Genesis 35:21

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 35:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
Genesis 35:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 35

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Israel journeyed, etc.] Having stayed near Bethlehem, as it is said, about two months f1590; this is the first time Jacob is by Moses called Israel, after this name, was given him; the reason of which the Jews say is, because he bore the death of Rachel with so much patience: and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder; which was a place of pasturage, and fit for his flocks, (see <330408>Micah 4:8); it was about a mile from Bethlehem to the south f1591, and is supposed to be the place where the shepherds were watching their flocks, when the angel reported to them the birth of Christ, (<420208>Luke 2:8); pretty remarkable are the words added here in the Targum of Jonathan, “the place…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- The Death of Isaac 8. דברה deborâh, Deborah, “bee.” בּכוּת אלּון 'alôn-bākût, Allon-bakuth, “oak of weeping.” 16. כברה kı̂brâh, “length stretch.” A certain but unknown distance, a stadium or furlong (Josephus) a hippodrome (Septuagint) which was somewhat longer, a mile (Kimchi). אפרת 'ephrâth, Ephrath, “fruitful or ashy.” 18. בן־אוני ben-'ônı̂y, Ben-oni, “son of my pain.” בנימין bı̂nyāmı̂yn, Binjamin, “son of the right hand.” 19. לחם בית bēyt-lechem, Beth-lechem, “house of bread.” 21. עדר ‛ěder, ‘Eder, “flock, fold.” This chapter contains the return of Jacob to his father’s house, and then appends the death of Isaac. Genesis 35:1-8 Jacob returns to Bethel. “And God said unto…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification