Genesis 35:20
Genesis 35:20 in Multiple Translations
Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day.
And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.
And Jacob set up a pillar upon her grave: the same is the Pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.
And Jacob put up a pillar on her resting-place; which is named, The Pillar of the resting-place of Rachel, to this day.
Jacob set up a stone memorial over Rachel's grave, and it's still there to this day.
And Iaakob set a pillar vpon her graue: This is the pillar of Rahels graue vnto this day.
and Jacob setteth up a standing pillar over her grave; which [is] the standing pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.
Jacob set up a pillar on her grave. The same is the Pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day.
And Jacob set a pillar on her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave to this day.
And Jacob erected a pillar over her sepulchre: this is the pillar of Rachel’s monument, to this day.
Jacob set up a large stone over her grave, and it is still there, showing where Rachel’s grave is.
And Jacob stood up a big stone at that place, so that people will know that Rachel was buried there. That stone is still there today.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 35:20
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 35:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּצֵּ֧ב
יַעֲקֹ֛ב
מַצֵּבָ֖ה
עַל
קְבֻרָתָ֑/הּ
הִ֛וא
מַצֶּ֥בֶת
קְבֻֽרַת
רָחֵ֖ל
עַד
הַ/יּֽוֹם
וַ/יַּצֵּ֧ב
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֛ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
מַצֵּבָ֖ה
matstsêbâh
H4676
pillar
N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
קְבֻרָתָ֑/הּ
qᵉbûwrâh
H6900
tomb
N-fs | Suff
הִ֛וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מַצֶּ֥בֶת
matstsebeth
H4678
pillar
N-fs
קְבֻֽרַת
qᵉbûwrâh
H6900
tomb
N-fs
רָחֵ֖ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/יּֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 35:20
וַ/יַּצֵּ֧ב
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
יַעֲקֹ֛ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
מַצֵּבָ֖ה
matstsêbâh
H4676
"pillar"
N-fs
A pillar or monument, sometimes used as a memorial or with an altar, like those found in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) pillar, mastaba, stump 1a) pillar 1a1) as monument, personal memorial 1a2) with an altar 1b)(Hoph) stock, stump (of tree)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: garrison, (standing) image, pillar. See also: Genesis 28:18; 1 Kings 14:23; Isaiah 19:19.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
קְבֻרָתָ֑/הּ
qᵉbûwrâh
H6900
"tomb"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for tomb or grave, referring to a place of burial. It is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, such as Abraham and Sarah. This term appears in Genesis and other books.
Definition: 1) grave, burial, burial site 1a) grave 1b) burial
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: burial, burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 35:20; 2 Kings 23:30; Isaiah 14:20.
הִ֛וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מַצֶּ֥בֶת
matstsebeth
H4678
"pillar"
N-fs
A monumental stone or pillar, often used as a memorial, like the ones Jacob set up in Genesis 28:18 and 35:14. It can also refer to a tree stump. In the Bible, pillars were used to mark important events or people.
Definition: 1) pillar, mastaba, stump 1a) pillar 1a1) as monument, personal memorial 1a2) with an altar 1b) (Hoph) stock, stump (of tree)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: pillar, substance. See also: Genesis 35:14; 2 Samuel 18:18; Isaiah 6:13.
קְבֻֽרַת
qᵉbûwrâh
H6900
"tomb"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for tomb or grave, referring to a place of burial. It is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, such as Abraham and Sarah. This term appears in Genesis and other books.
Definition: 1) grave, burial, burial site 1a) grave 1b) burial
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: burial, burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 35:20; 2 Kings 23:30; Isaiah 14:20.
רָחֵ֖ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
N-proper
Rachel was a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name means ewe, and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in detail.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.6; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Leah (H3812); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) Also named: Rhachēl (Ῥαχήλ "Rachel" G4478) § Rachel = "ewe" daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Rachel. See also: Genesis 29:6; Genesis 30:25; Jeremiah 31:15.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/יּֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Genesis 35:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 35:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
- Sermons on Genesis 35:20
Context — Benjamin Born, Rachel Dies
18And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.
19So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
20Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day.
21Israel again set out and pitched his tent beyond the Tower of Eder. 22While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 10:2 | When you leave me today, you will find two men at Rachel’s tomb in Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you seek have been found, and now your father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and started worrying about you, asking, “What should I do about my son?”’ |
| 2 | Genesis 35:14 | So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where God had spoken with him—a stone marker—and he poured out a drink offering on it and anointed it with oil. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 18:17–18 | They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home. During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. |
| 4 | Genesis 35:9 | After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. |
Genesis 35:20 Summary
Genesis 35:20 tells us that Jacob set up a pillar on Rachel's grave to honor her memory. This act shows how much Jacob loved and respected Rachel, and it reminds us that our loved ones are important to God too (as seen in Psalm 116:15). Just like Jacob, we can trust in God's promises and find comfort in His presence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances (as seen in Genesis 28:15 and Romans 8:28). By remembering and honoring our loved ones, we can keep their memory alive and trust in God's sovereignty over our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob set up a pillar on Rachel's grave?
