Genesis 31:47 - Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed.
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What does "Genesis 31:47" mean?
Genesis 31:47 is part of the account of the covenant Laban and Jacob made to stop pursuing each other in hostility. Here's the breakdown of the verse and its significance:
Context: Laban had pursued Jacob after he left Laban's household in Haran without permission. After a tense confrontation, they agreed to a covenant of peace, marked by a pile of stones (a "heap of witness").
"Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha...": Laban was Aramean, so "Jegar Sahadutha" is Aramaic. It literally means "heap of witness."
"...but Jacob called it Galeed.": Jacob (later renamed Israel) was Hebrew, so "Galeed" is Hebrew. It also means "heap of witness."
Meaning/Significance:
Different Languages, Same Meaning: Both Laban and Jacob named the pile of stones based on its purpose: as a witness to their agreement. The fact that they used different languages highlights their distinct cultural backgrounds.
Boundary Marker: The "heap of witness" served as a physical and symbolic boundary between them. It was a reminder of the covenant they had made and the agreement to not cross that boundary with hostile intentions. The verse emphasizes that both parties (Laban and Jacob) recognized and respected the significance of this border marker.
Theological Significance: The story highlights God's protection of Jacob and his family. God intervened to prevent Laban from harming Jacob, and ultimately led them to a peaceful resolution. The covenant itself can be seen as an example of God's desire for peace and order.
Cultural Significance: The naming convention highlights the cultural and linguistic differences between Jacob and Laban. Their shared belief in a covenant, despite these differences, underscores the importance of agreements and mutual respect.
In essence, Genesis 31:47 emphasizes that while Laban and Jacob had different languages and cultural backgrounds, they agreed on the importance of their covenant and the symbolic function of the pile of stones as a witness to that agreement. It represents their mutual commitment to maintaining peace and respecting the boundaries between them.
Genesis 31:47 - Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed.
What does "Genesis 31:47" mean?
Genesis 31:47 is part of the account of the covenant Laban and Jacob made to stop pursuing each other in hostility. Here's the breakdown of the verse and its significance:
Context: Laban had pursued Jacob after he left Laban's household in Haran without permission. After a tense confrontation, they agreed to a covenant of peace, marked by a pile of stones (a "heap of witness").
"Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha...": Laban was Aramean, so "Jegar Sahadutha" is Aramaic. It literally means "heap of witness."
"...but Jacob called it Galeed.": Jacob (later renamed Israel) was Hebrew, so "Galeed" is Hebrew. It also means "heap of witness."
Meaning/Significance:
Different Languages, Same Meaning: Both Laban and Jacob named the pile of stones based on its purpose: as a witness to their agreement. The fact that they used different languages highlights their distinct cultural backgrounds.
Boundary Marker: The "heap of witness" served as a physical and symbolic boundary between them. It was a reminder of the covenant they had made and the agreement to not cross that boundary with hostile intentions. The verse emphasizes that both parties (Laban and Jacob) recognized and respected the significance of this border marker.
Theological Significance: The story highlights God's protection of Jacob and his family. God intervened to prevent Laban from harming Jacob, and ultimately led them to a peaceful resolution. The covenant itself can be seen as an example of God's desire for peace and order.
Cultural Significance: The naming convention highlights the cultural and linguistic differences between Jacob and Laban. Their shared belief in a covenant, despite these differences, underscores the importance of agreements and mutual respect.
In essence, Genesis 31:47 emphasizes that while Laban and Jacob had different languages and cultural backgrounds, they agreed on the importance of their covenant and the symbolic function of the pile of stones as a witness to that agreement. It represents their mutual commitment to maintaining peace and respecting the boundaries between them.