19 He called that place Bethel,[1] though the city used to be called Luz.

Other Translations of Genesis 28:19

King James Version

19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: Bethel: that is, The house of God but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.

English Standard Version

19 He called the name of that place Bethel,Bethel means the house of God but the name of the city was Luz at the first.

The Message

19 He christened the place Bethel (God's House). The name of the town had been Luz until then.

New King James Version

19 And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously.

New Living Translation

19 He named that place Bethel (which means "house of God"), although it was previously called Luz.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 28:19

Commentary on Genesis 28:16-19

(Read Genesis 28:16-19)

God manifested himself and his favour, to Jacob, when he was asleep. The Spirit, like the wind, blows when and where it listeth, and God's grace, like the dew, tarrieth not for the sons of men. Jacob sought to improve the visit God had made him. Wherever we are, in the city or in the desert, in the house or in the field, in the shop or in the street, we may keep up our intercourse with Heaven, if it is not our own fault. But the more we see of God, the more cause we see for holy trembling before him.