Genesis 28
Jacob's Ladder in Biblical Art
Jacob's ladder gives artists a dream of heaven opened over an uncertain traveler.
Bible and Art Context
Jacob is leaving home after deception and conflict when God meets him at Bethel. The ladder or stairway shows that heaven is not distant from the covenant promise: the Lord speaks, promises presence, and names Jacob's future.
CC0
Jacob's Dream
P.M., ca. 1567, Painted enamel
The enamel format turns Jacob's dream into a jewel-like devotional image, holding together sleep, promise, and heaven opened above him.
Source: The Met Open AccessQuestions about Jacob's Ladder in Art
Where is Jacob's ladder in the Bible?
Jacob's ladder, or Jacob's dream at Bethel, appears in Genesis 28.
What does Jacob see in the dream?
Jacob sees a stairway or ladder between earth and heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it.