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Genesis 31:49 It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, "May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.

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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />It was also called Mizpah, because he said, &#8220May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But it was also called Mizpah (which means &#8220;watchtower&#8221;), for Laban said, &#8220;May the LORD keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this covenant when we are out of each other&#8217;s sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said, &#8220;The LORD watch between you and me, when we are out of one another&#8217;s sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, &#8220;May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />also Mizpah, because he said, &#8220;May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent one from another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said, &#8220;May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said, &#8220May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said, &#8220;May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said, &#8220;May Yahweh watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and Mizpah (watchtower), for Laban said, &#8220;May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent from one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and also Mizpah, for he said, &#8220;May the LORD watch between you and me when we are out of each other&#8217;s sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and also Mizpah, for he said, &#8220May the LORD watch between you and me when we are out of each other&#8217s sight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said, Jehovah watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Laban also said, "This pile of rocks means that the LORD will watch us both while we are apart from each other." So the place was also named Mizpah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />and also Mizpah [Watchtower], because he said, "May the LORD watch between you and me when we're unable to see each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Laban also said, "May the LORD keep an eye on us while we are separated from each other." So the place was also named Mizpah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, "May the LORD watch between you and me, when we are estranged from each other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, ?May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It was also called Mizpah because he said, "May the LORD watch between us when we are out of sight of one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said, "God watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said, &#8220;Yahweh watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Mizpah also, for he said, &#8220;YHWH watches between me and you, for we are hidden from one another;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Mizpah also, for he said, 'Jehovah doth watch between me and thee, for we are hidden one from another;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And watchtower: for he said Jehovah will watch between me and between thee when we shall be concealed a man from his Mend.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The Lord behold and judge between us when we shall be gone one from the other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />&#8220;May the Lord consider and judge between us, when we will have withdrawn from one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and also Mizpah, for he said: &#8220;May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are out of each other&#8217;s sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and the pillar Mizpah, for he said, &#8220;The LORD watch between you and me, when we are absent one from the other.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And a watchtower; for he said. Let the LORD watch between me and you, because we are parting one from another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Watchtower, for he said, &#8220;LORD JEHOVAH will watch between me and you, because we are parting, each man from his brother.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and Mizpah, for he said: 'The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the vision of which he said - Let God look to it between me and thee, because we are about to depart from each other, -<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/31-49.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=7975" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Jacob's Covenant with Laban</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">48</span>Then Laban declared, &#8220;This mound is a witness between you and me this day.&#8221; Therefore the place was called Galeed. <span class="reftext">49</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4709.htm" title="4709: w&#601;&#183;ham&#183;mi&#7779;&#183;p&#257;h (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The name of several places in Isr. Feminine of Mitspeh; Mitspah, the name of two places in Palestine.">It was also called Mizpah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: &#8217;a&#774;&#183;&#353;er (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: &#8217;&#257;&#183;mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Laban said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah&#183;weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">&#8220;May the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6822.htm" title="6822: yi&#183;&#7779;ep&#772; (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. To peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await.">keep watch</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: b&#234;&#183;n&#238; (Prep:: 1cs) -- An interval, space between. ">between you</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: &#363;&#183;&#7687;&#234;&#183;ne&#183;&#7733;&#257; (Conj-w:: Prep:: 2ms) -- An interval, space between. ">and me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: k&#238; (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/5641.htm" title="5641: nis&#183;s&#257;&#183;&#7791;&#234;r (V-Nifal-Imperf-1cp) -- To hide, conceal. A primitive root; to hide, literally or figuratively.">we are absent</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: m&#234;&#183;r&#234;&#183;&#8216;&#234;&#183;h&#363; (Prep-m:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">from each other.</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: &#8217;&#238;&#353; (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> </span><span class="reftext">50</span>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.&#8221;&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-42.htm">1 Samuel 20:42</a></span><br />And Jonathan said to David, &#8220;Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, &#8216;May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.&#8217;&#8221; Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/11-10.htm">Judges 11:10</a></span><br />And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, &#8220;The LORD is our witness if we do not do as you say.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/22-22.htm">Joshua 22:22-23</a></span><br />&#8220;The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today. / If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">1 Samuel 26:23-24</a></span><br />May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD&#8217;s anointed. / As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/121-8.htm">Psalm 121:8</a></span><br />The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Psalm 139:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Proverbs 15:3</a></span><br />The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-23.htm">Jeremiah 29:23</a></span><br />For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a></span><br />&#8220;Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,&#8221; says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-20.htm">Matthew 18:20</a></span><br />For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a></span><br />and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-2.htm">Luke 12:2-3</a></span><br />There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. / What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a></span><br />Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24</a></span><br />And they prayed, &#8220;Lord, You know everyone&#8217;s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another.</p><p class="hdg">Mizpah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/10-17.htm">Judges 10:17</a></b></br> Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/11-11.htm">Judges 11:11,29</a></b></br> Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh&#8230; </p><p class="hdg">Mizpeh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/7-5.htm">1 Samuel 7:5</a></b></br> And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/15-22.htm">1 Kings 15:22</a></b></br> Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none <i>was</i> exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/5-1.htm">Hosea 5:1</a></b></br> Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment <i>is</i> toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/2-5.htm">Absent</a> <a href="/genesis/11-7.htm">Another's</a> <a href="/genesis/6-13.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/hosea/5-1.htm">Mizpah</a> <a href="/genesis/31-45.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/revelation/20-3.