Genesis 33:19 kjv

And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.

Genesis 33:19 nkjv

And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred pieces of money.

Genesis 33:19 niv

For a hundred pieces of silver, he bought from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, the plot of ground where he pitched his tent.

Genesis 33:19 esv

And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent.

Genesis 33:19 nlt

Jacob bought the plot of land where he camped from the family of Hamor, the father of Shechem, for 100 pieces of silver.

Genesis 33 verses

Genesis 33 19 Meaning

Genesis 33:19 records Jacob's significant act of purchasing a specific portion of land near Shechem, from the descendants of Hamor, the ruler of that city. This acquisition, paid for with one hundred pieces of money, established a legal and permanent foothold for Jacob and his family in the land of Canaan, precisely where he had already pitched his tent. It marked a crucial step in his transition from a sojourner to a more settled inhabitant upon his return, initiating a tangible possession of the land promised to his forefathers.

Genesis 33 19 Context

Genesis 33:19 unfolds immediately after Jacob's peaceful, though cautious, reunion with his brother Esau. After decades away, Jacob has returned to Canaan, specifically reaching Shechem, a significant location in the promised land. His initial intention was to proceed to Bethel, where he had a covenant encounter with God (Gen 28). However, for a period, he chose to settle at Shechem. This verse details the establishment of a semi-permanent base; it marks Jacob's first deliberate act of purchasing real estate in Canaan, signifying a desire to establish a stable home for his large family and extensive flocks, rather than merely passing through. This act is crucial for understanding his subsequent interactions with the Shechemites, particularly the events of Genesis 34, which highlight the complex relationship between the patriarchs and the inhabitants of the land.

Genesis 33 19 Word analysis

• And he bought: (Hebrew: וַיִּקְנֶה, va-yiq-neh) Derived from the root קנה (qanah), meaning to acquire, buy, possess, create. This verb implies a legitimate, legal transaction, demonstrating Jacob's peaceful and proper intent in acquiring land. It contrasts with conquest or seizure.
• a parcel of a field: (Hebrew: אֶת־חֶלְקַ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה, ʼeṯ-ḥel-qaṯ has-sā-ḏeh)
  • parcel: (Hebrew: חֶלְקַת, chelqat) Meaning "portion," "part," or "share." It specifies that Jacob acquired a definable section of a larger field, not an entire estate. This indicates a precise and delimited piece of property.
  • of a field: (Hebrew: הַשָּׂדֶה, has-sā-ḏeh) "The field." Refers to an open tract of ground, suitable for grazing or agriculture. The definite article "the" suggests a known or specific field in that vicinity.
• where he had spread his tent: (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁ֣ר נָֽטָה־שָׁ֔ם אָהֳלֹ֖ו, ʼă-šer nā-ṭāh-šām ʼā-ho-lo)
  • spread: (Hebrew: נָטָה, natah) To stretch out, extend, pitch. Implies a prior action of setting up a temporary dwelling.
  • his tent: (Hebrew: אָהֳלֹו, ʼo-ho-lo) Refers to a nomadic dwelling, signifying his existing encampment. The purchase solidified his current stopping point into a fixed place. This is a subtle link, demonstrating he chose to buy the very spot he was already using, indicating comfort and preference.
• at the hand of: (Hebrew: מִיַּ֣ד, mî-yaḏ) Literally "from the hand of," implying "from" or "from the power of," signifying a transaction made directly with or from the possession of.
• the children of Hamor: (Hebrew: בְּנֵי־חֲמֹ֣ור, bə-nê ḥa-mōr) Hamor (meaning "ass" or "donkey" – potentially a tribal name or descriptive term for strength/stubbornness) was the father and chieftain of the city of Shechem, belonging to the Hivite people (Gen 34:2), a subgroup of the Canaanites. This highlights the indigenous population of the land from whom Jacob acquired the property.
• Shechem's father: (Hebrew: אֲבִֽי־שְׁכֶ֑ם, ʼă-ḇî-šə-ḵem) Shechem here refers to both a person, Hamor's son (who played a pivotal role in Gen 34), and the city named after him. Identifying Hamor as "Shechem's father" clarifies the lineage and the powerful familial structure of the local leadership.
• for an hundred pieces of money: (Hebrew: בְּמֵאָ֥ה קְשִׂיטָֽה, bə-mê-ʼāh qə-si-ṭāh)
  • hundred: (Hebrew: מֵאָה, mê-ʼāh) A specific, substantial quantity.
  • pieces of money: (Hebrew: קְשִׂיטָה, qe-si-ṭāh) This ancient term, occurring only here, in Joshua 24:32, and Job 42:11, is unique. Its exact nature is debated. It is believed to be a unit of currency, likely a specific weight of uncoined silver or a specific item of value, perhaps even a marked piece of silver, suggesting a high value. It indicates a substantial and agreed-upon payment for the land.

Words-group analysis:

• "And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent": This phrase underlines a progression from temporary nomadic dwelling to established legal possession. Jacob chooses to make his immediate resting place a permanent claim, demonstrating a deeper commitment to residing in the Promised Land. This act is one of foresight and faith.
• "at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father": This specifies the exact, non-Israelite sellers of the land. It sets the geopolitical stage, showing the patriarchs engaging peacefully and legally with the existing inhabitants of Canaan. It also identifies the Shechemites as a distinct local authority with whom transactions were made.
• "for an hundred pieces of money": This detail underscores the genuine nature and value of the transaction. It was a proper commercial deal, establishing Jacob's right to the land by honest means, rather than mere appropriation. The large sum implies a valuable plot of land and a wealthy buyer.

Genesis 33 19 Bonus section

The specific monetary unit, qesitah, is an interesting point. While its exact value or form remains subject to scholarly discussion, its inclusion underscores the fact that this was a quantifiable and substantial transaction in the eyes of the ancient world. It reinforces the legal aspect of the acquisition, distinguishing it from an informal gift or mere occupation. The fact that the Israelites later chose this specific spot to bury Joseph’s bones signifies that Jacob's purchased land, though small, became hallowed ground, symbolizing the patriarch's connection to the land and the ultimate destiny of Israel within it. It demonstrates God's long-term plan unfolding even through such practical and seemingly mundane transactions.

Genesis 33 19 Commentary

Genesis 33:19 records a pivotal moment in Jacob's life and the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants. Unlike Abraham, who purchased a burial plot as his first real estate in Canaan, Jacob's purchase is of a "parcel of a field" intended for living, cultivating, and tending flocks. This indicates a desire to settle and put down roots after a lifetime of sojourning and fleeing. It is an act of faith, for while he had the divine promise of the entire land, he chose to acquire a specific portion by legitimate means, engaging peacefully with the current inhabitants.

This transaction holds significant implications: Firstly, it affirms the biblical emphasis on legitimate ownership. Jacob does not seize the land but acquires it honorably. Secondly, it marks a physical act of taking possession of the promised land by a patriarch. Although only a small plot, it is a tangible fulfillment of God's earlier promises to give Abraham's descendants the land. This ground, specifically, would later become the burial place for Joseph's bones (Josh 24:32), linking this initial purchase to future generations and their claim to the land.

Furthermore, it showcases Jacob's transition from the cunning manipulator (his early life) to the peace-seeking patriarch ("Israel") who seeks stability for his burgeoning family. This act of peaceful settlement sets a precedent for lawful coexistence, though the tragic events of Genesis 34 involving Hamor's son, Shechem, and Dinah would complicate this initial harmony. Jacob’s actions here show a leader seeking to establish a lasting presence in a manner that upholds justice and proper exchange, preparing the way for future generations.