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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 31:52 This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-52.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/01_Gen_31_52.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:52 - Jacob's Covenant with Laban" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/31-52.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/31-52.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 52</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/31-51.htm" title="Genesis 31:51">◄</a> Genesis 31:52 <a href="/genesis/31-53.htm" title="Genesis 31:53">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/31.htm">New International Version</a> This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this heap to your side to harm you and that you will not go past this heap and pillar to my side to harm me. <a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> They stand between us as witnesses of our vows. I will never pass this pile of stones to harm you, and you must never pass these stones or this monument to harm me. <a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> This heap is a witness, and the pillar is a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and you will not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, to do harm. <a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me. <a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a> This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a> This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not pass beyond this heap to you, and you will not pass beyond this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> This heap is a witness, and the memorial stone is a witness, that I will not pass by this heap to you for harm, and you will not pass by this heap and this memorial stone to me, for harm. <a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220This heap is a witness, and the pillar is a witness, that I will not pass by this heap to you for harm, and you will not pass by this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “This heap is a witness, and the pillar is a witness, that I will not pass by this heap to you for harm, and you will not pass by this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. <a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> This heap is a witness, and the pillar is a witness, that I will not pass by this heap to you for harm, and you will not pass by this heap and this pillar to me for harm. <a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not pass by this mound to harm you, and that you will not pass by this mound and this pillar to harm me. <a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This mound is a witness and the marker is a witness that I will not pass beyond this mound to you, and you will not pass beyond this mound and this marker to do me harm. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This mound is a witness and the marker is a witness that I will not pass beyond this mound to you, and you will not pass beyond this mound and this marker to do me harm. <a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> This heap be witness, and the pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. <a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> This heap be witness, and the pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. <a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This pile of stones and this marker stand as witnesses that I will not go past the pile of stones to harm you, and that you will not go past the pile of stones or marker to harm me. <a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> Both this pile and this memorial stone are reminders. I will never go beyond this pile to attack you, and you must never go beyond it or beyond this memorial stone to attack me. <a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> This stack is a witness, and so is this pillar, reminding me not to cross beyond this stack of stones, and reminding you not to pass by this stack in my direction, intending to cause harm. <a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me. <a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a> "This pile of stones and the pillar are reminders that I will not pass beyond this pile to come to harm you and that you will not pass beyond this pile and this pillar to come to harm me. <a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> May this mound be a witness, and the standing-stone be a witness, that I will not pass over this mound to you, and that you will not pass over this mound and this standing-stone to me, to do harm. <a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. <a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a> May this heap be a witness, and the pillar be a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and that you will not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> this heap [is] witness, and the standing pillar [is] witness, that I do not pass over this heap to you, and that you do not pass over this heap and this standing pillar to me—for evil; <a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> this heap is witness, and the standing pillar is witness, that I do not pass over this heap unto thee, and that thou dost not pass over this heap and this standing pillar unto me -- for evil; <a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> A witness this heap, and a witness the pillar, if I will not pass over this heap to thee, and thou shalt not pass over to me, this heap and this pillar for evil.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Shall be a witness: this heap, I say, and the stone, be they for a testimony, if either I shall pass beyond it going towards thee, or thou shalt pass beyond it, thinking harm to me. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> will be a witness. This tomb,” I say, “and the stone, they are for testimony, in case either I cross beyond it going toward you, or you cross beyond it thinking to harm me. <a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a> This mound will be a witness, and this sacred pillar will be a witness, that, with hostile intent, I may not pass beyond this mound into your territory, nor may you pass beyond it into mine. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> This heap is a witness, and the pillar is a witness, that I will not pass beyond this heap to you, and you will not pass beyond this heap and this pillar to me, for harm.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not pass over this pillar against you, and that you also shall not pass over this pillar against me or this heap for harm. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> This heap testifies and this monument is a witness that I shall not cross over this heap to you, also you will not pass over this heap and this monument for evil.