Genesis 33:17

17 Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is called Sukkoth.^[a]

Genesis 33:17 in Other Translations

17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

17 But Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built himself a house and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

17 Jacob, on the other hand, traveled on to Succoth. There he built himself a house and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place was named Succoth (which means “shelters”).

17 And Jacob left for Succoth. He built a shelter for himself and sheds for his livestock. That's how the place came to be called Succoth (Sheds).

17 but Jacob went on to Succoth. He built a house for himself and stalls for his cattle; that is why the place was called Succoth.

Genesis 33:17 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 33:17

And Jacob journeyed to Succoth
Perhaps after he had been at Seir, and stayed there some little time. Succoth was on the other side of Jordan, so called by anticipation, for it had its name from what follows; as yet there was no city built here, or at least of this name; afterwards there was, it lay in a valley, and belonged to Sihon king of Heshbon, and was given to the tribe of Gad, ( Joshua 13:27 ) ; it is mentioned along with Penuel, and was not far from it, ( Judges 8:8 ) . It is said to be but two miles distant from it ^F21, but one would think it should be more: and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle;
an house for himself and family, and booths or tents for his servants or shepherds, and for the cattle they had the care of, some for one, and some for the other. This he did with an intention to stay some time here, as it should seem; and the Targum of Jonathan says he continued here a whole year, and Jarchi eighteen months, a winter and two summers; but this is all uncertain: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth;
from the booths or tents built here, which this word signifies.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 Bunting's Travels, p. 72.

Genesis 33:17 In-Context

15 Esau said, “Then let me leave some of my men with you.” “But why do that?” Jacob asked. “Just let me find favor in the eyes of my lord.”

16 So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir.

17 Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is called Sukkoth.

18 After Jacob came from Paddan Aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in Canaan and camped within sight of the city.

19 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.

Cross References

• 1. Joshua 13:27; Jdg 8:5,6,8,14-16; 1 Kings 7:46; 2 Chronicles 4:17; Psalms 60:6; Psalms 108:7

Footnotes

• [a]. "Sukkoth" means "shelters."