָ֖רֶךְand he blessedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — divine blessing follows appearanceבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; God's blessing word accompanies the theophany.
אֹתֽוֹhimobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of blessingאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix; Jacob is the recipient of the divine blessing.
10
וַיֹּֽאמֶר ל֥וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים שִׁמְךָ֣ יַעֲקֹ֑ב לֹֽא יִקָּרֵא֩ שִׁמְךָ֨ ע֜וֹד יַעֲקֹ֗ב כִּ֤י אִם יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׁמֶ֔ךָ וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name." So he called his name Israel.
The divine speech confirms Jacob’s transformed identity, renewing the covenantal name that defines his future role.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּֽאמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the formal divine speech of renaming.
ל֥וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְ (H)Indirect objectPrep לְ + 3ms pronominal suffix; the speech is directed personally to Jacob.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים (H430) Israel's God; speaker of the covenant renewal at Bethel.
שִׁמְךָ֣your name isN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of nominal clauseשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the name Jacob is affirmed before it is formally superseded.
יַעֲקֹ֑בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Predicate of nominal clauseיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the old name, acknowledged before the new name is given.
לֹֽאno longernegation particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation particleלֹא (H3808) strong negation; the old name shall not be used anymore.
יִקָּרֵא֩shall be calledNiphal yiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Negated predicate verb→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — prohibition of further useקָרָא (H7121) Niphal 'to be called'; passive reception of a name.
שִׁמְךָ֨your nameN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of negated clauseשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; resumptive subject of the prohibition.
ע֜וֹדanymoreadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb of continuation/cessationעוֹד (H5750) 'again, still, anymore'; marks final discontinuation of the old name.
יַעֲקֹ֗בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Predicate complement of negated clauseיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the name being superseded by the covenant renaming.
כִּ֤יbut ratherconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Adversative conjunctionכִּי (H3588) adversative 'but, rather'; introduces the positive counter-name.
אִםifconjunction · אִם (H518)Coordinating particle (כִּי אִם = but rather)אִם (H518) with כִּי forms כִּי אִם = 'but rather'; strong adversative contrast.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of naming clauseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'strives with God'; the covenant identity name first given in Gen 32.
יִהְיֶ֣הshall beQal yiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — ongoing identity statementהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the new name is formally installed as the permanent identity.
שְׁמֶ֔ךָyour nameN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of יִהְיֶהשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the new name Israel replaces Jacob permanently.
וַיִּקְרָ֥אand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol, narrative execution→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — divine speech enactedקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; God enacts the renaming in the narrative conclusion.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the direct object of the naming.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of קָרָאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the concrete act of naming seals the identity change.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Predicate of namingיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) the new covenantal name; henceforth the patriarch's permanent identity.
11
וַיֹּאמֶר֩ ל֨וֹ אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֲנִ֨י אֵ֤ל שַׁדַּי֙ פְּרֵ֣ה וּרְבֵ֔ה גּ֛וֹי וּקְהַ֥ל גּוֹיִ֖ם יִהְיֶ֣ה מִמֶּ֑ךָּ וּמְלָכִ֖ים מֵחֲלָצֶ֥יךָ יֵצֵֽאוּ
And God said to him, "I am El Shaddai. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and an assembly of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come forth from your loins."
The covenant speech expands from renaming into fruitfulness, peoplehood, and royal promise, reaffirming Jacob’s place in the patriarchal line.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩and he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; divine speech continues with the self-identification formula.
ל֨וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְ (H)Indirect objectPrep לְ + 3ms suffix; God addresses Jacob/Israel directly.
אֱלֹהִ֜יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים (H430) Israel's God; speaker of the self-identification and covenant promises.
אֲנִ֨יI1cs pronoun · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of divine self-identificationאֲנִי (H589) emphatic first-person pronoun; marks solemn divine self-declaration.
אֵ֤לElN m sg cstr · אֵל (H410)Predicate of self-identificationאֵל (H410) 'God, the Mighty One'; construct relationship with שַׁדַּי forms the divine title.
שַׁדַּי֙Shaddaiproper noun · שַׁדַּי (H7706)Divine title, appositive to אֵלשַׁדַּי (H7706) 'Almighty, All-sufficient'; the distinctive patriarchal name for God (cf. Gen 17:1).
פְּרֵ֣הbe fruitful!Qal impv 2ms · פָּרָה (H6509)First imperative (fruitfulness command)→ Volitional: direct divine commandפָּרָה (H6509) 'to be fruitful, bear fruit'; echoes Gen 1:28 creation mandate.
וּרְבֵ֔הand multiply!conj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · רָבָה (H7235)Second imperative (multiplication command)→ Volitional: direct divine commandרָבָה (H7235) 'to multiply, increase'; paired with פָּרָה as standard blessing formula.
גּ֛וֹיa nationN m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Subject of promise clauseגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; a single political entity shall emerge from Jacob.
וּקְהַ֥לand assembly ofconj וְ + N m sg cstr · קָהָל (H6951)Coordinated subject, construct headקָהָל (H6951) 'assembly, congregation, company'; a gathered body of nations.
גּוֹיִ֖םnationsN m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Construct chain, genitivalגּוֹי (H1471) 'nations'; Israel as source of multiple peoples/nations.
יִהְיֶ֣הshall come from youQal yiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of promise→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — divine promise of descendantsהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; existential: a nation and assembly of nations shall exist from you.
מִמֶּ֑ךָּfrom youprep מִן + 2ms suffix · מִן (H4480)Source prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks Jacob as the origin of the promised multitude.
וּמְלָכִ֖יםand kingsconj וְ + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinated subject of promiseמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; royal promise anticipates the Davidic monarchy.
