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Genesis Chapter Study

Jacob Returns to Bethel and God Renews His Covenant

Genesis 35 (KJV)

Genesis 35 records Jacob's return to Bethel, the place where God first appeared to him when he fled from Esau. In this chapter, Jacob leads his household to put away foreign gods, purify themselves, and worship the Lord. God appears to Jacob again, confirms his name as Israel, and renews the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac. The chapter also includes sorrowful moments, including the deaths of Deborah, Rachel, and Isaac, reminding readers that God's promises continue even through grief and loss.

What You'll Learn

• Why God commanded Jacob to return to Bethel
• Why Jacob told his household to put away foreign gods
• How Jacob prepared his family for worship and obedience
• Why God protected Jacob's household as they traveled
• What happened when Jacob built an altar at Bethel
• How God renewed His covenant promises to Jacob
• Why Jacob's name Israel is confirmed again
• What Rachel's death and Benjamin's birth reveal in the chapter
• How Genesis 35 shows God's faithfulness through obedience, worship, grief, and family struggle

Genesis 35 teaches that returning to God requires obedience, cleansing, and worship, and that God's covenant promises remain faithful even through seasons of sorrow and loss.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Genesis 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; 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 35:4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

Genesis 35:5 And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

Genesis 35:6 So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him.

Genesis 35:7 And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.

Genesis 35:8 But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.

Genesis 35:9 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.

Genesis 35:10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

Genesis 35:11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

Genesis 35:12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.

Genesis 35:13 And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.

Genesis 35:14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

Genesis 35:15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.

Genesis 35:16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.

Genesis 35:17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.

Genesis 35:18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

Genesis 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.

Genesis 35:20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.

Genesis 35:21 And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.

Genesis 35:22 And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Genesis 35:23 The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

Genesis 35:24 The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:

Genesis 35:25 And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:

Genesis 35:26 And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.

Genesis 35:27 And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

Genesis 35:28 And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.

Genesis 35:29 And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

Genesis 35:1

And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Study: God calls Jacob back to Bethel, the place where He first appeared to him when he fled from Esau. The command is not simply to travel there but to dwell there and worship. God often calls His people back to places of spiritual commitment and remembrance.

Genesis 35:2

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Study: Before returning to Bethel, Jacob calls for repentance and purification. The foreign gods must be removed because true worship cannot coexist with idolatry. Spiritual renewal begins with turning away from competing loyalties.

Genesis 35:3

And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; 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.

Study: Jacob remembers God's faithfulness during his years of hardship. Worship grows from gratitude and remembrance. He recognizes that God was with him through every stage of his journey.

Genesis 35:4

And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

Study: The household surrenders their idols and items associated with pagan worship. Jacob buries them beneath the oak, symbolizing a decisive break with their former practices. Repentance requires more than words; it requires action.

Genesis 35:5

And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

Study: God protects Jacob's family as they travel. Following the violence of Genesis 34, there was reason to fear retaliation, yet God places His terror upon the surrounding cities. Divine protection accompanies obedience.

Genesis 35:6

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

Study: Jacob arrives at Bethel with everyone under his care. His obedience is complete, and his family joins him in returning to the place God appointed. God often works through families and communities, not merely individuals.

Genesis 35:7

And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.

Study: Jacob builds the altar God commanded. The name Elbethel means "God of Bethel," emphasizing not merely the location but the God who met him there. The focus of worship is always God Himself.

Genesis 35:8

But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.

Study: Deborah's death is briefly recorded but clearly significant. The name Allonbachuth means "oak of weeping," indicating genuine mourning. Even during times of spiritual renewal, grief remains a reality of life.

Genesis 35:9

And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.

Study: God appears again and blesses Jacob. The repeated appearance demonstrates God's ongoing relationship with him. God's covenant faithfulness is not a one-time event but a continuing reality.

Genesis 35:10

And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

Study: God confirms Jacob's new identity as Israel. The name change reflects God's transforming work in his life. God not only blesses His people; He reshapes their identity according to His purpose.

Genesis 35:11

And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

Study: God identifies Himself as God Almighty and renews the promises of descendants, nations, and kings. The covenant continues moving forward despite Jacob's imperfections and failures.

Genesis 35:12

And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.

Study: The land promise is reaffirmed. The covenant remains connected across generations—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants. God's promises extend beyond a single lifetime.

Genesis 35:13

And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.

Study: The encounter concludes, but God's promises remain. Divine encounters may be temporary moments, but their impact is meant to shape a lifetime of faith and obedience.

Genesis 35:14

And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

Study: Jacob establishes a memorial to remember God's appearance and blessing. Throughout Scripture, memorials serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and help future generations remember His works.

Genesis 35:15

And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.

Study: Jacob officially names the place Bethel, meaning "House of God." The location had become a testimony to God's faithfulness and presence. Places of encounter with God often become landmarks in a believer's spiritual journey.

Genesis 35:16

And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.

