Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Jegar-saha-dutha is an Aramaic term meaning "Heap of Witness." It is the name given by Laban, a key figure in the Old Testament, to a heap of stones that served as a witness to a covenant between him and Jacob. This term is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks a pivotal moment of reconciliation and agreement between the two men. Biblical Context: The account of Jegar-saha-dutha is found in Genesis 31. Jacob, having served Laban for many years, decides to return to his homeland with his family and possessions. Laban pursues Jacob, leading to a confrontation. However, after a divine warning to Laban in a dream, the two men come to an understanding. They agree to a covenant, setting up a heap of stones as a witness to their agreement. Laban names this heap Jegar-saha-dutha, while Jacob calls it Galeed, which is Hebrew for the same meaning, "Heap of Witness." Scriptural Reference: Genesis 31:47 : "Laban named it Jegar-saha-dutha, but Jacob called it Galeed." Theological Significance: Jegar-saha-dutha represents a moment of peace and resolution in a narrative filled with tension and conflict. It underscores the importance of covenants in biblical theology, serving as a physical reminder of promises made before God. The dual naming of the site, with Laban using Aramaic and Jacob using Hebrew, highlights the cultural and linguistic diversity present in the biblical world, as well as the shared understanding of the covenant's significance. Historical and Cultural Insights: The use of Aramaic by Laban reflects the linguistic environment of the ancient Near East, where Aramaic was a common language of communication. This detail provides insight into the historical context of the patriarchal narratives, illustrating the interactions between different peoples and cultures. Related Themes and Concepts: · Covenant: Jegar-saha-dutha is a testament to the biblical theme of covenant-making, a recurring motif throughout Scripture that emphasizes God's faithfulness and the importance of human commitments. · Reconciliation: The event at Jegar-saha-dutha is a powerful example of reconciliation, demonstrating how conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and mutual agreement. · Witness: The heap of stones serves as a witness, a common biblical motif where physical objects or landmarks are used to memorialize significant events or agreements. Cross-References: · Galeed: The Hebrew equivalent of Jegar-saha-dutha, also meaning "Heap of Witness." · Mizpah: Another name associated with the covenant between Jacob and Laban, meaning "watchtower," symbolizing God's watchful presence over the agreement (Genesis 31:49). Application for Believers: The account of Jegar-saha-dutha encourages believers to seek reconciliation and uphold their commitments. It serves as a reminder of the importance of making and honoring covenants, both with God and with others, and the role of tangible reminders in maintaining faithfulness to those commitments. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JEGAR-SAHA-DUTHAje-gar-sa-ha-du'-tha (yeghar sahadhutha'; Septuagint Bounos marturei, "(the) mound witnesses"): The name given by the Aramean, Laban, to the "cairn of witness," called by Jacob GALEED (which see) (Genesis 31:47). The rest of the second part of this name appears again in Job 16:19, where sahadhi, should be rendered with the Revised Version (British and American), "he that voucheth for me," i.e. "my witness." Thesaurus Jegarsahadutha (1 Occurrence)... qv). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JEGAR-SAHA-DUTHA. je ... witness.". Multi-Version Concordance Jegarsahadutha (1 Occurrence). Genesis ... /j/jegarsahadutha.htm - 7k Jegar-saha-dutha (1 Occurrence) Jegar-sahadutha (1 Occurrence) Jehaleleel (1 Occurrence) Je'gar-sahadu'tha (1 Occurrence) Jegar (1 Occurrence) Laban (52 Occurrences) Resources What is the importance of Mizpah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Jegar-saha-dutha (1 Occurrence)Genesis 31:47 Subtopics Related Terms Jegar-saha-dutha (1 Occurrence) Jegar-sahadutha (1 Occurrence) |
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