And the pillar Mizpah: the Revised Standard Version footnote shows that the Hebrew text lacks the pillar, which is taken from the Samaritan Pentateuch. Revised Standard Version can only mean that Laban called the pillar by the name Mizpah. It is not the memorial stone that is given the name Mizpah but rather the locality, or place. Therefore in translation it is best to follow Good News Translation and place this information at the end of the verse as a conclusion. Again Good News Translation and most other modern versions employ the passive: “So the place was also named Mizpah.” Mizpah is explained in the Good News Translation footnote as “place from which to watch.” Revised Standard Version has “Watchpost.” We may also call it a “look-out point” or “observation point.” It refers to a high elevation from which it is possible to see a great distance. Such elevated places were used by guards, or watchmen, for observing if an enemy was approaching to attack.
For he said: in the light of verse 50, he refers to Laban.
The LORD watch between you and me: Laban is here calling on the LORD to “keep watch,” “spy on,” “be on the look out.” This is not a prayer for the LORD to take care of these two men while they are apart, as is sometimes prayed by Christians. Rather it is a plea that the LORD will be vigilant to catch the one who is preparing to harm the other. Good News Translation “May the LORD keep an eye on us” expresses the thought idiomatically in English. Some translations in other languages bring this out clearly by saying “… watch our behavior” or “… see what we-two are doing.”
When we are absent one from the other: absent translates a verb meaning to hide or conceal, and in this context it suggests being unable to see each other. As long as these men are together they can look out for themselves, but when they are apart or hidden from each other’s sight, they require the all-seeing eye of the LORD. Other ways of expressing this thought are “when we-two are not together” and “when we go back to our own places.”
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 .