Genesis 31:25
New International Version
Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there too.

New Living Translation
Laban caught up with Jacob as he was camped in the hill country of Gilead, and he set up his camp not far from Jacob’s.

English Standard Version
And Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen pitched tents in the hill country of Gilead.

Berean Standard Bible
Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well.

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

New King James Version
So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountains, and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountains of Gilead.

New American Standard Bible
And Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen camped in the hill country of Gilead.

NASB 1995
Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen camped in the hill country of Gilead.

NASB 1977
And Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen camped in the hill country of Gilead.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his relatives camped in the hill country of Gilead.

Amplified Bible
Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent on the hill, and Laban with his relatives camped on the same hill of Gilead.

Christian Standard Bible
When Laban overtook Jacob, Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban and his relatives also pitched their tents in the hill country of Gilead.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Laban overtook Jacob, Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban and his brothers also pitched their tents in the hill country of Gilead.

American Standard Version
And Laban came up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain: and Laban with his brethren encamped in the mountain of Gilead.

Contemporary English Version
Jacob had set up camp in the hill country of Gilead, when Laban and his relatives came and set up camp in another part of the hill country. Laban went to Jacob

English Revised Version
And Laban came up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountain of Gilead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Laban finally caught up with Jacob, Jacob had put up his tents in the mountains. So Laban and his relatives put up their tents in the mountains of Gilead.

Good News Translation
Jacob had set up his camp on a mountain, and Laban set up his camp with his relatives in the hill country of Gilead.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, Jacob had pitched his tent on the mountain, where Laban had caught up with him. Laban and his relatives encamped on that same mountain in the hill country of Gilead, too.

Majority Standard Bible
Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well.

NET Bible
Laban overtook Jacob, and when Jacob pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead, Laban and his relatives set up camp there too.

New Heart English Bible
Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his relatives camped in the hill country of Gilead.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban, with his brethren, pitched in the mount of Gilead.

World English Bible
Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain, and Laban with his relatives encamped in the mountain of Gilead.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Laban overtakes Jacob; and Jacob has fixed his tent in the mountain; and Laban with his brothers have fixed [theirs] in the Mount of Gilead.

Young's Literal Translation
And Laban overtaketh Jacob; and Jacob hath fixed his tent in the mount; and Laban with his brethren have fixed theirs in the mount of Gilead.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Laban will overtake Jacob. And Jacob pitched his tent in the mount; and Laban pitched with his brethren in Mount Gilead.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain: and when he with his brethren had overtaken him, he pitched his tent in the same mount of Galaad.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And now Jacob had pitched his tent at the mountain. And when he, with his brothers, had overtaken him, he set his tent at the same place at Mount Gilead.

New American Bible
When Laban overtook Jacob, Jacob’s tents were pitched in the hill country; Laban also pitched his tents in the hill country of Gilead.

New Revised Standard Version
Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsfolk camped in the hill country of Gilead.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent on the mount; and Laban with his brethren encamped on mount Gilead.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Laban overtook Yaquuv, and Yaquuv pitched his tent in the mountain, and Laban led his brothers in the mountain of Gilead.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Laban came up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain; and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountain of Gilead.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Laban overtook Jacob; and Jacob pitched his tent in the mountain; and Laban stationed his brothers in the mount Galaad.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laban Pursues Jacob
24But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” 25Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well. 26Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war!…

Cross References
Genesis 30:43
Thus Jacob became exceedingly prosperous. He owned large flocks, maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys.

Genesis 32:1-2
Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. / When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim.

Genesis 28:15
Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Genesis 29:1
Jacob resumed his journey and came to the land of the people of the east.

Genesis 27:43-45
So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. / Stay with him for a while, until your brother’s fury subsides— / until your brother’s rage against you wanes and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send for you and bring you back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?”

Genesis 24:10
Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master in hand. And he set out for Nahor’s hometown in Aram-naharaim.

Genesis 35:1
Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”

Genesis 33:1-3
Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

Genesis 46:1-4
So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. / And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob. / “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. ...

Exodus 3:1
Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Exodus 4:18
Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.

Exodus 18:5-7
Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses’ wife and sons, came to him in the desert, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. / He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.” / So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.

Numbers 22:9-12
Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?” / And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: / ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’” ...

Deuteronomy 26:5
and you are to declare before the LORD your God, “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt few in number and lived there and became a great nation, mighty and numerous.

Joshua 24:2-3
And Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your fathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates and worshiped other gods. / But I took your father Abraham from beyond the Euphrates and led him through all the land of Canaan, and I multiplied his descendants. I gave him Isaac,


Treasury of Scripture

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

Genesis 12:8
And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

Genesis 33:18
And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.

Hebrews 11:9
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

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Camped Caught Country Encamped Fixed Gilead Hill Hill-Country Jacob Kinsmen Laban Mount Mountain Overtaketh Overtook Pitched Relatives Tent Tents Theirs
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Camped Caught Country Encamped Fixed Gilead Hill Hill-Country Jacob Kinsmen Laban Mount Mountain Overtaketh Overtook Pitched Relatives Tent Tents Theirs
Genesis 31
1. Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.
19. Rachel steals her father's household gods.
22. Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong.
34. Rachel's plan to hide the images.
36. Jacob's complaint of Laban.
43. The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed.














Now Jacob had pitched his tent
The act of pitching a tent signifies a temporary dwelling, reflecting Jacob's transient state and journey. In Hebrew, the word for "pitched" is "natah," which means to stretch out or spread. This action symbolizes Jacob's readiness to settle temporarily, yet it also indicates his preparedness to move as God directs. The tent, a symbol of nomadic life, reminds us of the patriarchs' faith journey, living as sojourners in a land promised but not yet possessed.

in the hill country of Gilead
Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, is known for its rugged terrain and balm, a healing resin. The Hebrew root "Galaad" suggests a "heap of testimony" or "witness," which is fitting given the forthcoming covenant between Jacob and Laban. This location is significant as it represents a boundary and a place of witness, where God’s faithfulness and protection over Jacob are evident. Historically, Gilead was a place of refuge and strategic importance, underscoring God's providence in leading Jacob to safety.

and when Laban overtook him
The phrase "overtook him" in Hebrew is "darak," meaning to reach or catch up. Laban's pursuit of Jacob is a pivotal moment, highlighting the tension between the two men. This pursuit is not merely a physical chase but a spiritual confrontation, where God’s protection over Jacob is tested. Laban's overtaking signifies the culmination of unresolved issues, yet it also sets the stage for divine intervention and resolution.

he and his brothers camped there as well
Laban's "brothers" likely refer to his kinsmen or allies, emphasizing the seriousness of his pursuit. The act of camping indicates a pause, a moment of confrontation and negotiation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, camping together often preceded significant discussions or treaties. This setting underscores the gravity of the impending encounter and the need for divine wisdom and intervention. The presence of both camps in Gilead serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty in orchestrating events for His purposes and the fulfillment of His promises to Jacob.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Jacob
וְיַעֲקֹ֗ב (wə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

had pitched
תָּקַ֤ע (tā·qa‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8628: To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman

his tent
אָהֳלוֹ֙ (’ā·ho·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 168: A tent

in the hill country
בָּהָ֔ר (bā·hār)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of Gilead,
הַגִּלְעָֽד׃ (hag·gil·‘āḏ)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1568: Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites

and when Laban
לָבָ֖ן (lā·ḇān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob

overtook
וַיַּשֵּׂ֥ג (way·yaś·śêḡ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake

[him],
יַעֲקֹ֑ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

he
וְלָבָ֛ן (wə·lā·ḇān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob

and his brothers
אֶחָ֖יו (’e·ḥāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

camped
תָּקַ֥ע (tā·qa‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8628: To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman

[there as well].
בְּהַ֥ר (bə·har)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country


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OT Law: Genesis 31:25 Laban caught up with Jacob (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 31:24
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