Genesis 31:45

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Jacob took a stone, and set it up [for] a pillar.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Ya'akov took a stone and set it upright as a standing-stone.

Berean Standard Bible:

So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar,

American Standard Version:

And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Jacob^{H3290} took^{H3947} a stone^{H68}, and set it up^{H7311} for a pillar^{H4676}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 31:45

Genesis 31:45 is a verse set within the context of the patriarch Jacob's flight from his father-in-law Laban. After years of working for Laban and contending with his deceptive practices, Jacob flees with his family and possessions to return to his homeland in Canaan. This verse captures a pivotal moment in their journey, where Jacob, having escaped Laban's pursuit, takes a stone and sets it up as a pillar.

The act of erecting a stone pillar is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, often serving as a witness to a covenant or agreement, marking a sacred space, or commemorating a significant event. In this instance, the pillar serves multiple purposes: it marks the boundary between Jacob's territory and Laban's, symbolizing the end of their tumultuous relationship and the beginning of a new chapter for Jacob. It also serves as a tangible reminder of God's presence and faithfulness, as Jacob had previously encountered God at another stone pillar in Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22).

The themes present in this verse include the establishment of boundaries and the solemnization of agreements, the importance of physical markers in ancient cultures for remembering significant events, and the ongoing narrative of God's guidance and protection over His people. The historical context reflects the practices of the time, where stones often functioned as legal and religious symbols, and the narrative underscores the transition of Jacob from a dependent family member to an independent patriarch of the Israelite people. This act of setting up a stone pillar is a testament to Jacob's faith and his understanding of the importance of marking significant moments in the journey of his family and the nascent nation of Israel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3290
   There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
   Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
   Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
   Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3947
   There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָקַח
   Transliteration: lâqach
   Pronunciation: law-kakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.
   
3. Strong's Number: H68
   There are 1276 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶבֶן
   Transliteration: ʼeben
   Pronunciation: eh'-ben
   Description: from the root of בָּנָה through the meaning to build; a stone; [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s).
   
4. Strong's Number: H7311
   There are 185 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רוּם
   Transliteration: rûwm
   Pronunciation: room
   Description: a primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively); bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4676
   There are 31 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַצֵּבָה
   Transliteration: matstsêbâh
   Pronunciation: mats-tsay-baw'
   Description: feminine (causatively) participle of נָצַב; something stationed, i.e. a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol; garrison, (standing) image, pillar.