Keraia
Genesis 31

Genesis 31:50

Jacob’s Covenant with Laban · Genesis 31:43–55
Read Genesis 31

Translations

Modern
If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”
Traditional
If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.
Literal
If you afflict my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no man is with us, see that God is witness between me and between you.”
Latin
…si afflixeris filias meas, et si introduxeris alias uxores super eas: nullus sermonis nostri testis est absque Deo, qui præsens respicit.

Original

Hebrew
English
If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”

Notes

Genesis 31:50–53

Laban added conditions to the treaty to try to justify himself. He used many words to hide his own dishonesty and make Jacob look unethical. He even claimed credit for the monument Jacob had built ("here is the pillar I have set up," 31:51). The women and children would be safer and better cared for with Jacob than they ever were with Laban.

Genesis 29:1–31:55

  • These chapters describe how God fulfilled his promise by greatly blessing Jacob with a family and possessions. God also disciplined Jacob, leaving him to struggle with Laban for many years. Laban was Jacob’s match in deception, and thus a means of correction.

  • The story of Jacob and Laban is similar to Israel's later stay in Egypt. Jacob struggled while serving his uncle but finally emerged with a large family (the founders of the 12 tribes) and great wealth. In Egypt, the Israelites suffered under their oppressors, but they also flourished, becoming a great nation of 12 large tribes and escaping with great riches.

Theme notes and profiles

Arameans Jacob Symbolic Numbers

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Laban (Person) Nathanael Nuzi, Nuzi Tablets Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Contracts by Erecting a Heap of Stones Covenant of Men with Men by a Monument Covenant: Jacob and Laban Covenants: Designed For: Mutual Protection Covenants: God often Called to Witness Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Stones: Memorial Pillars of