Genesis 31:25

Authorized King James Version

Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּשֵּׂ֥ג
overtook
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#2
וְלָבָ֛ן
Then Laban
laban, a place in the desert
#3
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
וְיַֽעֲקֹ֗ב
Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#5
וְיַֽעֲקֹ֗ב
Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#6
תָּקַ֥ע
had pitched
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#7
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אָהֳלוֹ֙
his tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#9
בְּהַ֥ר
in the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#10
וְלָבָ֛ן
Then Laban
laban, a place in the desert
#11
תָּקַ֥ע
had pitched
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#12
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#13
אֶחָ֖יו
with his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#14
בְּהַ֥ר
in the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#15
הַגִּלְעָֽד׃
of Gilead
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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