CINXE.COM

<!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 31:46 and he said to his relatives, "Gather some stones." So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-46.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/01_Gen_31_46.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:46 - Jacob's Covenant with Laban" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and he said to his relatives, Gather some stones. So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate." /><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/31-46.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/31-46.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 46</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="/ad6.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/31-45.htm" title="Genesis 31:45">◄</a> Genesis 31:46 <a href="/genesis/31-47.htm" title="Genesis 31:47">►</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> He said to his relatives, &#8220Gather some stones.&#8221 So they took stones and piled them in a heap, and they ate there by the heap. <a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then he told his family members, “Gather some stones.” So they gathered stones and piled them in a heap. Then Jacob and Laban sat down beside the pile of stones to eat a covenant meal. <a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Jacob said to his kinsmen, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. <a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. <a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a> And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Jacob said to his brethren, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there on the heap. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Jacob said to his relatives, “Gather stones.” So they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. <a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> Jacob said to his kinsmen, &#8220Gather stones.&#8221 So they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Jacob said to his kinsmen, “Gather stones.” So they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. <a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Jacob said to his relatives, “Gather stones.” So they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. <a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Jacob said to his relatives, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a mound [of stones], and they ate [a ceremonial meal together] there on the mound [of stones]. <a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Jacob said to his relatives, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a mound, then ate there by the mound. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Jacob said to his relatives, &#8220Gather stones.&#8221 And they took stones and made a mound, then ate there by the mound. <a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made a heap: and they did eat there by the heap. <a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> he told his men to get some more rocks and pile them up next to it. Then Jacob and Laban ate a meal together beside the rocks. <a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there by the heap. <a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Jacob said to his relatives, "Gather some stones." They took stones, put them into a pile, and ate there by the pile of stones. <a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> He told his men to gather some rocks and pile them up. Then they ate a meal beside the pile of rocks. <a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Jacob told his relatives, "Go gather some stones." So they picked up stones and stacked them one on top of the other. Then they had a meal together there by the stack of stones. <a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and he said to his relatives, ?Gather some stones.? So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. <a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a> Then he said to his relatives, "Gather stones." So they brought stones and put them in a pile. They ate there by the pile of stones. <a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Jacob said to his relatives, "Gather stones."So they took stones and made a mound. They ate there by the mound. <a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Jacob said to his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made a heap: and they ate there upon the heap. <a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a> Jacob said to his relatives, “Gather stones.” They took stones, and made a heap. They ate there by the heap. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Jacob says to his brothers, “Gather stones,” and they take stones, and make a heap; and they eat there on the heap; <a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Jacob saith to his brethren, 'Gather stones,' and they take stones, and make a heap; and they eat there on the heap; <a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jacob will say to his brethren, Gather stones; and they will take stones and make a heap; and they will eat there upon the heap.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said to his brethren: Bring hither stones. And they gathering stones together, made a heap, and they ate upon it. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to his brothers, “Bring stones.” And they, gathering together stones, made a tomb, and they ate upon it. <a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a> Jacob said to his kinsmen, “Gather stones.” So they got stones and made a mound; and they ate there at the mound. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Jacob said to his kinsfolk, “Gather stones,” and they took stones, and made a heap; and they ate there by the heap.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Jacob said to his brethren. Gather stones; and they took stones, and made a heap; and they did eat there upon the heap. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yaquuv told his brothers to gather stones, and they took stones and they made a mound, and they ate there on the mound.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Jacob said unto his brethren: 'Gather stones'; and they took stones, and made a heap. And they did eat there by the heap. <a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Jacob said to his brethren, Gather stones; and they gathered stones and made a heap, and ate there upon the heap; and Laban said to him, This heap witnesses between me and thee to-day. <a href="/parallel/genesis/31-46.