מֵחֲלָצֶ֥יךָfrom your loinsprep מִן + N m du cstr + 2ms suffix · חֲלָצַיִם (H2504)Source prepositional phraseחֲלָצַיִם (H2504) 'loins, hips'; anatomical idiom for biological descent and lineage.
יֵצֵֽאוּshall come forthQal yiqtol 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of promise→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — royal lineage promiseיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, come forth'; emergence of kings from the patriarchal body.
12
וְאֶת הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֛תִּי לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם וּלְיִצְחָ֖ק לְךָ֣ אֶתְּנֶ֑נָּה וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֥ אַחֲרֶ֖יךָ אֶתֵּ֥ן אֶת הָאָֽרֶץ
And the land that I gave to Abraham and to Isaac, to you I will give it, and to your seed after you I will give the land.
The promise narrows from multitude to land, explicitly binding Jacob to Abraham and Isaac in the gift of Canaan.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conj + direct-object markerCoordinates the land promise with the preceding people-promise.
הָאָ֗רֶץthe landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (fronted)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the promised land of Canaan, the concrete covenant gift.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces the relative clause identifying the specific land.
נָתַ֛תִּיI gaveQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Relative clause predicate→ Perfective: completed act of promise — the earlier land grant to Abraham and Isaacנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the earlier gifts to Abraham and Isaac are recalled.
לְאַבְרָהָ֥םto Abrahamprep לְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Indirect object (first recipient)אַבְרָהָם (H85) the founding patriarch; the land promise traces back to him.
וּלְיִצְחָ֖קand to Isaacconj וְ + prep לְ + proper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Coordinated indirect objectיִצְחָק (H3327) Abraham's son; the land promise was renewed to each patriarch.
לְךָ֣to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְ (H)Dative (fronted for emphasis)Prep לְ + 2ms suffix; the promise is now formally extended to Jacob/Israel.
אֶתְּנֶ֑נָּהI will give itQal yiqtol 1cs + 3fs suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of promise→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — divine land grant promisedנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the 3fs suffix refers back to הָאָרֶץ.
וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֥and to your seedconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Coordinated dativeזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring, descendants'; the promise extends beyond Jacob.
אַחֲרֶ֖יךָafter youprep + 2ms suffix · אַחֲרֵי (H310)Temporal prepositional phraseאַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after'; the land promise is multigenerational, extending to Jacob's descendants.
אֶתֵּ֥ןI will giveQal yiqtol 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (second promise)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — reiterated land grantנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; restates the land gift, now directed to the seed after Jacob.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the definite land as direct object.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the promised Canaan restated at the close of the divine speech.
13
וַיַּ֥עַל מֵעָלָ֖יו אֱלֹהִ֑ים בַּמָּק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ
And God went up from him at the place where he had spoken with him.
The revelation closes with God’s withdrawal, marking the site as a completed encounter-place.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיַּ֥עַלand he went upQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; the divine departure reverses the language of the summoned ascent.
מֵעָלָ֖יוfrom upon himprep מִן + prep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Source prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; מֵעָלָיו = 'from upon him' — God's withdrawal from Jacob's presence.
אֱלֹהִ֑יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים (H430) Israel's God; subject of the divine departure marking the end of theophany.
בַּמָּק֖וֹםat the placeprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Locative prepositional phraseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the sacred site of the revelation becomes a named encounter-place.
אֲשֶׁרwhererelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) locative relative; identifies the specific place of divine speech.
דִּבֶּ֥רhe had spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Relative clause predicate→ Perfective: completed act — the divine speech just givenדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the extensive divine speech of vv. 10–12.
אִתּֽוֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) comitative 'with'; distinguishes from the accusative marker אֵת (H853).
14
וַיַּצֵּ֨ב יַעֲקֹ֜ב מַצֵּבָ֗ה בַּמָּק֛וֹם אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ מַצֶּ֣בֶת אָ֑בֶן וַיַּסֵּ֤ךְ עָלֶ֨יהָ֙ נֶ֔סֶךְ וַיִּצֹ֥ק עָלֶ֖יהָ שָֽׁמֶן
And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured out upon it a libation and poured oil upon it.
Jacob answers the renewed revelation with a formal memorial act of pillar, libation, and oil, intensifying the sanctity of the place.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיַּצֵּ֨בand he set upHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָצַב (H5324)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָצַב (H5324) Hiphil 'to set up, erect'; Jacob erects a memorial pillar at the theophany site.
יַעֲקֹ֜בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch acting in cultic response to the divine speech.
מַצֵּבָ֗הa pillarN f sg abs · מַצֵּבָה (H4676)Direct object of הֵצִיבמַצֵּבָה (H4676) 'standing stone, pillar'; from נָצַב 'to stand'; a memorial marker of divine encounter.
בַּמָּק֛וֹםin the placeprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Locative prepositional phraseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the theophanic site is identified as the pillar's location.
אֲשֶׁרwhererelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) locative relative identifying the specific theophanic site.
דִּבֶּ֥רhe had spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Relative clause predicate→ Perfective: completed speech actדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the divine speech grounds the cultic act.
אִתּ֖וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) comitative 'with'; the conversation is the basis for the memorial.
מַצֶּ֣בֶתa pillar ofN f sg cstr · מַצֶּבֶת (H4678)Appositive, construct headמַצֶּבֶת (H4678) 'standing stone'; variant noun form; the material is specified in construct.
אָ֑בֶןstoneN f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Construct chain, genitivalאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the pillar material; recalls the stone of Gen 28:18 at the same site.
