Genesis 31:49 Meaning and Explanation
“And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Laban adds Mizpah as the covenant's second name, invoking God's watchfulness over their separation.
The Context of Genesis 31:49
Laban names the place Mizpah, praying that God will watch between them in their separation.
What Does Genesis 31:49 Mean?
Laban invokes a second name: Mizpah, meaning 'watchtower' or 'lookout.' The name is paired with Laban's prayer: 'The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.' This is a prayer for divine oversight and protection.
The prayer reveals the covenant's true function: not to unite but to ensure that when Jacob and Laban are separated geographically, God will watch and ensure that neither party violates the boundaries established. It is a guardian prayer for an enforced separation.
Genesis 31:49 in the Original Language
Mizpah (מִצְפָּה, Mitzpah): 'watchtower' or 'lookout'—from tzafa ('to watch' or 'look out')—expressing watchfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 31:49
What does Genesis 31:49 mean?
Laban adds Mizpah as the covenant's second name, invoking God's watchfulness over their separation.
What is the context of Genesis 31:49?
Laban names the place Mizpah, praying that God will watch between them in their separation.