Genesis 33:19 - He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 33:19" mean?
Genesis 33:19 describes Jacob's purchase of land in Shechem after he reconciled with Esau. Let's break down the meaning:
"He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent...": Jacob, after separating from Esau, travels to Shechem and settles there. He pitches his tent on a piece of land, indicating his intention to stay for a while. This verse highlights that he didn't just squat or occupy the land; he formally purchased it.
"...at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father...": Hamor was the ruler (or at least a prominent figure) of the city of Shechem. The land was owned or controlled by Hamor's family or clan. The verse specifies that Jacob bought the land from them, not from some other group or individual. Shechem is Hamor's son and is mentioned specifically as to give context as to who Hamor is.
"...for one hundred pieces of money.": Jacob paid for the land. The phrase "pieces of money" is a general term; the specific type of currency isn't specified in the text. It represents a fair exchange of value, signifying that the transaction was legitimate and agreed upon by both parties. This further emphasizes Jacob's intent to establish a lawful presence in the area.
In summary, the verse signifies:
Jacob's establishing a presence in Shechem: He's not just passing through; he's setting up camp and intends to stay.
A legitimate purchase: Jacob didn't seize the land; he bought it, demonstrating respect for the local inhabitants and their property rights. This is important as it establishes a legitimate claim to the land.
The importance of land ownership: In ancient Near Eastern societies, land ownership was a sign of stability, wealth, and influence.
This act of purchasing land is significant because it sets the stage for later events in the book of Genesis, particularly the story of Dinah (Jacob's daughter) and the subsequent conflict with the people of Shechem. It also has theological implications, as the land would eventually become part of the promised inheritance for Jacob's descendants.
Genesis 33:19 - He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money.
What does "Genesis 33:19" mean?
Genesis 33:19 describes Jacob's purchase of land in Shechem after he reconciled with Esau. Let's break down the meaning:
"He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent...": Jacob, after separating from Esau, travels to Shechem and settles there. He pitches his tent on a piece of land, indicating his intention to stay for a while. This verse highlights that he didn't just squat or occupy the land; he formally purchased it.
"...at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father...": Hamor was the ruler (or at least a prominent figure) of the city of Shechem. The land was owned or controlled by Hamor's family or clan. The verse specifies that Jacob bought the land from them, not from some other group or individual. Shechem is Hamor's son and is mentioned specifically as to give context as to who Hamor is.
"...for one hundred pieces of money.": Jacob paid for the land. The phrase "pieces of money" is a general term; the specific type of currency isn't specified in the text. It represents a fair exchange of value, signifying that the transaction was legitimate and agreed upon by both parties. This further emphasizes Jacob's intent to establish a lawful presence in the area.
In summary, the verse signifies:
Jacob's establishing a presence in Shechem: He's not just passing through; he's setting up camp and intends to stay.
A legitimate purchase: Jacob didn't seize the land; he bought it, demonstrating respect for the local inhabitants and their property rights. This is important as it establishes a legitimate claim to the land.
The importance of land ownership: In ancient Near Eastern societies, land ownership was a sign of stability, wealth, and influence.
This act of purchasing land is significant because it sets the stage for later events in the book of Genesis, particularly the story of Dinah (Jacob's daughter) and the subsequent conflict with the people of Shechem. It also has theological implications, as the land would eventually become part of the promised inheritance for Jacob's descendants.