וַיַּסֵּ֤ךְand he pouredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָסַךְ (H5258)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — libation follows pillar-erectionנָסַךְ (H5258) Hiphil 'to pour out a libation'; standard cultic offering at sacred sites.
עָלֶ֨יהָ֙upon itprep עַל + 3fs suffix · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; the libation is poured directly onto the pillar.
נֶ֔סֶךְa libationN m sg abs · נֶסֶךְ (H5262)Direct object of נָסַךְנֶסֶךְ (H5262) 'libation, drink offering'; liquid offering accompanying dedication of the pillar.
וַיִּצֹ֥קand he pouredQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצַק (H3332)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — oil follows libationיָצַק (H3332) 'to pour, cast'; used of pouring oil — recapitulates Gen 28:18.
עָלֶ֖יהָupon itprep עַל + 3fs suffix · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; repeated locative — both libation and oil are poured on the stone pillar.
שָֽׁמֶןoilN m sg abs · שֶׁמֶן (H8081)Direct object of יָצַקשֶׁמֶן (H8081) 'oil, olive oil'; used in Gen 28:18 at this same site; intentional callback.
15
וַיִּקְרָ֨א יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת שֵׁ֣ם הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁר֩ דִּבֶּ֨ר אִתּ֥וֹ שָׁ֛ם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בֵּֽית אֵֽל
And Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.
The scene resolves in renewed naming, sealing the place once again as Bethel under divine speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּקְרָ֨אand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the naming of the place closes the Bethel theophany scene.
יַעֲקֹ֜בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch performs the formal naming.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking שֵׁם הַמָּקוֹם as the direct object.
שֵׁ֣םthe name ofN m sg cstr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object, construct headשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the place name is the act of memorialization.
הַמָּק֗וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Construct chain, genitivalמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the specific theophanic site receives its covenant name.
אֲשֶׁר֩whererelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) locative relative; identifies the place by what happened there.
דִּבֶּ֨רhe had spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Relative clause predicate→ Perfective: completed divine speechדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the place is named by the event of divine speech.
אִתּ֥וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) comitative 'with'; the divine-human conversation grounds the place name.
שָׁ֛םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; underscores that it is that specific site being named.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of דִּבֶּראֱלֹהִים (H430) Israel's God; subject of the speech that names the place.
בֵּֽיתBethelproper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Predicate of naming (first element)בֵּית-אֵל (H1008) 'house of God'; the enduring name of the covenant sanctuary.
אֵֽל[El]proper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Predicate of naming (second element)Second component of Bethel; the naming seals the site with its covenant identity.
16
וַיִּסְעוּ֙ מִבֵּ֣ית אֵ֔ל וַֽיְהִי ע֥וֹד כִּבְרַת הָאָ֖רֶץ לָב֣וֹא אֶפְרָ֑תָה וַתֵּ֥לֶד רָחֵ֖ל וַתְּקַ֥שׁ בְּלִדְתָּֽהּ
And they journeyed from Bethel, and while there was still some distance to go before coming to Ephrath, Rachel gave birth, and she suffered hard labor.
Covenant renewal gives way abruptly to mortal sorrow as departure from Bethel leads into Rachel's difficult childbirth.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּסְעוּ֙and they set outQal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to set out, journey'; departure from Bethel opens the Rachel episode.
מִבֵּ֣יתfrom Bethelprep מִן + proper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Source prepositional phraseבֵּית-אֵל (H1008) the departure point; covenant renewal now gives way to mortal sorrow.
אֵ֔ל[El]proper noun · בֵּית-אֵל (H1008)Proper name, second elementSecond component of Bethel completing the place name מִבֵּית-אֵל.
וַֽיְהִיand it happenedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Narrative formula (וַיְהִי)→ Wayyiqtol: temporal frame markerהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; wayyiqtol formula introducing a temporal circumstance.
ע֥וֹדstilladverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb of time/degreeעוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet'; they have not yet arrived at Ephrath when labor begins.
כִּבְרַתa stretch ofN f sg cstr · כִּבְרָה (H3530)Subject of temporal clauseכִּבְרָה (H3530) an uncertain distance measure; 'some distance of land' — traditional travel idiom.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain, genitivalאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, ground'; כִּבְרַת הָאָרֶץ = a portion of ground still remaining to travel.
לָב֣וֹאbefore reachingprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · בּוֹא (H935)Purposive/temporal infinitive clause→ Infinitive: temporal — the arrival point not yet reachedבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; the birth happens before the destination is reached.
אֶפְרָ֑תָהEphrathproper noun · אֶפְרָתָה (H672)Destination of infinitiveאֶפְרָתָה (H672) Ephrath, identified with Bethlehem (v. 19); destination not yet reached.
וַתֵּ֥לֶדand she gave birthQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth, bear'; the birth of Benjamin is underway on the road.
רָחֵ֖לRachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Subjectרָחֵל (H7354) Jacob's beloved wife; her death in childbirth is one of the narrative's great losses.
וַתְּקַ֥שׁand she suffered hard laborPiel wayyiqtol 3fs · קָשָׁה (H7185)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — complications in childbirthקָשָׁה (H7185) Piel 'to be hard, difficult'; the birth is dangerously difficult.
בְּלִדְתָּֽהּin her giving birthprep בְּ + Qal inf cstr + 3fs suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Locative/temporal infinitive clauseיָלַד (H3205) inf cstr; the difficulty is concurrent with the act of labor itself.
17
וַיְהִ֥י בְהַקְשֹׁתָ֖הּ בְּלִדְתָּ֑הּ וַתֹּ֨אמֶר לָ֤הּ הַמְיַלֶּ֨דֶת֙ אַל תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י כִּֽי גַם זֶ֥ה לָ֖ךְ בֵּֽן
And it happened, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, "Do not fear, for this also is a son for you."
