Genesis 35:3

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 35:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
Genesis 35:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 35

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3and let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

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 let us arise and go up to Bethel, etc.] Thus prepared and purged, their tents clear of idols, their bodies washed with pure water, and their garments new, neat, and clean; all symbolical of inward purity, and of freedom from idolatry and evil works, as became those who go to the house of God, and are his worshippers, (see <581022>Hebrews 10:22). I will make there an altar unto God; as he has directed, and sacrifice to him, and worship him, and give the tenth unto him, and so make it a Bethel, an house of God indeed, as he had vowed, (<012822>Genesis 28:22); who answered me in the day of my distress; on account of his brother Esau, from whose wrath he fled: and was with me in the way…”
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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…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“35:3 He has been with me wherever I have gone: God had fulfilled his promises (28:15; 31:3), so Jacob must fulfill his vow.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification