Genesis 28:21
Genesis 28:21 in Multiple Translations
so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God.
So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:
so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, and Jehovah will be my God,
So that I come again to my father's house in peace, then I will take the Lord to be my God,
so I can return safely to my father's home, then you Lord will be my God.
So that I come againe vnto my fathers house in safetie, then shall the Lord be my God.
when I have turned back in peace unto the house of my father, and Jehovah hath become my God,
so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, and the LORD will be my God,
So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:
And I shall return prosperously to my father’s house: the Lord shall be my God:
in order that I can later return safely to my father’s house, then you, Yahweh, will be the God that I will worship.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 28:21
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 28:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שַׁבְתִּ֥י
בְ/שָׁל֖וֹם
אֶל
בֵּ֣ית
אָבִ֑/י
וְ/הָיָ֧ה
יְהוָ֛ה
לִ֖/י
לֵ/אלֹהִֽים
וְ/שַׁבְתִּ֥י
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
בְ/שָׁל֖וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Prep | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָבִ֑/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/הָיָ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | 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 28:21
וְ/שַׁבְתִּ֥י
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
בְ/שָׁל֖וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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.
אָבִ֑/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/הָיָ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — Genesis 28:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Stone of Bethel
19and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.
20Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear,
21so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God.
22And 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 11:31 | then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 26:17 | Today you have proclaimed that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in His ways, keep His statutes and commandments and ordinances, and listen to His voice. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:24 | Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 15:8 | For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’ ” |
| 5 | Exodus 15:2 | The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 5:17 | “If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 19:30 | And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Instead, since my lord the king has safely come to his own house, let Ziba take it all!” |
Genesis 28:21 Summary
[Genesis 28:21 is a special verse where Jacob promises to make the LORD his God if He takes care of him and keeps him safe. This means Jacob wants to follow and obey God, just like we do when we love and trust Him. As we see in Jeremiah 29:11, God has good plans for us, and when we trust Him, He will guide and protect us, just like He did for Jacob. By making the LORD our God, we can experience His love, care, and provision in our lives, just like Jacob did on his journey.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jacob's vow in Genesis 28:21?
Jacob's vow is a conditional statement where he promises to make the LORD his God if He provides for his safety and well-being, as seen in Genesis 28:20-21, similar to the covenant promises in Deuteronomy 26:16-19.
Is Jacob trying to bargain with God in Genesis 28:21?
While it may seem that Jacob is trying to bargain with God, his statement is more of a expression of faith and trust, similar to the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10, where he asks for God's blessing and protection.
What does it mean for the LORD to be Jacob's God?
For the LORD to be Jacob's God means that Jacob is committing to worship, obey, and follow Him, as seen in Exodus 20:2-3 and Deuteronomy 6:13, where the Israelites are commanded to have no other gods before the LORD.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Jacob's story?
This verse sets the stage for Jacob's journey with God, as seen in Genesis 28-33, where he learns to trust and obey God, and ultimately becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, as promised in Genesis 28:13-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to bargain with God, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I, like Jacob, express my faith and trust in God's provision and protection?
- What does it mean for me to make the LORD my God, and how can I demonstrate that in my daily life?
- How can I learn to trust God's promises, like Jacob did, even when the outcome is uncertain?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 28:21
So that I come again to my father's house in peace,.... In safety from Esau, and all other enemies, as God promised him he should: then the Lord shall be my God; not as if he should not be his God if
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 28:21
I will publicly own him for my God and the Saviour of men, and will establish his solemn worship, as it follows.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 28:21
(20-22) Then shall the Lord (Jehovah) be my God.—This is a false translation, and gives a wrong sense. Jacob, in his vow, which implies no doubt on his part, but is his acceptance of the terms of the covenant, says: “If Elohim will be with me, and will protect me on this journey that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, and if I come again in peace to my father’s house, and Jehovah will be my Elohim, then this stone which I have set up as a pillar shall be Beth-Elohiin; and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely pay thee tithes.” Genesis 28:20-21 are a recapitulation of the mercies of which he was to be the recipient, while in Genesis 28:22 Jacob states what shall be his vow of gratitude. But what was a Beth-Elohim? It has been supposed that it was a sort of cromlech, set up to be itself an object of adoration. Attention has also been called to the Baitylia, or stones “possessed of a soul,” which the Phœnicians are said by Eusebius (Praep. Evang. i. 10) to have worshipped; and it has been thought, with some probability, that the word is a corrupt form of the Hebrew Beth-Elohim. These Baitylia. however, were meteoric stones, and their sanctity arose from their having fallen from heaven. Stones, moreover, set up at first simply as memorials may in time have been worshipped, and hence the prohibition in Leviticus 26:1, Deuteronomy 16:22; but there is no trace of any such idolatrous tendency here. Jacob apparently meant by a Beth-Elohim a place where prayer and offerings would be acceptable, because God ad manifested Himself there; and His vow signified that if, preserved by Jehovah’s care, he was permitted to visit the place again, he would consecrate it to Jehovah’s service, and spend there in sacrifice, or in some other way to His honour, the tithe of whatever property he might have acquired.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 28:21
21. to my father’s house in peace] It does not appear that this was literally fulfilled. Jacob, on his return, did not dwell at his father’s house. But, perhaps, “father’s house” means “the land of his fathers.” “In peace,” a common Heb. phrase, noticeable here for the rendering of LXX μετὰσωτηρίας, “with safety.” then shall the Lord be my God] The rendering of the margin, and the Lord will be my God, then this stone, &c., is that of the ancient versions, LXX, Lat. and Syr.: that of the text is on the whole preferable. The crowning thought is that in days to come, Jehovah, who has been the God of Abraham and Isaac, shall also be the God of Jacob. This forms the substance of Jacob’s vow; to which is added, that Bethel, as well as Beer-sheba and Hebron, shall be a place of Jehovah’s worship. Jacob’s vow, with the conditions attached to it, reflects his calculating character. But it acknowledges that Jehovah is the God who has revealed Himself to his fathers, and is distinct from mere nature-gods.
Sermons on Genesis 28:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Rattles and Baubles by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that weak Christians often become overly concerned with the trivial and material aspects of life, indicating a lack of spiritual strength and grace. He arg |
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"When Thou Vowest a Vow, Defer Not to Pay It" by Timothy Tow | Timothy Tow preaches about the seriousness of making vows to God, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling them once spoken, as seen in the stories of Jephthah and Hannah. He share |
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The Christian Urged to an Express Act of Self-Dedication to the Service of God by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of making a solemn surrender of oneself to God, urging believers to declare their dedication in the divine presence with deliberate, |
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The Making of a Worshipper by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common question of why God allows sudden disasters and tragedies to happen. He uses the example of the Israelites in the Bible who were fr |
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God Is Worthy of Worship by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the privilege and importance of worship, focusing on the scene in Revelation 5 where the Lamb is found worthy to open the book and receive worship from all c |
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Preparing a Sanctuary for God by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the movement of the Spirit of God upon the waters, symbolizing a new beginning. The preacher explains that God's creative power will shake b |
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New Beginnings - Crossing Jordan I by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not looking back and instead focusing on moving forward in faith. He highlights the faithfulness of Moses and how his obedi |