New International VersionWhen he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.
New Living TranslationAt sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep.
English Standard VersionAnd he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep.
Berean Standard BibleOn reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.
King James BibleAnd he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
New King James VersionSo he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep.
New American Standard BibleAnd he happened upon a particular place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and made it a support for his head, and lay down in that place.
NASB 1995He came to a certain place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head, and lay down in that place.
NASB 1977And he came to a certain place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head, and lay down in that place.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd he reached a certain place and spent the night there because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head and lay down in that place.
Amplified BibleAnd he came to a certain place and stayed overnight there because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down there [to sleep].
Christian Standard BibleHe reached a certain place and spent the night there because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from the place, put it there at his head, and lay down in that place.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe reached a certain place and spent the night there because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from the place, put it there at his head, and lay down in that place.
American Standard VersionAnd he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.
Contemporary English VersionAt sunset he stopped for the night and went to sleep, resting his head on a large rock.
English Revised VersionAnd he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen he came to a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had gone down. He took one of the stones from that place, put it under his head, and lay down there.
Good News TranslationAt sunset he came to a holy place and camped there. He lay down to sleep, resting his head on a stone.
International Standard VersionHe reached a certain place and spent the night there, because the sun was setting. He found a stone there, used it for a pillow, and slept there for the night,
NET BibleHe reached a certain place where he decided to camp because the sun had gone down. He took one of the stones and placed it near his head. Then he fell asleep in that place
New Heart English BibleHe came to a certain place, and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set: and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.
World English BibleHe came to a certain place, and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he touches at a [certain] place, and lodges there, for the sun has gone in, and he takes of the stones of the place, and makes [them] his pillows, and lies down in that place.
Young's Literal Translation and he toucheth at a certain place, and lodgeth there, for the sun hath gone in, and he taketh of the stones of the place, and maketh them his pillows, and lieth down in that place.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will light upon a place and he will remain there, for the sun was gone down: and he will take from the stones of the place and put at his head and will lie down in that place. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he was come to a certain place, and would rest in it after sunset, he took of the stones that lay there, and putting under his head, slept in the same place.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when he had arrived at a certain place, where he would rest after the setting of the sun, he took some of the stones that lay there, and placing them under his head, he slept in the same place.
New American BibleWhen he came upon a certain place, he stopped there for the night, since the sun had already set. Taking one of the stones at the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place.
New Revised Standard VersionHe came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he arrived at a certain place, and spent the night there, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of the place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he arrived in the place and he spent the night there because the sun had set, and he took from the stones of the place and laid his pillow and slept in that place. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he lighted upon the place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd came to a certain place and slept there, for the sun had gone down; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it at his head, and lay down to sleep in that place,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jacob's Ladder10Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. 11On reachinga certain place,he spent the nighttherebecausethe sunhad set.And takingone of the stonesfrom that place,he putit under his headand lay downto sleep.12And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder.…
Cross References Genesis 35:6-7So 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.
Genesis 31:13I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up, leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’”
Genesis 32:1-2Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. / When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim.
Genesis 12:7-8Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. / From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.
Genesis 46:1-2So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. / And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob.
Exodus 3:1-5Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. / There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. / So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?” ...
1 Kings 19:5-8Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” / And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. / A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” ...
Hosea 12:4-5Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there— / the LORD God of Hosts, the LORD is His name of renown.
John 1:51Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Matthew 3:16-17As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. / And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”
Acts 7:30-32After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. / When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight. As he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came to him: / ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.
Hebrews 1:14Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Revelation 1:17When 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,
Psalm 139:7-10Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? / If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. / If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, ...
