If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.

GENESIS 31:50KJV
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Genesis 31:50 (KJV)

What does Genesis 31:50 mean?

Genesis 31:50 records Laban warning Jacob that if Jacob mistreats Laban’s daughters or marries other women besides them, even if no one else is around to see it, God will be a witness between them. The verse emphasizes that God sees and judges actions, even those done in secret.

In this scene, Laban is speaking to Jacob as they make a covenant after Jacob has decided to leave with his family. Laban’s daughters, Leah and Rachel, are Jacob’s wives. Laban is concerned for their well-being and insists that, although no other person may be present to hold Jacob accountable, God (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim) will watch over the agreement and judge any wrongdoing.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 31:50

  • אֱלֹהִים (’elohim) — “God”: This word is used here to stress that God is the ultimate witness, even when humans are absent. It highlights the seriousness of the covenant and the belief that God’s oversight cannot be escaped.
  • עָנָה (’anah) — “afflict”: This word means to oppress, mistreat, or humble. Laban is specifically warning Jacob not to harm his daughters in any way, not just physically but also emotionally or socially.
  • עֵד (’ed) — “witness”: This word refers to someone who observes and can testify about an event. Here, it underscores that God Himself will act as the witness between Laban and Jacob, making the warning weightier.

Why Genesis 31:50 matters

  • Genesis 31:50 clarifies that the covenant between Laban and Jacob is not just a private agreement but one made in the sight of God, giving it a higher level of accountability.
  • The verse shows Laban’s concern for his daughters’ future, especially in a time and culture where women’s well-being depended heavily on the actions of their husbands.
  • This warning connects to the broader theme in Genesis of God as a witness and judge over human relationships, especially when justice might otherwise be lacking.

Where else these words appear

“beside” Hebrew H5921 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Genesis 32:11 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:28 And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale.

“witness” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.
  • Proverbs 19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

“afflict” Hebrew H6031 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Judges 16:6 And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.
  • Psalms 107:17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.