Definition and Meaning:
Jegarsahadutha is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Genesis. It is an Aramaic name meaning "Heap of Witness." This term is significant in the context of a covenant or agreement, serving as a physical reminder of a pact made between two parties.

Biblical Reference:
The term Jegarsahadutha appears in Genesis 31:47. This passage recounts the account of Jacob and Laban, where they set up a heap of stones as a witness to the covenant they made. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as follows: "Laban called it Jegarsahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed."

Context and Background:
The narrative of Jacob and Laban is a pivotal moment in the Genesis account. 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. To resolve their differences and ensure peace, they agree to a covenant. The heap of stones they erect serves as a witness to this agreement, symbolizing their mutual commitment to not harm one another.

Cultural and Linguistic Notes:
Jegarsahadutha is an Aramaic term, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the ancient Near East. Aramaic was a common language in the region, and its use here highlights the cultural interactions between different groups. Jacob, on the other hand, names the heap Galeed, which is Hebrew for "Heap of Witness." This dual naming underscores the shared yet distinct cultural identities of Jacob and Laban.

Theological Significance:
The use of Jegarsahadutha in the biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of covenants in the biblical tradition. Covenants are central to the relationship between God and His people, as well as between individuals. The physical marker of the heap of stones serves as a tangible reminder of the promises made, reflecting the biblical theme of accountability and faithfulness.

Related Concepts:
· Covenant: A solemn agreement or promise, often involving commitments and obligations. In the Bible, covenants are foundational to God's relationship with humanity.
· Witness: In biblical terms, a witness serves as a testimony to an event or agreement, often involving a physical sign or marker.
· Aramaic Language: A Semitic language closely related to Hebrew, widely used in the ancient Near East.

Cross-References:
· Genesis 31:48-49 : "Laban said, 'This heap is a witness between you and me today.' Therefore it was named Galeed, and also Mizpah, because he said, 'May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.'"
· Joshua 24:27 : "And Joshua said to all the people, 'Behold, this stone will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us. So it will be a witness against you, lest you deny your God.'"

Historical and Archaeological Insights:
While there is no direct archaeological evidence for Jegarsahadutha itself, the practice of erecting stone heaps as memorials or witnesses is well-documented in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Such practices underscore the importance of physical symbols in ancient agreements and religious observances.Jegarsahadutha

(heap of testimony), the Aramaean name given by Laban the Syrian to the heap of stones which he erected as a memorial of the compact between Jacob and himself. (Genesis 31:47) Galeed, a "witness heap," which is given as the Hebrew equivalent, does not exactly represent Jegar-sahadutha.

Pile of testimony, the Aramaic or Syriac name which Laban gave to the pile of stones erected as a memorial of the covenant between him and Jacob (Genesis 31:47), who, however, called it in Hebrew by an equivalent name, Galeed (q.v.). JEGAR-SAHA-DUTHA

je-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."

Jegarsahadutha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jegarsahadutha (1 Occurrence). Genesis 31:47 And Laban
called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed. (KJV). ...
/j/jegarsahadutha.htm - 7k

Jegar-sahadutha (1 Occurrence)
Jegar-sahadutha. Jegarsahadutha, Jegar-sahadutha. Je'gar-sahadu'tha . ... (BBE DBY
JPS WBS YLT NAS). Jegarsahadutha, Jegar-sahadutha. Je'gar-sahadu'tha . ...
/j/jegar-sahadutha.htm - 7k

Jegar (1 Occurrence)

/j/jegar.htm - 6k

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