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/genesis/30-31.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Absent</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Another's</a> <a href="/exodus/23-24.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/genesis/43-23.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/joshua/11-3.htm">Mizpah</a> <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/genesis/37-12.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Rachel steals her father's household gods.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-22.htm">Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Rachel's plan to hide the images.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Jacob's complaint of Laban.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">43. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-43.htm">The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/genesis/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>It was also called Mizpah</b><br>The term "Mizpah" means "watchtower" or "lookout" in Hebrew. This location is significant in biblical history as a place of covenant and witness. Mizpah is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often as a site of gathering or judgment (<a href="/judges/10-17.htm">Judges 10:17</a>, <a href="/1_samuel/7-5.htm">1 Samuel 7:5-6</a>). The naming of Mizpah here signifies a boundary and a place of divine oversight, emphasizing the solemnity of the agreement between Jacob and Laban.<p><b>because Laban said</b><br>Laban, Jacob's father-in-law, is a key figure in the narrative of Jacob's life. His statement here is part of a larger dialogue where he and Jacob establish a covenant. Laban's words reflect his concern for the future and the need for a divine witness to their agreement. This reflects the cultural practice of invoking God as a witness in covenants, which was common in ancient Near Eastern treaties.<p><b>&#8220;May the LORD keep watch between you and me</b><br>The invocation of the LORD (Yahweh) as a divine overseer highlights the seriousness of the covenant. In the ancient world, invoking a deity in agreements was a way to ensure accountability and truthfulness. The phrase suggests a mutual trust in God's omnipresence and justice, even when human eyes cannot see. This reflects the biblical theme of God's watchfulness and care over His people (<a href="/psalms/121-8.htm">Psalm 121:8</a>).<p><b>when we are absent from each other.</b><br>The physical separation between Jacob and Laban necessitated a divine witness to their covenant. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's presence transcending physical boundaries. The idea of God watching over His people, even in their absence from one another, is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a>, where Jesus promises to be with His followers always. This phrase underscores the enduring nature of divine oversight and the importance of faithfulness in relationships, even when apart.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother of Esau. He is a central figure in this account, having fled from his uncle Laban with his family and possessions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, who pursued Jacob after he left Haran. Laban and Jacob had a complex relationship marked by mutual distrust and manipulation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mizpah.htm">Mizpah</a></b><br>A location where Jacob and Laban made a covenant. The name means "watchtower" in Hebrew, symbolizing God's watchful presence over their agreement.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_covenant.htm">The Covenant</a></b><br>An agreement made between Jacob and Laban, marked by a heap of stones, serving as a witness to their promise not to harm each other.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant-keeping God of Israel, invoked by Jacob and Laban as a witness to their agreement, emphasizing His role as a divine overseer.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_omnipresence.htm">God's Omnipresence</a></b><br>Just as God was invoked to watch over Jacob and Laban, we can trust in His constant presence in our lives, especially in our relationships and commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_covenants.htm">The Importance of Covenants</a></b><br>Covenants are serious commitments before God. We should approach our promises and agreements with the same reverence and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>When we face conflicts or distrust, we can rely on God to be the ultimate judge and overseer, ensuring fairness and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_peace.htm">Reconciliation and Peace</a></b><br>Like Jacob and Laban, we should seek reconciliation and peace in our relationships, trusting God to guide and watch over our efforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_in_relationships.htm">Accountability in Relationships</a></b><br>The Mizpah covenant reminds us of the importance of accountability in our relationships, knowing that God is a witness to our actions and intentions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_mizpah's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is Mizpah's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/will_the_lord_watch_between_you_and_me.htm">Will the Lord watch between you and me?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_concept_of_veggietales.htm">Will the Lord watch between you and me?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_dead_sea's_biblical_role.htm">What is Mizpah's significance in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(49) <span class= "bld">Mizpah.</span>--That is, <span class= "ital">Watchtower. </span>There is, probably, a play in this name upon the pillar which Laban proceeds to set up, and which in Hebrew is <span class= "ital">Mazebah. </span>In the reason given for the name Labau calls Jacob's God <span class= "ital">Jehovah, </span>an appellation which he must have learned from Jacob. and which proves not merely that he had some knowledge of Hebrew but that he and Jacob had talked together upon religious subjects, and that he was not a mere idolater, though he did call the teraphim his gods.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-49.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and also Mizpah,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1492;&#1463;&#1502;&#1468;&#1460;&#1510;&#1456;&#1508;&#1468;&#1464;&#1492;&#1433;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;ham&#183;mi&#7779;&#183;p&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article &#124; Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4709.htm">Strong's 4709: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mizpah -- the name of several places in Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1458;&#1513;&#1473;&#1462;&#1443;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;a&#774;&#183;&#353;er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he said,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1464;&#1502;&#1463;&#1428;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#257;&#183;mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">&#8220;May the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1492;&#1493;&#1464;&#1430;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(Yah&#183;weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keep watch</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1460;&#1445;&#1510;&#1462;&#1507;</span> <span class="translit">(yi&#183;&#7779;ep&#772;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6822.htm">Strong's 6822: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between you</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1461;&#1497;&#1504;&#1460;&#1443;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#234;&#183;n&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition &#124; first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and me</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1468;&#1489;&#1461;&#1497;&#1504;&#1462;&#1425;&#1498;&#1464;</span> <span class="translit">(&#363;&#183;&#7687;&#234;&#183;ne&#183;&#7733;&#257;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Preposition &#124; second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1460;&#1445;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we are absent</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1504;&#1460;&#1505;&#1468;&#1464;&#1514;&#1461;&#1430;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(nis&#183;s&#257;&#183;&#7791;&#234;r)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5641.htm">Strong's 5641: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hide, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from one another.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1461;&#1512;&#1461;&#1506;&#1461;&#1469;&#1492;&#1493;&#1468;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#234;&#183;r&#234;&#183;&#8216;&#234;&#183;h&#363;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m &#124; Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/31-49.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah for he said Yahweh watch (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-48.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:48"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:48" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-50.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:50"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:50" /></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>

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