Genesis Chapter 31

Jacob Flees from Laban

1And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. 2And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. 3And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. 4And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, 5And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. 6And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. 7And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. 8If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked. 9Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. 10And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled. 11And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. 12And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. 13I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. 14And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? 15Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. 16For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

17Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; 18And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan. 19And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. 20And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. 21So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.

Laban Pursues Jacob

22And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled. 23And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead. 24And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

25Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead. 26And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? 27Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? 28And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing. 29It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. 30And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods? 31And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me. 32With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.

33And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent. 34Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. 35And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.

36And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me? 37Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both. 38This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. 39That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. 40Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. 41Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times. 42Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

Jacob's Covenant with Laban

43And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born? 44Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee. 45And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. 46And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap. 47And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed. 48And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; 49And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. 50If 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. 51And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee; 52This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. 53The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac. 54Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount. 55And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

Jacob Flees from Laban

1 He heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s. From that which was our father’s, has he gotten all this wealth.” 2 Jacob saw the expression on Laban’s face, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. 3 Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” 4 Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock, 5 and said to them, “I see the expression on your father’s face, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. 6 You know that I have served your father with all of my strength. 7 Your father has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times, but God didn’t allow him to hurt me. 8 If he said this, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then all the flock bore speckled. If he said this, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then all the flock bore streaked. 9 Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock, and given them to me. 10 It happened during mating season that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the male goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled. 11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob,’ and I said, ‘Here I am.’ 12 He said, ‘Now lift up your eyes, and behold, all the male goats which leap on the flock are streaked, speckled, and grizzled, for I have seen all that Laban does to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you vowed a vow to me. Now arise, get out from this land, and return to the land of your birth.’” 14 Rachel and Leah answered him, “Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? 15 Aren’t we accounted by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and has also quite devoured our money. 16 For all the riches which God has taken away from our father, that is ours and our children’s. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.”

17 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives on the camels, 18 and he took away all his livestock, and all his possessions which he had gathered, including the livestock which he had gained in Paddan Aram, to go to Isaac his father, to the land of Canaan. 19 Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep: and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s. 20 Jacob deceived Laban the Syrian, in that he didn’t tell him that he was running away. 21 So he fled with all that he had. He rose up, passed over the River, and set his face toward the mountain of Gilead.

Laban Pursues Jacob

22 Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. 23 He took his relatives with him, and pursued after him seven days’ journey. He overtook him in the mountain of Gilead. 24 God came to Laban, the Syrian, in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Take heed to yourself that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.”

25 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. 26 Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me, and didn’t tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth and with songs, with tambourine and with harp; 28 and didn’t allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now have you done foolishly. 29 It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Take heed to yourself that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.’ 30 Now, you want to be gone, because you greatly longed for your father’s house, but why have you stolen my gods?” 31 Jacob answered Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Lest you should take your daughters from me by force.’ 32 Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For Jacob didn’t know that Rachel had stolen them.

33 Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the tent of the two female servants; but he didn’t find them. He went out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt about all the tent, but didn’t find them. 35 She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He searched, but didn’t find the teraphim.

36 Jacob was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued after me? 37 Now that you have felt around in all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it here before my relatives and your relatives, that they may judge between us two. 38 “These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not cast their young, and I haven’t eaten the rams of your flocks. 39 That which was torn of animals, I didn’t bring to you. I bore its loss. Of my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. 40 This was my situation: in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from my eyes. 41 These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.”

Jacob’s Covenant with Laban

43 Laban answered Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine: and what can I do this day to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne? 44 Now come, let us make a covenant, you and I; and let it be for a witness between me and you.” 45 Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. 46 Jacob said to his relatives, “Gather stones.” They took stones, and made a heap. They ate there by the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. 48 Laban said, “This heap is witness between me and you this day.” Therefore it was named Galeed 49 and Mizpah, for he said, “Yahweh watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another. 50 If you afflict my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, no man is with us; behold, God is witness between me and you.” 51 Laban said to Jacob, “See this heap, and see the pillar, which I have set between me and you. 52 May this heap be a witness, and the pillar be a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and that you will not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. 53 The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father, Isaac. 54 Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his relatives to eat bread. They ate bread, and stayed all night in the mountain. 55 Early in the morning, Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them. Laban departed and returned to his place.

