King James Version

What Does Genesis 33:20 Mean?

Genesis 33:20 in the King James Version says “And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel. Elelohe-Israel: that is God the God of Israel” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 33:20 · KJV

Context

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 erected there an altar, and called it El-elohe-Israel.... 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. What theological truths about Reconciliation with Esau emerge from this passage?
  2. How should this truth about Shechem Settlement shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיַּצֶּב1 of 8

“And he erected”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֖ם2 of 8
H8033

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

מִזְבֵּ֑חַ3 of 8

“there an altar”

H4196

an altar

וַיִּ֨קְרָא4 of 8

“and called it”

H7121

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

ל֔וֹ5 of 8
H0
אֵ֖ל6 of 8
H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֱלֹהֵ֥י7 of 8
H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃8 of 8
H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 33:20 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 33:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 35:7Genesis 21:33Genesis 32:28Genesis 8:20Genesis 13:18Genesis 12:7-8

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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