Genesis 31:49
Genesis 31:49 in Multiple Translations
It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.
And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
and Mizpah, for he said, Jehovah watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
And Mizpah, for he said, May the Lord keep watch on us when we are unable to see one another's doings.
It was also called Mizpah, for as Laban said, “May the Lord keep a close eye on both of us when we're not together.
Also he called it Mizpah, because he said, The Lord looke betweene me and thee, when we shalbe departed one from another,
Mizpah also, for he said, 'Jehovah doth watch between me and thee, for we are hidden one from another;
and Mizpah, for he said, “The LORD watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another.
And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
The Lord behold and judge between us when we shall be gone one from the other.
They also named the place Mizpah, which sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘watchtower’, because Laban said, “We will ask Yahweh to watch you and me while we are separated from each other, so that we do not try to harm each other.
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Tomorrow, you will go to your home country, and I will go back to my home country, and we will not see each other any more. So I’m asking Yahweh your God to always watch both of us. If you treat my daughters badly, or if you marry any other women, remember that God will see you do those things. Even if nobody else sees you, God will see you.” So that place is also called Mizpah. That name means place where he watches.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:49
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Genesis 31:49 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/מִּצְפָּה֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אָמַ֔ר
יִ֥צֶף
יְהוָ֖ה
בֵּינִ֣/י
וּ/בֵינֶ֑/ךָ
כִּ֥י
נִסָּתֵ֖ר
אִ֥ישׁ
מֵ/רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
וְ/הַ/מִּצְפָּה֙
Mitspâh
H4709
Mizpah
Conj | Art | N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יִ֥צֶף
tsâphâh
H6822
to watch
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בֵּינִ֣/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵינֶ֑/ךָ
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִסָּתֵ֖ר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cp
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵ/רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:49
וְ/הַ/מִּצְפָּה֙
Mitspâh
H4709
"Mizpah"
Conj | Art | N-proper
Mitspah means watchtower, referring to a place in Palestine near Mount Hermon. It appears in the Bible as a location. The name is associated with a place of observation.
Definition: § Mizpah = "watchtower" a place near Mount Hermon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Mitspah. (This seems rather to be only an orthographic variation of H4708 (מִצְפֶּה) when 'in pause'.) See also: Genesis 31:49; 1 Samuel 10:17; Jeremiah 40:10.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
יִ֥צֶף
tsâphâh
H6822
"to watch"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בֵּינִ֣/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/בֵינֶ֑/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.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִסָּתֵ֖ר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cp
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מֵ/רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:49
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:49 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:49
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:49
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:49
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:49
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:49
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:49
- Sermons on Genesis 31:49
Context — Jacob’s Covenant with Laban
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.” 51Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is the mound, and here is the pillar I have set up between you and me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 11:29 | Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, then through Mizpah of Gilead. And from there he advanced against the Ammonites. |
| 2 | Judges 10:17 | Then the Ammonites were called to arms and camped in Gilead, and the Israelites assembled and camped at Mizpah. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 7:5–6 | Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD on your behalf.” When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah. |
| 4 | Hosea 5:1 | “Hear this, O priests! Take heed, O house of Israel! Give ear, O royal house! For this judgment is against you because you have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor. |
| 5 | Judges 11:11 | So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their leader and commander. And Jephthah repeated all his terms in the presence of the LORD at Mizpah. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 15:22 | Then King Asa summoned all the men of Judah, with no exceptions, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials King Asa built up Geba of Benjamin, as well as Mizpah. |
Genesis 31:49 Summary
Genesis 31:49 tells us that Laban and Jacob made a promise to each other, with God as their witness. This means that they asked God to watch over them and their agreement, even when they were not together. This is similar to what God does for us, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where He makes a covenant with us and watches over us. We can learn from Laban and Jacob's example by involving God in our own agreements and relationships, and trusting Him to guide and protect us (Psalm 121:1-2).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Mizpah in Genesis 31:49?
Mizpah means 'watchtower' and in this context, it signifies a place where God watches over the covenant between Laban and Jacob, as stated in Genesis 31:49, 'May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.'