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=7952" 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> …45So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, 46<a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">and he</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: lə·’e·ḥāw (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">to his relatives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3950.htm" title="3950: liq·ṭū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To pick or gather up, glean. A primitive root; properly, to pick up, i.e. to gather; specifically, to glean.">“Gather</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’ă·ḇā·nîm (N-fp) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">some stones.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">So they took</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’ă·ḇā·nîm (N-fp) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">stones</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘ă·śū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and made</a> <a href="/hebrew/1530.htm" title="1530: ḡāl (N-ms) -- A heap, wave, billow. From galal; something rolled, i.e. A heap of stone or dung, by analogy, a spring of water.">a mound,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">and there</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">by</a> <a href="/hebrew/1530.htm" title="1530: hag·gāl (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.">the mound</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: way·yō·ḵə·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">they ate.</a> 47Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed.…<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/24-26.htm">Joshua 24:26-27</a> Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD. / 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="/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="/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="/deuteronomy/27-2.htm">Deuteronomy 27:2-4</a> And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. / Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. / And when you have crossed the Jordan, you are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I am commanding you today, and you are to coat them with plaster. <a href="/joshua/4-3.htm">Joshua 4:3-9</a> and command them: ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests were standing, carry them with you, and set them down in the place where you spend the night.’” / So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, / and said to them, “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the 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="/2_kings/3-19.htm">2 Kings 3:19</a> And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.” <a href="/hosea/12-4.htm">Hosea 12:4</a> Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there— <a href="/judges/6-20.htm">Judges 6:20</a> And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. <a href="/1_samuel/15-12.htm">1 Samuel 15:12</a> Early in the morning Samuel got up to confront Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel, and behold, he has set up a monument for himself and has turned and gone down to Gilgal.” <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42</a> Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? <a href="/mark/12-10.htm">Mark 12:10</a> Have you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. <a href="/luke/20-17.htm">Luke 20:17</a> But Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11</a> This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Romans 9:33</a> as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Jacob said to his brothers, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there on the heap.brethren.<a href="/genesis/31-23.htm">Genesis 31:23,32,37,54</a> And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead… Gather.<a href="/joshua/4-5.htm">Joshua 4:5-9,20-24</a> And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: … <a href="/joshua/7-26.htm">Joshua 7:26</a> And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.<a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">2 Samuel 18:17</a> And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.an heap.<a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Genesis 4:5</a> But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.<a href="/genesis/2-1.htm">Genesis 2:1</a> Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.<a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a> In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.<a href="/1_samuel/7-16.htm">1 Samuel 7:16</a> And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.<a href="/1_samuel/10-8.htm">1 Samuel 10:8</a> And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.<a href="/1_samuel/10-17.htm">1 Samuel 10:17</a> And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;<a href="/1_samuel/19-15.htm">1 Samuel 19:15</a> And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.<a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">1 Samuel 2:1</a> And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/27-33.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/genesis/28-20.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/genesis/29-7.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-4.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/genesis/31-45.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/genesis/27-31.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/genesis/22-9.htm">Piled</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/genesis/28-11.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/genesis/31-18.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/genesis/34-30.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/genesis/31-48.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/genesis/31-47.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/exodus/8-14.htm">Piled</a> <a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/genesis/31-48.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/genesis/33-12.htm">Together</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>and he said to his relatives, Jacob is the speaker here, addressing his relatives. This moment occurs during his departure from Laban, his father-in-law, after years of service. The term "relatives" refers to his family and servants who accompanied him. This reflects the patriarchal family structure common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where extended family units were integral to social and economic life.