Psalm 91:11-12For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. / They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Treasury of Scripture And he lighted on a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. took. Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had putfor his pillows, and set it upfor a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. Genesis 31:46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap. Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the airhave nests; but the Son of man hath not where to layhis head. put them. Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had putfor his pillows, and set it upfor a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. Jump to Previous HeadLayLiethNightPillowPillowsPuttingReachedSleepSpentStonesSunTarriedJump to Next HeadLayLiethNightPillowPillowsPuttingReachedSleepSpentStonesSunTarriedGenesis 28 1.Isaac blesses Jacob, and sends him to Padan-aram.6.Esau marries Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael.10.Jacob journeys, and has a vision of a ladder.18.The stone of Bethel.20.Jacob's vow.On reaching a certain placeThis phrase indicates Jacob's arrival at a location that is not initially named, emphasizing its initial anonymity. This place is later identified as Bethel, a significant site in biblical history. Bethel, meaning "House of God," becomes a central location for worship and divine encounters. The anonymity of the place at first highlights the unexpected nature of divine encounters, suggesting that God can reveal Himself anywhere. This reflects the theme of God's omnipresence and His ability to transform ordinary places into sacred spaces. he spent the night there because the sun had set
The setting of the sun signifies the end of a day's journey and the need for rest. In biblical times, travel was often dictated by the natural light of day, as nighttime travel was perilous. The setting sun also symbolizes a transition, both physically and spiritually, as Jacob is about to experience a significant divine revelation. This moment foreshadows the darkness of Jacob's current situation, fleeing from Esau, and the forthcoming light of God's promise and presence. And taking one of the stones from that place
The stone Jacob selects is not just a practical object for comfort but becomes a symbol of the divine encounter he is about to have. Stones in biblical narratives often serve as memorials or altars, marking significant events or covenants with God. This particular stone later becomes a pillar, anointed by Jacob, signifying the sacredness of the encounter. The use of a stone also connects to the broader biblical theme of God as a "rock" or foundation, symbolizing strength and stability. he put it under his head
Using a stone as a pillow highlights the harshness of Jacob's circumstances. It reflects his vulnerability and the discomfort of his journey, both physically and spiritually. This act of using a stone for a pillow can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and hardships Jacob faces. Despite the discomfort, it is in this state of vulnerability that Jacob receives a profound revelation from God, illustrating how divine encounters often occur in moments of weakness or need. and lay down to sleep
Jacob's sleep sets the stage for a divine dream, a common medium for God's communication in the Bible. Sleep represents a state of rest and vulnerability, where human defenses are lowered, allowing for divine intervention. This moment of rest is pivotal, as it transitions Jacob from a state of fear and uncertainty to one of assurance and promise through the dream of the ladder. Sleep, in this context, becomes a conduit for divine revelation, emphasizing God's initiative in reaching out to humanity. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is on a journey to Haran to find a wife from his mother's family. He is fleeing from his brother Esau, who is angry over Jacob's deception in receiving Isaac's blessing. 2. The Certain PlaceThis location is later identified as Bethel, a significant site in Jacob's life where he encounters God in a dream. The Hebrew word for "place" (makom) can imply a divinely appointed location. 3. The StoneJacob uses a stone as a pillow, which later becomes a pillar of remembrance after his dream. This stone symbolizes God's presence and the foundation of Jacob's future covenant with God. 4. The Setting SunThe setting sun marks the end of a day and the beginning of a significant spiritual encounter for Jacob. It symbolizes transition and the onset of divine revelation. 5. The JourneyJacob's journey is both physical and spiritual, representing a transition from his past life to a new chapter under God's guidance and promise. Teaching Points Divine Encounters in Ordinary PlacesGod often meets us in unexpected and ordinary places. Like Jacob, we should be open to experiencing God's presence in our daily lives. The Significance of RemembranceThe stone Jacob uses becomes a pillar of remembrance. We should establish reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives to strengthen our faith. Transitions as Opportunities for GrowthJacob's journey represents a time of transition. We should view our own life transitions as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. God's Faithfulness Across GenerationsThe promises given to Jacob reflect God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. We can trust in God's promises and His faithfulness to us and future generations. Rest in God's ProvisionJacob rests despite his uncertain future. We should find rest in God's provision and trust Him with our uncertainties. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 28:11?
2.How does Jacob's use of a stone for a pillow reflect his faith?
3.What can we learn from Jacob's journey about trusting God's provision?
4.How does Genesis 28:11 connect to God's promises to Abraham and Isaac?
5.In what ways can we seek God's presence during times of uncertainty?
6.How can Jacob's experience inspire us to find rest in God's promises?
7.What is the significance of Jacob's dream in Genesis 28:11 for understanding divine encounters?
8.How does Genesis 28:11 reflect the theme of God's presence in unexpected places?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 28:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 28?
11.What does the Bible say about sacred stones?
12.What is the meaning of Jacob's Ladder story?
13.What historical or archaeological evidence supports Jacob's anointing of the stone or the site's significant status (Genesis 28:18)?
14.In 1 Corinthians 11:3-10, how can the requirement for women to cover their heads be reconciled with the claim that there is 'no male and female' in Galatians 3:28?What Does Genesis 28:11 Mean On reaching a certain place• Jacob is on a 500-mile trek from Beersheba toward Haran (Genesis 28:10), yet Moses highlights no famous landmark—only “a certain place.” • Scripture often shows God turning ordinary locales into holy ground (Exodus 3:1-5;Genesis 12:7-8). The anonymity invites us to see that the Lord can meet His people anywhere. •Acts 17:26-27 reminds us that God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands, so that they would seek Him.” Jacob is stepping into such divine appointment even before he realizes it.
he spent the night there because the sun had set• Practical need forces Jacob to stop. The Creator who set “the greater light to rule the day” (Genesis 1:16) also uses that setting sun to direct His servant’s schedule. • In Scripture, night can symbolize testing or transition—think of Abraham’s covenant vision at sundown (Genesis 15:12) and Jesus praying in Gethsemane at night (Matthew 26:36-45). • Jacob’s forced halt underscores human limits and God’s sovereignty;Psalm 127:2 teaches that rest itself is a gift from the Lord.