In the midst of pain the midwife interprets the birth as gain, offering reassurance even as the danger remains unresolved.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְהִ֥יand it happenedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Narrative formula (וַיְהִי)→ Wayyiqtol: temporal frame markerהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the formula introduces the critical moment of hardest labor.
בְהַקְשֹׁתָ֖הּwhen she labored hardprep בְּ + Hiphil inf cstr + 3fs suffix · קָשָׁה (H7185)Temporal infinitive clauseקָשָׁה (H7185) Hiphil inf cstr 'to make hard/difficult'; the moment of hardest labor.
בְּלִדְתָּ֑הּin her giving birthprep בְּ + Qal inf cstr + 3fs suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Concurrent temporal infinitiveיָלַד (H3205) inf cstr; the double temporal frame intensifies the crisis moment.
וַתֹּ֨אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the midwife's words enter the narrative.
לָ֤הּto herprep לְ + 3fs suffix · לְ (H)Indirect objectPrep לְ + 3fs suffix; the midwife speaks to Rachel directly.
הַמְיַלֶּ֨דֶת֙the midwifeart + Piel ptc f sg abs · יָלַד (H3205)Subject (participial substantive)→ Participle: substantival — one who assists in birthיָלַד (H3205) Piel ptc 'midwife, one who helps in delivery'; professional birth assistant.
אַלdo notnegation particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negation particleאַל (H408) volitional negation used with jussive/impf; 'do not' — a prohibition or urgent entreaty.
תִּ֣ירְאִ֔יfearQal impf/jussive 2fs · יָרֵא (H3372)Negated jussive (second person)→ Yiqtol: jussive — prohibition/reassuranceיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; the midwife reassures Rachel with a standard comfort formula.
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) causal 'for, because'; introduces the ground for the reassurance.
גַםalsoadverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverbגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; recalls Joseph and suggests this child too is a son.
זֶ֥הthis onedemonstrative pronoun m sg · זֶה (H2088)Subject of nominal clauseזֶה (H2088) 'this, this one'; refers to the child being born.
לָ֖ךְfor youprep לְ + 2fs suffix · לְ (H)Dative of advantagePrep לְ + 2fs suffix; the son is for Rachel's benefit — she will not have lived in vain.
בֵּֽןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate of nominal clauseבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the announcement of a male birth — Rachel's second and final son.
18
וַיְהִ֞י בְּצֵ֤את נַפְשָׁהּ֙ כִּ֣י מֵ֔תָה וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ בֶּן אוֹנִ֑י וְאָבִ֖יו קָֽרָא ל֥וֹ בִנְיָמִֽין
And it happened, as her soul was departing, for she was dying, that she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
Rachel’s death and the double naming of the child bind birth to bereavement, with maternal sorrow answered by the father’s counter-name.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְהִ֞יand it happenedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Narrative formula (וַיְהִי)→ Wayyiqtol: temporal frame markerהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the formula introduces Rachel's final moment.
בְּצֵ֤אתas departedprep בְּ + Qal inf cstr · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal infinitive clause→ Infinitive: temporal — the moment of soul's departureיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, depart'; euphemism for dying — the soul departing the body.
נַפְשָׁהּ֙her soulN f sg cstr + 3fs suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of infinitiveנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, breath'; the vital life-force departing is the idiom for death.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal/explanatory conjunctionכִּי (H3588) explanatory 'for'; clarifies why the soul was departing — she was dying.
מֵ֔תָהshe was dyingQal perf 3fs · מוּת (H4191)Explanatory predicate→ Perfective: resultant state — death as accomplished factמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the perfect states the completed/resulting death as the narrator looks back.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — dying naming actקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; Rachel's dying act is to name the child.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of קָרָאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the dying mother names the child from her sorrow.
בֶּןBen-proper noun · בֶּן-אוֹנִי (H1126)Predicate of naming (first element)בֶּן-אוֹנִי (H1126) 'son of my sorrow/strength'; Rachel's name expresses maternal grief.
אוֹנִ֑י-oniproper noun · בֶּן-אוֹנִי (H1126)Predicate of naming (second element)אוֹן (H202) 'strength, vigor' or grief; the name captures either sorrow or dying strength.
וְאָבִ֖יוbut his fatherconj וְ + N m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · אָב (H1)Contrastive subjectאָב (H1) 'father'; Jacob is introduced as the counter-naming agent in deliberate contrast.
קָֽרָאcalledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (contrastive clause)→ Perfective: completed naming actקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; Jacob overwrites the sorrow name with his own.
ל֥וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְ (H)Indirect objectPrep לְ + 3ms suffix; the naming is directed to the child as the recipient of the new name.
בִנְיָמִֽיןBenjaminproper noun · בִּנְיָמִין (H1144)Predicate of namingבִּנְיָמִין (H1144) 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south'; Jacob's counter-name of strength and favor.
19
וַתָּ֖מָת רָחֵ֑ל וַתִּקָּבֵר֙ בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ אֶפְרָ֔תָה הִ֖וא בֵּ֥ית לָֽחֶם
And Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bethlehem.
The narrative states Rachel’s death with stark brevity and fixes her grave geographically on the road to Bethlehem.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַתָּ֖מָתand she diedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · מוּת (H4191)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the death is stated with stark brevity after the naming.
רָחֵ֑לRachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Subjectרָחֵל (H7354) Jacob's beloved wife; her death closes the Rachel narrative cycle.
וַתִּקָּבֵר֙and she was buriedNiphal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָבַר (H6912)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — burial follows deathקָבַר (H6912) Niphal 'to be buried'; the passive burial notice is followed by geographic precision.
