The Bible Says
Genesis 28:18-22 Meaning

Isaac's son Jacob, having experienced a profound dream where he encountered God’s presence, follows through on his reverential response when, Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on its top (v. 18). This action shows Jacob consecrating the very stone that served as his pillow, turning it into a memorial of divine encounter. In the ancient Near East, setting up a pillar and pouring oil over it symbolized dedicating a place or an object to God. Jacob’s dedication in this moment reveals his desire to commemorate an extraordinary visitation from the Almighty.

The text then reveals the specific name he gave to this sacred site: He called the name of that place Bethel; however, previously the name of the city had been Luz (v. 19). Bethel, which means “house of God,” was located in the region of Canaan, situated north of Jerusalem and near Ai, marking it as a place of significant spiritual and geographical importance for future generations of Israelites. Luz was the city’s original name, and Jacob’s renaming of it emphasizes the transformation from an ordinary settlement into a holy landmark.

From there, Jacob makes a significant commitment: Then Jacob made a vow, saying, If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear (v. 20). Jacob is mindful of the essential needs required to survive. He expresses absolute dependence on God’s protection and provision. By voicing this vow, Jacob shows that his faith, which had been the heritage of his grandfather Abraham and father Isaac, would continue through him.

He further elaborates on what the fulfillment of that vow would look like, declaring, and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the LORD will be my God (v. 21). Jacob anticipates a full circle journey, hoping to come back under God’s favor, and in so doing, he places his faith in the God who promised him the land. Finally, he mentions his intention to dedicate a portion of all he receives: This stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You (v. 22). Just as Abraham had tithed to Melchizedek earlier (Genesis 14), Jacob here commits to a similar principle, forming an early precedent of honor and gratitude toward the LORD.