Jacob Flees from Laban

1 Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.” 2 And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.

3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”

4 So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were, 5 and he told them, “I can see from your father’s countenance that his attitude toward me has changed; but the God of my father has been with me. 6 You know that I have served your father with all my strength. 7 And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me. 8 If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore speckled offspring. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore streaked offspring. 9 Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me.

10 When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females. 11 In that dream the angel a of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’

And I replied, ‘Here I am.’

12 ‘Look up,’ he said, ‘and see that all the males that are mating with the flock are streaked, spotted, or speckled; for I have seen all that Laban has done to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up and leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’ ”

14 And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house? 15 Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. 16 Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”

17 Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels, 18 and he drove all his livestock before him, along with all the possessions he had acquired in Paddan-aram, b to go to his father Isaac in the land in Canaan.

19 Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. 20 Moreover, Jacob deceived c Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away. 21 So he fled with all his possessions, crossed the Euphrates, d and headed for the hill country of Gilead.

Laban Pursues Jacob

22 On the third day Laban was informed that Jacob had fled. 23 So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. 24 But 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.”

25 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. 26 Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war! 27 Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps. 28 But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing.

29 I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ 30 Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?”

31 “I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force. 32 If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols.

33 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent, and then the tents of the two maidservants, but he found nothing. Then he left Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken Laban’s household idols, put them in the saddlebag of her camel, and was sitting on them. And Laban searched everything in the tent but found nothing.

35 Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols.

36 Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? 37 You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us.

38 I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. 39 I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. 40 As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.

41 Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times! 42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”

Jacob’s Covenant with Laban

43 But Laban answered Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne? 44 Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”

45 So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, 46 and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. 47 Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed. e

48 Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.”

Therefore the place was called Galeed. 49 It was also called Mizpah, f because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. 50 If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”

51 Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is the mound, and here is the pillar I have set up between you and me. 52 This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me. 53 May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.”

So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.

54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. 55 Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home.

Footnotes:

11 a Or Angel
18 b That is, northwest Mesopotamia
20 c Or stole the heart of ; also in verses 26 and 27
21 d Hebrew the River
47 e The Aramaic Jegar-sahadutha  and the Hebrew Galeed  both mean heap of witnesses .
49 f Mizpah  means watchtower .

Jacob Flees from Laban

1And he heareth the words of Laban's sons, saying, 'Jacob hath taken all that our father hath; yea, from that which our father hath, he hath made all this honour;' 2and Jacob seeth the face of Laban, and lo, it is not with him as heretofore. 3And Jehovah saith unto Jacob, 'Turn back unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred, and I am with thee.' 4And Jacob sendeth and calleth for Rachel and for Leah to the field unto his flock; 5and saith to them, 'I am beholding your father's face -- that it is not towards me as heretofore, and the God of my father hath been with me, 6and ye -- ye have known that with all my power I have served your father, 7and your father hath played upon me, and hath changed my hire ten times; and God hath not suffered him to do evil with me. 8'If he say thus: The speckled are thy hire, then bare all the flock speckled ones; and if he say thus: The ring-streaked are thy hire, then bare all the flock ring-streaked; 9and God taketh away the substance of your father, and doth give to me. 10And it cometh to pass at the time of the flock conceiving, that I lift up mine eyes and see in a dream, and lo, the he-goats, which are going up on the flock, are ring-streaked, speckled, and grisled; 11and the messenger of God saith unto me in the dream, Jacob, and I say, Here am I. 12And He saith, Lift up, I pray thee, thine eyes, and see -- all the he-goats which are going up on the flock are ring-streaked, speckled, and grisled, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to thee; 13I am the God of Bethel where thou hast anointed a standing pillar, where thou hast vowed a vow to me; now, arise, go out from this land, and turn back unto the land of thy birth.' 14And Rachel answereth -- Leah also -- and saith to him, 'Have we yet a portion and inheritance in the house of our father? 15have we not been reckoned strangers to him? for he hath sold us, and he also utterly consumeth our money; 16for all the wealth which God hath taken away from our father, it is ours, and our children's; and now, all that God hath said unto thee -- do.'

17And Jacob riseth, and lifteth up his sons and his wives on the camels, 18and leadeth all his cattle, and all his substance which he hath acquired, the cattle of his getting, which he hath acquired in Padan-Aram, to go unto Isaac his father, to the land of Canaan. 19And Laban hath gone to shear his flock, and Rachel stealeth the teraphim which her father hath; 20and Jacob deceiveth the heart of Laban the Aramaean, because he hath not declared to him that he is fleeing; 21and he fleeth, he and all that he hath, and riseth, and passeth over the River, and setteth his face toward the mount of Gilead.

Laban Pursues Jacob

22And it is told to Laban on the third day that Jacob hath fled, 23and he taketh his brethren with him, and pursueth after him a journey of seven days, and overtaketh him in the mount of Gilead. 24And God cometh in unto Laban the Aramaean in a dream of the night, and saith to him, 'Take heed to thyself lest thou speak with Jacob from good unto evil.'

25And 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. 26And Laban saith to Jacob, 'What hast thou done that thou dost deceive my heart, and lead away my daughters as captives of the sword? 27Why hast thou hidden thyself to flee, and deceivest me, and hast not declared to me, and I send thee away with joy and with songs, with tabret and with harp, 28and hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? -- now thou hast acted foolishly in doing so; 29my hand is to God to do evil with you, but the God of your father yesternight hath spoken unto me, saying, Take heed to thyself from speaking with Jacob from good unto evil. 30'And now, thou hast certainly gone, because thou hast been very desirous for the house of thy father; why hast thou stolen my gods?' 31And Jacob answereth and saith to Laban, 'Because I was afraid, for I said, Lest thou take violently away thy daughters from me; 32with whomsoever thou findest thy gods -- he doth not live; before our brethren discern for thyself what is with me, and take to thyself:' and Jacob hath not known that Rachel hath stolen them.

33And Laban goeth into the tent of Jacob, and into the tent of Leah, and into the tent of the two handmaidens, and hath not found; and he goeth out from the tent of Leah, and goeth into the tent of Rachel. 34And Rachel hath taken the teraphim, and putteth them in the furniture of the camel, and sitteth upon them; and Laban feeleth all the tent, and hath not found; 35and she saith unto her father, 'Let it not be displeasing in the eyes of my lord that I am not able to rise at thy presence, for the way of women is on me;' and he searcheth, and hath not found the teraphim.

36And it is displeasing to Jacob, and he striveth with Laban; and Jacob answereth and saith to Laban, 'What is my transgression? what my sin, that thou hast burned after me? 37for thou hast felt all my vessels: what hast thou found of all the vessels of thy house? set here before my brethren, and thy brethren, and they decide between us both. 38These twenty years I am with thee: thy ewes and thy she-goats have not miscarried, and the rams of thy flock I have not eaten; 39the torn I have not brought in unto thee -- I, I repay it -- from my hand thou dost seek it; I have been deceived by day, and I have been deceived by night; 40I have been thus: in the day consumed me hath drought, and frost by night, and wander doth my sleep from mine eyes. 41This is to me twenty years in thy house: I have served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy flock; and thou changest my hire ten times; 42unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac, had been for me, surely now empty thou hadst sent me away; mine affliction and the labour of my hands hath God seen, and reproveth yesternight.'

