Genesis 31

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 31 of 50

1 And he heard the words of the sons of Laban, saying, Jacob has taken away all that was to our father, and from that which was to our father he has gotten all this wealth.

2 And Jacob saw the face of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

3 And Jehovah said to Jacob, Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred. And I will be with you.

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Chapter Summary

1 Jacob leaves secretly. 19 Rachel steals her father's idols. 22 Laban pursues him and complains 34 Rachel hides the idols. 36 Jacob's complaint. 43 Their covenant at Gilead.

Key Hebrew Words

תְּרָפִים household idols H8655 · TWOT 2545
בְּרִית covenant H1285 · TWOT 282a
עֵד witness H5707 · TWOT 1576b
מַשְׂכֹּ֫רֶת wages H4909 · TWOT 2264.1d
חֲלוֹם dream H2472 · TWOT 663a
מַצֵּבָה pillar H4676 · TWOT 1398g

People & Context

Jacob

Flees Laban with his family and flocks back to Canaan; contends with Laban and cuts the covenant

Laban

Jacob's father-in-law who pursues him and searches for his stolen household idols

Rachel

Jacob's wife who steals her father's household idols and hides them in the camel's saddle

Leah

Jacob's wife who joins Rachel in agreeing to leave their father's house

Jehovah

Commands Jacob to return to the land of his fathers, promising His presence

Timeline

Jacob Plans Secret Departure

Jacob hears Laban's sons complaining that Jacob has taken all their father's wealth. He also notices Laban's demeanor has changed towards him.

Genesis 31:1-2
God Commands Jacob to Return

Jehovah tells Jacob to return to his fathers' land and kindred, promising to be with him.

Genesis 31:3
Jacob's Justification to Rachel and Leah

Jacob calls Rachel and Leah to the field, explains Laban's changing attitude, how Laban cheated him and changed his wages ten times, but God did not allow him to do evil. He recounts his dream where the Angel of God revealed this. Rachel and Leah agree, saying God's wealth taken from their father is for them and their sons, and they should do as God commanded.

Genesis 31:4-16

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