King James Version

What Does Genesis 33:19 Mean?

Genesis 33:19 in the King James Version says “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,...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 33:19 · KJV

Context

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

20

And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel. Elelohe-Israel: that is God the God of Israel

Read Genesis 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamo... 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. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּ֜קֶן1 of 15

“And he bought”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

אֶת2 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֶלְקַ֣ת3 of 15

“a parcel”

H2513

properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery

הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה4 of 15

“of a field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָֽטָה6 of 15

“where he had spread”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

שָׁם֙7 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אָֽהֳל֔וֹ8 of 15

“his tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מִיַּ֥ד9 of 15

“at the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בְּנֵֽי10 of 15

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֲמ֖וֹר11 of 15

“of Hamor”

H2544

chamor, a canaanite

אֲבִ֣י12 of 15

“father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

שְׁכֶ֑ם13 of 15
H7928

shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites

בְּמֵאָ֖ה14 of 15

“for an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

קְשִׂיטָֽה׃15 of 15

“pieces of money”

H7192

an ingot (as definitely estimated and stamped for a coin)

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 33:19 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 33:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 4:5Acts 7:16Joshua 24:32Genesis 49:30-32Genesis 23:17-20Genesis 34:2-31

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 33 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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