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> This heap be witness, and the pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. <a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For if I should not cross over unto thee, neither shouldest thou cross over to me, for mischief beyond this heap and this pillar. <a href="/parallel/genesis/31-52.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=8000" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Jacob's Covenant with Laban</a> …51Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is the mound, and here is the pillar I have set up between you and me. 52<a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">This</a> <a href="/hebrew/1530.htm" title="1530: hag·gal (Art:: N-ms) -- A heap, wave, billow. From galal; something rolled, i.e. A heap of stone or dung, by analogy, a spring of water.">mound</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘êḏ (N-ms) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">is a witness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4676.htm" title="4676: ham·maṣ·ṣê·ḇāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A pillar, stump. Feminine participle of natsab; something stationed, i.e. A column or; by analogy, an idol.">and this pillar</a> <a href="/hebrew/5713.htm" title="5713: wə·‘ê·ḏāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Testimony, witness. Feminine of ed in its techn. Sense; testimony.">is a witness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ’e·‘ĕ·ḇōr (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">go past</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/1530.htm" title="1530: hag·gal (Art:: N-ms) -- A heap, wave, billow. From galal; something rolled, i.e. A heap of stone or dung, by analogy, a spring of water.">mound</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to harm you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">and you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ṯa·‘ă·ḇōr (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">go past</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1530.htm" title="1530: hag·gal (Art:: N-ms) -- A heap, wave, billow. From galal; something rolled, i.e. A heap of stone or dung, by analogy, a spring of water.">mound</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: haz·zōṯ (Art:: Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/4676.htm" title="4676: ham·maṣ·ṣê·ḇāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A pillar, stump. Feminine participle of natsab; something stationed, i.e. A column or; by analogy, an idol.">pillar</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: lə·rā·‘āh (Prep-l:: Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">to harm me.</a> 53May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/24-27.htm">Joshua 24:27</a> And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” <a href="/deuteronomy/31-19.htm">Deuteronomy 31:19-21</a> Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. / When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant. / And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.” <a href="/1_samuel/7-12.htm">1 Samuel 7:12</a> Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” <a href="/joshua/22-27.htm">Joshua 22:27-28</a> Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’ / Therefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’ <a href="/joshua/4-6.htm">Joshua 4:6-7</a> to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ / you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” <a href="/exodus/24-4.htm">Exodus 24:4</a> And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. <a href="/1_kings/18-31.htm">1 Kings 18:31-32</a> And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” / And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. <a href="/isaiah/19-19.htm">Isaiah 19:19-20</a> In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near her border. / It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them. <a href="/2_kings/17-34.htm">2 Kings 17:34</a> To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">2 Samuel 20:1</a> Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” <a href="/matthew/18-20.htm">Matthew 18:20</a> For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Hebrews 12:24</a> to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Ephesians 2:14</a> For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a> Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. <a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a> If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and that you shall not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, for harm.See on ver.<a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Genesis 31:44,45,48</a> Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/genesis/27-45.htm">Past</a> <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/genesis/24-42.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Side</a> <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/genesis/31-50.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/37-2.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/42-4.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/genesis/41-35.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/genesis/32-31.htm">Past</a> <a href="/genesis/35-14.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/genesis/35-21.htm">Side</a> <a href="/genesis/35-14.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/exodus/20-25.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/exodus/4-8.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 31</div>1. <a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.</a> 19. <a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Rachel steals her father's household gods.</a> 22. <a href="/genesis/31-22.htm">Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong.</a> 34. <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Rachel's plan to hide the images.</a> 36. <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Jacob's complaint of Laban.</a> 43. <a href="/genesis/31-43.htm">The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>This mound is a witness In ancient Near Eastern cultures, physical landmarks such as mounds or heaps of stones were often used as witnesses to covenants or agreements. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, where altars or stone heaps serve as memorials or witnesses to significant events (e.g., <a href="/joshua/4-5.htm">Joshua 4:5-7</a>). The mound here symbolizes a boundary and a testimony to the agreement between Jacob and Laban, emphasizing the solemnity and binding nature of their covenant.and this pillar is a witness Pillars, like mounds, were also used as markers or memorials. In <a href="/genesis/28-18.htm">Genesis 28:18</a>, Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel after his dream of the ladder reaching to heaven, signifying a sacred encounter with God. The pillar in <a href="/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52</a> serves a similar purpose, marking the spot of a covenant and acting as a perpetual reminder of the agreement. It underscores the importance of physical symbols in ancient covenants, which were meant to be visible and enduring.that I will not go past this mound to harm you This phrase highlights the mutual non-aggression pact between Jacob and Laban. In the context of the narrative, Jacob is returning to Canaan after years of service to Laban, and tensions have arisen between them. The agreement to not cross the mound to harm each other is a practical solution to ensure peace and safety. It reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking peace and resolving conflicts, as seen in <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>, where peacemakers are called blessed.and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me The repetition of the boundary condition for both parties emphasizes fairness and mutual respect in the agreement. It reflects the biblical principle of treating others as one would like to be treated, akin to the Golden Rule found in <a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a>. This mutual commitment to non-aggression is a testament to the importance of boundaries and respect in relationships, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, including in the teachings of Jesus about loving one's neighbor.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> The grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother of Esau. He is a central figure in this passage, having fled from his uncle Laban with his family and possessions. 2. <a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a> Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, who pursued Jacob after he left Haran. Laban and Jacob make a covenant at this point in the account. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mizpah.htm">Mizpah</a> The location where Jacob and Laban set up a heap of stones as a witness to their covenant. The name Mizpah means "watchtower" in Hebrew. 4. <a href="/topical/h/heap_of_stones.htm">Heap of Stones</a> A physical marker and witness to the covenant between Jacob and Laban, symbolizing their agreement and mutual non-aggression pact. 5. <a href="/topical/p/pillar.htm">Pillar</a> Another physical marker set up by Jacob as part of the covenant, serving as a boundary and witness to their agreement.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_covenants.htm">The Importance of Covenants</a> Covenants are serious commitments that require integrity and faithfulness. Just as Jacob and Laban made a covenant, we are called to honor our commitments to God and others. <a href="/topical/p/physical_reminders_of_spiritual_commitments.htm">Physical Reminders of Spiritual Commitments</a> The heap and pillar served as physical reminders of the covenant. In our lives, we can use symbols or practices to remind us of our commitments to God and others. <a href="/topical/b/boundaries_in_relationships.htm">Boundaries in Relationships</a> The agreement between Jacob and Laban included setting boundaries. Healthy relationships often require clear boundaries to maintain peace and respect. <a href="/topical/g/god_as_witness.htm">God as Witness</a> The passage emphasizes that God is a witness to our actions and agreements. We should live with the awareness that God sees and knows our hearts and intentions. <a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_peace.htm">Reconciliation and Peace</a> The resolution between Jacob and Laban highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation and living at peace with others, as encouraged throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 31</a> <a href="/q/why_no_laban_pursuit_in_genesis_33.htm">Why is there no mention of repercussions or pursuit from Laban, despite prior tensions, when Jacob meets Esau in Genesis 33? </a> <a href="/q/who_was_saint_eustace's_story.htm">When is it time to scatter or gather stones?</a> <a href="/q/does_genesis_31_45-49_fit_ancient_rituals.htm">In Genesis 31:45-49, what evidence confirms or challenges the historical reliability of the Mizpah covenant, and does its ritual element fit known ancient Near Eastern practices?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_concept_of_veggietales.htm">Will the Lord watch between you and me?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-52.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>This הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that mound הַגַּ֣ל (hag·gal) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1530.htm">Strong's 1530: </a> Something rolled, a heap of stone, dung, a spring of water is a witness, עֵ֚ד (‘êḏ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince and this pillar הַמַּצֵּבָ֑ה (ham·maṣ·ṣê·ḇāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4676.htm">Strong's 4676: </a> Something stationed, a column, an idol is a witness, וְעֵדָ֖ה (wə·‘ê·ḏāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5713.htm">Strong's 5713: </a> Testimony, witness that אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not I אָ֗נִי (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I will not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no go past אֶֽעֱבֹ֤ר (’e·‘ĕ·ḇōr) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on this הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that mound הַגַּ֣ל (hag·gal) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1530.htm">Strong's 1530: </a> Something rolled, a heap of stone, dung, a spring of water to harm you, אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to and you אַ֠תָּה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you will not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no go past תַעֲבֹ֨ר (ṯa·‘ă·ḇōr) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on this הַזֶּ֛ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that mound הַגַּ֥ל (hag·gal) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1530.htm">Strong's 1530: </a> Something rolled, a heap of stone, dung, a spring of water and הַזֹּ֖את (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, pillar הַמַּצֵּבָ֥ה (ham·maṣ·ṣê·ḇāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4676.htm">Strong's 4676: </a> Something stationed, a column, an idol to harm me. לְרָעָֽה׃ (lə·rā·‘āh) Preposition-l | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/31-52.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:52 May this heap be a witness (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-51.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:51"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:51" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-53.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:53"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:53" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>