Genesis 28:17
Genesis 28:17 in Multiple Translations
And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven!”
And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
And fear came on him, and he said, This is a holy place; this is nothing less than the house of God and the doorway of heaven.
He became frightened and said, “This is a scary place! It must be the house of God and the entrance to heaven.”
And he was afraid, and said, How fearefull is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heauen.
and he feareth, and saith, 'How fearful [is] this place; this is nothing but a house of God, and this a gate of the heavens.'
He was afraid, and said, “How awesome this place is! This is none other than God’s house, and this is the gate of heaven.”
And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is no other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
And trembling he said: How terrible is this place! this is no other but the house of God, and the gate of heaven.
He was afraid, and he said, “This place is very awesome! This is surely the place where God lives, and this is the entrance to heaven!”
So Jacob got frightened. He said, “This place frightens me. I know for sure that God lives here. This place joins up with heaven.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 28:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 28:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּירָא֙
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
מַה
נּוֹרָ֖א
הַ/מָּק֣וֹם
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
אֵ֣ין
זֶ֗ה
כִּ֚י
אִם
בֵּ֣ית
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
וְ/זֶ֖ה
שַׁ֥עַר
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
וַ/יִּירָא֙
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
נּוֹרָ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Niphal
הַ/מָּק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
זֶ֗ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Conj | Pron
שַׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 28:17
וַ/יִּירָא֙
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נּוֹרָ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
הַ/מָּק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Art | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
זֶ֗ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
שַׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
Study Notes — Genesis 28:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 28:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 28:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 28:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 28:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
- Sermons on Genesis 28:17
Context — Jacob’s Ladder
15Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
16When Jacob woke up, he said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it.”
17And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven!”
18Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone that he had placed under his head, and he set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it, 19and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 3:15 | in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. |
| 2 | Genesis 35:1–13 | Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.” So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem. As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons. So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bachuth. After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. And God said to him, “Though your name is Jacob, you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel. ” So God named him Israel. And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you. The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” Then God went up from the place where He had spoken with him. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 5:1 | Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. |
| 4 | Exodus 3:6 | Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 5:14 | so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. |
| 6 | Genesis 28:22 | And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.” |
| 7 | Luke 2:9 | Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. |
| 8 | Judges 13:22 | “We are going to die,” he said to his wife, “for we have seen God!” |
| 9 | Revelation 1:17 | When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, |
| 10 | 1 Peter 4:17 | For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? |
Genesis 28:17 Summary
[Genesis 28:17 means that Jacob realized he was in a special and holy place, where God was present, and this filled him with a sense of awe and reverence, similar to what is described in Psalm 95:6, where we are called to worship God with reverence and awe. This experience changed Jacob's perspective and helped him to see God's involvement in his life, as promised in Genesis 28:15. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves if we are seeking to experience God's presence in our own lives, and if we are responding to Him with reverence and awe, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude for His presence in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jacob mean by 'the house of God' in Genesis 28:17?
Jacob is acknowledging that the place where he had the dream is a sacred and holy site, where God dwells, similar to what is described in Psalm 11:4, where God's throne is in heaven, and in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet experiences a vision of God's glory in the temple.
Is the 'gate of heaven' a literal or figurative term in Genesis 28:17?
The 'gate of heaven' is likely a figurative term, symbolizing a place of communion with God, where heaven and earth meet, as seen in the vision of the ladder in Genesis 28:12, and in the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:21-27.
Why was Jacob afraid in Genesis 28:17?
Jacob was afraid because he realized that he was in the presence of God, and this fear is a sign of reverence and respect, as seen in other biblical accounts, such as Isaiah 6:1-5 and Ezekiel 1:1-28, where the prophets are overwhelmed by God's glory.
How does Jacob's statement in Genesis 28:17 relate to his overall spiritual journey?
Jacob's statement reflects his growing awareness of God's presence and involvement in his life, which is a key theme in his spiritual journey, as seen in Genesis 28:15, where God promises to be with him, and in Genesis 32:24-32, where Jacob wrestles with God and is transformed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you have felt the presence of God, and how did you respond?
- How can you cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God in your daily life, as Jacob experienced in Genesis 28:17?
- What are some ways that you can acknowledge and honor God's presence in your life, as Jacob did by setting up a pillar in Genesis 28:18?