Jacob's Covenant with Laban

43And Laban answereth and saith unto Jacob, 'The daughters are my daughters, and the sons my sons, and the flock my flock, and all that thou art seeing is mine; and to my daughters -- what do I to these to-day, or to their sons whom they have born? 44and now, come, let us make a covenant, I and thou, and it hath been for a witness between me and thee.' 45And Jacob taketh a stone, and lifteth it up for a standing pillar; 46and Jacob saith to his brethren, 'Gather stones,' and they take stones, and make a heap; and they eat there on the heap; 47and Laban calleth it Jegar-Sahadutha; and Jacob hath called it Galeed. 48And Laban saith, 'This heap is witness between me and thee to-day;' therefore hath he called its name Galeed; 49Mizpah also, for he said, 'Jehovah doth watch between me and thee, for we are hidden one from another; 50if thou afflict my daughters, or take wives beside my daughters -- there is no man with us -- see, God is witness between me and thee.' 51And Laban saith to Jacob, 'Lo, this heap, and lo, the standing pillar which I have cast between me and thee; 52this heap is witness, and the standing pillar is witness, that I do not pass over this heap unto thee, and that thou dost not pass over this heap and this standing pillar unto me -- for evil; 53the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, doth judge between us -- the God of their father,' and Jacob sweareth by the Fear of his father Isaac. 54And Jacob sacrificeth a sacrifice in the mount, and calleth to his brethren to eat bread, and they eat bread, and lodge in the mount; 55and Laban riseth early in the morning, and kisseth his sons and his daughters, and blesseth them; and Laban goeth on, and turneth back to his place.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Genesis 31?

1.1Introduction to Genesis 31

1.2Context of Genesis 31

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Genesis 31 Unique Insights

1.6Genesis 31 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Genesis 31 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Genesis 31 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Genesis 31?

Introduction to Genesis 31

Genesis 31 marks a pivotal transition in the patriarch Jacob’s life as he finally breaks free from his father-in-law Laban’s manipulation and control. This chapter masterfully weaves together themes of divine protection, family dynamics, and covenant-making that resonate throughout Scripture. The narrative captures the tension between human scheming and divine providence, showing how יהוה (Yahweh) works through and despite human failings to accomplish His sovereign purposes.

This chapter serves as a bridge between Jacob’s time in Paddan-aram and his return to the Promised Land, highlighting how God’s faithfulness transforms even difficult circumstances into stepping stones toward His promises. The events here set the stage for Jacob’s subsequent encounter with Esau and his transformation into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes.

Context of Genesis 31

Within the immediate context of Genesis, this chapter follows Jacob’s prosperity in Laban’s household (Genesis 30) and precedes his reconciliation with Esau (Genesis 32-33). It represents the culmination of the tension that has been building between Jacob and Laban since Jacob’s arrival in Paddan-aram. The chapter resolves the conflict between these two shrewd negotiators while demonstrating God’s protective hand over His chosen servant.

In the broader Biblical narrative, Genesis 31 exemplifies several key theological themes that resonate throughout Scripture. It illustrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing how He protects and prospers His people even in exile. The chapter parallels later Biblical events, particularly Israel’s exodus from Egypt, where God’s people depart from a place of oppression with great wealth. The covenant made between Jacob and Laban at Mizpah also foreshadows future covenant relationships in Israel’s history.

The story connects to the larger patriarchal narrative, showing how God continues to fulfill His promises to Abraham through Isaac and now Jacob, despite human weakness and family strife. This chapter demonstrates how divine providence operates through ordinary human events to accomplish extraordinary purposes in redemptive history.

Ancient Key Word Study

וַיִּבְרַח (vaiyivrach) – “He fled” (v.22): This Hebrew verb carries connotations of urgent escape and divine deliverance. Unlike the neutral word “left,” this term implies both danger and divine protection, echoing its usage in Exodus 14:5 during Israel’s exodus from Egypt.
תְּרָפִים (teraphim) – “Household gods” (v.19): These small idols represented family deities and were associated with inheritance rights in ancient Mesopotamian culture. Rachel’s theft of these objects carried both religious and legal implications, potentially affecting property rights and family authority.
גַּלְעֵד (Galeed) – “Witness heap” (v.47): This place name combines “gal” (heap) and “ed” (witness), representing the bilingual nature of the covenant between Jacob and Laban. The Hebrew-Aramaic wordplay emphasizes the binding nature of their agreement across cultural boundaries.
מִצְפָּה (Mizpah) – “Watchtower” (v.49): This term derives from the root צפה (tzafah), meaning to watch or observe. Its use here creates a powerful metaphor for divine supervision over human covenants, becoming a model for future covenant relationships.
בְּרִית (brit) – “Covenant” (v.44): This fundamental Hebrew term for covenant appears here in a secular context but carries theological weight, foreshadowing God’s covenant relationships with Israel. The term implies both binding obligation and relationship.
אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם (Elohei Avraham) – “God of Abraham” (v.53): This divine title emphasizes continuity with the Abrahamic covenant while distinguishing between the true God and Laban’s gods. It reinforces the theological distinction between Jacob’s faith and Mesopotamian polytheism.
פַּחַד יִצְחָק (Pachad Yitzchak) – “Fear of Isaac” (v.42): This unique divine title appears only here and in verse 53. It likely refers to God as the object of Isaac’s reverent fear and worship, emphasizing both divine transcendence and covenant faithfulness.
וַיְבָרֶךְ (vayevarech) – “He blessed” (v.55): The chapter concludes with blessing, a key theme in Genesis. The term connects to God’s original blessing of Abraham and suggests divine approval of the resolution between Jacob and Laban.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 3’s command “Return to the land of your fathers” uses שׁוּב (shuv) rather than הָלַךְ (halakh). This choice emphasizes restoration rather than mere movement, suggesting both physical and spiritual return to God’s promises. The term שׁוּב later becomes central in prophetic calls to repentance.
Verse 7’s “changed my wages ten times” employs הֶחֱלִף (hechelif) rather than שִׁנָּה (shinah). This specific term implies substitution rather than mere change, highlighting Laban’s deceptive manipulation of agreements.
The description of Jacob’s wealth in verse 16 uses רִכוּשׁ (rechush) instead of הוֹן (hon), connecting to Abraham’s acquisition of wealth in Egypt (Genesis 12:5) and anticipating Israel’s future exodus with Egyptian riches.
Rachel’s stealing of the teraphim is described with גָּנַב (ganav) rather than לָקַח (lakach), emphasizing the moral transgression rather than mere taking, while ironically paralleling Laban’s exploitation of Jacob.
The covenant ceremony uses מַצֵּבָה (matzeivah) for “pillar” rather than עַמּוּד (amud), connecting it to Jacob’s earlier covenant at Bethel and later covenant markers in Israel’s history.
God’s appearance to Laban uses חֲלוֹם (chalom) for “dream” rather than מַרְאֶה (mar’eh), suggesting divine restraint rather than direct confrontation, protecting Jacob while allowing human agency.
The term for “feast” in verse 54 uses זֶבַח (zevach) rather than מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh), giving the meal sacrificial significance and anticipating later covenant ceremonies in Israel’s worship.

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Genesis 31 Unique Insights

The chapter contains fascinating parallels to ancient Near Eastern legal customs, particularly regarding household gods and property rights. The teraphim Rachel stole were not merely religious objects but legally significant artifacts that could be used to claim inheritance rights. This understanding adds depth to Laban’s desperate pursuit and Rachel’s careful concealment of them.

Rabbinic tradition in Genesis Rabbah suggests that Rachel’s theft of the teraphim was actually a righteous act aimed at preventing her father from idolatry. The Midrash connects this to Abraham’s similar destruction of his father’s idols, seeing both acts as necessary steps in separating God’s chosen people from pagan worship. However, the text’s ambiguity about Rachel’s motives allows for multiple interpretations.

The Mizpah covenant presents an intriguing case of cross-cultural treaty-making. The bilingual nature of the agreement (Aramaic for Laban, Hebrew for Jacob) reflects ancient diplomatic practices while foreshadowing Israel’s later interactions with surrounding nations. The phrase “The Lord watch between you and me” became a blessing in Jewish tradition, though its original context suggests mutual suspicion rather than warm sentiment.

