Genesis 31:47 Meaning and Explanation
“And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Laban names the heap in Aramaic; Jacob names it in Hebrew, both names meaning 'heap of witness.'
The Context of Genesis 31:47
Laban and Jacob name the stone heap differently but with the same meaning: 'heap of witness.'
What Does Genesis 31:47 Mean?
Laban, the Aramean, gives the pile an Aramaic name: Jegarsahadutha ('heap of witness'). Jacob, the Hebrew, gives it a Hebrew name: Galeed (also meaning 'heap of witness'). Both names preserve the same meaning despite their linguistic difference.
The dual naming is significant: it marks the cultural boundary between them. Laban speaks in Aramaic; Jacob in Hebrew. Yet both affirm the same reality—this is a witnessed pile, a monument to the covenant between them.
Genesis 31:47 in the Original Language
Galeed (גַּלְעֵד, Gal'ed): 'heap of witness'—from gal ('heap') and ed ('witness')—combining Jacob's heritage language and concept.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 31:47
What does Genesis 31:47 mean?
Laban names the heap in Aramaic; Jacob names it in Hebrew, both names meaning 'heap of witness.'
What is the context of Genesis 31:47?
Laban and Jacob name the stone heap differently but with the same meaning: 'heap of witness.'