King James Version

What Does Genesis 31:54 Mean?

Genesis 31:54 in the King James Version says “Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried a...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount. offered: or, killed beasts”

Genesis 31:54 · KJV

Context

52

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.

53

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.

54

Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount. offered: or, killed beasts

55

And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

Read Genesis 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat ... 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. What theological truths about Jacob's Flight from Laban emerge from this passage?
  2. How should this truth about Covenant at Mizpah shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּזְבַּ֨ח1 of 12

“offered”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

יַֽעֲקֹ֥ב2 of 12

“Then Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

זֶ֙בַח֙3 of 12

“sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

בָּהָֽר׃4 of 12

“in the mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וַיִּקְרָ֥א5 of 12

“and called”

H7121

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

לְאֶחָ֖יו6 of 12

“his brethren”

H251

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

וַיֹּ֣אכְלוּ7 of 12

“and they did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֔חֶם8 of 12

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וַיֹּ֣אכְלוּ9 of 12

“and they did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֔חֶם10 of 12

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וַיָּלִ֖ינוּ11 of 12

“and tarried all night”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

בָּהָֽר׃12 of 12

“in the mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

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 31:54 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 31:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 18:12Genesis 26:30Genesis 37:252 Samuel 3:20-21Genesis 21:8

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