King James Version

What Does Genesis 31:46 Mean?

Genesis 31:46 in the King James Version says “And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.”

Genesis 31:46 · KJV

Context

44

Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.

45

And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

46

And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.

47

And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed. Jegarsahadutha: that is, The heap of witness, Chaldee Galeed: that is, The heap of witness, Heb.

48

And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they di... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יַֽעֲקֹ֤ב2 of 13

“And Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

לְאֶחָיו֙3 of 13

“unto his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

לִקְט֣וּ4 of 13

“Gather”

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

אֲבָנִ֖ים5 of 13

“stones”

H68

a stone

וַיִּקְח֥וּ6 of 13

“and they took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֲבָנִ֖ים7 of 13

“stones”

H68

a stone

וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ8 of 13

“and made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַגָּֽל׃9 of 13

“an heap”

H1530

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

וַיֹּ֥אכְלוּ10 of 13

“and they did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֖ם11 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עַל12 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַגָּֽל׃13 of 13

“an heap”

H1530

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Genesis 31:46 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 31:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 3:5Genesis 31:23Joshua 4:20-24Joshua 7:26Genesis 31:54Genesis 31:37

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