Jegar-Saha-Dutha
LocationsGeographical Setting
A bilingual boundary marker established between Jacob and Laban in the region of Gilead.
What is the meaning of Jegar-Saha-Dutha in the Bible?
Jegar-sahadutha is an Aramaic term meaning 'witness heap' or 'heap of witness,' designated by Laban for a stone pile marking the boundary between himself and Jacob (Genesis 31:47). Jacob translated this name into Hebrew as Galeed. The phrase appears in Job 16:19, where Job invokes a heavenly witness to testify to his integrity.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the linguistic duality of the term in Genesis 31:47 illuminates the cultural interaction between the Hebrew and Aramaic-speaking peoples of the patriarchal era. Furthermore, understanding the literal meaning of 'witness heap' clarifies the metaphorical weight of Job's appeal in Job 16:19, where he seeks a divine advocate to vindicate his character against false accusations.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Jegar-Saha-Dutha in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jegar-Saha-Dutha clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.