Genesis 37 1

Genesis 37:1 kjv

And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 37:1 nkjv

Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 37:1 niv

Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan.

Genesis 37:1 esv

Jacob lived in the land of his father's sojournings, in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 37:1 nlt

So Jacob settled again in the land of Canaan, where his father had lived as a foreigner.

Genesis 37 verses

Genesis 37 1 meaning

This verse marks a significant transition in the Genesis narrative, shifting focus from Esau's descendants back to Jacob and the line chosen by God. It signifies Jacob's seemingly settled presence in the Promised Land, a land where his father and grandfather had only been temporary residents, yet ironically prefigures a future where Jacob's own family would become sojourners in a foreign land. It underscores the continuation of God's covenantal promises regarding the land while highlighting the nuanced reality of their temporary possession before the nation's full inheritance.

Genesis 37 1 Context

Genesis 37:1 serves as a vital bridge, marking a thematic shift from the expansive family history of Esau in chapter 36 to the detailed account of Jacob and his lineage, particularly focusing on Joseph. This verse initiates the toledot (generations) section of Jacob, laying the foundation for the dramatic Joseph narrative which will culminate in the Israelites' descent into Egypt. Historically and culturally, the concept of "sojourner" (gur) was common in the ancient Near East, referring to temporary residents without full land rights, distinct from permanent citizens. The patriarchs consistently lived this reality in Canaan, highlighting that their claim to the land was based on divine promise rather than established possession. The verse immediately following (Gen 37:2) begins with "These are the generations of Jacob," signifying that while Jacob dwells in the land, the narrative's true focus is now on his unfolding family saga.

Genesis 37 1 Word analysis

• Now (וְ): Hebrew we (waw conjunction). This particle connects the previous narrative (Esau's lineage in Gen 36) to the new narrative (Jacob's line). It functions as a continuity marker, transitioning from a historical survey of Esau's prosperous but covenantally distinct family to the specific focus on Jacob and his pivotal descendants. It sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of Jacob's immediate family history.
• Jacob (יַעֲקֹב): Hebrew Ya'aqob. The patriarch whose name was changed to Israel (Gen 32:28, 35:10) after wrestling with God. His "dwelling" here is significant as his previous movements were often transient. This signals a phase of settling for a period, yet ironically it precedes a period of great upheaval for his family. It implicitly links back to the promises made to him and his forefathers.
• dwelt (יָשַׁב): Hebrew yashab. Meaning "to sit," "to inhabit," "to dwell," or "to abide." This verb suggests a more settled existence compared to the temporary sojourning of his father and grandfather. It indicates Jacob has established a home or abode within the land, differentiating him from mere transient passage, even if ultimate possession is not yet his. This hints at the expectation of permanence, soon to be disrupted.
• in the land (בְּאֶ֣רֶץ): Hebrew b'erets. Refers specifically to the land already mentioned in connection with Abraham and Isaac, a general term here for the geographical region. It ties the current setting directly to the divine promises concerning a specific territory.
• where his father (מְגֻרֵ֥י אָבִֽיו): Hebrew megurey aviv. Literally, "the sojournings of his father." This phrase connects Jacob's current residence directly to the prior life and experiences of Isaac. It establishes a lineage of habitation within Canaan, albeit one of transient residence for his ancestors. This continuity highlights the generational aspect of God's promises.
• was a sojourner (גָּר): Hebrew gur. Meaning "to sojourn," "to live as a stranger," "to abide temporarily." This term defines the legal and social status of Abraham and Isaac in Canaan—they were residents, but without legal ownership of the territory, save for small purchases (like Abraham's burial plot in Gen 23). This emphasizes the ongoing partial fulfillment and future full realization of the land promise. It implies a status of dependency and transience in contrast to full ownership.
• in the land of Canaan (בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָֽעַן): Hebrew b'erets Kena'an. This explicitly identifies the land as the promised territory, confirming its spiritual and historical significance. It solidifies the narrative's connection to the covenant with Abraham (Gen 12:7) and clarifies the precise location of Jacob's dwelling. This emphasizes the divine ownership of the land and God's sovereign hand in bringing Jacob to live there, albeit temporarily, until the fullness of time.

Genesis 37 1 Bonus section

This verse sets the final toledot section for Genesis (chapters 37-50), shifting focus from broader family histories to the focused narrative of Jacob's immediate family, predominantly Joseph. The repetition of "land" twice, once qualified by "where his father was a sojourner," and then explicitly identified as "the land of Canaan," adds literary emphasis to the setting and the ongoing significance of the land in the patriarchal narratives. It highlights the continued generational lineage of the covenant and foreshadows that while the family is present, they are not yet fully possessing. This verse also implicitly contrasts Jacob's location with Esau's chosen land of Seir (Gen 36:8), further solidifying Jacob's identity and future within the covenantal sphere. It is a succinct encapsulation of the themes of promise, partial fulfillment, and the interim status of the patriarchs.

Genesis 37 1 Commentary

Genesis 37:1 serves as a critical narrative fulcrum. It deliberately positions Jacob in the land of Canaan, yet immediately qualifies his dwelling by linking it to his father's "sojourning." This contrast—Jacob dwelling in the land versus Isaac sojourning—highlights a complex dynamic of temporary settlement within the context of a long-term divine promise. While it might imply a degree of stability for Jacob's family, it is immediately juxtaposed with the reality that Abraham and Isaac never fully possessed the land, indicating that the full inheritance is still in the future. The very next verse initiates the Joseph narrative, which paradoxically leads Jacob's family out of Canaan into Egypt as true sojourners, revealing that their "dwelling" was short-lived before a period of external displacement and divine preservation. Thus, this verse sets the stage for both the promise's eventual fulfillment and the challenging, providential path of God's chosen family. It teaches that God's plans unfold not always directly but often through unexpected detours, and even in moments of perceived stability, a believer's true hope lies beyond their current earthly circumstances.