“Gather some stones.” The act of gathering stones is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a covenant or memorial. Stones were used to mark important events or agreements, as seen in <a href="/joshua/4-20.htm">Joshua 4:20-24</a>, where stones were set up as a memorial of crossing the Jordan River. Here, the stones serve as a witness to the covenant between Jacob and Laban, emphasizing the importance of physical symbols in ancient agreements.So they took stones and made a mound, The creation of a mound, or heap of stones, is a common practice in ancient times for marking significant locations or events. This mound, called "Galeed" by Laban and "Jegar-sahadutha" in Aramaic, serves as a witness to the covenant between Jacob and Laban. Such mounds were often used as boundary markers or memorials, as seen in other biblical accounts like <a href="/genesis/28-18.htm">Genesis 28:18</a>, where Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel.and there by the mound they ate. Sharing a meal by the mound signifies the sealing of the covenant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, eating together was a sign of fellowship and agreement. This act of communal eating is reminiscent of other biblical covenants, such as the meal shared by Moses, Aaron, and the elders of Israel in <a href="/exodus/24-9.htm">Exodus 24:9-11</a>. It underscores the solemnity and binding nature of the agreement between Jacob and Laban.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> The grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and father of the twelve tribes of Israel. In this passage, he is in the process of making a covenant with Laban, his father-in-law. 2. <a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a> Jacob's father-in-law, who pursued Jacob after he left Haran with his family and possessions. Laban and Jacob have a complex relationship marked by mutual distrust and manipulation. 3. <a href="/topical/r/relatives.htm">Relatives</a> Refers to Jacob's family and servants who are with him on his journey back to Canaan. They assist in gathering stones for the covenant. 4. <a href="/topical/h/heap_of_stones.htm">Heap of Stones</a> A physical marker of the covenant between Jacob and Laban. In ancient times, such heaps were often used as witnesses to agreements or covenants. 5. <a href="/topical/c/covenant_meal.htm">Covenant Meal</a> The act of eating by the heap signifies the sealing of the covenant. Sharing a meal was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures to confirm agreements.<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 clear terms and witnesses. In our lives, we should honor our commitments and be clear in our agreements with others. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_stones.htm">Symbolism of Stones</a> Stones in the Bible often symbolize strength, permanence, and witness. Consider what "stones" or memorials you have in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness and your commitments. <a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a> Jacob and Laban's covenant was a way to resolve conflict and establish peace. In our relationships, we should seek ways to resolve disputes and live at peace with others. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a> Jacob involved his relatives in gathering stones, showing the importance of community in establishing and witnessing covenants. We should involve our community in significant life decisions and commitments.<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/does_joshua_7_26_match_historical_records.htm">Does the aftermath in Joshua 7 (especially verse 26) align with known historical or cultural records of that era?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_dead_sea's_biblical_role.htm">What is Mizpah's significance in the Bible?</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/exodus_31_18__how_can_god_write_physically.htm">Exodus 31:18 - Does the description of God literally writing the tablets 'with His finger' conflict with the idea of a non-physical deity, and how can this be explained logically?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 46. - And Jacob said unto his brethren, - Laban's kinsmen and his own (vide ver. 37) - Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: - Gal, from Galal, to roll, to move in a circle, probably signified a circular cairn, to be used not as a seat (Gerlach), but as an altar (ver. 54), a witness (ver. 48), and a table (ver. 54), since it is added - and they did eat there - not immediately (Lange), but afterwards, on the conclusion of the covenant (ver. 54) - upon the heap. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-46.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>and [he] יַעֲקֹ֤ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to his relatives, לְאֶחָיו֙ (lə·’e·ḥāw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) “Gather לִקְט֣וּ (liq·ṭū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3950.htm">Strong's 3950: </a> To pick up, to gather, to glean [some] stones.” אֲבָנִ֔ים (’ă·ḇā·nîm) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> A stone So they took וַיִּקְח֥וּ (way·yiq·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take stones אֲבָנִ֖ים (’ă·ḇā·nîm) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> A stone and made וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ־ (way·ya·‘ă·śū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make a mound, גָ֑ל (ḡāl) 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 there שָׁ֖ם (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither by עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the mound הַגָּֽל׃ (hag·gāl) 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 they ate. וַיֹּ֥אכְלוּ (way·yō·ḵə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/31-46.htm">Genesis 31:46 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/31-46.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:46 Jacob said to his relatives Gather stones (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-45.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:45"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:45" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-47.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:47"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:47" /></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>