- How does the idea of the 'gate of heaven' in Genesis 28:17 relate to your understanding of prayer and communion with God?
- In what ways can you seek to experience a deeper sense of God's presence and glory in your life, as Jacob did in Genesis 28:10-22?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 28:17
And he was afraid,.... Not with a servile but filial fear; not with a fear of the wrath and displeasure of God, but with a fear of his grace and goodness; not with a fear of distrust of it, of which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 28:17
And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
How dreadful is this place, or venerable, both for the majesty of the Person present, and for the glorious manner of his discovery of himself! The house of God; the habitation of God and of his holy angels.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
Genesis 28:17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful [is] this place! this [is] none other but the house of God, and this [is] the gate of heaven.Ver. 17. How dreadful is this place!] The place of God’ s public worship is a place of angels and archangels, saith Chrysostom; it is the kingdom of God; it is very heaven. What wonder, then, though Jacob be afraid, albeit he saw nothing but visions of love and mercy? "In thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple," saith David. The very Turk, when he comes into his temple, lays by all his state, and hath none to attend him all the while. Omnino opertet nos, orationis tempore, curiam intrare coelestem , saith St Bernard, in qua Rex regum stellato sedet solio ,& c. Quanta ergo cum reverentia, quanto timore, quanta illuc humilitate accedere debet e palude sua procedens et repens vilis ranuncula ? Our addresses must be made unto God with the greatest reverence that is possible. Tοπος ‘Aγγελωνκαι ‘Aρχαγγελων, Bασιλεια, Yεου, αυτοςοουρανος. Bern., De Divers., 25.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
(17) How dreadful.—The manifestation of God must always inspire awe and dread, but not fear: for where He reveals Himself, there is “the gate of heaven”—the appointed entrance for prayer now, and for admission to the glorified life hereafter.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
Verse 17. How dreadful is this place!] The appearance of the ladder, the angels, and the Divine glory at the top of the ladder, must have left deep, solemn, and even awful impressions on the mind of Jacob; and hence the exclamation in the text, How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God] The Chaldee gives this place a curious turn: "This is not a common place, but a place in which God delights; and opposite to this place is the gate of heaven." Onkelos seems to suppose that the gate or entrance into heaven was actually above this spot, and that when the angels of God descended to earth, they came through that opening into this place, and returned by the same way. And it really appears that Jacob himself had a similar notion.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 28:17
17. How dreadful] This adjective is rendered unsuitable by colloquial usage. The sense would be better given by “awesome” or “terrible.” Jacob believes that he has been in the presence of Jehovah and of the heavenly host. The belief that those who saw “the angel of the Lord” face to face would die is expressed in the terror of Jacob. Cf. Judges 6:22-23; Judges 13:21-22. the house of God] Heb. bêth Elohim, i.e. “a dwelling-place of the Divine Being.” This clause contains the popular etymology of the name Bethel.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 28:17
17. House of God… gate of heaven — This thought thrills him with a sense of terror. So far from being away from house and friends and care, behold, he is in God’s house, and the very gates of heaven have been opened to his eye.
Sermons on Genesis 28:17
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Divine Transcendence by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God and hearing His voice. He encourages the audience to not compromise with worldly pursuits but to draw near to |
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(Reformation Within Protestantism): The Goal of the Church by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worship, witness, and work in the lives of believers. He expresses his concern that many people claim to be followers of Ch |
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(Genesis) Genesis 28:10-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jacob and how he was feeling homesick after leaving his mother for the first time. Jacob finds himself in a bleak and desolate pl |
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The Fear of God - Part 2 by Jerry Bridges | In this sermon, the preacher begins by telling a parable about a young man in basic training who is in awe of his commanding general. The preacher then explains that he is laying t |
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Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 2 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob's dream as described in the Bible. He emphasizes that even when we feel unworthy or guilty, God still reaches out to us wi |
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Jesus, the Ladder to Heaven by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob's encounter with God at a seemingly desolate place. Jacob, feeling homesick and lonely, finds himself in a situation where |
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(Pdf Book) the Spirit of Truth by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of truth in the Church, arguing that the institution has become inauthentic and predictable due to a lack of genuine commitment to truth |