Genesis 31 47

Genesis 31:47 kjv

And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.

Genesis 31:47 nkjv

Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed.

Genesis 31:47 niv

Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed.

Genesis 31:47 esv

Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed.

Genesis 31:47 nlt

To commemorate the event, Laban called the place Jegar-sahadutha (which means "witness pile" in Aramaic), and Jacob called it Galeed (which means "witness pile" in Hebrew).

Genesis 31 verses

Genesis 31 47 meaning

Genesis 31:47 records the pivotal act of Laban and Jacob naming the heap of stones they set up as a covenant marker. Laban, speaking in Aramaic, called it "Jegar-sahadutha," meaning "heap of witness" or "heap of testimony." Jacob, speaking in Hebrew, called it "Galeed," which carries the identical meaning: "heap of witness." This dual naming signifies a common purpose for the monument—to serve as a permanent physical testimony to the covenant agreement and boundaries established between them, despite their linguistic and cultural distinctions. It is a memorial that seals their peaceful, albeit strained, parting and shared future obligation.

Genesis 31 47 Context

Genesis chapter 31 narrates the culmination of Jacob's twenty-year sojourn with Laban in Haran. Feeling increasingly mistreated and observing Laban's changed demeanor and diminishing generosity, Jacob, encouraged by God, secretly flees with his family and flocks. Laban pursues them fiercely, catching up in the hill country of Gilead. This verse (Gen 31:47) marks a critical point in their confrontation, specifically within the establishment of a covenant or peace treaty between them. Following their tense verbal exchange and Laban's search for his idols, they agree to formalize their separation with an oath and a physical monument. The "heap" or "mound" of stones they build and the pillar Jacob erects are to serve as a perpetual witness to their agreement—that Jacob will not harm Laban's daughters and that neither will cross the heap for ill intent. This covenant ensures their peaceful, though final, separation.

Genesis 31 47 Word analysis

• Laban: ‫לָבָן‬ (Lavān) - Proper noun, Laban, the Aramean, Jacob's uncle and father-in-law. His cultural and linguistic identity is distinct from Jacob's, as highlighted by his Aramaic naming.
• called: ‫קָרָא‬ (qārāʼ) - Verb, "to call," "to name," "to proclaim." This act of naming is significant, assigning meaning and purpose to the physical structure. It establishes ownership of the term and concept from his perspective.
• it: refers to the heap of stones and the pillar erected.
• Jegar-sahadutha: ‫יְגַר שָׂהֲדוּתָא‬ (Yᵉgar-sahădûtā’) - This is an Aramaic phrase.
  • Jegar: ‫יְגַר‬ (yᵉgar) - From a root meaning "to heap" or "mound." In Aramaic, it signifies a "heap."
  • sahadutha: ‫שָׂהֲדוּתָא‬ (sahădûtā’) - Aramaic for "witness" or "testimony."
  • Significance: Laban, as an Aramean, names it in his native tongue. It means "Heap of Testimony." This clearly denotes its function as a monument bearing witness to their covenant. It underscores the linguistic diversity of the ancient Near East and reflects the ethnicity of Laban.
• but: ‫וְיַעֲקֹב‬ (wᵉya‘ăqōḇ) - The conjunction "and" is often translated "but" here to emphasize the contrasting language. It highlights the separate identities, even though they agree on the purpose.
• Jacob: ‫יַעֲקֹב‬ (Ya‘ăqōḇ) - Proper noun, Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, destined to be renamed Israel. His identity is distinctly Hebrew.
• called: ‫קָרָא‬ (qārāʼ) - Verb, same as Laban's act of naming, emphasizing shared purpose in distinct ways.
• it: refers to the same heap of stones and pillar.
• Galeed: ‫גַּלְעֵד‬ (Gal‘ēd) - This is a Hebrew phrase.
  • Gal: ‫גַּל‬ (gal) - Hebrew for "heap," "mound," or "pile of stones." Shares the semantic root with Aramaic 'jegar'.
  • ‘ed: ‫עֵד‬ (‘ēd) - Hebrew for "witness" or "testimony." Shares the semantic root with Aramaic 'sahadutha'.
  • Significance: Jacob, as a Hebrew, names it in his native tongue. It means "Heap of Witness." The exact semantic equivalence of the Aramaic and Hebrew names is remarkable, showing that despite their different languages and perspectives, they agree completely on the fundamental nature and purpose of the monument. This illustrates a shared understanding and common ground amidst tribal and linguistic differences. The dual naming underscores the covenant's bipartisan nature and mutual agreement.

Genesis 31 47 Bonus section

The Aramaic name given by Laban, "Jegar-sahadutha," showcases the growing presence and influence of Aramaic culture and language in the Ancient Near East, particularly among nomadic groups in northern Mesopotamia. Laban, being from Paddan-Aram, naturally uses this tongue. Conversely, Jacob, rooted in the burgeoning Hebrew identity associated with Abraham, utilizes Hebrew. The precise synonymy of their chosen names for the monument, despite the linguistic difference, can be seen as an early foreshadowing of the intertwined but distinct destinies of the Arameans (Syrians) and the Israelites. The monument not only acts as a legal and emotional boundary between two men but also implicitly marks the geographic and cultural interface of two significant ancient Semitic peoples. Such "witness heaps" or memorial stones were common in the Ancient Near East as a way of cementing agreements and preserving their memory.

Genesis 31 47 Commentary

Genesis 31:47 succinctly captures the final act of establishing the covenant between Jacob and Laban. The very purpose of this stone heap and pillar, understood by both, was to be a permanent, tangible witness to their agreement—a reminder of boundaries and mutual peace. Laban's use of Aramaic ("Jegar-sahadutha") and Jacob's use of Hebrew ("Galeed") highlights their distinct cultural and linguistic heritages, even as they speak to the same truth: the monument is a "heap of witness." This dual naming powerfully emphasizes the shared understanding of the covenant's nature, irrespective of linguistic variations. It speaks to God's overseeing providence, ensuring that even strained human relationships can culminate in a mutually recognized testament of peace, guarded by a physical sign that silently declares its purpose for generations. This act establishes a firm border and ends a chapter of contentious family interaction, preparing Jacob for his next stage of journeying back to the Promised Land.