Genesis 28:10 kjv

And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.

Genesis 28:10 nkjv

Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran.

Genesis 28:10 niv

Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran.

Genesis 28:10 esv

Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran.

Genesis 28:10 nlt

Meanwhile, Jacob left Beersheba and traveled toward Haran.

Genesis 28 verses

Genesis 28 10 Meaning

This verse marks a pivotal transition for Jacob, portraying his literal departure from the settled home and family in Beersheba into a journey towards Haran. It signifies the commencement of a new, transformative chapter in his life, away from the immediate shadow of his deceptive actions against Esau and into a period of divine encounter, growth, and preparation for his destiny as the progenitor of the nation of Israel. It emphasizes the commencement of a significant journey, both geographically and spiritually, underscoring Jacob's forced reliance on God's provision and guidance as he moves from a familiar place of ancestral blessing to an uncertain future.

Genesis 28 10 Context

Genesis chapter 28 initiates a crucial phase in the life of Jacob, following his acquisition of the birthright and the blessing intended for Esau through deceit in chapter 27. The immediate context of verse 10 is Rebekah's instruction to Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran, prompted by Esau's murderous hatred (Gen 27:41-45). Isaac, although initially deceived, blesses Jacob before his departure and explicitly commands him to go to Padan-aram to take a wife from among Laban's daughters, aligning with the Abrahamic covenant that required a separation from the Canaanites (Gen 28:1-5). Thus, Jacob's journey is not merely an escape from wrath but also a step towards fulfilling the patriarchal mandate to establish a lineage. Historically and culturally, a son leaving the patriarchal home was significant, particularly when leaving the land promised by God. His destination, Haran, was familiar to the family as it was where Abraham's journey to Canaan originated, adding a layer of historical connection to this seemingly desperate flight. This verse sets the stage for Jacob's dramatic encounter with God at Bethel, which immediately follows, marking a profound turning point from a life guided by human cunning to one directly shaped by divine promise.

Genesis 28 10 Word analysis

• And Jacob: Hebrew: וְיַעֲקֹב (və·ya·‘ă·qōḇ). The conjunction "And" (וְ) connects this action to the previous narrative, indicating a direct consequence or progression. Jacob (יעקב) literally means "supplanter" or "he grasps the heel." This moment marks his separation from the environment where he lived up to his name in deceit, embarking on a path where his character would be refined.
• went out: Hebrew: יָצָא (yā·ṣā’). A verb indicating a decisive departure or exit. It is not merely "leaving" but an active "going out." This emphasizes the definitive break from Beersheba, which had been the familiar home of his father Isaac. This going out signifies a physical exodus from a place of danger and familiar comfort.
• from Beersheba: Hebrew: מִבְּאֵר שָׁבַע (mib·bə·’êr šā·ḇa‘). Beersheba was a prominent location in the southern part of Canaan, often serving as a symbolic boundary of the Promised Land (e.g., "from Dan to Beersheba"). It was a place of ancestral significance, where Abraham and Isaac had dwelt and made covenants with God (Gen 21:31; 26:23-24). Departing from Beersheba meant Jacob was leaving the physical boundaries of the land promised to his forefathers, entering a transient state where he would be reliant solely on God's omnipresence.
• and went: Hebrew: וַיֵּלֶךְ (vay·yê·leḵ). A repetitive verb (went out...and went) emphasizing the journey itself. This continuous movement underscores the purposeful, though hurried, nature of his departure. It speaks to a journey into the unknown, driven by circumstances and divine decree.
• toward Haran: Hebrew: חָרָנָה (ḥā·rā·nāh). Haran was a city in Mesopotamia (Padan-aram), a significant distance from Beersheba. It was the ancestral home of Abraham's family before their migration to Canaan (Gen 11:31). Jacob's journey to Haran links his story back to Abraham's origins, indicating a circularity in the family narrative – going back to find family, but eventually to return and inherit the land. It represents a place of refuge and future establishment of his own family line.
• "went out...and went toward": This phrase highlights the movement from a defined past to an anticipated future. The 'going out' is compelled by fear and obedience, while 'going toward' denotes a specific destination tied to family lineage and divine command regarding his marriage. This double emphasis on movement underscores the forced, yet purposeful, nature of his flight.

Genesis 28 10 Bonus section

Jacob's journey from Beersheba to Haran is often interpreted as a "forced spiritual journey." While initiated by negative circumstances (Esau's anger) and parental directive, it became the crucible for his personal encounter with God. This journey out of the Promised Land also symbolically foreshadows the future exiles of Israel, where God remains faithful to His people even outside the geographical boundaries of the covenant land. The distance covered (approx. 500 miles) highlights the arduous nature of this solo flight, emphasizing the deep isolation Jacob would have felt, setting the scene for God's compassionate intervention. The shift from his reliance on cunning to a growing dependence on God, initiated during this trek, ultimately reshaped his character and leadership, culminating in his renaming as "Israel." This departure also illustrates the theme of God's sovereign hand at work even amidst human weakness and fractured family dynamics, orchestrating events to fulfill His ultimate purposes for Jacob and his descendants.

Genesis 28 10 Commentary

Genesis 28:10 succinctly details the commencement of Jacob's involuntary pilgrimage from Beersheba to Haran. This journey, propelled by fear of his brother Esau's vengeance and the specific command of his parents, marks a profound turning point in his life. Beersheba represents the known, the covenant land, and the comfort of his father's house—a place where God had appeared to Abraham and Isaac. Leaving it signifies not only physical departure from safety but also a spiritual removal from the direct physical manifestation of the patriarchal blessings.

His destination, Haran, is equally significant. It is a foreign land, yet the ancestral home of his family before Abraham's migration, representing a connection to his heritage while simultaneously emphasizing his status as a sojourner, echoing Abraham's original call. This period of displacement forces Jacob into complete dependence on God, shifting his focus from his own cunning to divine intervention. It is on this lonely journey, immediately following this verse, that Jacob experiences his foundational encounter with God at Bethel, demonstrating that even when human decisions lead to crisis and flight, God remains present and faithful to His covenant promises. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for God to reveal Himself to Jacob in a fresh, personal way, preparing him for his future role in God's redemptive plan.

Examples:

• A journey of transition: This verse can represent any season of life where one must leave a familiar, perhaps troubled, situation to embark on an uncertain but God-ordained path.
• Divine presence in isolation: Just as Jacob journeyed alone, we are reminded that God is with us even in our most solitary or difficult transitions.
• God's redirection: Sometimes, personal failings (like Jacob's deceit) or challenging circumstances force a change of direction, and it is in this new, less comfortable path that God often reveals Himself more profoundly.