Genesis 35:6

Modern

So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan.

Traditional

So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Beth–el, he and all the people that were with him.

Literal

And Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan—that is, Bethel—he and all the people who were with him.

Latin

Venit igitur Jacob Luzam, quæ est in terra Chanaan, cognomento Bethel: ipse et omnis populus cum eo.

Hebrew

English

So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan.

Jacob built an altar at Bethel as God had instructed (35:1; compare 12:8).

Jacob returned to Bethel, about 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Shechem, to fulfill the vows he made there (28:20–22).

This chapter discusses God's promises, Jacob's vow, and how Jacob's sons continue the covenant. Deborah, Rachel, and Isaac died. This marked the end of an era and the story of Isaac's family (25:19–35:29).
They removed idols (35:1–4) and established pure worship (35:6–7). During this time, they needed to renew their faith so Jacob's sons could continue the covenant.

Theme notes and profiles

Genesis 28:19
…and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.
Genesis 28:22
And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.”
Genesis 12:8
From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.
Judges 1:22–26
The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them.
Genesis 48:3
Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there He blessed me

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Bethel: Important city in Israel, associated with Abraham and Jacob Canaan: Ancient region; descendants of Ham; promised to Abraham's descendants