Genesis 31:44
Genesis 31:44 in Multiple Translations
Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”
Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
And now come, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
Come, let us make an agreement, you and I; and let it be for a witness between us.
So let's make a solemn agreement between you and I, and it will be a witness to our mutual commitment.”
Nowe therefore come and let vs make a couenant, I and thou, which may be a witnes betweene me and thee.
and now, come, let us make a covenant, I and thou, and it hath been for a witness between me and thee.'
Now come, let’s make a covenant, you and I. Let it be for a witness between me and you.”
Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
Come therefore, let us enter into a league: that it may be for a testimony between me and thee.
I cannot do anything in order to keep them, so hey, we should make a peace agreement, you and I, and do something that will remind us about our agreement.”
So before I go, let’s agree that we will be good to each other. And let’s put some stones in this place to show that we made that agreement.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:44
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 31:44 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
לְכָ֛/ה
נִכְרְתָ֥ה
בְרִ֖ית
אֲנִ֣י
וָ/אָ֑תָּה
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
לְ/עֵ֖ד
בֵּינִ֥/י
וּ/בֵינֶֽ/ךָ
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
לְכָ֛/ה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
נִכְרְתָ֥ה
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Qal-1cp
בְרִ֖ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וָ/אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לְ/עֵ֖ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
Prep | N-ms
בֵּינִ֥/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵינֶֽ/ךָ
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:44
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
לְכָ֛/ה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
נִכְרְתָ֥ה
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Qal-1cp
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
בְרִ֖ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וָ/אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/עֵ֖ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
בֵּינִ֥/י
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵינֶֽ/ךָ
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:44
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:44 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:44
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:44
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:44
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:44
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:44
- Sermons on Genesis 31:44
Context — Jacob’s Covenant with Laban
42If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”
43But Laban answered Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne?
44Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”
45So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, 46and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:52 | This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me. |
| 2 | Joshua 24:25–27 | On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance. Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD. And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” |
| 3 | Joshua 22:27 | Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’ |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 20:14–17 | And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. |
| 5 | Genesis 15:18 | On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 31:19 | Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 31:21 | And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.” |
| 8 | Genesis 31:48 | Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 31:26 | “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you. |
| 10 | Genesis 26:28–31 | “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you that you will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you but have done only good to you, sending you on your way in peace. And now you are blessed by the LORD.” So Isaac prepared a feast for them, and they ate and drank. And they got up early the next morning and swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they left him in peace. |
Genesis 31:44 Summary
In Genesis 31:44, Laban suggests making a covenant with Jacob, which means they agree to certain terms and promise to keep them. This is like making a promise to someone, but with God as a witness, similar to the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 15:18. By making this covenant, Laban and Jacob are trying to put their past conflicts behind them and start fresh, which is a great example for us to follow when we have disagreements with others, as seen in Matthew 5:9. By seeking to make peace and establish agreements with others, we can honor God and promote peace in our relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of making a covenant in Genesis 31:44?
In Genesis 31:44, Laban suggests making a covenant with Jacob, which serves as a witness to their agreement, similar to the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 15:18, and highlights the importance of sealing promises and agreements before God.
Why does Laban want to make a covenant with Jacob now?
Laban wants to make a covenant with Jacob because he recognizes God's blessing and provision in Jacob's life, as seen in Genesis 31:42, and he wants to establish a formal agreement to prevent future conflicts and ensure a peaceful separation.
Is this covenant similar to other covenants in the Bible?
Yes, the covenant in Genesis 31:44 is similar to other covenants in the Bible, such as the one between Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel 18:3, where two parties make a promise to each other and seal it before God, demonstrating the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in relationships.
What does this verse teach us about conflict resolution?
This verse teaches us that even in the midst of conflict, we can seek to make peace and establish agreements with others, just as Laban and Jacob do, and that seeking God's guidance and blessing is essential in resolving conflicts, as seen in Matthew 5:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to make peace with others, and how can I take the first step towards reconciliation?
- How can I, like Laban and Jacob, seek to establish agreements and covenants that honor God and promote peace?
- What does it mean for me to 'make a covenant' with someone, and how can I ensure that my promises and agreements are grounded in my faith and values?
- In what ways can I, like Jacob, trust in God's provision and guidance, even in the midst of challenging relationships or conflicts?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:44
Now therefore, come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou,.... Let us be good friends, and enter into an alliance for mutual safety, and make an agreement for each other's good.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:44
Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee. Come ... let us make a covenant.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:44
Both to our own consciences of our mutual obligations, and to God against either of us who shall break it, that he may severely punish us for it.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:44
Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.Ver. 44. Now therefore come thou, &c.] "A fool is full of words," saith Solomon. Which odious custom of his is expressed, μιμητικως, in his vain tautologies: "A man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell?". Laban likewise talks a great deal here; and is up with the more, and down with the less, as they say. A covenant he will have, a pillar he will have, and a heap he will have; and that heap shall be a witness, and that pillar a witness, and God a witness, and a Judge too, &c., - there is no end of his discourse; as if, Domnio-like, he cared not so much what, as how much, he spake. The basest things are ever most plentiful. History and experience tell us, that some kind of mouse breedeth an hundred and twenty young ones in one nest whereas the lion and elephant bears but one at once. So the least worth yields the most words. Qui non quid, sed quantum dicat, ponderare consuevit. - Hieron. in Apol. ad Domnion.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:44
44. a covenant] Cf. Genesis 26:28. a witness] Heb. ‘ed. This word gives the keynote to the transaction, and introduces the play on the word Gilead in Genesis 31:47. But “a covenant” is not “a witness.” Surely some words have dropped out. Several commentators suggest: “And let us make a heap, and let it be for a witness.”
Sermons on Genesis 31:44
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob serves his uncle Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, as his love for her is so |
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Thou Shalt Eat Bread at My Table Continually. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound blessings of God's love through the story of Mephibosheth, who, despite his lameness and perceived worthlessness, is invited to eat at King David |
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Genesis #13 Ch. 14-15 Contrast of Abraham and Lot by Chuck Missler | In this sermon on Genesis chapters 14 and 15, Chuck Misler explores the relationship between Abraham and Lot. He introduces the concept of the law of first mention, which suggests |
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Abraham - Only God Matters by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He expresses the need for prayers and acknowledges the challenges and effort tha |
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(Exodus) Exodus 32:30-35 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights the concept of atonement, which was a way to cover up sin before |
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(Exodus) Exodus 2:25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's love and grace are the reasons for our salvation. He explains that God didn't save us because of our attractiveness or goodness, |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an |