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְon the road toprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Locative prepositional phraseדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'road, way'; Rachel's grave is on the road — a permanent roadside memorial.
אֶפְרָ֔תָהEphrathproper noun · אֶפְרָתָה (H672)Construct chain, genitivalאֶפְרָתָה (H672) Ephrath, identified with Bethlehem; directional form as destination.
הִ֖ואthat is3fs pronoun · הִוא (H1931)Identifying appositiveהִוא (H1931) demonstrative-identifying pronoun; the narrator glosses Ephrath.
בֵּ֥יתBethlehemproper noun · בֵּית-לֶחֶם (H1035)Predicate of identification (first element)בֵּית-לֶחֶם (H1035) 'house of bread'; Bethlehem identified with Ephrath by the narrator.
לָֽחֶם[Lechem]proper noun · בֵּית-לֶחֶם (H1035)Proper name, second elementSecond component of Bethlehem; לֶחֶם = 'bread'; completes the place name.
20
וַיַּצֵּ֧ב יַעֲקֹ֛ב מַצֵּבָ֖ה עַל קְבֻרָתָ֑הּ הִ֛וא מַצֶּ֥בֶת קְבֻֽרַת רָחֵ֖ל עַד הַיּֽוֹם
And Jacob set up a pillar over her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day.
Jacob marks Rachel’s burial with a standing memorial, and the narrator extends its memory into the present of Israel’s tradition.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּצֵּ֧בand he set upHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָצַב (H5324)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָצַב (H5324) Hiphil 'to erect, set up'; Jacob sets a lasting marker over Rachel's grave.
יַעֲקֹ֛בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch marks his wife's grave with a standing stone memorial.
מַצֵּבָ֖הa pillarN f sg abs · מַצֵּבָה (H4676)Direct object of הֵצִיבמַצֵּבָה (H4676) 'standing stone, pillar'; a funerary memorial marking the burial site.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositionעַל (H5921) 'over, upon'; the pillar stands above the burial site.
קְבֻרָתָ֑הּher graveN f sg cstr + 3fs suffix · קְבוּרָה (H6900)Object of עַלקְבוּרָה (H6900) 'grave, burial-place'; from קָבַר 'to bury'; Rachel's tomb on the road.
הִ֛ואthat is3fs pronoun · הִוא (H1931)Identifying appositiveהִוא (H1931) narrator's gloss; the pillar being described is the Rachel memorial known to readers.
מַצֶּ֥בֶתpillar ofN f sg cstr · מַצֶּבֶת (H4678)Predicate of identification, construct headמַצֶּבֶת (H4678) 'standing stone'; variant form of מַצֵּבָה; the enduring monument.
קְבֻֽרַתgrave ofN f sg cstr · קְבוּרָה (H6900)Construct chain, genitivalקְבוּרָה (H6900) 'burial, grave'; the double construct chain names the monument formally.
רָחֵ֖לRachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Construct chain, genitivalרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel's grave-pillar'; her name is formally enshrined in the monument's title.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositionעַד (H5704) 'until, to'; introduces the endurance-to-present formula.
הַיּֽוֹםthis dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal phrase (endurance formula)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; עַד הַיּוֹם = 'to this day' — narrator's aside on the monument's persistence.
21
וַיִּסַּ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיֵּ֣ט אָֽהֳלֹ֔ה מֵהָ֖לְאָה לְמִגְדַּל עֵֽדֶר
And Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond Migdal-eder.
The household moves on after Rachel’s burial, but the use of the name Israel keeps the covenant identity in view despite the grief.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיִּסַּ֖עand he journeyedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָסַע (H5265)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to journey, set out'; life moves on after burial — Israel presses forward.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) the covenant name used here; grief does not cancel the patriarchal identity.
וַיֵּ֣טand he pitchedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָטָה (H5186)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — camp established after journeyנָטָה (H5186) 'to spread, pitch, extend'; used of pitching a tent to encamp.
אָֽהֳלֹ֔הhis tentN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · אֹהֶל (H168)Direct object of נָטָהאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; the patriarch's mobile dwelling; pitched beyond Migdal-eder.
מֵהָ֖לְאָהbeyondprep מִן + adverb · הָלְאָה (H1973)Locative adverb phraseהָלְאָה (H1973) 'further, beyond'; directional adverb indicating position past the tower.
לְמִגְדַּלMigdal-prep לְ + N m sg cstr · מִגְדַּל-עֵדֶר (H4029)Locative reference, construct headמִגְדַּל-עֵדֶר (H4029) 'tower of Eder'; a watchtower near Bethlehem; the camp's reference point.
עֵֽדֶרEderproper noun · מִגְדַּל-עֵדֶר (H4029)Proper name, second elementעֵדֶר (H5739) 'flock'; Migdal-eder = 'flock tower'; shepherding landmark south of Bethlehem.
22
וַיְהִ֗י בִּשְׁכֹּ֤ן יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בָּאָ֣רֶץ הַהִ֔וא וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ רְאוּבֵ֔ן וַיִּשְׁכַּב֙ אֶת בִּלְהָה֙ פִּילֶ֣גֶשׁ אָבִ֔יו וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ בְנֵֽי יַעֲקֹ֖ב שְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָֽׂר
And it happened, while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve.
The restored household is immediately darkened by Reuben’s sexual transgression, and the terse note that Israel heard leaves the offense hanging with grave weight.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it happenedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Narrative formula (וַיְהִי)→ Wayyiqtol: temporal frame markerהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the formula introduces the concurrent temporal setting.