Study: Shortly after experiencing God's blessing at Bethel, Jacob's family faces another hardship. Rachel enters difficult labor. This verse reminds us that spiritual victories do not eliminate life's struggles, but God remains present through them.

Genesis 35:17

And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.

Study: The midwife encourages Rachel during her suffering. The child she long desired is about to be born, yet the joy of fulfillment comes through great pain. God's blessings sometimes arrive through difficult circumstances.

Genesis 35:18

And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

Study: Rachel names her son Benoni, meaning "son of my sorrow," as she dies. Jacob renames him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand." The contrast highlights the difference between viewing life through grief alone and viewing it through God's continuing purpose.

Genesis 35:19

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.

Study: Rachel's death marks one of the most sorrowful moments in Jacob's life. The mention of Bethlehem connects this location to future biblical events, including the birthplace of Jesus Christ many generations later.

Genesis 35:20

And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.

Study: Jacob memorializes Rachel's grave. The pillar stands as a lasting testimony of love, loss, and remembrance. Scripture does not ignore grief but records it honestly as part of life's journey.

Genesis 35:21

And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.

Study: Life continues after loss. Israel moves forward despite his grief. This brief verse reminds readers that faith often means continuing the journey even when carrying sorrow.

Genesis 35:22

And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Study: Reuben commits a serious sin against his father and household. The event is recorded briefly, but its consequences will later affect Reuben's standing among his brothers. Sin often carries long-term consequences beyond the immediate moment.

Genesis 35:23

The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

Study: The listing of Jacob's sons begins with Leah's children. These names are more than family records; they are the future tribes through whom God's promises to Israel will unfold.

Genesis 35:24

The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:

Study: Rachel's sons are Joseph and Benjamin. Though Rachel has died, God's plan continues through her children. Joseph and Benjamin will play important roles in Israel's future history.

Genesis 35:25

And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:

Study: Dan and Naphtali are included as full members of the family line. God's covenant plan works through a complex family structure, demonstrating His sovereignty over imperfect circumstances.

Genesis 35:26

And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.

Study: Gad and Asher complete the list. The twelve sons of Jacob are now fully identified. What began as God's promise to Abraham continues developing into a nation.

Genesis 35:27

And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

Study: Jacob returns to his father Isaac. This reunion connects three generations of covenant history—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and highlights the continuity of God's promises.

Genesis 35:28

And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.

Study: Isaac lives to 180 years of age. His long life reflects God's blessing and marks the closing of another significant chapter in Genesis.

Genesis 35:29

And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

Study: Isaac dies and is buried by both Jacob and Esau. The chapter closes with a moment of family unity and respect. Though generations pass away, God's covenant promises continue through those who remain.

Genesis 35 marks a significant spiritual renewal in Jacob's life. God commands Jacob to return to Bethel, the place where He first appeared to him when he fled from Esau. Before making the journey, Jacob calls his household to put away foreign gods, purify themselves, and prepare for worship. The idols are buried beneath an oak near Shechem, symbolizing a fresh commitment to the Lord. As Jacob's family travels, God protects them by placing fear upon the surrounding cities. Upon arriving at Bethel, Jacob builds an altar and worships God. Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, dies and is buried there. God then appears to Jacob again, confirms his name as Israel, and renews the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac, promising descendants, nations, kings, and the land of Canaan. After leaving Bethel, Rachel dies while giving birth to Benjamin, bringing both joy and sorrow to Jacob's family. Reuben later sins with Bilhah, and the chapter concludes with a listing of Jacob's twelve sons and the death of Isaac at the age of 180. Through moments of worship, covenant renewal, birth, sin, and death, Genesis 35 highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His continued work through the family of Israel.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness throughout every season of life. Help me to remove anything from my heart that competes with You for my devotion. Teach me to walk in obedience, even when it requires change, repentance, or sacrifice. Thank You for being present during both times of blessing and times of grief. Strengthen my faith to trust Your promises when I cannot see the outcome. Help me remember Your goodness and worship You with a sincere heart. May my life reflect devotion, holiness, and gratitude as I follow You each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

• Read Genesis 35 each day this week
• Memorize Genesis 35:11
• Ask God to reveal any idols or distractions competing for your devotion
• Spend time thanking God for specific ways He has been faithful in your life
• Write down one area where God is calling you to greater obedience
• Pray for strength to trust God through any current season of loss or uncertainty
• Reflect on how your identity is shaped by God's promises rather than your circumstances

Genesis 35 records Jacob's return to Bethel and one of the most important moments of spiritual renewal in his life. God commands Jacob to return to the place where He first appeared to him, and Jacob responds by leading his household to remove idols and prepare for worship. At Bethel, God renews His covenant promises, confirms Jacob's name as Israel, and reaffirms the future nation that will come from his descendants. The chapter also contains significant moments of sorrow, including the deaths of Deborah, Rachel, and Isaac, as well as the sin of Reuben. Yet through every blessing and hardship, God's faithfulness remains unchanged. Genesis 35 demonstrates that obedience, repentance, worship, and trust in God's promises lead to renewed fellowship with Him and confidence in His plan.

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