Lexical Summary Galed: Galed Original Word: גַּלְעֵד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Galeed From gal and ed; heap of testimony; Galed, a memorial cairn East of the Jordan -- Galeed. see HEBREW gal see HEBREW ed NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gal and ed Definition "witness-pile," a memorial of stones E. of the Jordan River NASB Translation Galeed (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs גַּלְעֵד proper name, of a location (witness-pile) name of pile of stones erected by Jacob and his company (KitGeschichte.129; by Laban We Di) Genesis 31:47,48 (see גַּל 1c) apparently intended to explain גִּלְעָד q. v.; Di conjecture also (as name of altar) Joshua 22:34 (compare ᵑ6). Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Galʿed (“Heap of Witness”) designates the stone mound erected by Jacob and Laban east of the Jordan to memorialize their covenant. While Laban used the Aramaic title “Jegar-sahadutha,” Jacob’s Hebrew designation prevailed in Israel’s memory, emphasizing the role of the heap as a perpetual testimony to their agreement before God and men. Biblical Narrative Context Genesis 31 records Jacob’s departure from Paddan-Aram with his family, Laban’s pursuit, and the tense confrontation that followed. After God warned Laban in a dream and Jacob defended his integrity, both parties sought a peaceful resolution. “Laban, however, called it Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed” (Genesis 31:47). Laban then proclaimed, “This heap is a witness between you and me this day” (Genesis 31:48). The mound marked a boundary neither man would cross to harm the other and established conditions for future interaction with Jacob’s wives and children. The Covenant at Mizpah Galʿed was part of a dual memorial: the heap (Galʿed) and the pillar (Mizpah, “Watchtower,” Genesis 31:49). Together they invited the omnipresent LORD to watch over the covenant when the two parties were absent from one another. The oath invoked “the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father” (Genesis 31:53), acknowledging divine oversight that transcended personal preference. A communal meal sealed the pact, highlighting fellowship built on accountability to God. Symbolism and Theology of Witness 1. Permanence: Stones endure; so should covenant faithfulness (cf. Isaiah 51:1). Connections to Later Scripture Galʿed anticipates other memorial stones: Each instance underscores that tangible memorials call future generations to remember God’s acts and their covenant obligations. Implications for Covenant Faithfulness • Family Relations: Galʿed safeguarded the welfare of Leah, Rachel, and their children, demonstrating that covenant law protects the vulnerable. Geographical and Archaeological Considerations The precise site lies in Gilead, likely along the Jabbok or Yarmuk tributaries east of the Jordan. While no definitive mound has been identified, numerous Bronze and Iron Age cairns dot the region, illustrating the cultural practice of boundary-heap construction. Lessons for Christian Ministry and Discipleship 1. Establish visible reminders of God’s faithfulness—rituals, testimonies, or physical tokens—to instruct coming generations (Psalm 78:5–7). Summary Galʿed stands as an ancient testament to truth, reconciliation, and divine supervision. Though mentioned only twice, its message resonates through Scripture: God Himself watches over covenants, judges deceit, and encourages His people to memorialize His faithful dealings for the blessing of future generations. Forms and Transliterations גַּלְעֵֽד׃ גלעד׃ gal‘êḏ gal·‘êḏ galEdLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 31:47 HEB: קָ֥רָא ל֖וֹ גַּלְעֵֽד׃ NAS: but Jacob called it Galeed. KJV: but Jacob called it Galeed. INT: Jacob called Galeed Genesis 31:48 2 Occurrences |
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