Genesis 31:54

KJV

Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Jacob {H3290} offered {H2076} sacrifice {H2077} upon the mount {H2022}, and called {H7121} his brethren {H251} to eat {H398} bread {H3899}: and they did eat {H398} bread {H3899}, and tarried all night {H3885} in the mount {H2022}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his kinsmen to the meal. They ate the food and spent the whole night on the mountain.

Berean Standard Bible

Then 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.

American Standard Version

And Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mountain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 31:54 culminates the tense encounter between Jacob and Laban, depicting Jacob's offering of a sacrifice and the subsequent communal meal shared with his kinsmen on the mount. This ceremonial act formally ratified the covenant established between them, transforming their contentious relationship into one of peace and fellowship, and enabling their amicable parting. It marks a significant transition point for Jacob as he continues his divinely guided journey back to Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 31:54 brings to a peaceful close the dramatic confrontation between Jacob and Laban. The preceding narrative details Jacob's clandestine departure from Laban's household after years of servitude and deception, taking his family and vast possessions. Laban, upon discovering their flight and the theft of his [household gods (teraphim)](/genesis/31-19 "Rachel steals Laban's teraphim") by Rachel, pursued Jacob for seven days, catching up with him in the hill country of Gilead. A heated exchange ensued, with Laban accusing Jacob, and Jacob defending his integrity and recounting Laban's repeated exploitation. Despite the tension, God intervened, warning Laban not to harm Jacob ([Genesis 31:24](/genesis/31-24 "God warns Laban not to harm Jacob")). The resolution of their dispute came through the establishment of a formal covenant, marked by a pillar and a heap of stones, which they named Galeed ("heap of witness") and Mizpah ("watchtower"). This verse describes the final, crucial step in sealing that covenant: a sacrificial offering and a shared meal, solidifying their truce before Laban returned home and Jacob prepared for his momentous [reunion with Esau](/genesis/32-3 "Jacob sends messengers to Esau").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, covenants were foundational to social, political, and familial relationships. They were often solemnized through elaborate rituals, including the erection of monuments (like the pillar and heap in [Genesis 31:45-48](/genesis/31-45-48 "Jacob sets up a pillar and heap of stones")), the invocation of deities, and crucially, the offering of sacrifices followed by communal meals. The act of "eating bread" together was profoundly significant, symbolizing shared life, trust, and the binding nature of the agreement. It transformed strangers or adversaries into kin, establishing a bond of fellowship. Sacrifices, particularly peace offerings (*zebach shelamim*), were common for covenant ratification, expressing thanksgiving, and seeking divine blessing, as the shedding of blood underscored the solemnity of the oath and the potential consequences of its breach. The "mount" or high place was a typical location for such significant gatherings, often considered a place where heaven and earth met, making it a fitting site for a divinely witnessed pact.
* **Key Themes:** This passage richly contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Covenant and Reconciliation**, highlighting God's faithfulness in enabling peaceful resolution even in strained family dynamics. Jacob's initiative to offer sacrifice underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Dependence**, demonstrating his reliance on God's protection throughout his journey and his acknowledgment of God's role in his prosperity and safety, echoing his earlier [vow at Bethel](/genesis/28-20 "Jacob's vow at Bethel"). The communal meal reinforces the theme of **Fellowship and Peace**, showcasing how shared acts can bridge divides and foster harmony. Furthermore, the event marks a critical **Transition in Jacob's Journey**, as he definitively separates from Laban's influence and prepares to fully embrace his destiny as the patriarch of Israel, moving towards the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham and Isaac, as seen in the broader narrative of [Genesis](/genesis "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse details the final, ritualistic acts that cemented the covenant between Jacob and Laban, ensuring a peaceful resolution and amicable parting.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** From the root _zâbach_ (H2076), this term (H2077) properly refers to "a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)." In this context, it signifies a formal, ritualistic offering, likely a peace offering, intended to solemnize the covenant. It was not merely killing an animal but an act of worship and an invocation of divine witness to the agreement, underscoring the gravity and sacredness of the pact made between Jacob and Laban.
* **Mount (Hebrew, _har'_):** This word (H2022) denotes "a mountain or range of hills." The choice of a "mount" or elevated place for this ceremony is significant. In ancient cultures, high places were often considered sacred, closer to the divine realm, and thus ideal locations for covenant-making and worship. It provided a prominent, public setting for the agreement, emphasizing its visibility and the divine oversight of the proceedings.
* **Tarried all night (Hebrew, _lûwn'_):** This primitive root (H3885) means "to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently." In this verse, it indicates that Jacob and his "brethren" (Laban and his kinsmen) spent the entire night together on the mount. This detail is crucial; it signifies a complete cessation of hostilities and the establishment of genuine trust and fellowship. After a day of intense negotiation and covenant-making, the willingness of both parties to lodge together demonstrates that the peace was truly settled and accepted by all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount":** Following the verbal agreement and the erection of the covenant markers, Jacob takes the initiative to perform a solemn religious act. The offering of a sacrifice, specifically a *zebach*, was a common practice in the ancient Near East to ratify covenants and invoke divine blessing. By doing so on the "mount" where the covenant was established, Jacob publicly acknowledges God's role in the reconciliation and seeks divine favor for the agreement's endurance, demonstrating his piety and leadership.
* **"and called his brethren to eat bread":** After the sacrifice, Jacob extends an invitation to Laban and his kinsmen, whom he now refers to as "brethren" (a term indicating kinship and fellowship, despite their recent conflict). The invitation to "eat bread" (which signifies a full meal) is a pivotal moment, as a shared meal was the ultimate symbol of reconciliation, trust, and renewed fellowship in ancient cultures. It publicly affirmed that hostilities had ceased and a binding relationship had been established.
* **"and they did eat bread":** This simple phrase confirms the acceptance of Jacob's invitation and the successful ratification of the covenant. The act of partaking in the communal meal together solidified their agreement. It was a tangible expression of their newfound peace, transforming their relationship from one of suspicion and antagonism to one of agreed-upon harmony and mutual respect.
* **"and tarried all night in the mount":** This final detail underscores the completeness and depth of the reconciliation. Spending the night together on the mount, rather than immediately departing, signifies that both parties felt secure and at peace with one another. It allowed for a period of rest and continued fellowship, ensuring that the agreement was fully settled and that they could part ways amicably the following morning, marking a clear and peaceful transition.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs **Symbolism** to convey its profound meaning. The "sacrifice" symbolizes the solemnity of the covenant and the invocation of divine witness, transforming a human agreement into a divinely sanctioned pact. The "eating bread" is a powerful symbol of reconciliation, fellowship, and the binding nature of the agreement, representing shared life and mutual acceptance. The "mount" itself serves as a symbolic location, emphasizing the public, enduring, and potentially sacred nature of the covenant. Furthermore, the narrative demonstrates **Narrative Progression**, serving as a crucial turning point in Jacob's journey, marking his definitive separation from Laban's influence and setting the stage for his return to Canaan and his encounter with Esau.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 31:54 vividly illustrates the biblical emphasis on covenant, reconciliation, and divine faithfulness. The offering of sacrifice by Jacob underscores the ancient understanding that significant human agreements, especially those involving peace and reconciliation, were often made in the presence of God and sought divine blessing. This act transforms a mere human truce into a sacred pact, acknowledging God as the ultimate witness and guarantor. The subsequent communal meal symbolizes the restoration of fellowship and trust, demonstrating that true reconciliation involves not just the cessation of conflict but the establishment of shared life and mutual acceptance. This passage highlights God's sovereignty in guiding Jacob's life, ensuring his protection and enabling peaceful resolution even in the face of deep-seated familial strife.

