Genesis 35:6 - Yaakov returns to holy Bet-el

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא יַעֲקֹב לוּזָה אֲשֶׁר בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן הִוא בֵּית־אֵל הוּא וְכָל־הָעָם אֲשֶׁר־עִמּוֹ׃

English Translation

So Ya῾aqov came to Luz, which is in the land of Kena῾an, that is, Bet-el, he and all the people that were with him.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Yaakov Luzah asher b'eretz Kna'an hi Beit-El hu v'khol-ha'am asher-imo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֨א יַעֲקֹ֜ב ל֗וּזָה אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן הִ֖וא בֵּֽית־אֵ֑ל ה֖וּא וְכׇל־הָעָ֥ם אֲשֶׁר־עִמּֽוֹ׃

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Luz/Bet-El

The verse states that Yaakov arrived at Luz, which is identified as Bet-El. Rashi (on Bereishit 28:19) explains that Luz was the original name of the city, but Yaakov renamed it Bet-El (House of God) after his prophetic dream of the ladder connecting heaven and earth (Bereishit 28:10-19). The fact that the Torah still refers to it here by its original name, Luz, indicates that the name change had not yet been fully adopted by the local inhabitants.

Yaakov's Return to Bet-El

This verse marks Yaakov's return to the site where he first encountered divine revelation. The Ramban (Bereishit 35:6) notes that this return was significant because Yaakov was fulfilling the vow he made to God when he first fled from Esav (Bereishit 28:20-22). By returning to Bet-El with his family and possessions, Yaakov demonstrated his gratitude and faithfulness to God's protection.

The People With Yaakov

The phrase "and all the people that were with him" is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 81:3) to include not only his immediate family but also the servants, shepherds, and others who had joined his household during his time with Lavan. This emphasizes that Yaakov's spiritual influence extended beyond his biological family, as he guided all those associated with him in the ways of monotheism.

Bet-El as a Spiritual Center

The Talmud (Pesachim 88a) discusses how Bet-El remained a significant spiritual location even after Yaakov's time. It became a place of prayer and divine connection, foreshadowing the future role of the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem. The Sforno (on this verse) adds that Yaakov's return to Bet-El symbolized the completion of his spiritual journey, as he came back to the place of his original divine encounter as a more developed and refined individual.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Luz also called Bet-El in Genesis 35:6?
A: Luz is called Bet-El (House of God) because this was the place where Yaakov (Jacob) had his famous dream of the ladder reaching heaven (Genesis 28:19). Rashi explains that the name change signifies the spiritual significance of this location, where God's presence was strongly felt.

Q: What is the significance of Yaakov returning to Bet-El in Genesis 35:6?
A: Yaakov's return to Bet-El fulfills the vow he made to God when he first encountered this holy place (Genesis 28:20-22). The Midrash teaches that this return represents spiritual completion and gratitude, as Yaakov comes back to acknowledge God's protection throughout his journeys.

Q: Who were the 'people that were with him' mentioned in Genesis 35:6?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, 'the people that were with him' refers to Yaakov's family, servants, and possibly others who joined his household during his time with Lavan. The Torah emphasizes that his entire household participated in this spiritual journey to Bet-El.

Q: Why is the location identified both as Luz and Bet-El in this verse?
A: The dual naming reflects both the physical place (Luz) and its spiritual significance (Bet-El). The Talmud (Chullin 91b) notes that Luz was the original Canaanite name, while Bet-El represents the Jewish spiritual connection to this location where divine revelations occurred.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's journey to Bet-El?
A: The Rambam teaches that Yaakov's return to Bet-El demonstrates the importance of keeping one's promises to God and recognizing sacred moments in life. Just as Yaakov returned to give thanks, we should acknowledge and return to the meaningful spiritual milestones in our own lives.