Genesis 31:49-55
The Message
48-50 Laban said, “This monument of stones will be a witness, beginning now, between you and me.” (That’s why it is called Galeed—Witness Monument.) It is also called Mizpah (Watchtower) because Laban said, “God keep watch between you and me when we are out of each other’s sight. If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives when there’s no one around to see you, God will see you and stand witness between us.”
51-53 Laban continued to Jacob, “This monument of stones and this stone pillar that I have set up is a witness, a witness that I won’t cross this line to hurt you and you won’t cross this line to hurt me. The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor (the God of their ancestor) will keep things straight between us.”
53-55 Jacob promised, swearing by the Fear, the God of his father Isaac. Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and worshiped, calling in all his family members to the meal. They ate and slept that night on the mountain. Laban got up early the next morning, kissed his grandchildren and his daughters, blessed them, and then set off for home.
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Genesis 31:49-51
New International Version
49 It was also called Mizpah,[a](A) because he said, “May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other. 50 If you mistreat(B) my daughters or if you take any wives besides my daughters, even though no one is with us, remember that God is a witness(C) between you and me.”(D)
51 Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is this heap,(E) and here is this pillar(F) I have set up between you and me.
Footnotes
- Genesis 31:49 Mizpah means watchtower.
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