Misinterpretations often arise from taking 'God uncovered himself unto him' literally as a physical exposure rather than a metaphorical divine self-revelation or appearance; confusing this with a new theophany instead of referencing the ladder dream in Genesis 28; viewing the altar as idolatrous paganism rather than biblically sanctioned worship commemorating God's covenant; or assuming the naming invents a local deity, overlooking its affirmation of the God who met Jacob in vulnerability and promised protection.
Genesis 35:7
King James Version (1769)
7 And he built there an altar, and called the place El–beth–el: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.
This passage records Jacob building an altar at Bethel and naming it El-bethel, meaning 'God of Bethel,' to commemorate God's prior revelation to him there during his flight from Esau, as described in Genesis 28. It illustrates Jacob's faithfulness in fulfilling his vow to worship God upon safe return, emphasizing themes of divine faithfulness, gratitude, and the establishment of a sacred site where God initiates relationship with His people, reinforcing God's protective presence throughout Jacob's journey.