King James Version

What Does Genesis 35:20 Mean?

Genesis 35:20 in the King James Version says “And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.”

Genesis 35:20 · KJV

Context

18

And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. Benoni: that is, The son of my sorrow Benjamin: that is, The son of the right hand

19

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.

20

And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.

21

And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.

22

And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve :

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.... 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 Return to Bethel emerge from this passage?
  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 · 11 words
וַיַּצֵּ֧ב1 of 11

“set”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

יַֽעֲקֹ֛ב2 of 11

“And Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

מַצֵּבָ֖ה3 of 11

“a pillar”

H4676

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

עַל4 of 11
H5921

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

קְבֻֽרַת5 of 11

“grave”

H6900

sepulture; (concretely) a sepulcher

הִ֛וא6 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מַצֶּ֥בֶת7 of 11

“that is the pillar”

H4678

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

קְבֻֽרַת8 of 11

“grave”

H6900

sepulture; (concretely) a sepulcher

רָחֵ֖ל9 of 11

“of Rachel's”

H7354

rachel, a wife of jacob

עַד10 of 11
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּֽוֹם׃11 of 11

“unto this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 35:20 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 35:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:2Genesis 35:142 Samuel 18:17-18Genesis 35:9

Test Your Knowledge

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