Genesis 31:25 kjv

Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.

Genesis 31:25 nkjv

So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountains, and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountains of Gilead.

Genesis 31:25 niv

Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there too.

Genesis 31:25 esv

And Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen pitched tents in the hill country of Gilead.

Genesis 31:25 nlt

Laban caught up with Jacob as he was camped in the hill country of Gilead, and he set up his camp not far from Jacob's.

Genesis 31 verses

Genesis 31 25 Meaning

Genesis chapter 31 verse 25 details the pivotal moment when Laban successfully overtakes Jacob after a determined seven-day pursuit. It establishes the immediate setting of their encounter: Jacob has set up his camp in the mountainous region, and Laban, accompanied by his kinsmen, has pitched his own tents in the contiguous hill country of Gilead. This verse marks the physical confrontation between them, setting the stage for their tense negotiations and the subsequent making of a covenant.

Genesis 31 25 Context

Genesis 31:25 follows Jacob's secret departure from Laban's household, a move prompted by divine instruction (Gen 31:3) and growing tension with Laban and his sons (Gen 31:1-2). Jacob's clandestine departure with his family and possessions, including Laban's daughters and flocks, angered Laban. Discovering their flight after three days, Laban immediately mounted a vigorous pursuit, gathering his kinsmen. Verse 25 confirms the success of Laban's pursuit, placing both parties face-to-face in the hill country of Gilead after a week-long chase. This immediate geographical and relational proximity sets the scene for a confrontation over Jacob's actions and the future relationship between these two families, notably influenced by God's prior warning to Laban (Gen 31:24).

Genesis 31 25 Word analysis

• Then (וַיַּשֵּׂג֙ - wa-yyaššeg): A strong sequential conjunction. The verb comes from nasaǵ, meaning "to reach, overtake, attain." It precisely conveys that Laban's diligent pursuit was successful, directly following the pursuit described in the preceding verses.
• Laban (לָבָן - Lavan): Jacob's deceptive uncle and father-in-law. His character is well-established by previous interactions, marked by self-interest and a history of changing Jacob's wages. His presence signifies a continuation of their strained, manipulative relationship.
• overtook (וַיַּשֵּׂג֙ - wa-yyaššeg): This specific verb choice highlights Laban's persistence and the eventual closing of the distance between the two parties. It implies an aggressive act of catching up to the one fleeing, signifying a potential point of conflict.
• Jacob (יַעֲקֹ֔ב - Ya'akov): The grandson of Abraham, now on his journey back to the land of Canaan at God's command. His flight was an act of obedience mixed with self-preservation, reflecting his ongoing struggle to trust fully in God amidst human machinations.
• had pitched his tent (תָּקַ֥ע אֶת־אָהֳלֹ֖ו - taka' et 'oholo): Taka' signifies driving in or fixing firmly, literally "drove his tent stake." This imagery denotes settling down temporarily, a common nomadic practice. It implies Jacob was pausing his journey for rest, not actively preparing for battle, yet situated defensively in the mountains.
• in the mountains (בָּהָ֑ר - ba-har): Refers to the mountain range. This geographical detail suggests a rugged or elevated terrain, perhaps offering some natural advantage or defensibility, contrasting with more open plains.
• Laban with his relatives (וְלָבָ֥ן תָּקַ֛ע אֶת־אֶחָ֥יו עִמֹּ֖ו - we-Lavan taka' et 'ehav immo): This phrase literally means "and Laban pitched his brothers with him" or "Laban pitched with his kinsmen." It emphasizes that Laban did not pursue alone but had a company, suggesting strength in numbers and serious intent. This communal aspect highlights the societal norms of the ancient Near East, where family and tribal loyalty were paramount.
• had pitched theirs (תָּקַ֛ע - taka'): The same verb used for Jacob, indicating both parties are now encamped in a similar, settled manner. This parallel use of the verb underscores the deliberate halt of both parties for the confrontation.
• in the hill country of Gilead (בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד - be-har ha-Gil'ad): A specific geographical region east of the Jordan River. Gilead was known for its rugged hills and often served as a strategic boundary. This location will later become significant as the place where a covenant of non-aggression is made, marked by a stone pillar named Galeed or Mizpah, signifying a watchful border. The chosen location also highlights Jacob's journey away from Haran and Laban's land, towards the Promised Land.

Genesis 31 25 Bonus section

The Hebrew phrasing "Laban pitched his brothers with him" (וְלָבָ֥ן תָּקַ֛ע אֶת־אֶחָ֥יו עִמֹּ֖ו) rather than "pitched his tent with his brothers" underscores the integral role of his kinsmen as an extension of his power and authority. In ancient cultures, one's influence and capability were directly tied to the size and loyalty of his retinue and family. Laban’s choice to pursue with "his kinsmen" highlights his formidable intent and resource, yet this human strength is ultimately rendered impotent by God's preceding intervention (Gen 31:24). This specific linguistic nuance quietly contrasts Laban’s worldly strength with Jacob’s reliance on the unseen protection of God. The physical encampment in "the mountains" suggests not just a geographical spot but a symbolic space of rugged terrain, often associated in biblical narratives with places of divine encounter or refuge, further emphasizing God's presence with Jacob.

Genesis 31 25 Commentary

Genesis 31:25 provides the dramatic culmination of Laban's relentless pursuit of Jacob. The short, factual statements belie the immense tension of the scene. Jacob, acting on divine instruction to return home, fled quietly to avoid conflict with Laban, whose character was marked by greed and manipulation. Yet, Laban, angered by the perceived affront and loss of his daughters and household gods (teraphim), pursues him with a considerable contingent of kinsmen.

The verse emphasizes the equal footing of their temporary settlements, each pitching tents in the same region, yet remaining distinct. This reflects their ongoing separation and the pending confrontation. The geographical detail of Gilead is crucial, as it later serves as the symbolic and physical demarcation line for their strained family relations. God's invisible hand is notably at work here; although Laban has succeeded in physically overtaking Jacob, his power to harm him has already been curtailed by God's explicit warning in a dream (Gen 31:24). Thus, the stage is set not for violence, but for a challenging negotiation that God ultimately superintends, transforming potential catastrophe into a formal, if still wary, resolution. It reminds believers that God's protection extends even to situations where we feel cornered or vulnerable by worldly adversaries.