King James Version

What Does Genesis 31:47 Mean?

Genesis 31:47 in the King James Version says “And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed. Jegarsahadutha: that is, The heap of witness, Chaldee Ga...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 31:47 · KJV

Context

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;

49

And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. Mizpah: that is, A beacon, or, watchtower

Read Genesis 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
קָ֥רָא1 of 9

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ל֣וֹ2 of 9
H0
לָבָ֔ן3 of 9

“And Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

יְגַ֖ר4 of 9
H0
שָֽׂהֲדוּתָ֑א5 of 9

“it Jegarsahadutha”

H3026

jegar-sahadutha, a cairn east of the jordan

וְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב6 of 9

“but Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

קָ֥רָא7 of 9

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ל֖וֹ8 of 9
H0
גַּלְעֵֽד׃9 of 9

“it Galeed”

H1567

galed, a memorial cairn east of the jordan

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 31:47 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 31:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 12:1

Places in This Verse

Mizpah 4Stone Heap · Modern: Jel‘ad · 32.12°N, 35.78°E3 verses across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 31 →

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 31 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes