King James Version
Genesis 31:51 in the King James Version says “And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;”
Genesis 31:51 · KJV
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
If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.
And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;
This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.
The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Behold this heap”
H1530something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)
“and behold this pillar”
H4676something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“which I have cast”
H3384properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
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 31:51 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.