King James Version
Genesis 31:23 in the King James Version says “And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.”
Genesis 31:23 · KJV
So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.
And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.
And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. either: Heb. from good to bad
Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“his brethren”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
“with him and pursued”
H7291to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
“after him”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
“journey”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
“seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
“days”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
“and they overtook”
H1692properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“Gilead”
H1568gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Genesis 31:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 31:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge