Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” That is why it was called Galeed. New Living Translation Then Laban declared, “This pile of stones will stand as a witness to remind us of the covenant we have made today.” This explains why it was called Galeed—“Witness Pile.” English Standard Version Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore he named it Galeed, Berean Standard Bible Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. King James Bible And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; New King James Version And Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore its name was called Galeed, New American Standard Bible Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore it was named Galeed, NASB 1995 Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore it was named Galeed, NASB 1977 And Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore it was named Galeed; Legacy Standard Bible Then Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore it was named Galeed, Amplified Bible Laban said, “This mound [of stones] is a witness [a reminder of the oath taken] today between you and me.” Therefore he [also] called the name Galeed, Christian Standard Bible Then Laban said, “This mound is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore the place was called Galeed Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Laban said, “This mound is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore the place was called Galeed American Standard Version And Laban said, This heap is witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed: Contemporary English Version Laban said to Jacob, "This pile of rocks will remind us of our agreement." That's why the place was named Galeed. English Revised Version And Laban said, This heap is witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed: GOD'S WORD® Translation Laban said, "This pile of stones stands as a witness between you and me today." This is why it was named Galeed Good News Translation Laban said to Jacob, "This pile of rocks will be a reminder for both of us." That is why that place was named Galeed. International Standard Version Then Laban said, "This stack will serve as a witness between you and me today." That's how the place came to be named Galeed. Majority Standard Bible Then Laban declared, ?This mound is a witness between you and me this day.? Therefore the place was called Galeed. NET Bible Laban said, "This pile of stones is a witness of our agreement today." That is why it was called Galeed. New Heart English Bible Laban said, "This mound is a witness between me and you today." Therefore it was named Galeed Webster's Bible Translation And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed: World English Bible Laban said, “This heap is witness between me and you today.” Therefore it was named Galeed Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Laban says, “This heap [is] witness between me and you today”; therefore has he called its name Galeed; Young's Literal Translation And Laban saith, 'This heap is witness between me and thee to-day;' therefore hath he called its name Galeed; Smith's Literal Translation And Laban will say, This heap a witness between me and between thee this day, for this its name was called Gilead: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Laban said: This heap shall be a witness between me and thee this day, and therefore the name thereof was called Galaad, that is, The witness heap. Catholic Public Domain Version And Laban said: “This tomb will be a witness between me and you this day.” (And for this reason, its name has been called Gilead, that is, ‘Tomb of Witness.’) New American Bible Laban said, “This mound will be a witness from now on between you and me.” That is why it was named Galeed— New Revised Standard Version Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore he called it Galeed, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and you this day. Therefore he called its name Galead. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Laban said, “This mound is a witness between me and you today”; because of this, he called its name Galeed OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Laban said: 'This heap is witness between me and thee this day.' Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; Brenton Septuagint Translation And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and the pillar, which I have set between me and thee; this heap witnesses, and this pillar witnesses; therefore its name was called, the Heap witnesses. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob's Covenant with Laban…47Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed. 48Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. 49It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.… Cross References Joshua 24:27 And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” 1 Samuel 7:12 Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” Deuteronomy 31:19-21 Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. / When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant. / And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.” Isaiah 19:19-20 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near her border. / It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them. Exodus 24:4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Joshua 4:6-7 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ / you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” 1 Kings 18:31-32 And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” / And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. 2 Kings 17:34 To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel. 2 Samuel 20:24-25 Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; / Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; Hosea 12:4 Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there— Matthew 18:16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Acts 7:44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Treasury of Scripture And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and you this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; This heap. Joshua 24:27 And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God. Galeed. Genesis 31:23 And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead. Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us: Deuteronomy 3:16 And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon; Jump to Previous Galeed Heap Laban Reason Stones Today To-Day WitnessJump to Next Galeed Heap Laban Reason Stones Today To-Day WitnessGenesis 31 1. Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.19. Rachel steals her father's household gods. 22. Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong. 34. Rachel's plan to hide the images. 36. Jacob's complaint of Laban. 43. The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed. Then Laban declared Laban, the brother of Rebekah and father of Leah and Rachel, plays a significant role in the narrative of Jacob's life. His declaration marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between him and Jacob. This statement comes after a long history of tension and deceit, highlighting the importance of verbal agreements in ancient Near Eastern culture. Declarations were often binding and served as a formal acknowledgment of an agreement or covenant. “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanLaban is the brother of Rebekah, father of Leah and Rachel, and father-in-law to Jacob. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, often representing opposition and challenge. 2. Jacob Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham. He is a patriarch of Israel and is known for his complex relationship with Laban, which includes working for him for many years. 3. Galeed This is the name given to the heap of stones set up as a witness between Jacob and Laban. The name means "heap of witness" in Hebrew, signifying the covenant made between them. 4. Mizpah Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Mizpah is another name for the location of the covenant, meaning "watchtower." It symbolizes God's watchfulness over the covenant. 5. Covenant The event of setting up the heap of stones marks a covenant between Jacob and Laban, serving as a physical reminder of their agreement and God's witness to it. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are serious commitments that require accountability. In our lives, we should honor our commitments to God and others, understanding that they are witnessed by God. Physical Reminders of Spiritual Truths Just as Jacob and Laban used a heap of stones, we can use physical reminders (like crosses or scripture plaques) to keep us mindful of our commitments and God's promises. God as Witness Recognize that God is always a witness to our actions and agreements. This should encourage us to live with integrity and honesty in all our dealings. Resolving Conflicts Jacob and Laban's covenant was a resolution to their conflict. We should seek peaceful resolutions and establish clear boundaries in our relationships. Trust in God's Watchfulness The name Mizpah reminds us that God watches over us. We can trust in His oversight and protection in our lives.Verses 48-50. - And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. The historian adding - Therefore was the name of it called (originally by Jacob, and afterwards by the Israelites from this transaction) Galeed (vide on ver. 21). The stony character of the regon may have suggested the designation. And Mizpah; - watchtower from Tsaphah, to watch. Mizpah afterwards became the site of a town in the district of Gilead (Judges 10:17; Judges 11:11, 19, 34); which received its name, as the historian intimates, from the pile of witness erected by Laban and his kinsmen, and was later celebrated as the residence of Jephthah (Judges 11:34) and the seat of the sanctuary (Judges 11:11). Ewald supposes that the mound (Galeed) and the watch tower (Mispah) were different objects, and that the meaning of the (so-called) legend is that, while the former (the mountain) was riled up by Jacob and his people, the latter (now the city and fortress of Mizpah on one of the heights of Gilead) was constructed by Laban and his followers (vide 'History of Israel,' vol. 1. p. 347); but the "grotesqusnesa" of this interpretation of the Hebrew story is its best refutation - for he (i.e. Laban) said, The Lord - Jehovah; a proof that vers. 49, 50 are a Jehovistic interpolation (Tuch, Bleek, Colenso, Kalisch); an indication of their being a subsequent insertion, though not warranting the inference that the entire history is a complication (Keil); a sign that henceforth Laban regarded Jehovah as the representative of his rights (Lange); but probably only a token that Laban, recognizing Jehovah as the only name that would bind the conscience of Jacob (Hengstenberg, Quarry), had for the moment adopted Jacob's theology ('Speaker's Commentary'), but only in self-defense (Wordsworth) - watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another - literally, a man from his companion. If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters (Laban's concern for his daughters, though hitherto not conspicuous, may, in the hour of parting from them, have been real: his language shows that he was not quite at ease as to Jacob's integrity. Perhaps the remembrance that he had been the cause of Jacob's taking two wives made him anxious to secure that Jacob should not improve upon his evil instructions), no man is with us; - either then they stood apart from Laban's clan followers (Inglis); or his meaning was that when widely separated there would be no one to judge betwixt them, or perhaps even to observe them (Rosenmüller), but - see, God (Elohim in contrast to man) is witness betwixt me and thee. Vers 51-53. - And Laban said to Jacob, - according to Ewald the last narrator has transposed the names of Laban and Jacob (vide 'History of Israel,' vol. 1. p. 346) - Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast (same word as in ver. 45. The Arabic version and Samaritan text read yaritha, thou hast erected, instead of yarithi, I have erected or cast up) betwixt me and thee; this heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that (literally, if, here = that) I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar (Laban bound himself never to pass over the heap which he had erected as his witness; whereas Jacob was required to swear that he would never cross the pillar and the pile, both of which were witnesses for him) unto me, for harm. The emphatic word closes the sentence. The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge - the verb is plural, either because Laban regarded the Elohim of Nahor as different from the Elohim of Abraham (Rosenmüller, Keil, Kalisch, Wordsworth, 'Speaker's Commentary'), or because, though acknowledging only one Elohim, he viewed him as maintaining several and distinct relations to the persons named (cf. Quarry, p. 499) - betwixt us. Laban here invokes his own hereditary Elohim, the Elohim of Abraham's father, to guard his rights and interests under the newly-formed covenant; while Jacob in his adjuration appeals to the Elohim of Abraham's son. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac (vide supra, ver. 42). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Labanלָבָ֔ן (lā·ḇān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob declared, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “This הַזֶּ֥ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that mound הַגַּ֨ל (hag·gal) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1530: Something rolled, a heap of stone, dung, a spring of water is a witness עֵ֛ד (‘êḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince between you בֵּינִ֥י (bê·nî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 996: An interval, space between and me וּבֵינְךָ֖ (ū·ḇê·nə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 996: An interval, space between this day.” הַיּ֑וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day Therefore עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the place was called קָרָֽא־ (qā·rā-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read Galeed, גַּלְעֵֽד׃ (gal·‘êḏ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1567: Galeed -- 'witness-pile', a memorial of stones East of the Jordan River Links Genesis 31:48 NIVGenesis 31:48 NLT Genesis 31:48 ESV Genesis 31:48 NASB Genesis 31:48 KJV Genesis 31:48 BibleApps.com Genesis 31:48 Biblia Paralela Genesis 31:48 Chinese Bible Genesis 31:48 French Bible Genesis 31:48 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 31:48 Laban said This heap is witness between (Gen. 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