בִּשְׁכֹּ֤ןwhile dweltprep בְּ + Qal inf cstr · שָׁכַן (H7931)Temporal infinitive clause→ Infinitive: temporal — concurrent with main eventsשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, settle'; Israel's temporary encampment in that region.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of infinitiveיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) the covenant name; the patriarch's identity frames even the transgression account.
בָּאָ֣רֶץin the landprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the land of Canaan where the family has encamped.
הַהִ֔ואthatart + 3fs pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifierהוּא (H1931) with article; deictic 'that land' — the region near Migdal-eder.
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְand he wentQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; Reuben's action is narrated in stark brevity.
רְאוּבֵ֔ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Subjectרְאוּבֵן (H7205) Jacob's firstborn by Leah; his act here forfeits his birthright preeminence.
וַיִּשְׁכַּב֙and he layQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַב (H7901)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; the sexual act is stated without mitigation.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositionאֵת (H854) comitative 'with'; marks sexual act; the same prep as H854, not the obj marker H853.
בִּלְהָה֙Bilhahproper noun · בִּלְהָה (H1090)Object of שָׁכַב אֵתבִּלְהָה (H1090) Rachel's maidservant; Reuben's act violates his father's concubine.
פִּילֶ֣גֶשׁconcubine ofN f sg cstr · פִּילֶגֶשׁ (H6370)Appositive, construct headפִּילֶגֶשׁ (H6370) 'concubine'; a secondary wife of legal but lower status within the household.
אָבִ֔יוhis fatherN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · אָב (H1)Construct chain, genitivalאָב (H1) 'father'; the transgression is against the household order — Jacob's own concubine.
וַיִּשְׁמַ֖עand he heardQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the patriarch hears of the violationשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; Israel's hearing is noted but no response is recorded.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of שָׁמַעיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) the covenant name used; the patriarch hears but the MT records no reaction.
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּnow there wereQal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Existential wayyiqtol (resumptive)→ Wayyiqtol: resumptive narrative — introducing genealogical listהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; existential introduces the tally of Jacob's sons.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject, construct headבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the twelve sons consolidated as a household unit.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Construct chain, genitivalיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch; the count is under his name, not yet 'Israel.'
שְׁנֵ֥יםtwelvenumeral m du abs · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Predicate numeral (first element)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; dual form combining with עָשָׂר to yield twelve.
עָשָֽׂר[ten]numeral m sg abs · עָשָׂר (H6240)Predicate numeral (second element)עָשָׂר (H6240) 'ten'; combined with שְׁנַיִם to form the number twelve — the complete tribal house.
23
בְּנֵ֣י לֵאָ֔ה בְּכ֥וֹר יַעֲקֹ֖ב רְאוּבֵ֑ן וְשִׁמְעוֹן֙ וְלֵוִ֣י וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר וּזְבוּלֻֽן
The sons of Leah: the firstborn of Jacob, Reuben, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun.
The genealogy begins with Leah’s line and starts from Jacob’s firstborn, formally ordering the house after the preceding breach.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject, construct head (genealogical list)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the heading of each maternal line in the genealogy.
לֵאָ֔הLeahproper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Construct chain, genitivalלֵאָה (H3812) Jacob's first wife; her six sons head the genealogical list.
בְּכ֥וֹרfirstborn ofN m sg cstr · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Appositive, construct headבְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; from בָּכַר; Reuben's priority is formally stated even after his transgression.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Construct chain, genitivalיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch; Reuben's claim is as firstborn of Jacob specifically.
רְאוּבֵ֑ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Predicate of identification (first son)רְאוּבֵן (H7205) 'behold a son'; the firstborn of Leah, despite his later transgression.
וְשִׁמְעוֹן֙and Simeonconj וְ + proper noun · שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095)Coordinated list memberשִׁמְעוֹן (H8095) 'hearing'; second son of Leah; co-instigator of the Shechem massacre.
וְלֵוִ֣יand Leviconj וְ + proper noun · לֵוִי (H3878)Coordinated list memberלֵוִי (H3878) 'attached'; third son of Leah; ancestor of the priestly tribe.
וִֽיהוּדָ֔הand Judahconj וְ + proper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Coordinated list memberיְהוּדָה (H3063) 'praised'; fourth son of Leah; ancestor of the royal tribe and Messiah.
וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖רand Issacharconj וְ + proper noun · יִשָּׂשכָר (H3485)Coordinated list memberיִשָּׂשכָר (H3485) fifth son of Leah; the name may mean 'man of reward.'
וּזְבוּלֻֽןand Zebulunconj וְ + proper noun · זְבוּלֻן (H2074)Coordinated list member (sixth and last of Leah)זְבוּלֻן (H2074) 'dwelling/exaltation'; sixth son of Leah, completing her line.
24
בְּנֵ֣י רָחֵ֔ל יוֹסֵ֖ף וּבִנְיָמִֽן
The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.
Rachel’s line is named compactly, holding together the previously born Joseph and the newly born Benjamin.
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject, construct headבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the heading of Rachel's maternal line.
רָחֵ֔לRachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Construct chain, genitivalרָחֵל (H7354) Jacob's beloved wife; her sons are named directly after her death account.
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)First son of Rachelיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'may he add'; born in Paddan-aram; the protagonist of the next narrative cycle.
וּבִנְיָמִֽןand Benjaminconj וְ + proper noun · בִּנְיָמִין (H1144)Second son of Rachelבִּנְיָמִין (H1144) 'son of the right hand'; just born; the final and youngest son of Jacob.
25
וּבְנֵ֤י בִלְהָה֙ שִׁפְחַ֣ת רָחֵ֔ל דָּ֖ן וְנַפְתָּלִֽי
And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant: Dan and Naphtali.
