Genesis 31:28

28 You did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters good-bye. You were very foolish to do this!

Genesis 31:28 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 31:28

And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters?
&c.] Did not give him an opportunity of taking his farewell, which used to be done with a kiss, as it is with us at this day: by his sons he means his grandsons, and so the Targum of Jonathan, my daughters' sons; and by his daughters Rachel and Leah, and Dinah his granddaughter: thou hast done foolishly in [so] doing:
since, as he would have him believe that he was both a loser by this step he took, and exposed himself to danger, seeing it was in the power of Laban to do him hurt, as in ( Genesis 31:29 ) ; but Jacob knew what he did, and that it was the wisest part to follow the direction of God.

Genesis 31:28 In-Context

26 Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done? You cheated me and took my daughters as if you had captured them in a war.
27 Why did you run away secretly and trick me? Why didn't you tell me? Then I could have sent you away with joy and singing and with the music of tambourines and harps.
28 You did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters good-bye. You were very foolish to do this!
29 I have the power to harm you, but last night the God of your father spoke to me and warned me not to say anything to you, good or bad.
30 I know you want to go back to your home, but why did you steal my idols?"
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.