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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 31:53 May 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-53.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/01_Gen_31_53.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:53 - Jacob's Covenant with Laban" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us. 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And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a> The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.&#8221 So Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “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. <a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the dread of his father Isaac. <a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The God of Abraham [your father] and the God of Nahor [my father], and the god [the image of worship] of their father [Terah, an idolater], judge between us.” But Jacob swore [only] by [the one true God] the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The God of Abraham, and the gods of Nahor—the gods of their father —will judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The God of Abraham, and the gods of Nahor—the gods of their father—will judge between us.&#8221 And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My father Nahor, your grandfather Abraham, and their ancestors all worshiped the same God, and he will make sure that we each keep the agreement. Then Jacob made a promise in the name of the fearsome God his father Isaac had worshiped. <a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> May the God of Abraham and Nahor-the God of their father-judge between us." So Jacob swore this oath by the Fear of his father Isaac <a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor will judge between us." Then, in the name of the God whom his father Isaac worshiped, Jacob solemnly vowed to keep this promise. <a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> May Abraham's God and Nahor's god judge between us." So Jacob made an oath by his father's Fear, <a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> May 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. <a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a> May the God of Abraham and the god of Nahor, the gods of their father, judge between us." Jacob took an oath by the God whom his father Isaac feared. <a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us. "Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a> The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father, Isaac. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, judges between us—the God of their father,” and Jacob swears by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, doth judge between us -- the God of their father,' and Jacob sweareth by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor shall judge between us, the God of their father: and Jacob will swear by the fear of his father Isaak.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The God of Abraham, and the God of Nachor, the God of their father, judge between us. And jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> May the God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” Therefore, Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a> May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us!” Jacob took the oath by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> May 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="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor and the God of our forefathers judge between us. And Jacob swore by the reverence of his father Isaac. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The God of Abraham, the God of Nakhor, the God of our fathers will judge between us”; and Yaquuv swore in the awe of his father Isaaq.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us.' And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> The God of Abraam and the God of Nachor judge between us; and Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/parallel/genesis/31-53.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=8012" 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> …52This 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. 53<a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">May the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">of Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: wê·lō·hê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">and the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5152.htm" title="5152: nā·ḥō·wr (N-proper-ms) -- From the same as nachar; snorer; Nochor, the name of the grandfather and a brother of Abraham.">of Nahor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇî·hem (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of their father,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: yiš·pə·ṭū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To judge, govern. ">judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ḇê·nê·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- An interval, space between. ">between us.”</a> <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.">So Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">swore</a> <a href="/hebrew/6343.htm" title="6343: bə·p̄a·ḥaḏ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Dread. From pachad; a alarm.">by the Fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of his father</a> <a href="/hebrew/3327.htm" title="3327: yiṣ·ḥāq (N-proper-ms) -- He laughs, son of Abraham and Sarah. From tsachaq; laughter; Jitschak, son of Abraham.">Isaac.</a> 54Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.…<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="/genesis/28-13.htm">Genesis 28:13</a> And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23-24</a> Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” / And Abraham replied, “I swear it.” <a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Genesis 26:28-31</a> “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you / that you will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you but have done only good to you, sending you on your way in peace. And now you are blessed by the LORD.” / So Isaac prepared a feast for them, and they ate and drank. ... <a href="/exodus/3-6.htm">Exodus 3:6</a> Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. <a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a> Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. <a href="/joshua/24-2.htm">Joshua 24:2-3</a> And Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your fathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates and worshiped other gods. / But I took your father Abraham from beyond the Euphrates and led him through all the land of Canaan, and I multiplied his descendants. I gave him Isaac, <a href="/joshua/24-14.htm">Joshua 24:14-15</a> Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. / But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” <a href="/1_samuel/20-42.htm">1 Samuel 20:42</a> And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. <a href="/1_kings/18-36.htm">1 Kings 18:36</a> At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. <a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Psalm 50:6</a> And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah <a href="/psalms/96-13.htm">Psalm 96:13</a> before the LORD, for He is coming—He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness. <a href="/isaiah/54-5.htm">Isaiah 54:5</a> For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth. <a href="/jeremiah/31-1.htm">Jeremiah 31:1</a> “At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be My people.” <a href="/malachi/2-10.htm">Malachi 2:10</a> Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why then do we break faith with one another so as to profane the covenant of our fathers? <a href="/matthew/22-32.htm">Matthew 22:32</a> ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us. And Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac.God of Abraham.<a href="/genesis/11-24.htm">Genesis 11:24-29,31</a> And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah: … <a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7</a> And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.<a href="/genesis/22-20.htm">Genesis 22:20-24</a> And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor; … their father.<a href="/joshua/24-2.htm">Joshua 24:2</a> And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.judge.