Genesis 31:20

20 Moreover, Jacob deceived ^[a] Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away.

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 and he drove all his livestock before him, along with all the possessions he had acquired in Paddan-aram, 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 Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away.

21 So he fled with all his possessions, crossed the Euphrates, and headed for the hill country of Gilead.

22 On the third day Laban was informed that Jacob had fled.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or stole the heart of; also in verses 26 and 27