King James Version

What Does Genesis 33:17 Mean?

Genesis 33:17 in the King James Version says “And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. Succoth: that is, Booths”

Genesis 33:17 · KJV

Context

15

And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. leave: Heb. set, or, place What: Heb. Wherefore is this?

16

So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir.

17

And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. Succoth: that is, Booths

18

And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city. Shechem: Gr. Sychem

19

And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. Hamor: Gr. Emmor pieces: or, lambs

Read Genesis 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore th... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְיַֽעֲקֹב֙1 of 15

“And Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

נָסַ֣ע2 of 15

“journeyed”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

סֻכּֽוֹת׃3 of 15

“Succoth”

H5523

succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine

וַיִּ֥בֶן4 of 15

“and built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

ל֖וֹ5 of 15
H0
בָּ֑יִת6 of 15

“him an house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּלְמִקְנֵ֙הוּ֙7 of 15

“for his cattle”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

עָשָׂ֣ה8 of 15

“and made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

סֻכֹּ֔ת9 of 15

“booths”

H5521

a hut or lair

עַל10 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֛ן11 of 15
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָרָ֥א12 of 15

“is called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שֵׁם13 of 15

“therefore the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַמָּק֖וֹם14 of 15

“of the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

סֻכּֽוֹת׃15 of 15

“Succoth”

H5523

succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 33:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 33:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 8:5Psalms 60:6Joshua 13:27Judges 8:16Judges 8:8Exodus 12:37

Places in This Verse

Succoth 1Settlement · Modern: Tell Deir Alla · 32.20°N, 35.62°E10 verses across 5 books
View all places in Genesis 33 →

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