Original Word: סֻלָּם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: cullam
Pronunciation: sool-lawm'
Phonetic Spelling: (sool-lawm')
KJV: ladder
NASB: ladder
Word Origin: [from H5549 (סָלַל - build)]

1. a stair-case

ladder

From calal; a stair-case -- ladder.

see HEBREW calal

Word Origin
from salal
Definition
a ladder
NASB Translation
ladder (1).

סֻלָּם noun masculine ladder; — Genesis 28:12 (E).

Definition and Imagery

The Hebrew noun סֻלָּם evokes the picture of an inclined structure—often rendered “ladder” or “stairway”—providing connection between two separated realms. In Jacob’s dream it bridges earth and heaven, portraying unhindered access to the presence of God.

Biblical Context

Genesis 28:12 is the sole explicit Old Testament occurrence. Jacob, alone in the wilderness and fleeing from Esau, is granted a revelation that transforms the barren place into “Bethel” (House of God). In the vision “a stairway was set on the earth, with its top reaching up to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (Berean Standard Bible). The scene immediately precedes the covenant renewal in which the Lord reiterates promises first given to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 28:13-15).

Historical and Cultural Background

Ancient Near-Eastern ziggurats featured exterior stairways designed to connect temple precincts with purported heavenly realms. Moses, under inspiration, records a solitary, God-initiated stairway rather than a humanly engineered tower. Whereas Babel (Genesis 11:4-9) showcased mankind’s attempt to storm heaven, Jacob’s ladder reverses the flow—divine grace descends; human striving is absent.

Theological Significance

1. Revelation of Divine Initiative: The ladder appears “set” (passive) on earth, testifying that access originates with God, not man (compare Romans 3:11-12).
2. Angelic Ministry: Angels “ascending and descending” exhibit continuous, ordered service (Hebrews 1:14). Heaven remains actively engaged in earthly affairs.
3. Covenant Assurance: The vision brackets promises of land, offspring, and blessing (Genesis 28:13-14), assuring the patriarch that God’s purposes transcend his immediate plight.
4. Sacred Space Redefined: A commonplace field becomes “the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:17). God’s presence sanctifies geography, prefiguring the indwelling Spirit who consecrates believers as temples (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Christological Fulfillment

Jesus applies the imagery to Himself: “You will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51). The singular “Son of Man” replaces the inanimate stairway, declaring Christ the ultimate mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and the focal point of angelic ministry (Revelation 5:11-12). He is the true Bethel (John 2:19-21), God with us, providing perpetual access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 10:19-22).

Worship and Devotional Use

1. Assurance of God’s Nearness: Believers rest in the promise “I am with you and will watch over you” (Genesis 28:15).
2. Awakening to Holiness: Jacob’s awe—“Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it!” (Genesis 28:16)—invites examination of spiritual lethargy, stirring reverence in corporate and private worship.
3. Commitment and Vow: Jacob sets up a pillar and pledges allegiance (Genesis 28:18-22), modeling tangible response to grace.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Evangelism: Present Christ as the sole bridge between a holy God and sinful humanity (John 14:6).
• Intercession: The ascending and descending angels illustrate prayerful traffic between heaven and earth (Revelation 8:3-4).
• Missions: The global scope of the promise—“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 28:14)—fuels proclamation to the nations.
• Pastoral Care: Offer the discouraged assurance that divine presence accompanies them “wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15).

Related Passages and Themes

Genesis 11:4-9—Contrast between Babel’s man-made ascent and God’s ladder

Psalm 24:3-4—Question of who may “ascend the hill of the LORD”

Zechariah 4:1-7—Grace, not human might, accomplishes divine purposes

John 3:13; 12:32—Christ’s heavenly origin and exaltation

Hebrews 4:14-16—The believer’s confident approach through the great High Priest

See Also

Mediator; Covenant; Bethel; Angels; Presence of God; Revelation in Dreams

סֻלָּם֙ סלם sul·lām sulLam sullāmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts