Genesis 31:48
Genesis 31:48 in Multiple Translations
Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed.
And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;
And Laban said, This heap is witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed:
And Laban said, These stones are a witness between you and me today. For this reason its name was Galeed,
Laban announced, “This pile of stone serves as a witness between me and you.” This is why it was called Galeed.
For Laban sayd, This heape is witnesse betweene me and thee this day: therefore he called the name of it Galeed.
And Laban saith, 'This heap [is] witness between me and thee to-day;' therefore hath he called its name Galeed;
Laban said, “This heap is witness between me and you today.” Therefore it was named Galeed
And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed:
And Laban said: This heap shall be a witness between me and thee this day, and therefore the name thereof was called Galaad, that is, The witness heap.
Laban said to Jacob, “This pile of rocks we have put here today will help us to remember our agreement.” That is why Jacob called it Galeed.
And Laban said, “This pile of stones shows that we agreed with each other today.” So that place is called Gal-Ed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:48
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 31:48 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לָבָ֔ן
הַ/גַּ֨ל
הַ/זֶּ֥ה
עֵ֛ד
בֵּינִ֥/י
וּ/בֵינְ/ךָ֖
הַ/יּ֑וֹם
עַל
כֵּ֥ן
קָרָֽא
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
גַּלְעֵֽד
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָבָ֔ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
הַ/גַּ֨ל
gal
H1530
heap
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
עֵ֛ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
בֵּינִ֥/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵינְ/ךָ֖
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
הַ/יּ֑וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
קָרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
גַּלְעֵֽד
Galʻêd
H1567
Galeed
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:48
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָבָ֔ן
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.
הַ/גַּ֨ל
gal
H1530
"heap"
Art | N-ms
A gal is a heap of stones, a spring of water, or a wave, used in various contexts like ratifying a covenant or describing God's chastisement.
Definition: : heap/pile 1) heap, spring, wave, billow 1a) heap (of stones) 1a1) over dead body 1a2) alone 1a3) used in ratifying a covenant 1b) waves (fig. of chastisement of Jehovah) 1c) spring Also means: gal (גַּל ": wave" H1530H)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: billow, heap, spring, wave. See also: Genesis 31:46; Psalms 107:29; Psalms 42:8.
הַ/זֶּ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
עֵ֛ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
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/בֵינְ/ךָ֖
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.
הַ/יּ֑וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
קָרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
גַּלְעֵֽד
Galʻêd
H1567
"Galeed"
N-proper
Galeed, or Galʻêd, refers to a memorial pile of stones, like the one between Jacob and Laban, symbolizing a witness to their covenant. This location is mentioned in Genesis 31:47-48, where Jacob and Laban make a treaty.
Definition: Galeed = "witness heap" the pile of stones heaped up between Jacob and Laban to certify their covenant; located on Mt Gilead Another name of ra.mot gi.l.ad (רָמֹת "Ramoth" H7433)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Galeed. See also: Genesis 31:47; Genesis 31:48.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:48
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:48 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:48
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:48
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:48
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:48
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:48
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:48
- Sermons on Genesis 31:48
Context — Jacob’s Covenant with Laban
46and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate.
47Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed.
48Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed.
49It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. 50If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 24:27 | 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.” |
| 2 | Joshua 13:8–9 | The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them: The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon, |
| 3 | Genesis 31:23 | So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 2:36 | From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the valley, even as far as Gilead, not one city had walls too high for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 3:16 | and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites. |
Genesis 31:48 Summary
In Genesis 31:48, Laban and Jacob made a promise to each other, and they used a mound of stones as a reminder of their agreement. This mound was like a witness, reminding them of their commitment to one another. Just like Laban and Jacob, we can use reminders like this to help us keep our promises and be faithful to one another (see Genesis 31:50). By doing so, we can build trust and strengthen our relationships, just as God desires for us to do (as seen in Matthew 5:37).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the mound in Genesis 31:48?
The mound served as a witness to the covenant between Laban and Jacob, symbolizing their agreement and commitment to one another, as seen in Genesis 31:48 and Genesis 31:50.
Why did Laban and Jacob give the place different names?
Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, while Jacob called it Galeed, reflecting their different languages and perspectives, as noted in Genesis 31:47.
What does the name Galeed mean?
Galeed means 'mound of witness' or 'heap of testimony', emphasizing the role of the mound as a reminder of their agreement, as stated in Genesis 31:48.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of covenant in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the importance of covenant and agreement in relationships, a theme that is echoed throughout the Bible, including in Genesis 15:18 and Exodus 19:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of covenant and agreement in my own relationships, just as Laban and Jacob did in Genesis 31:48?
- How can I use everyday objects or rituals to remind myself of my commitments and promises to others, just like the mound in this verse?
- In what ways can I seek to be a witness to others, just as the mound served as a witness between Laban and Jacob?
- What are some potential consequences of breaking a covenant or agreement, as warned against in Genesis 31:50?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:48
And Laban said, this heap [is] a witness between me and thee this day.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:48
And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:48
Genesis 31:48 And Laban said, This heap [is] a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; Ver. 48.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:48
Verse 48. See Clarke on Genesis 31:49.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:48
48. Therefore was the name, &c.] A popular etymology thus accounted for the name “Gilead” by derivation from “Galeed.” Probably, some well-known “cairn” on the hill-frontier of Gilead was the reputed scene of the compact between Laban and Jacob. That border feuds were waged between Aramaeans and Israelites, and that the boundaries between the two nations were marked by cairns, is indicated in this story.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:48
48. Laban said — The following verses appear more like an antique song than formal narrative, and may be regarded as an ode composed upon this occasion, or soon after.
Sermons on Genesis 31:48
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Through the Bible - Genesis 29-31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's journey to Haran, where he meets Rachel at a well, showcasing God's guidance in his life. Jacob's love for Rachel leads him to work seven years for he |
|
(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 |