אֵל בֵּית־אֵל

El-Bethel, the title given to a consecrated spot by Jacob

Definition

El-Bethel is a compound proper name meaning 'the God of Bethel.' It refers to the title Jacob gave to the altar he built at Bethel after his return from Paddan-aram, as recorded in Genesis 35:7. This act commemorated the place where God had originally appeared to him during his flight from Esau (Genesis 28:10-22). The name signifies the personal and covenantal connection between the God of Israel (El) and the specific, sacred location (Bethel). It functions as a declaration that the God who revealed Himself there is uniquely associated with that place.

Biblical Usage

This term is used only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 35:7. It appears in the narrative of Jacob's return to Canaan, where he is instructed by God to return to Bethel and build an altar. The usage is highly specific, serving to rename the location in light of Jacob's matured understanding of his earlier encounter. It marks a point of covenant reaffirmation and worship at a pivotal moment in the patriarchal narrative.

Etymology

The name is a straightforward Hebrew construct chain, formed from 'El' (H410), a common Semitic term for 'God' or 'deity,' and 'Bethel' (H1008), meaning 'house of God.' 'Bethel' itself is a compound of 'bayit' (house) and 'el' (God). Thus, 'El-Bethel' can be parsed as 'the God of [the] house of God,' emphasizing the divine person associated with the sanctified site.

Semantic Range

This name is theologically significant as it highlights the progression of Jacob's relationship with God. From first naming the place 'Bethel' (house of God) in Genesis 28:19, focusing on the location, he later names it 'El-Bethel,' focusing on the God who met him there. It underscores the personal nature of God's covenant promises to the patriarchs, anchoring divine revelation in historical experience and commemorative worship. Understanding this term enriches reading by showing how biblical names often encapsulate theological testimony.

In the ancient Near East, naming a place after a deity was a common practice to claim the patronage of that god and memorialize a theophany (divine appearance). Jacob's act follows this pattern but directs it toward the God of his fathers. It transforms a previously named location (Bethel) by adding a deeper, more personal layer of meaning, reflecting his own spiritual journey and the establishment of a legitimate worship site for his family and descendants.

Bethel (Bêyth-ʼÊl, H1008) — Refers to the sacred location itself, the 'house of God.' El-Bethel specifies the divine person associated with it.

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