The listing turns to Rachel’s maidservant and names the sons born through her within the full household structure.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וּבְנֵ֤יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject, construct head (genealogical list)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the conjunction continues the enumeration from Leah's and Rachel's lines.
בִלְהָה֙Bilhahproper noun · בִּלְהָה (H1090)Construct chain, genitivalבִּלְהָה (H1090) Rachel's maidservant; despite the recent transgression, her line is formally included.
שִׁפְחַ֣תmaidservant ofN f sg cstr · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Appositive, construct headשִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant, female slave'; Bilhah's social status is noted within the household order.
רָחֵ֔לRachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Construct chain, genitivalרָחֵל (H7354) Bilhah's mistress; the identification ties these sons to Rachel's maternal line.
דָּ֖ןDanproper noun · דָּן (H1835)First son of Bilhahדָּן (H1835) 'judge'; son of Jacob through Bilhah; ancestor of the tribe of Dan.
וְנַפְתָּלִֽיand Naphtaliconj וְ + proper noun · נַפְתָּלִי (H5321)Second son of Bilhahנַפְתָּלִי (H5321) 'my wrestling'; son of Jacob through Bilhah; ancestor of the tribe of Naphtali.
26
וּבְנֵ֥י זִלְפָּ֛ה שִׁפְחַ֥ת לֵאָ֖ה גָּ֣ד וְאָשֵׁ֑ר אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֻלַּד ל֖וֹ בְּפַדַּ֥ן אֲרָֽם
And the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant: Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddan-aram.
The final maternal line completes the twelve-son list and closes the genealogy by gathering the whole house under Jacob’s history in Aram.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וּבְנֵ֥יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject, construct head (genealogical list)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the conjunction extends the enumeration to Leah's maidservant Zilpah.
זִלְפָּ֛הZilpahproper noun · זִלְפָּה (H2153)Construct chain, genitivalזִלְפָּה (H2153) Leah's maidservant; her sons complete the four maternal lines.
שִׁפְחַ֥תmaidservant ofN f sg cstr · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Appositive, construct headשִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant'; Zilpah's social role within the household is specified.
לֵאָ֖הLeahproper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Construct chain, genitivalלֵאָה (H3812) Zilpah's mistress; ties Gad and Asher to Leah's extended line.
גָּ֣דGadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)First son of Zilpahגָּד (H1410) 'good fortune'; son of Jacob through Zilpah; ancestor of the tribe of Gad.
וְאָשֵׁ֑רand Asherconj וְ + proper noun · אָשֵׁר (H836)Second son of Zilpahאָשֵׁר (H836) 'happy, blessed'; son of Jacob through Zilpah; ancestor of the tribe of Asher.
אֵ֚לֶּהthesedemonstrative pronoun cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Subject of summary clauseאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; resumes and summarizes all four maternal lines.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate, construct headבֵּן (H1121) 'sons'; the collective designation for all twelve.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Construct chain, genitivalיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarchal name used for the household total — not 'Israel.'
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) introduces the clause specifying the sons' birthplace.
יֻלַּדwere bornPual perf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Relative clause predicate (Pual)→ Perfective: completed births — the sons born in Paddan-aramיָלַד (H3205) Pual 'to be born'; passive; the collective birth is in the singular (grammatical agreement).
ל֖וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְ (H)Dative of possessionPrep לְ + 3ms suffix; 'born to him' — the sons are born to Jacob as his own.
בְּפַדַּ֥ןin Paddanprep בְּ + proper noun · פַּדַּן-אֲרָם (H6307)Locative prepositional phraseפַּדַּן-אֲרָם (H6307) 'Paddan-aram'; the Mesopotamian region where Jacob served Laban.
אֲרָֽםAramproper noun · אֲרָם (H6307)Proper name, second elementאֲרָם (H6307) 'Aram'; the northern region; most of the sons were born there, though Benjamin was not.
27
וַיָּבֹ֤א יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל יִצְחָ֣ק אָבִ֔יו מַמְרֵ֖א קִרְיַ֣ת הָֽאַרְבַּ֑ע הִ֣וא חֶבְר֔וֹן אֲשֶׁר גָּֽר שָׁ֥ם אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְיִצְחָֽק
And Jacob came to Isaac his father at Mamre, Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned.
The narrative reconnects Jacob with Isaac and with the older patriarchal dwelling place, joining the household’s future to its ancestral past.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּבֹ֤אand he cameQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Narrative main verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; Jacob's return to his father closes the Jacob cycle.
יַעֲקֹב֙Jacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) the patriarch reconnects with Isaac at the ancestral dwelling.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) directional preposition; Jacob comes toward/to Isaac.
יִצְחָ֣קIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Indirect objectיִצְחָק (H3327) Abraham's son and Jacob's father; the visit reconnects the generations.
אָבִ֔יוhis fatherN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · אָב (H1)Appositive to Isaacאָב (H1) 'father'; the kinship designation underscores the filial reunion.
מַמְרֵ֖אMamreproper noun · מַמְרֵא (H4471)Locative (place of arrival)מַמְרֵא (H4471) the ancient patriarchal encampment near Hebron; Abraham and Isaac both dwelt here.
קִרְיַ֣תKiriath-proper noun · קִרְיַת-אַרְבַּע (H7153)Appositive place name (first element)קִרְיַת-אַרְבַּע (H7153) 'city of Arba'; the old Canaanite name for Hebron.
הָֽאַרְבַּ֑ע-arbaproper noun · קִרְיַת-אַרְבַּע (H7153)Proper name, second elementאַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; the city named for the giant Arba (Josh 14:15).