Early Christian interpreters, including Augustine of Hippo, saw in Jacob’s departure from Laban a type of the church’s separation from the world, with the wealth he acquired representing spiritual riches. This interpretation gains credence from the New Testament’s use of exodus imagery to describe Christian salvation.

The divine title “Fear of Isaac” (Pachad Yitzchak) reveals a unique aspect of patriarchal religion that combines familial tradition with personal experience of God. This rare phrase suggests that each patriarch knew God in a distinctive way, contributing to the progressive revelation of divine character in Scripture.

Genesis 31 Connections to Yeshua

The chapter’s themes of exile and return prefigure the Messiah’s own journey. Just as Jacob left his father’s house, acquired a bride, and returned with great wealth, so Yeshua left His Father’s presence, is gathering His bride (the Church), and will return in glory. The pattern of suffering followed by exaltation seen in Jacob’s life anticipates the Messiah’s path of humiliation and glorification.

The divine protection Jacob experienced, particularly God’s warning to Laban not to harm him, points to the Father’s protection of the Son. Just as Jacob was preserved for his mission of establishing the twelve tribes of Israel, so the Father preserved Yeshua for His mission of establishing the New Covenant community. The covenant made at Mizpah, while marked by mutual suspicion, anticipates the perfect covenant Yeshua would establish, replacing fear with love and trust.

Genesis 31 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter’s themes resonate throughout Scripture in several ways:

Jacob’s exodus from Laban prefigures Israel’s exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:35-36), complete with divine protection and departure with wealth.
The covenant at Mizpah anticipates later covenant renewals in Israel’s history (Joshua 24).
Rachel’s theft of the idols parallels Israel’s later struggles with idolatry (Ezekiel 20:7-8).
God’s protection of Jacob despite his flaws illustrates the principle of divine grace toward the chosen (Romans 9:11-13).
The theme of exile and return appears repeatedly in Scripture, from the Babylonian captivity to the spiritual exile and restoration described in the New Testament.

Genesis 31 Devotional

This chapter reminds us that God’s purposes often unfold through complex human situations. Like Jacob, we may find ourselves in difficult circumstances, dealing with difficult people. Yet God remains faithful, working behind the scenes to accomplish His will and protect His people. The chapter encourages us to trust God’s timing and guidance even when situations seem impossible.

We can also learn from both the positive and negative examples in this story. Jacob’s willingness to leave his prosperity in response to God’s call challenges us to hold material success loosely. Rachel’s attachment to her father’s idols warns us about carrying old sins into new seasons of life. The covenant at Mizpah reminds us that even imperfect agreements can serve God’s purposes.

The chapter invites us to examine our own lives: Are we willing to leave our comfort zones when God calls? Do we trust God’s protection in difficult situations? Have we fully left behind old patterns and dependencies that hinder our spiritual growth?

Did You Know

The distance Jacob traveled from Paddan-aram to Gilead was approximately 350 miles (563 kilometers), a journey that would have taken about 10-14 days with flocks and family.
The teraphim Rachel stole were typically small enough to be concealed under a camel’s saddle, usually 2-3 inches in height, though some could be as large as a human figure.
The bilingual nature of the covenant between Jacob and Laban (Galeed/Jegar-sahadutha) provides one of the earliest examples of Aramaic in the Bible.
The phrase “Mizpah” later became the name of several cities in Israel and was used as a blessing, though its original context was one of mutual suspicion.
Archaeological evidence from the period shows that household gods like the teraphim were often used as property deeds in ancient Mesopotamia.
The “Fear of Isaac” divine title is unique to this chapter and represents the only time God is referred to by this name in the entire Bible.
The three-day head start Jacob had before Laban pursued him mirrors the three days Israel had before Pharaoh pursued them in the Exodus.
The customs described in the covenant-making ceremony, including the stone heap and sacrificial meal, match known treaty practices from second-millennium BCE Mesopotamia.
Rachel’s actions regarding the teraphim could have carried the death penalty, as shown by Jacob’s unwitting pronouncement in verse 32.
The chapter contains one of the earliest examples of a non-aggression treaty in recorded history.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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