* [Exodus 24:11](/exodus/24-11 "Moses and the elders eat before God"): "And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink." (Illustrates a covenant meal in God's presence).
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Keeping one's oath in Psalm 15:4"): "In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not." (Emphasizes the importance of upholding oaths and agreements).
* [Psalm 50:5](/psalms/50-5 "God gathers His saints who make a covenant with Him by sacrifice"): "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." (Connects covenant-making directly with sacrifice).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 31:54 offers profound lessons on the nature of reconciliation and the spiritual dimension of resolving conflict. It teaches us that genuine peace often requires intentional, even ritualistic, acts of peacemaking that go beyond mere words. Jacob's initiative to offer sacrifice reminds us that involving God in our disputes—through prayer, seeking wisdom, or acts of worship—is crucial for achieving lasting resolution; true reconciliation often has a spiritual foundation. The simple yet powerful act of sharing a meal serves as a timeless model for breaking down barriers, fostering fellowship, and affirming reconciliation between estranged parties. It underscores the power of shared humanity and hospitality to bridge divides. This pivotal moment allowed Jacob to move forward from Laban's influence with a sense of closure and divine blessing, emphasizing the importance of honoring commitments and seeking God's guidance in all our relationships. In our own lives, when faced with strained relationships, we are called to pursue peace actively, acknowledging God's role, and being willing to engage in acts of fellowship that demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's decision to offer sacrifice demonstrate his faith and reliance on God in resolving conflict?**
* **What significance does a shared meal hold in your own culture or relationships, and how can it be intentionally used to foster reconciliation?**
* **In what ways can we, like Jacob, seek God's involvement and blessing when navigating difficult personal or familial disputes?**
* **What does "tarrying all night" symbolize about the completeness of reconciliation, and how can we ensure genuine closure in our own conflicts?**

### FAQ
**Why was a sacrifice offered to seal a covenant?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, sacrifices, particularly peace offerings (*zebach*), were common and deeply significant rituals used to solemnize agreements. They served multiple purposes: invoking divine witness and blessing upon the covenant, demonstrating the parties' commitment to the terms, and seeking divine favor for its endurance. The shedding of blood often symbolized the gravity of the oath and the potential consequences of breaking it, while the subsequent shared meal from the sacrifice emphasized the renewed fellowship and shared life that the covenant established. It transformed a human agreement into a divinely sanctioned pact.

**What is the significance of "eating bread" in this context?**

Answer: "Eating bread" or sharing a communal meal was a powerful, universal symbol of fellowship, trust, and reconciliation in ancient cultures. It signified shared life, mutual acceptance, and the binding nature of the agreement. By partaking in a common meal, Jacob and Laban, along with their kinsmen, publicly affirmed their reconciliation, transforming a relationship fraught with suspicion and hostility into one of peace and mutual respect. It was a tangible demonstration that the parties were now in accord, having broken bread together as a sign of their renewed bond.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The covenant sealed by sacrifice and a shared meal in Genesis 31:54 serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate covenant of grace established through Jesus Christ. Just as Jacob's sacrifice brought peace and reconciliation between men, Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross initiated the New Covenant, bringing eternal peace and reconciliation between God and humanity ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose blood ratifies this new and better covenant. The communal meal of "eating bread" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, symbolizing their fellowship with God and with one another, cementing the spiritual bond forged through His atoning work ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "Institution of the Lord's Supper")). This sacred meal anticipates the glorious future when believers will feast with Christ at the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - Marriage supper of the Lamb"), a perfect and eternal fellowship that transcends all earthly conflicts and divisions, made possible by His reconciling work ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation through Christ's blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 18:12

And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.

Genesis 37:25

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt.

2 Samuel 3:20

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that [were] with him a feast.

2 Samuel 3:21

And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

Genesis 26:30

And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.

Genesis 21:8

And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the [same] day that Isaac was weaned.