What was El-beth-el?

El-beth-el is a place name found in Genesis 35:7, associated with the patriarch Jacob. The name comes from the Hebrew אֵל בֵּית־אֵל (‘El-Bethel), which means “God of the house of God.” It combines El (God), beth (house), and El again (God), emphasizing the divine presence associated with the location.

El-beth-el is located at Bethel, a city of great spiritual significance in the patriarchal narratives. This site had been previously named Luz before Jacob renamed it Bethel (Genesis 28:19). It is here that Jacob first encountered God in a dream as he fled from Esau (Genesis 28:10-22), and later returned as commanded by God to renew his worship and reaffirm his devotion (Genesis 35:1-15).

Biblical References

• Genesis 28:10-22 – Jacob’s first encounter with God at Bethel, where he dreamed of a stairway to heaven.

• Genesis 35:1-15 – God commands Jacob to return to Bethel; Jacob builds an altar and names the place El-beth-el.

• Hosea 12:4-5 – Refers to Jacob’s encounter with God at Bethel, emphasizing God’s identity as the Lord of hosts.

What Happened at El-beth-el?

After years of sojourning and strife—including his exile from Canaan, service under Laban, and conflict with Esau—Jacob receives a divine command: “Go up to Bethel and settle there, and build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau” (Genesis 35:1, NIV).

Obeying this call, Jacob purges his household of foreign gods and idols, symbolizing a renewed commitment to the one true God (Genesis 35:2-4). He journeys to Bethel, where he builds an altar and names the place El-beth-el “because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother” (Genesis 35:7).

Shortly after, God reaffirms the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac: Jacob’s name is confirmed as Israel, and he is reminded of the promise of land and descendants (Genesis 35:9–12). This moment marks a spiritual milestone in Jacob’s journey—one of recommitment, worship, and divine blessing.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

El-beth-el represents the return to first love and foundational faith. Just as Jacob returned to the place of his first encounter with God, Christians are called to remember and renew their devotion to the Lord. El-beth-el signifies the importance of:

• Worshiping the true God alone, abandoning all idols or distractions (Romans 12:1-2).

• Returning to a place of spiritual clarity, where God’s promises were once made clear (Revelation 2:4-5).

• Renewing covenant faithfulness, especially when life’s journey has involved detours, hardships, or sin (1 John 1:9).

Jacob‘s actions at El-beth-el are a call to revival, purity, and reestablishing spiritual priorities.

How El-beth-el Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Jacob’s dream at Bethel and his return to El-beth-el both foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ. In John 1:51, Jesus says to Nathanael, “You will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’” This is a direct allusion to Jacob’s vision at Bethel, revealing that Jesus is the true bridge between heaven and earth, the ultimate “house of God” (John 2:19-21; Hebrews 10:19-22).

Furthermore, Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through Him, all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:14-16), and the spiritual descendants of Jacob are gathered as one people of God.

At El-beth-el, God reminded Jacob of His name (Israel), identity, and mission—just as in Christ, believers are given a new name, a new identity, and a heavenly calling (2 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 2:17).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Renewal of Covenant

El-beth-el highlights the importance of remembering and reaffirming God’s covenant. It was not only a physical return for Jacob but a spiritual renewal. This theme is seen throughout Scripture—Noah after the flood (Genesis 8), Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19), and the church at Pentecost (Acts 2).

2. Worship and Holiness

Before going to Bethel, Jacob purifies his household, symbolizing the need for holiness in God’s presence (Psalm 24:3-4). The principle remains true for believers today: worship must be approached with sincerity and reverence (Hebrews 12:28-29).

3. God’s Faithfulness

Despite Jacob’s failures and wandering, God remains faithful to His promises. El-beth-el is a testimony to the unchanging grace and mercy of God who brings His people back to Himself (Lamentations 3:22-23).

4. The Dwelling Place of God

Bethel means “house of God,” and in Christ, believers have become God’s dwelling (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:19-22). El-beth-el points to the greater reality of God dwelling with His people through Christ and by the Spirit.

Reflection Questions

1. Have you experienced a “Bethel” moment—an encounter with God that changed the direction of your life?

2. In what ways might God be calling you back to “El-beth-el”—a place of renewed worship and commitment?

3. Are there “foreign gods” in your life that need to be surrendered so you can follow God wholeheartedly?

4. How can remembering God’s faithfulness in the past help you walk with Him in the present?

5. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is the true “house of God”?

El-beth-el serves as a profound reminder that God graciously calls His people back to Himself, and that through Christ, we are given a lasting place in His presence.