Jacob set up a pillar on Rachel's grave as a memorial to honor her memory, which was a common practice in ancient times, as seen in Genesis 28:18 where Jacob also set up a pillar at Bethel.
What is the significance of Rachel's tomb being marked to this day?
The fact that Rachel's tomb is still marked today signifies the enduring legacy of Rachel and the importance of her role in the history of God's people, as noted in Genesis 48:7.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Jacob's life?
This verse marks a significant turning point in Jacob's life, as he is now moving forward after the loss of his beloved wife Rachel, and will continue to trust in God's promises, as seen in Genesis 28:15 and Genesis 35:1-15.
What can we learn from Jacob's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of honoring and remembering our loved ones who have passed away, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 139:16 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can honor and remember my loved ones who have passed away, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty in the midst of grief?
- How can I, like Jacob, find comfort in the promises of God after experiencing a significant loss?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of Jacob, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life?
- In what ways can I create lasting memorials to the people and experiences that have shaped my life, and how can I use those memories to trust in God's goodness?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:20
And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave,.... A sepulchral monument erected in memory of her; this according to Benjamin of Tudela (e) was made of twelve stones, according to the number of the sons of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:20
And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day. Set a pillar upon her grave ... unto this day.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
Jacob set a pillar, as a monument or memorial of her life and death, and as a testimony of her future resurrection. Unto this day, i.e. unto the time wherein Moses writ this book, and long after. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
Genesis 35:20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that [is] the pillar of Rachel’ s grave unto this day.Ver. 21. Beyond the tower of Edar.] Or, Of the flock. This tower was built, it seems, for the safety and service of shepherds. There it was, probably, that those shepherds, Luke 2:8, watched their flocks. There also, Helena, mother to Constantine the Great, did afterwards build a temple, for a memorial of the angels that there appeared to those shepherds, carolling Christ into the world.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
(20) That is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.—This is a later addition, but whether inserted by Moses or Ezra we cannot tell. Its site was known in the days of Samuel (1 Samuel 10:2); and as the pillar would be a mass of unwrought stone, with which the natives would have no object in interfering, its identification upon the conquest of Canaan would not be difficult.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
Verse 20. Jacob set a pillar upon her grave] Was not this the origin of funeral monuments? In ancient times, and among rude nations, a heap of stones designated the burial place of the chief; many of these still remain in different countries. Afterwards a rude stone, with a simple inscription, was used, containing only the name of the deceased, and that of his father. But where arts and sciences flourished, superb monuments were erected highly decorated, and pompously inscribed. It is very likely from the circumstances of Jacob that a single stone constituted the pillar in this case, on which, if writing did then exist, the name, or rather some hieroglyphical device, was probably inscribed. That which is now called Rachel's pillar is allowed, by those who have examined it, to be a comparatively modern structure.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:20
16–22a (J). Birth of Benjamin and Death of Rachel “The meaning of the statement that Rachel died when Benjamin was born is that the formation of the new tribe Benjamin broke up the old tribe Rachel” (Bennett). But it would be a mistake to attempt to distinguish too closely the personal and tribal elements in the narrative. Events in personal life may be recorded for their symbolical significance. The story of Jacob, as distinct from that of Joseph, closes with Rachel’s death.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:20
20. A pillar… unto this day — An oak marked Deborah’s tomb, (Genesis 35:8,) a pillar Rachel’s.
Sermons on Genesis 35:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Making a King by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a living representation of the word of God. He criticizes the idea of relying on physical objects or books to show pe |
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I Samuel 26:21 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the life of Saul, emphasizing how despite his physical advantages and opportunities to lead God's people, he ultimately played the fool by failing to submit fu |
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(Genesis) Genesis 35:14-29 by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee discusses the significance of Jacob's actions in Genesis 35:14-29, particularly the establishment of a drink offering and the naming of his son Benjamin. He highlig |
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Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 5 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being willing to be overcome and conquered by God in order to receive His grace. He refers to a hymn by George Matheson th |
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Jacob by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob recognizes that he is in the house of God and vows to worship Him. He makes a vow to God, stating t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 32-34 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob wrestling with God in the dark. Jacob, who is alone and afraid, is suddenly attacked by someone in the darkness. They wres |
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El Shaddai, Divine Healing in the Church by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of encountering God's character through faith and obedience, using the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 as an example. He empha |