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לוּז (luz)

luz

Luz

H3870 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 7 verses

N:N--L

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
7 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N--L

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun luz refers to an almond tree, specifically the species Prunus dulcis. In the biblical text, it appears seven times, primarily within the books of Genesis, Joshua, and Judges. The word serves as both a botanical term for the tree itself and a proper name for a specific location.

Its most notable usage occurs in Genesis 28:19, where Luz is identified as the original name of Bethel. This renaming marks a significant theological shift, linking the physical place to Jacob’s vision of the ladder reaching heaven. The almond tree, known for blooming early in the spring, may have provided a symbolic backdrop for this moment of divine revelation and new beginning.

Later references in Joshua 19:38 and Judges 1:23 locate luz within the territory of the tribe of Benjamin or near the Hittite lands. These passages ground the word in historical geography, showing how early Israelite settlements interacted with existing Canaanite sites. The consistent association with almond trees suggests a landscape where these resilient plants were common landmarks.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word luz appears in Scripture as both an almond tree and a place name that underwent a profound transformation. In Genesis, we see Luz renamed Bethel, meaning "House of God," after Jacob’s encounter with the divine. This shift from a local Canaanite designation to a sacred identifier highlights how God reclaims ordinary spaces for His purposes.

Almond trees bloom early, often before other plants, signaling hope and renewal in the harsh climate of the ancient Near East. When biblical writers mention Luz, they may be evoking this resilience. Just as the almond tree wakes from winter dormancy to bring new life, so too did the renaming of Luz point to a fresh spiritual beginning for Jacob and his descendants.

For believers today, this word reminds us that God can take familiar or even secular places in our lives and make them holy. Whether you are navigating a season of change or seeking God in the ordinary routines of daily life, remember that He is present in the "Luz" moments—those seemingly small intersections where heaven touches earth.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Luz/ towards3×
  • [was] Luz2×
  • at/ Luz1×
  • Luz/ <towards>1×
  • Luz1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ל֗וּזָ/ה2×
  • לֽוּז\׃1×
  • ל֥וּז1×
  • ל֙וּזָ/ה֙1×
  • ל֔וּז1×
  • ל֑וּזָ/ה1×
  • בְּ/ל֖וּז1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 28:19
    He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first.

    This verse records the pivotal renaming of Luz to Bethel, marking Jacob’s first major encounter with God's presence and establishing the site as a sacred landmark.

  • Genesis 35:6
    So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him.

    Here, Jacob returns to the same location decades later, showing how the memory of divine blessing at Luz/Bethel remained central to his spiritual journey.

  • Judges 1:23
    The house of Joseph sent to spy out Bethel. (The name of the city before that was Luz.)

    The spies’ inquiry about Bethel’s former name, Luz, reveals the lingering cultural memory of the city’s pre-Israelite identity and its historical layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Luz mean in the Bible?

Luz is primarily a place name in the Hebrew Bible, originally referring to a Canaanite city later known as Bethel. It also serves as a botanical term for the almond tree, which may have been common in that region.

Why was Luz renamed Bethel?

Jacob renamed Luz to Bethel after he dreamed of a ladder reaching heaven and experienced God’s presence there. The name change marked his recognition of the site as holy ground, distinct from its earlier Canaanite identity.

Is Luz mentioned in connection with the tribe of Benjamin?

Yes, Joshua 16:2 and 18:13 locate Luz near Bethel within the territory allocated to Joseph’s descendants, which included parts of Benjamin. This placement shows its strategic importance in early Israelite settlement.

Every Occurrence (7 verses across 3 books)

Genesis 3 verses
Genesis 28:19

He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first.

Genesis 35:6

So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him.

Genesis 48:3

Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

Joshua 2 verses
Judges 2 verses