King James Version
What Does Genesis 35:14 Mean?
“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.”
Context
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.
13
And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.
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.
15
And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.
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. a little: Heb. a little piece of ground
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Jacob set up a pillar.**—In doing this Jacob was imitating his previous action when God manifested Himself to him in his journey to Haran, Genesis 28:18. This consecration of it by pouring on it oil, and offering to God a drink-offering, was in itself natural and right. But as these memorial pillars were subsequently worshipped, they were expressly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, the word correctly rendered “pillar” in this place being translated *standing image *in Leviticus 26:1, and *image *in Deuteronomy 16:22.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 35:14 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 35:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge