Genesis 31:49

49 and also Mizpah [Watchtower], because he said, "May the LORD watch between you and me when we're unable to see each other.

Genesis 31:49 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 31:49

And Mizpah
Which being an Hebrew word, it looks as if the heap had also this name given it by Jacob, which signifies a "watch" or "watchtower"; though, by what follows, it seems to be given by Laban, who could speak Hebrew as well, as Syriac, or Chaldee: for he said, the Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent
one from another;
or "hid one from another" F17; when being at a distance, they could not see each other, or what one another did in agreement or disagreement with their present covenant: but he intimates, that the Lord sees and knows all things, and therefore imprecates that God would watch over them both, them and their actions, and bring upon them the evil or the good, according as their actions were, or as they broke or kept this covenant.


FOOTNOTES:

F17 (rton) "abscondemur", Montanus, Vatablus, Drusius; "absconditi erimus", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; so Ainsworth.

Genesis 31:49 In-Context

47 [In his language] Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha [Witness Pile], but Jacob called it Galeed.
48 Laban said, "This pile of stones stands as a witness between you and me today." This is why it was named Galeed
49 and also Mizpah [Watchtower], because he said, "May the LORD watch between you and me when we're unable to see each other.
50 If you mistreat my daughters or marry other women behind my back, remember that God stands as a witness between you and me."
51 Laban said to Jacob, "Here is the pile of stones, and here is the marker that I have set up between you and me.
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