Genesis 33:18
New International Version
After Jacob came from Paddan Aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in Canaan and camped within sight of the city.

New Living Translation
Later, having traveled all the way from Paddan-aram, Jacob arrived safely at the town of Shechem, in the land of Canaan. There he set up camp outside the town.

English Standard Version
And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city.

Berean Standard Bible
After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city.

King James Bible
And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.

New King James Version
Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city.

New American Standard Bible
Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and camped before the city.

NASB 1995
Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and camped before the city.

NASB 1977
Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and camped before the city.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city.

Amplified Bible
When Jacob came from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely and in peace at the city of Shechem, in the land of Canaan, and camped in front of the [walled] city.

Christian Standard Bible
After Jacob came from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at Shechem in the land of Canaan and camped in front of the city.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After Jacob came from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at Shechem in the land of Canaan and camped in front of the city.

American Standard Version
And Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram; and encamped before the city.

Contemporary English Version
After leaving northern Syria, Jacob arrived safely at Shechem in Canaan and set up camp outside the city.

English Revised Version
And Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram; and encamped before the city.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So having come from Paddan Aram, Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem in Canaan. He camped within sight of the city.

Good News Translation
On his return from Mesopotamia Jacob arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan and set up his camp in a field near the city.

International Standard Version
After Jacob had arrived safely from Paddan-aram, he entered the city of Shechem, which was located in the territory of Canaan, and encamped facing that city.

Majority Standard Bible
After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city.

NET Bible
After he left Paddan Aram, Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped near the city.

New Heart English Bible
After Jacob came from Paddan Aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, and camped near the city.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan-aram; and pitched his tent before the city.

World English Bible
Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan Aram; and encamped before the city.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jacob comes safe [to the] city of Shechem, which [is] in the land of Canaan, in his coming from Padan-Aram, and encamps before the city,

Young's Literal Translation
And Jacob cometh in to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, in his coming from Padan-Aram, and encampeth before the city,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jacob will go to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, in his going from Padan Aram; and he will encamp before the city.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he passed over to Salem, a city of the Sichemites, which is in the land of Chanaan, after he returned from Mesopotamia of Syria: and he dwelt by the town:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he crossed over to Salem, a city of the Shechemites, which is in the land of Canaan, after he returned from Mesopotamia of Syria. And he lived near the town.

New American Bible
Jacob arrived safely at the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram. He encamped in sight of the city.

New Revised Standard Version
Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram; and he camped before the city.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came forth from Padan-aram; and encamped before the city.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yaquuv came to Shaleem, the city of Shekeem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan d'Aram, and he camped opposite the city.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram; and encamped before the city.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jacob came to Salem, a city of Secima, which is in the land of Chanaan, when he departed out of Mesopotamia of Syria, and took up a position in front of the city.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Settles in Shechem
18After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city. 19And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver.…

Cross References
Genesis 28:19
and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.

Genesis 12:6
Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land.

Genesis 35:27
Jacob returned to his father Isaac at Mamre, near Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed.

Genesis 12:8
From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.

Genesis 13:18
So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.

Genesis 23:19
After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 28:10
Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran.

Genesis 31:13
I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up, leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’”

Genesis 48:7
Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

Joshua 24:32
And the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up out of Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the plot of land that Jacob had purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. So it became an inheritance for Joseph’s descendants.

John 4:5
So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

Acts 7:16
Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver.

Hebrews 11:9
By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.

Hebrews 11:13
All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Hebrews 11:16
Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.


Treasury of Scripture

And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.

Shalem.

John 3:23
And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

John 4:5
Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Acts 7:16
And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

a city of Shechem.

Joshua 24:1
And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

Judges 9:1
And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,

John 4:5
Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Sychar.

Acts 7:16
And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

Sychem.

Genesis 25:20
And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.

Genesis 28:6,7
When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan; …

Genesis 35:9
And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.

Jump to Previous
Aram Arrived Camped Canaan City Encamped Encampeth Jacob Padanaram Padan-Aram Paddan Paddan-Aram Peace Pitched Safely Shechem Sight Tent Tents Way Within
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Aram Arrived Camped Canaan City Encamped Encampeth Jacob Padanaram Padan-Aram Paddan Paddan-Aram Peace Pitched Safely Shechem Sight Tent Tents Way Within
Genesis 33
1. Jacob and Esau's meeting; and Esau's departure.
17. Jacob comes to Succoth.
18. At Shechem he buys a field, and builds an altar, called El Elohe Israel.