Why did Laban and Jacob create a covenant in Genesis 31:49?
Laban and Jacob created a covenant to establish a witness to their agreement, as seen in Genesis 31:48, 'This mound is a witness between you and me this day,' and to ensure that God would watch over them when they were apart, as mentioned in Genesis 31:49.
What is the significance of God being a witness between Laban and Jacob?
Having God as a witness between Laban and Jacob emphasizes the gravity of their agreement and the importance of honoring their covenant, as Laban says in Genesis 31:50, 'remember that God is a witness between you and me.'
How does this verse relate to other biblical themes?
This verse relates to the theme of covenant and accountability, as seen in other scriptures such as Genesis 1:1 and Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God establishes covenants with His people and holds them accountable for their actions.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to establish clear boundaries and agreements with others, and how can I involve God in those processes?
- How can I, like Laban and Jacob, create witnesses to my agreements and covenants to ensure accountability and integrity?
- In what ways can I trust God to watch over me and my relationships when I am absent from others, and how can I practically apply Genesis 31:49 to my life?
- What are some potential consequences of not honoring my covenants and agreements, and how can I avoid those consequences by seeking God's guidance and wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:49
And Mizpah,.... Which being an Hebrew word, it looks as if the heap had also this name given it by Jacob, which signifies a "watch" or "watchtower"; though, by what follows, it seems to be given by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:49
And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. And Mizpah [ Mitspaah (H4709)] - a watch-tower, an eminence.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:49
Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. Ver. 49.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:49
(49) Mizpah.—That is, Watchtower. There is, probably, a play in this name upon the pillar which Laban proceeds to set up, and which in Hebrew is Mazebah. In the reason given for the name Labau calls Jacob’s God Jehovah, an appellation which he must have learned from Jacob. and which proves not merely that he had some knowledge of Hebrew but that he and Jacob had talked together upon religious subjects, and that he was not a mere idolater, though he did call the teraphim his gods.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:49
Verse 48. - 49. I think these two verses are badly divided, and should be read thus: Ver. 48. And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Ver. 49. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed and Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. Mizpah] מעפה mitspah signifies a watch-tower; and Laban supposes that in consequence of the consecration of the place, and the covenant now solemnly made and ratified, that God would take possession of this heap, and stand on it as on a watch-tower, to prevent either of them from trenching on the conditions of their covenant.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:49
49. Mizpah] That is, The watch-tower. Cf. Judges 11:29, “Mizpeh of Gilead,” and Genesis 31:34, “Mizpah.” Probably a common name for a height. The mention of this name comes in very abruptly at this point, and may be a gloss. The Sam. reads maṣ ?ṣ ?κbah, LXX καὶἡὅρασις = “the vision.” It has been suggested that the high point here indicated might be the Rammath-mizpeh of Jos 13:25, or the Mizpah in Gilead of Jdg 11:11. A third name for “the heap of stones” is very awkward, and the grammar barely tolerable. The text has undergone some dislocation. The Lord] LXX ὁΘεός. Jehovah is the third party in the solemn contract: He is witness; He will uphold the right, and punish the violator of the bond; cf.
Genesis 16:5. between me and thee] The cairn on the hill is to be the witness of the covenant between two sets of people separated at a distance from one another, and tempted to take advantage of one another. The popular use of the word Mizpah, based on this verse, ignores the context, and, in particular, Genesis 31:50. God is here invoked, because of the mutual distrust of the two parties, to watch lest one or the other should violate the compact. absent] Heb. hidden, i.e. “separated and out of sight.”
Sermons on Genesis 31:49
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Lionhearted and Lamblike the Christian Husband as Head, Part 2 by John Piper | This sermon focuses on the role of husbands as leaders in their homes, drawing from Ephesians 5 to emphasize the husband's responsibility to provide Christ-like servant leadership, |
|
One Good Prophet, One Bad Prophet, and One Ugly but Seriously Important Lesson by Brent Barnett | Brent Barnett delves into the intriguing yet crucial story of the unnamed 'man of God' in 1 Kings 13, who boldly confronts King Jeroboam about idol worship, obeys God's commands, b |