Genesis 31:49

49 It was also called Mizpah. That's because Laban said, "May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are away from 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 Laban named the pile of stones Jegar Sahadutha. Jacob named it Galeed.
48 Laban said, "This pile of stones is a witness between you and me today." That's why it was named Galeed.
49 It was also called Mizpah. That's because Laban said, "May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.
50 Don't treat my daughters badly. Don't get married to any women besides my daughters. There isn't anyone here to see what we're doing. But remember that God is a witness between you and me."
51 Laban also said to Jacob, "Here is this pile of stones. And here is this pillar. I've set them up between you and me.
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