Genesis 31:47-49

47 Now Laban 1called it Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed.
48 Laban said, "2This heap is a witness between you and me this day." Therefore * it was named * Galeed,
49 and 3Mizpah, for he said, "May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.

Genesis 31:47-49 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 31

This chapter relates how that Jacob observing that Laban and his sons envied his prosperity, and having a call from God to return to his own country, acquaints his wives with it; and reports to them Laban's ill usage of him, and the wonderful appearance of God to him, and for him, and his orders to him to depart from thence, Ge 31:1-13; to which they agreed, knowing full well their father's unkindness, and that they had nothing to expect from him, and therefore judged it best to go off with what they had got through the gift of God unto them, Ge 31:14-16; upon which Jacob set out privately, with all he had, towards his own country, while Laban was shearing his sheep, Ge 31:17-21; three days after, Laban, being informed of it, pursued after Jacob, and overtook him at Mount Gilead; but was warned by the way to be cautious what he said to him, Ge 31:22-25; yet nevertheless he warmly expostulated with him about his secret flight, not giving him the opportunity of taking his leave of his children, and especially for taking away his gods, Ge 31:26-30; to which Jacob gave an answer, Ge 31:31-35; and in his turn was warm likewise, and chided Laban severely for his hot pursuit of him, his charge of stealth, when he could find nothing on him, his hard labour for the space of twenty years with him, and his ill requital of him for it, Ge 31:36-42; however, upon the whole, an amicable agreement was made between them, and they parted in a friendly manner, Ge 31:43-55.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Joshua 22:34
  • 2. Joshua 24:27
  • 3. Judges 11:29; 1 Samuel 7:5, 6

Footnotes 6

  • [a]. I.e. the heap of witness, in Aram
  • [b]. I.e. the heap of witness, in Heb
  • [c]. Lit "me and you"
  • [d]. Lit "the Mizpah;" i.e. the watchtower
  • [e]. Lit "me and you"
  • [f]. Lit "hidden"
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