Genesis 31:54
Genesis 31:54 in Multiple Translations
Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.
Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
And Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mountain.
And Jacob made an offering on the mountain, and gave orders to his people to take food: so they had a meal and took their rest that night on the mountain.
Then he offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited all his relatives to eat a meal there. They spent the night on the mountain.
Then Iaakob did offer a sacrifice vpon the mount, and called his brethren to eate bread. and they did eate bread, and taried all night in the mount.
And Jacob sacrificeth a sacrifice in the mount, and calleth to his brethren to eat bread, and they eat bread, and lodge in the mount;
Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his relatives to eat bread. They ate bread, and stayed all night in the mountain.
Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they ate bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
And after he had offered sacrifices in the mountain, he called his brethren to eat bread. And when they had eaten, they lodged there:
He offered a sacrifice to God there in the hilly area, and he invited his relatives to eat with him. After they had eaten, they slept there that night.
Then Jacob killed an animal and burned it, to show respect to God. He did that right there, in the hill country. Then Jacob said to his relatives, “Come and eat food with me.” So they all ate food, and then they spent the night in that place.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:54
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 31:54 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֨ח
יַעֲקֹ֥ב
זֶ֨בַח֙
בָּ/הָ֔ר
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
לְ/אֶחָ֖י/ו
לֶ/אֱכָל
לָ֑חֶם
וַ/יֹּ֣אכְלוּ
לֶ֔חֶם
וַ/יָּלִ֖ינוּ
בָּ/הָֽר
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֨ח
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֥ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
זֶ֨בַח֙
zebach
H2077
sacrifice
N-ms
בָּ/הָ֔ר
har
H2022
mountain
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-mp | Suff
לֶ/אֱכָל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ֑חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
וַ/יֹּ֣אכְלוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לֶ֔חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
וַ/יָּלִ֖ינוּ
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בָּ/הָֽר
har
H2022
mountain
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:54
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֨ח
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
יַעֲקֹ֥ב
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.
זֶ֨בַח֙
zebach
H2077
"sacrifice"
N-ms
A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.
Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.
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.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
לְ/אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | 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.
לֶ/אֱכָל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לָ֑חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וַ/יֹּ֣אכְלוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לֶ֔חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וַ/יָּלִ֖ינוּ
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
בָּ/הָֽר
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:54
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:54 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:54
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:54
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
- Sermons on Genesis 31:54
Context — Jacob’s Covenant with Laban
52This 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.
53May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.
54Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.
55Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 18:12 | Then Moses’ father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God. |
| 2 | Genesis 37:25 | And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt. |
| 3 | Genesis 26:30 | So Isaac prepared a feast for them, and they ate and drank. |
| 4 | Genesis 21:8 | So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 3:20–21 | When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them. Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace. |
Genesis 31:54 Summary
[Genesis 31:54 shows us that Jacob and his relatives were able to put their differences aside and come together in peace, which is a great example for us to follow in our own lives. By offering a sacrifice and sharing a meal, Jacob was able to show his gratitude to God and reconcile with his relatives, demonstrating the importance of worship, forgiveness, and hospitality, as seen in other Bible verses like Psalm 50:14 and Acts 2:46. This verse reminds us that even in difficult situations, we can find peace and resolution through faith and obedience. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can apply these principles to our own relationships and daily lives, and look to other examples in the Bible, such as Genesis 26:30 and Luke 15:23-24, for guidance and inspiration.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob offer a sacrifice on the mountain in Genesis 31:54?
Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain to worship and thank God for the peaceful resolution with Laban, as seen in Genesis 31:54, and to seal their covenant, similar to the covenant between God and Abraham in Genesis 15:9-21.
What is the significance of Jacob inviting his relatives to eat a meal in Genesis 31:54?
Jacob inviting his relatives to eat a meal was a sign of reconciliation and peace, as sharing a meal was a common way to seal agreements and show hospitality in biblical times, as seen in Genesis 26:30 and Luke 15:23-24.
How does Genesis 31:54 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Genesis 31:54 is a culmination of the events in the chapter, where Jacob and Laban make a covenant and establish a boundary, with Genesis 31:52-53 serving as a witness to their agreement, and Genesis 31:54-55 showing the peaceful resolution and farewell between Jacob and Laban.
What can we learn from Jacob's actions in Genesis 31:54?
We can learn the importance of gratitude, reconciliation, and worship from Jacob's actions in Genesis 31:54, as he takes time to thank God and make amends with his relatives, demonstrating a heart of humility and obedience, similar to the example of Jesus in Luke 22:7-20.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of reconciliation and peace seen in Genesis 31:54 to my own relationships?
- What are some ways I can express gratitude to God for the blessings in my life, like Jacob did in Genesis 31:54?
- How can I use meals and gatherings as opportunities to build stronger relationships and show hospitality, as Jacob did in Genesis 31:54?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to make amends or reconcile with others, and how can I take steps towards healing and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:54
Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount,.... On Mount Gilead, not in a religious way, in which he could not join with Laban, or admit him to it; but in a civil way he "slew a slaughter" (s), or
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
Then Jacob offered sacrifice; either to give God thanks for the great mercies and deliverances vouchsafed to him, or to beg God’ s blessing upon the present treaty, and upon their whole family. But it is not so probable that Jacob would choose that time for the offering of sacrifices when Laban was present, whom he could neither honestly admit to them, nor conveniently exclude from them. And therefore, seeing the same Hebrew word signifies killing as well as sacrificing, as appears from , &c., I rather understand it of his killing of beasts, in order to a feast which he made for his brethren, whom he called, as it here follows, to eat bread, & c., under which phrase all meats are usually comprehended in Scripture, as hath been already noted, and will appear hereafter. And this practice was usual in those times, to confirm covenants by a feast. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.Ver. 54. Called his brethren to eat bread.] And so overcame evil with good; which is the noblest of all victories. God cannot but love in us this imitation of his mercy; and that love is never fruitless.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
(54) Jacob offered sacrifice.—The meaning is, that Jacob slaughtered cattle, and made a feast: but as animals originally were killed only for sacrifice, and flesh was eaten on no other occasion, the Hebrew language has no means of distinguishing the two acts.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
Verse 54. Offered sacrifice upon the mount] It is very likely that Laban joined in this solemn religious rite, and that, having offered the blood and fat to God, they feasted upon the sacrifice.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:54
54. offered a sacrifice] Lit. “killed a sacrifice.” The killing of an animal for sacrifice was the occasion of a feast. The sacrifice consisted not only in an offering to the Deity, but also in the eating of portions of the sacrificial victim by both the contracting parties of the covenant; cf. Genesis 26:30. eat bread] i.e. to take a meal. To partake of food together was the sign of restored friendship and trust between disputing parties.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:54
54. Jacob offered sacrifice — He slew of the lambs of his flock, offered a solemn offering to his God, and made a sacrificial meal, and called his brethren to eat.
Sermons on Genesis 31:54
| 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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(Genesis) Genesis 37:27-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. He explains that the Ishmaelites and the Midianites had joined together, making t |