And taking one of the stones from that place• What seems like a random rock will soon become a memorial pillar (Genesis 28:18-22). God delights in transforming the mundane into markers of grace, just as Joshua later piles stones to remember the Jordan crossing (Joshua 4:5-7). • Stones in Scripture often point to permanence and witness (1 Samuel 7:12’s “Ebenezer”). Ultimately they foreshadow Christ, “a living stone—rejected by men but chosen by God” (1 Peter 2:4).
he put it under his head and lay down to sleep• A stone pillow speaks to Jacob’s poverty and vulnerability. He has fled home empty-handed, yetPsalm 3:5 rings true: “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.” • Sleep becomes the stage for divine revelation (Genesis 28:12-15;Matthew 1:20).Proverbs 3:24 promises, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid,” echoing the peace God grants here. • The scene pictures utter dependence: while Jacob rests, the Lord works, preparing the covenant dream that will define his future.
summaryGenesis 28:11 shows Jacob forced by nightfall to pause at an unnamed spot, using a simple stone for a pillow. The passage emphasizes God’s sovereignty over time and place, His ability to turn ordinary elements into lasting memorials, and His care for a vulnerable traveler. Human limits become the doorway to divine encounter, setting the stage for the transformative vision that follows. (11) He lighted upon a certain place.--Heb., he lighted upon the place.The article probably signifies that it was the place appointed for the revelation, though lighted upon by Jacob by chance. As it lay twelve miles north of Jerusalem, in the mountains of Ephraim, Jacob had already been at least four days on the route (see Note on Genesis 22:4); and though we are not to suppose that Isaac would send away the son who was heir of the blessing without a few trusty servants (nor does the expression in Genesis 32:10 require it), yet Jacob would none the less feel the solemnity of the journey, and the difficulties which surrounded him. Well may he have asked whether El Shaddaiwould confirm him in the possession of that which he had defiled by fraud and cunning. And thus, meditating much and praying much, he had in those four days drawn near to God, and is at last accepted. The interest in Jacob's life lies in the gradual improvement and progress of his character. Religion was always a reality with him; but at first it was of a low type, and marred by duplicity and earthly scheming. His schemes succeed, but bring with them sorrow and trial; and trial purifies him, and gradually he advances into a region of unselfish and holy piety. Though to the last he was a man sagacious, and full of expedients, yet the nobler part of his character finally had the supremacy. He took of the stones. . . . --Heb.,he took one of the stones of the place, and put it as his bolster.Jewish commentators identify the place with Mount Moriah, and say that the stone which Jacob placed under his head was one of those which had formed the altar upon which Isaac had been bound for sacrifice. The name Beth-el signified, they add, the temple, and asmakom--place--is thrice used in this verse, it mysteriously foreshadowed the three temples--Solomon's, Ze-rubbabel's, and Herod's--which successively occupied the site. More probably Beth-el was really the town of that name, and these explanations are allegorical rather than expository. Verse 11. - And he lighted upon a certain place, - literally, he struck upon the place; i. e. either the place best suited for him to rest in (Inglis), or the place appointed for him by God (Ainsworth, Bush), or more probably the well-known place afterwards mentioned (Keil, Wordsworth, 'Speaker's Commentary'). Situated in the mountains of Ephraim, about three hours north of Jerusalem, it was not reached after one, but after several days' journey (cf. Genesis 22:4) - and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; - being either remote from the city Luz when overtaken by darkness, or unwilling to enter the town; not because he hated the inhabitants (Josephus), but because he was a stranger - and he took of the stones of that place, - i.e. one of the stones ( vide ver. 18). "The track (of pilgrims) winds through an uneven valley, covered, as with gravestones, by large sheets of bare rock; some few here and there standing up like the cromlechs of Druidical monuments" (Stanley's 'Sinai and Palestine,' p. 219; cf. 'Lectures on Jewish Church,' p. 59) - and put them for his pillows, - literally, and put for his head-bolster, the word signifying that which is at the head of any one (cf. 1 Samuel 19:13; 1 Samuel 26:7, 11, 16; 1 Kings 19:6) - and lay down in that place to sleep (cf. Genesis 19:4; 1 Samuel 3:5, 6, 9).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew On reachingוַיִּפְגַּ֨ע(way·yip̄·ga‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6293:To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunitya certain place,בַּמָּק֜וֹם(bam·mā·qō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a conditionhe spent the nightוַיָּ֤לֶן(way·yā·len)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3885:To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinatethereשָׁם֙(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherbecauseכִּי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe sunהַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ(haš·še·meš)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121:The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlementhad set.בָ֣א(ḇā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goAnd takingוַיִּקַּח֙(way·yiq·qaḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947:To takeone of the stonesמֵאַבְנֵ֣י(mê·’aḇ·nê)Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 68:A stonefrom that place,הַמָּק֔וֹם(ham·mā·qō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a conditionhe putוַיָּ֖שֶׂם(way·yā·śem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setit under his headמְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑יו(mə·ra·’ă·šō·ṯāw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4763:A place at the head, head placeand lay downוַיִּשְׁכַּ֖ב(way·yiš·kaḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901:To lie downto sleep.בַּמָּק֥וֹם(bam·mā·qō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a condition
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OT Law: Genesis 28:11 He came to a certain place (Gen. Ge Gn) |
