King James Version

What Does Genesis 35:14 Mean?

Genesis 35:14 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 35:14 · KJV

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

Read Genesis 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he pour... 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 this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּצֵּ֨ב1 of 15

“set up”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

יַֽעֲקֹ֜ב2 of 15

“And Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

מַצֵּבָ֗ה3 of 15

“a pillar”

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

בַּמָּק֛וֹם4 of 15

“in 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)

אֲשֶׁר5 of 15
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֥ר6 of 15

“where he talked”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אִתּ֖וֹ7 of 15
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מַצֶּ֣בֶת8 of 15

“with him even a pillar”

H4678

something stationary, i.e., a monumental stone; also the stock of a tree

אָ֑בֶן9 of 15

“of stone”

H68

a stone

וַיַּסֵּ֤ךְ10 of 15

“and he poured”

H5258

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

עָלֶ֙יהָ֙11 of 15
H5921

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

נֶ֔סֶךְ12 of 15

“a drink offering”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

וַיִּצֹ֥ק13 of 15

“thereon and he poured”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

עָלֶ֖יהָ14 of 15
H5921

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

שָֽׁמֶן׃15 of 15

“oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

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 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 28:18-19Exodus 17:15Genesis 35:20Genesis 31:451 Samuel 7:12

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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