Genesis 31:20

20 Also täuschte Jakob den Laban zu Syrien damit, daß er ihm nicht ansagte, daß er floh.

Genesis 31:20 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 31:20

And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian
Went away without his knowledge, or giving him any notice of it; he was too cunning for Laban the Syrian; notwithstanding his astrology and superstitious arts, which the Syrians are addicted to, he had no foresight of this matter: or he "stole away the heart of Laban" ^F2, that which his heart was set upon; not his gods, these Rachel stole away; nor his daughters, for whom he does not appear to have had any great affection and respect; but rather the cattle and goods Jacob took with him, which Laban's eye and heart were upon, and hoped to get into his possession by one means, or at one time or another; but the former sense, that he "stole from" his heart ^F4, or stole away without his knowledge, seems best to agree with what follows; in that he told him not that he fled;
or that he designed to go away, and was about to do it.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 (bl ta-bngy) "furatus est cor", Tigurine version, Pagninus, Montanus, Munster, Vatablus, Drasius, Cartwright.
F4 "Furatus a corde Labanis", Piscator.

Genesis 31:20 In-Context

18 und führte weg all sein Vieh und alle seine Habe, die er zu Mesopotamien erworben hatte, daß er käme zu Isaak, seinem Vater, ins Land Kanaan. {~} {~} {~}

19 (Laban aber war gegangen sein Herde zu scheren.) Und Rahel stahl ihres Vaters Götzen.

20 Also täuschte Jakob den Laban zu Syrien damit, daß er ihm nicht ansagte, daß er floh.

21 Also floh er und alles, was sein war, machte sich auf und fuhr über den Strom und richtete sich nach dem Berge Gilead.

22 Am dritten Tage ward Laban angesagt, daß Jakob geflohen wäre.