Genesis 31:28

28 And why did you not permit me ¹to kiss my sons and my daughters farewell? Now you have done foolishly.

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 And Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done, that you have tricked me and driven away my daughters like captives of the sword?

27 Why did you flee secretly and trick me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre?

28 And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons and my daughters farewell? Now you have done foolishly.

29 It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, 'Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.'

30 And now you have gone away because you longed greatly for your father's house, but why did you steal my gods?"

Cross References

• 1. ver. 55; Ruth 1:9, 14; 1 Kings 19:20; Acts 20:37