Genesis 31:48 kjv

And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

Genesis 31:48 nkjv

And Laban said, "This heap is a witness between you and me this day." Therefore its name was called Galeed,

Genesis 31:48 niv

Laban said, "This heap is a witness between you and me today." That is why it was called Galeed.

Genesis 31:48 esv

Laban said, "This heap is a witness between you and me today." Therefore he named it Galeed,

Genesis 31:48 nlt

Then Laban declared, "This pile of stones will stand as a witness to remind us of the covenant we have made today." This explains why it was called Galeed ? "Witness Pile."

Genesis 31 verses

Genesis 31 48 Meaning

Genesis 31:48 signifies Laban's declaration that the piled stones and associated pillar serve as a permanent, tangible testament to the covenant established between him and Jacob. It formalizes their reconciliation and the terms of their agreement, indicating a physical landmark witnessing their solemn vow, thereby marking the geographical boundary and the agreed terms of peace and non-aggression between them. This event gives the region its lasting name, Gilead.

Genesis 31 48 Context

Genesis 31:48 occurs within the narrative of Jacob's secret departure from Laban and Laban's subsequent pursuit. After Jacob fled with his family and possessions from Haran, Laban caught up with him, confronting him about his secretive exit and the stolen household gods (teraphim). Despite the tension, including divine intervention warning Laban not to harm Jacob, they agree to make a covenant of peace. This verse specifically marks the moment Laban acknowledges the monument they have set up—a heap of stones (gal) and a pillar—as the tangible evidence and reminder of this agreement. This covenant aims to formalize the boundary and relationship, especially regarding Jacob's treatment of Laban's daughters (Jacob's wives) and his decision not to pass beyond this boundary to attack Laban, nor Laban to Jacob.

Genesis 31 48 Word analysis

• And Laban said: Signifies Laban's active role in proposing and naming the covenant marker, emphasizing his initiative in the reconciliation process after their intense dispute.
• "This heap" (Hebrew: hazzeh gal – הַזֶּה גַל):
  • "Heap" (gal - גַּל): Refers to a mound or pile of stones, often serving as a memorial, boundary marker, or grave site. In this context, it is deliberately built as a permanent fixture. Its literal presence serves as an immediate, visible sign. This term directly connects to the later naming of the region "Gilead."
• "is a witness" (Hebrew: 'ed - עֵד):
  • "Witness" ('ed - עֵד): Derived from a root meaning "to testify" or "to bear witness." It signifies something or someone that provides factual evidence or proof. Here, the physical structure acts as a mute but constant reminder and enforcer of the sworn agreement. It signifies that the covenant is binding and attested by this monument.
• "between you and me" (Hebrew: beineinu – בֵּינֵינוּ, from bên - בֵּין "between" + pronominal suffix "us"): Clearly delineates the two parties involved in the covenant: Jacob and Laban. It highlights the direct personal nature of the agreement.
• "this day" (Hebrew: hayyôm – הַיּוֹם): Emphasizes the immediacy and present reality of the covenant. It is established, binding, and active from this very moment forward. This immediate declaration ensures no misunderstanding of the agreement's starting point.

Words-group analysis:

• "This heap is a witness": This phrase imbues an inanimate object with an active legal and moral function. The physical monument transcends its mere material presence to embody a solemn attestation. It indicates a mutual understanding that the cairn represents more than just stones; it represents an oath.
• "between you and me this day": This group of words underlines the personal, immediate, and lasting nature of the covenant. It clarifies that the witness stands specifically for the agreement made right then, and its implications extend indefinitely into the relationship of both parties. The physical structure becomes a visible, non-verbal oath that everyone knows about.

Genesis 31 48 Bonus section

The site mentioned in this verse became known as Gilead, a significant geographical region in biblical history, often associated with distinct tribes and their narratives (e.g., Jephthah, Elijah). The origin of its name is deeply embedded in this covenant narrative between Laban and Jacob. The gal and matzevah (pillar, mentioned in 31:45) formed a dual marker—the communal heap for eating the covenant meal and the upright pillar as a sacred memorial. While Laban acknowledges the gal as the primary witness here, the subsequent invocation of God as witness in verse 53 ("The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor...judge between us") elevates the human agreement to a divinely sanctioned one. This is crucial because it ensures that despite the human failings of both Jacob and Laban, the covenant's integrity ultimately rests on God's omnipresent watchfulness and righteous judgment.

Genesis 31 48 Commentary

Genesis 31:48 captures a pivotal moment of reconciliation, marking a definitive boundary in the strained relationship between Laban and Jacob. Laban's declaration identifies the assembled gal (heap) as an "eternal witness" ('ed), an undeniable monument to their covenant. This isn't just an informal agreement but a solemnly sworn pact, witnessed by a tangible structure, invoking an invisible divine presence who watches over the oath-takers. The naming of the site as Galeed (Jacob's Hebrew naming, combining gal 'heap' and 'ed 'witness', a concept echoed in Laban's Aramaic 'Jegar-sahadutha') underscores the mutual understanding of its purpose as a constant reminder of the terms. This covenant served both as a treaty of non-aggression and a safeguarding agreement for Laban's daughters (Jacob's wives) whom Jacob had brought with him. It highlights the ancient Near Eastern practice of setting up memorial stones as legal and moral reminders, reflecting a culture where oaths taken before witnesses—be they human, divine, or even inanimate objects imbued with symbolic power—were binding. Ultimately, the verse testifies to God's providence in bringing resolution between conflicting parties, transforming a place of potential strife into a place named after sworn testimony and peace.

• Example: In modern terms, it is like signing a peace treaty and erecting a commemorative statue at the border, reminding everyone passing by of the agreement.
• Example: Or, imagine building a cairn during a hike at a decision point, so anyone coming after knows where the path split, and that choice was made here. This heap of stones marks not a path, but a binding human relationship decision.