Translators may notice some confusions in verses 44-54. For example, there appear to be two distinct agreements or treaties. The details of making the first one are given in verses 44-50, with the actual words in verses 49-50, where Laban warns Jacob against mistreating his daughters and against marrying other women. He calls on God as a witness. The second treaty is described in verses 51-54, with the words being given in verses 51-53; this is a nonaggression pact or agreement not to violate each others’ territory. In this treaty the heap of stones and the pillar are witnesses. A pillar and a heap of stones are also set up in verses 45 and 46; however, verse 44 speaks of only one covenant. And there are repetitions and conflicting statements in the details of the treaties as well.

Many interpret these problems as the result of these verses having been put together from different original sources. It is also possible that later copyists added words. However this may be, translators are obliged to translate the text as it stands. Nevertheless many modern versions have made adjustments within the text to help minimize the confusions. Some of these will be pointed out so that translators may see what kinds of adjustments can be made.

Verse 44 is addressed directly to Jacob, and it may be necessary to make this clear in translation. Laban’s real concern now seems to be for his own protection more than for the welfare of his daughters and grandchildren.

Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I: for Come now see 11.3. The Hebrew verb in verse 44 is different than that used in 11.3, but the idea is the same. Another way of expressing the fact that Laban is now proposing a resolution to the dispute is to say “[since I can do nothing…,] I am ready to make an agreement with you.” For make a covenant see 15.18; 26.28.

Let it be a witness between you and me: although not indicated in Revised Standard Version or Good News Translation, many interpreters hold that the Hebrew text as we have it in this passage has undergone modification. As the text stands the agreement or treaty is to serve as the witness, and Revised Standard Version expresses it that way. Good News Translation, on the other hand, understands the “pile of stones” as the witness, “to remind us of our agreement.” Good News Translation interprets verse 44 in the light of verses 48 and 52. Others believe that the witness is the LORD, but that the divine name was dropped from the text. The Septuagint adds just before our clause the words “Though no man be with us, know that God [will be a witness between you and me.]”

Translators will find versions that follow each of the possibilities above. The Handbook authors take the position that the Hebrew text as we have it is preferred in this case. This means that the covenant or treaty is the reminder of what they will agree to. However, another possibility is that of Good News Translation, which has the advantage of relating verse 44 to verses 48 and 52. Another translation that may be considered is that of Revised English Bible. That version departs from New English Bible, “let it [the agreement] stand as a witness,” and instead translates “and let there be a witness between us,” in which the nature of the witness is not given, directly or indirectly. Another translation that leaves open the nature of the witness says “and let us do something to help us keep thinking of our agreement.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .