Genesis 31:25
Genesis 31:25 in Multiple Translations
Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well.
¶ Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.
And Laban came up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain: and Laban with his brethren encamped in the mountain of Gilead.
Now when Laban overtook him, Jacob had put up his tent in the hill-country; and Laban and his brothers put up their tents in the hill-country of Gilead.
Jacob had set up his tents in the hill country of Gilead when Laban caught up with him, so Laban and his relatives did the same.
Then Laban ouertooke Iaakob, and Iaakob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban also with his brethren pitched vpon mount Gilead.
And Laban overtaketh Jacob; and Jacob hath fixed his tent in the mount; and Laban with his brethren have fixed [theirs] in the mount of Gilead.
Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain, and Laban with his relatives encamped in the mountain of Gilead.
Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban, with his brethren, pitched in the mount of Gilead.
Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain: and when he with his brethren had overtaken him, he pitched his tent in the same mount of Galaad.
The next day, by the time Laban caught up with Jacob, Jacob and his household had set up their tents in the hilly Gilead region. So Laban and his relatives set up their tents there, too.
The next day, Laban and his relatives caught up to Jacob. Jacob and his mob were in that hill country. That’s where they set up their tents. So Laban and his relatives, they set up their tents in that place too.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 31:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּשֵּׂ֥ג
לָבָ֖ן
אֶֽת
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
וְ/יַעֲקֹ֗ב
תָּקַ֤ע
אֶֽת
אָהֳל/וֹ֙
בָּ/הָ֔ר
וְ/לָבָ֛ן
תָּקַ֥ע
אֶת
אֶחָ֖י/ו
בְּ/הַ֥ר
הַ/גִּלְעָֽד
וַ/יַּשֵּׂ֥ג
nâsag
H5381
to overtake
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָבָ֖ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וְ/יַעֲקֹ֗ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
Conj | N-proper
תָּקַ֤ע
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אָהֳל/וֹ֙
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms | Suff
בָּ/הָ֔ר
har
H2022
mountain
Prep | N-ms
וְ/לָבָ֛ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
Conj | N-proper
תָּקַ֥ע
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/הַ֥ר
har
H2022
mountain
Prep | N-ms
הַ/גִּלְעָֽד
Gilʻâd
H1568
Gilead
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:25
וַ/יַּשֵּׂ֥ג
nâsag
H5381
"to overtake"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To overtake means to reach or catch up to something, like pursuing an enemy or attaining a goal. This verb is used in the Bible to describe physical and spiritual pursuits. It can also mean to be able to secure or have enough.
Definition: 1) to reach, overtake, take hold upon 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to overtake 1a2) to reach, attain to, cause to reach 1a3) to be able to secure, reach, have enough
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to, can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, [idiom] surely, (over-) take (hold of, on, upon). See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Samuel 14:26; Psalms 7:6.
לָבָ֖ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וְ/יַעֲקֹ֗ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
Conj | N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
תָּקַ֤ע
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אָהֳל/וֹ֙
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
בָּ/הָ֔ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
וְ/לָבָ֛ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
Conj | N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
תָּקַ֥ע
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
בְּ/הַ֥ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
הַ/גִּלְעָֽד
Gilʻâd
H1568
"Gilead"
Art | N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:25
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:25
- Sermons on Genesis 31:25
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
23So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead.
24But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”
25Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well.
26Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war! 27Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 12:8 | From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD. |
| 2 | Genesis 33:18 | After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city. |
| 3 | Hebrews 11:9 | By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. |
Genesis 31:25 Summary
This verse tells us that Jacob set up his tent in a place called the hill country of Gilead, and Laban and his relatives caught up with him there. Jacob was likely trying to find a safe place to settle with his family and flocks, just like we all need a place to rest and feel secure (as seen in Psalm 23:1-4). God was still in control of Jacob's life, even when things seemed uncertain, and He is still in control of our lives today (as seen in Romans 8:28). We can learn from Jacob's example to trust God and seek a place of peace and rest in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob pitch his tent in the hill country of Gilead?
Jacob likely chose this location because it was a safe distance from Laban and allowed him to care for his large family and flocks, as seen in Genesis 30:43, where his wealth had greatly increased.
Did Laban have the right to pursue Jacob and his family?
While Laban was concerned about his daughters, God had already spoken to him in a dream, warning him not to say anything good or bad to Jacob, indicating that God was in control of the situation, as seen in Genesis 31:24.
What can we learn from Jacob's decision to settle in the hill country of Gilead?
We can learn about the importance of seeking a safe and peaceful place to rest, just as Jesus promises to give us rest in Matthew 11:28-30, and also being mindful of our relationships and the potential consequences of our actions, as seen in Genesis 31:25.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Jacob and Laban?
This verse marks a turning point in the story, as Laban has finally caught up with Jacob, and the two will now have a confrontation, which will ultimately lead to Jacob's continued journey towards Canaan, as promised by God in Genesis 28:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like I was being pursued by someone or something, and how did I respond?
- How can I, like Jacob, find a place of rest and safety in the midst of challenging circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can be mindful of my relationships and the potential consequences of my actions, just as Jacob was in this verse?
- How can I trust God to be in control of my life, even when things seem uncertain or chaotic, just as He was in Jacob's life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:25
Then Laban overtook Jacob,.... He was come to the mount the overnight, but now in the morning he came nearer to him, so as to hold a conversation with him: now Jacob had pitched his tent in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:25
And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:25
Genesis 31:25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.Ver. 25. Jacob had pitched his tent.] Seeing Laban so near, he set himself in as good order as he could, fearing the worst, saith Musculus. But God was better to him than his fears. He spake for him; and so he can, and doth oft for us, in the hearts of our enemies. See Isaiah 41:9. Charles V - than whom, all Christendom had not a more prudent prince, nor the Church of Christ almost a sorer enemy, - when he had in his hand Luther dead, and Melancthon, Pomeran, and certain other preachers of the gospel alive, he not only determined not anything extremely against them, or violated their graves; but also, entreating them gently, sent them away, not so much as once forbidding them to publish openly the doctrine that they professed. Act. and Mon., fol. 1784.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:25
25. in the mountain] Very probably the name has dropped out of the text. We should expect a proper name to balance “the mountain of Gilead” in the second clause. The opposing camps were lodged on hill-tops over against each other. Perhaps Mizpah, mentioned in Genesis 31:49, was the name that is here missing.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:25
25. Laban overtook Jacob — At this it was evident that a serious controversy must be held, and accordingly both Jacob and Laban pitched their tents, and made ready for a great council.
Sermons on Genesis 31:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi |
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An Invitation to Closeness by J.B. Buffington | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having goals in various aspects of life, such as personal, church, family, and business goals. He highlights that without |
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The Life of Abraham - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. He emphasizes the theme of restoration and how God can bring us out of the mess we create for o |
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From Altar to Altar by George Warnock | George Warnock preaches about Abraham's journey of obedience, highlighting the lessons learned through wandering, famine, and moving his altar to different places to acquaint himse |
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(Genesis) - Part 26 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of being in the right place according to God's will, using Jacob's journey to Shechem as a cautionary tale. Jacob settled in Shechem instead of |
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Faith by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and not placing our hope in this fallen world. He highlights the examples of biblical figures who lived |
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(Genesis) Genesis 23:10-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the politeness and civility of Abraham and the people of the land during a transaction. The speaker emphasizes that despite the common percept |