<a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Genesis 16:5</a> And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.sware.<a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Genesis 14:22</a> And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,<a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23,24</a> Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned… <a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3</a> And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:fear.<a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Genesis 31:42</a> Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.<a href="/deuteronomy/6-13.htm">Deuteronomy 6:13</a> Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm">Betwixt</a> <a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/genesis/29-5.htm">Nahor</a> <a href="/genesis/31-13.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/genesis/26-31.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/genesis/25-33.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/genesis/26-31.htm">Swore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/32-16.htm">Betwixt</a> <a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/49-16.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/joshua/24-2.htm">Nahor</a> <a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/genesis/47-31.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/genesis/47-31.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/genesis/47-31.htm">Swore</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>May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us. This phrase highlights the invocation of God as a witness to the covenant between Jacob and Laban. The mention of "the God of Abraham" connects to the Abrahamic covenant, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the patriarchal lineage. Abraham is a central figure in biblical history, known for his faith and obedience to God, which established the foundation for the Israelite nation. "The God of Nahor" refers to Abraham's brother, suggesting a shared familial deity, which may reflect the broader Mesopotamian context where multiple gods were acknowledged, but here it emphasizes a singular divine authority. The phrase "the God of their father" underscores the ancestral faith and the continuity of worship from one generation to the next. This invocation serves as a solemn appeal to divine justice, reflecting the cultural practice of calling upon a higher power to witness and enforce agreements.So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. Jacob's oath "by the Fear of his father Isaac" is significant in its unique reference to God. The term "Fear" (Hebrew: Pachad) is a reverential term for God, indicating awe and respect. This reflects Isaac's relationship with God, characterized by reverence and submission. The use of "Fear" as a title for God is rare, highlighting the deep respect Isaac had for the divine. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). By swearing in this manner, Jacob aligns himself with his father's faith, demonstrating continuity in the worship of the one true God. This act of swearing by the "Fear of Isaac" also serves as a type of Christ, as Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the patriarchal promises and the embodiment of reverence and obedience to God.<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 chapter, 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 in this chapter. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. He is referenced as part of the oath. 4. <a href="/topical/n/nahor.htm">Nahor</a> Abraham's brother, mentioned here to emphasize the shared ancestry and the God they both worshiped. 5. <a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a> Jacob's father, whose reverence for God is highlighted by Jacob swearing by "the Fear of his father Isaac." 6. <a href="/topical/h/haran.htm">Haran</a> The place where Laban lived and where Jacob had spent many years working for Laban. 7. <a href="/topical/m/mizpah.htm">Mizpah</a> The location where Jacob and Laban made their covenant, marked by a heap of stones as a witness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_covenants.htm">The Importance of Covenants</a> Covenants in the Bible are serious commitments before God. Jacob and Laban's covenant reminds us of the importance of keeping our promises and seeking God's guidance in our agreements. <a href="/topical/g/god_as_judge.htm">God as Judge</a> The invocation of God as a judge between Jacob and Laban underscores the belief in God's ultimate authority and justice. We should live with the awareness that God sees and judges our actions. <a href="/topical/f/fear_of_the_lord.htm">Fear of the Lord</a> Jacob swearing by "the Fear of his father Isaac" highlights the reverence and awe we should have for God. This fear is not terror but a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's holiness. <a href="/topical/f/family_and_faith_heritage.htm">Family and Faith Heritage</a> The reference to the God of Abraham and Nahor emphasizes the importance of a shared faith heritage. We should strive to pass down our faith to future generations. <a href="/topical/r/resolving_conflicts.htm">Resolving Conflicts</a> Jacob and Laban's resolution of their conflict through a covenant teaches us the value of seeking peaceful resolutions and the role of God in mediating disputes.<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/are_jews_granted_salvation.htm">Are Jews granted salvation?</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/how_does_gen_22_align_with_deut_12_31.htm">How does Genesis 22 align with later scriptures condemning human sacrifice (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:31)?</a> <a href="/q/did_god_order_human_sacrifice.htm">Did God command human sacrifice? (Genesis 22:2 vs. Deuteronomy 12:31)</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>(53) Judge.--The verb is plural, "be he judges," and as Laban thus joins the name Elohim with a verb plural, it seems as if he regarded Abraham's Elohim as different from the Elohim of Nahor. We ought, therefore, to translate the gods of their father. Apparently, he thought that Abraham took one of Terah's Elohim, and Nahor another. His views were thus polytheistic and so, generally, the ancients regarded the gods as local beings, with powers limited to certain districts. Jacob swears by the one Being who was the sole object of Isaac's worship. (See Note on <a href="/genesis/20-13.htm" title="And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, This is your kindness which you shall show to me; at every place where we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.">Genesis 20:13</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-53.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>May the God אֱלֹהֵ֨י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Abraham אַבְרָהָ֜ם (’aḇ·rā·hām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation and the God וֵֽאלֹהֵ֤י (wê·lō·hê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Nahor, נָחוֹר֙ (nā·ḥō·wr) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5152.htm">Strong's 5152: </a> Nochor the God אֱלֹהֵ֖י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of their father, אֲבִיהֶ֑ם (’ă·ḇî·hem) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father judge יִשְׁפְּט֣וּ (yiš·pə·ṭū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate between us.” בֵינֵ֔ינוּ (ḇê·nê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between So Jacob יַעֲקֹ֔ב (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 swore וַיִּשָּׁבַ֣ע (way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> To seven oneself, swear by the One feared בְּפַ֖חַד (bə·p̄a·ḥaḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6343.htm">Strong's 6343: </a> A, alarm by his father אָבִ֥יו (’ā·ḇîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father Isaac. יִצְחָֽק׃ (yiṣ·ḥāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3327.htm">Strong's 3327: </a> Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/31-53.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:53 The God of Abraham and the God (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-52.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:52"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:52" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-54.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:54"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:54" /></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>