After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram
The phrase "Paddan-aram" refers to the region in Mesopotamia where Jacob spent many years with his uncle Laban. The Hebrew root for Paddan-aram suggests a "field" or "plain," indicating a fertile area. This journey marks a significant transition in Jacob's life, as he returns to the land promised to his forefathers. It symbolizes a return to God's covenant promises, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing Jacob back safely despite the challenges he faced.

he arrived safely
The Hebrew word for "safely" is "shalom," which encompasses peace, completeness, and welfare. This word indicates not just physical safety but also a sense of spiritual and emotional well-being. Jacob's safe arrival is a testament to God's protection and provision, fulfilling His promise to be with Jacob wherever he went (Genesis 28:15). It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring His people to a place of peace amidst life's uncertainties.

at the city of Shechem
Shechem holds significant historical and spiritual importance in the biblical narrative. It is located in the heart of Canaan and is one of the first places where Abraham built an altar to the Lord (Genesis 12:6-7). The city's name means "shoulder" or "ridge," reflecting its geographical position. Shechem becomes a place of covenant renewal and decision-making for the Israelites, symbolizing a place where God's people are called to reaffirm their commitment to Him.

in the land of Canaan
Canaan is the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. It represents the fulfillment of God's covenant and the hope of a future inheritance. The mention of Canaan underscores the faithfulness of God in leading Jacob back to the land of promise. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual journey of believers, who are called to live in the promises of God and to trust in His faithfulness to fulfill His word.

and he camped in front of the city
The act of camping "in front of the city" suggests a temporary dwelling, indicating Jacob's status as a sojourner in the land. This reflects the biblical theme of believers as pilgrims on earth, looking forward to a heavenly homeland (Hebrews 11:13-16). Jacob's encampment outside Shechem also foreshadows future events in the narrative, reminding readers of the need for vigilance and faithfulness in their walk with God. It calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when residing in a world that is not their permanent home.

(18) Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem.--The Sam. Pent. has shalom,"safe"; but shalem is right, and means whole, sound. Onkelos, however, followed by most modern commentators, renders it in peace, but this too would not mean peaceably, but that his troubles were now at an end, and his lameness cured. Philippsohn's rendering, however, is more exact, namely, wohlbehalten, in good condition. Rashi also, no mean authority, sees in it an allusion to the cure of Jacob's lameness. As Shechem was a man, his city would not be Shalem, but that called after his own name. In Genesis 12:6 it is called "Sichern," where see Note. Sichern was probably the old name, but after the cruel fate brought upon it by Shechem's misconduct the spelling was modified to suit the history.

In the land of Canaan.--Jacob therefore had now crossed the river Jordan, and so far completed his homeward journey. Probably as soon as he had recovered from his lameness he visited his father, but as his possessions were large, and Esau was the chief at Hebron, there was no room at present for him to dwell there, nor in fact was this possible until Isaac's death. But as we find Deborah with them soon afterwards, it is plain that he had gone to visit Isaac, and, finding his mother dead, had brought away with him her beloved nurse.

Verse 18. - And Jacob (leaving Succoth) came to Shalem - the word שָׁלֵם, rendered by some expositors as here (LXX., Vulgate, Syriac, Luther, Calvin, Peele, Wordsworth), is better taken as an adverb signifying in peace or in safety (Onkelos, Saadias, Rashi, Dathius, Rosenmüller, Gesenius, Keil, Kalisch, et alii), meaning that Jacob Was now sound in his limb (Jarehi) and safe in his person, being no more endangered by Esau (Gerundensis in Drusius), or that he had hitherto met with no misfortune, though soon to encounter one in the instance of Dinah (Patrick), or that the expectations of Jacob expressed in Genesis 28:21 (to which there is an obvious allusion) were now fulfilled (Keil) - a city of Shechem, - if Shalem be the name of the town, then probably Shechem is the name of the person referred to in Genesis 34:2, viz., the son of Hamor the Hivite (Drusius, Peele); but if Shalem mean incolumis, then the present clause must be rendered "to the city of Shechem," the city being already built and named - which is in the land of Canaan, - Bush thinks that Jacob had originally contemplated entering Canaan from the south after rounding the Dead Sea, probably with a view to reach Beersheba, but that, after his interview with Esau, he suddenly altered his route, and entered Canaan directly by crossing the Jordan and driving up his flocks and herds to Shechem, the first halting-place of Abraham (vide Genesis 12:6), which may perhaps lend additional interest to, if they do not explain, the words that follow - when he came from Padan-aram (as Abraham previously had done); and (he) pitched his tent before the city - because he did not wish to come in contact with the inhabitants (Lyre), or because his flocks and herds could not find accommodation within the city walls (Murphy), or perhaps simply for convenience of pasturage (Patrick).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
After Jacob
יַעֲקֹ֨ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

had come
וַיָּבֹא֩ (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

from
מִפַּדַּ֣ן (mip·pad·dan)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew

Paddan-aram,
אֲרָ֑ם (’ă·rām)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6307: Paddan-aram -- the place where Rachel died

he arrived
בְּבֹא֖וֹ (bə·ḇō·’ōw)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

safely
שָׁלֵ֜ם (šā·lêm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8003: Complete, safe, at peace

at the city
עִ֣יר (‘îr)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of Shechem
שְׁכֶ֗ם (šə·ḵem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor

in the land
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Canaan,
כְּנַ֔עַן (kə·na·‘an)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3667: Canaan -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their land West of the Jordan

and he camped
וַיִּ֖חַן (way·yi·ḥan)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp

just outside
פְּנֵ֥י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the city.
הָעִֽיר׃ (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT Law: Genesis 33:18 Jacob came in peace to the city (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 33:17
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