הִ֣ואthat is3fs pronoun · הִוא (H1931)Identifying appositiveהִוא (H1931) narrator's gloss; Kiriath-arba is identified with Hebron for the reader.
חֶבְר֔וֹןHebronproper noun · חֶבְרוֹן (H2275)Predicate of identificationחֶבְרוֹן (H2275) 'league, alliance'; the well-known Canaanite city in the Judean highlands.
אֲשֶׁרwhererelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) locative relative; identifies Mamre/Hebron by its patriarchal history.
גָּֽרsojournedQal perf 3ms · גּוּר (H1481)Relative clause predicate→ Perfective: completed sojourn — the ancestral residence in Canaanגּוּר (H1481) 'to sojourn, dwell as a resident alien'; the patriarchs lived in Canaan as guests.
שָׁ֥םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; specifies Mamre/Hebron as the sojourn location.
אַבְרָהָ֖םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of sojourn (first)אַבְרָהָם (H85) the founding patriarch; Mamre was his principal dwelling in Canaan.
וְיִצְחָֽקand Isaacconj וְ + proper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Coordinated subject of sojournיִצְחָק (H3327) Isaac continued his father's sojourn at the same ancestral site.
28
וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ יְמֵ֣י יִצְחָ֑ק מְאַ֥ת שָׁנָ֖ה וּשְׁמֹנִ֥ים שָׁנָֽה
And the days of Isaac were one hundred and eighty years.
Isaac's years are totaled in the solemn cadence of patriarchal death notices.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיִּֽהְי֖וּand wereQal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Existential wayyiqtol→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — life-summary formulaהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the existential introduces the formal total of Isaac's lifespan.
יְמֵ֣יdays ofN m pl cstr · יוֹם (H3117)Subject, construct headיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; יְמֵי = 'the days of'; the sum of a life expressed as a counted total of days.
יִצְחָ֑קIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Construct chain, genitivalיִצְחָק (H3327) the patriarch; his lifespan is now formally totaled in the death notice.
מְאַ֥תone hundrednumeral f sg cstr · מֵאָה (H3967)Predicate numeral (first component)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; first component of the hundred-and-eighty year total.
שָׁנָ֖הyearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Numeral complementשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the standard time unit of patriarchal age notices.
וּשְׁמֹנִ֥יםand eightyconj וְ + numeral m pl abs · שְׁמֹנִים (H8084)Coordinated numeral (second component)שְׁמֹנִים (H8084) 'eighty'; combined with מֵאָה to yield 180 years total for Isaac.
שָׁנָֽהyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Numeral complement (repeated)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the repeated שָׁנָה closes the lifespan formula with standard cadence.
29
וַיִּגְוַ֨ע יִצְחָ֤ק וַיָּ֨מָת֙ וַיֵּאָ֣סֶף אֶל עַמָּ֔יו זָקֵ֖ן וּשְׂבַ֣ע יָמִ֑ים וַיִּקְבְּר֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ עֵשָׂ֥ו וְיַעֲקֹ֖ב בָּנָֽיו
And Isaac breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people, old and full of days; and Esau and Jacob his sons buried him.
Isaac’s life closes with the full patriarchal formula, and Esau and Jacob together bury him, giving the narrative a final note of generational closure.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּגְוַ֨עand he breathed his lastQal wayyiqtol 3ms · גָּוַע (H1478)Narrative main verb (death formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceגָּוַע (H1478) 'to expire, breathe one's last'; distinct from מוּת; a solemn death vocabulary.
יִצְחָ֤קIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Subjectיִצְחָק (H3327) the patriarch whose death closes this narrative movement.
וַיָּ֨מָת֙and he diedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — death stated after expiryמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; paired with גָּוַע as the full patriarchal death notice formula.
וַיֵּאָ֣סֶףand was gatheredNiphal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָסַף (H622)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — ancestral gathering after deathאָסַף (H622) Niphal 'to be gathered'; euphemism for rejoining ancestors in death.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) directional preposition; the gathering is toward/to his people.
עַמָּ֔יוhis peopleN m pl cstr + 3ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Object of אֶלעַם (H5971) 'people, folk'; עַמָּיו = 'his peoples/ancestors'; the company of the dead patriarchs.
זָקֵ֖ןoldadj m sg abs · זָקֵן (H2205)Adverbial accusative (circumstances)זָקֵן (H2205) 'old, aged'; from זָקַן 'to grow old'; describes the patriarch's state at death.
וּשְׂבַ֣עand full ofconj וְ + adj m sg cstr · שָׂבֵעַ (H7649)Coordinated adverbial (circumstances)שָׂבֵעַ (H7649) 'satisfied, full'; from שָׂבַע 'to be satisfied'; the ideal patriarchal death — full of years.
יָמִ֑יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Construct chain, genitivalיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; שְׂבַע יָמִים = 'full of days' — the classic formula of a long, complete life.
וַיִּקְבְּר֣וּand they buriedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · קָבַר (H6912)Wayyiqtol, narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — burial by the sonsקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; the burial act closes the death notice and the chapter.
אֹת֔וֹhimobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of קָבַראֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix; Isaac as the one buried by his sons.
עֵשָׂ֥וEsauproper noun · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Subject (first buryer)עֵשָׂו (H6215) Jacob's elder twin; his participation in the burial recalls the earlier reconciliation.
וְיַעֲקֹ֖בand Jacobconj וְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Coordinated subject (second buryer)יַעֲקֹב (H3290) the younger twin; Esau and Jacob together bury Isaac as a final fraternal act.
בָּנָֽיוhis sonsN m pl cstr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive to Esau and Jacobבֵּן (H1121) 'sons'; the appositive identifies Esau and Jacob together as Isaac's sons — filial closure.