Genesis 31:1-7

1 After that, Jacob heard the words of the sons of Laban, that said, Jacob hath taken away all things that were our father's, and of his chattel Jacob is made rich, and noble (and Jacob was made rich, and noble, out of our father's possessions).

2 Also Jacob perceived the face of Laban, that it was not against him as yesterday, and the third day ago, (And Jacob saw that Laban's face was not favourable toward him, like it was yesterday, and the third day ago,)

3 mostly for the Lord (had) said to Jacob, Turn again into the land of thy fathers, and to thy generation (Return to the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred), and I shall be with thee.

4 (And so) Jacob sent (for), and called Rachel and Leah (out) into the field, where he kept [the] flocks,

5 and he said to them, I see the face of your father, that it is not against me as yesterday, and the third day ago; but God of my father was with me. (and he said to them, I see that your father's face is not favourable toward me, like it was yesterday, and the third day ago; but the God of my father is with me.)

6 And ye know that with all my strengths I have served your father;

7 but and your father hath deceived me, and changed my meed ten times; and nevertheless God suffered not him to harm me. (but your father hath deceived me, and changed my reward ten times; but God hath not allowed him to harm me.)

Genesis 31:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 31

This chapter relates how that Jacob observing that Laban and his sons envied his prosperity, and having a call from God to return to his own country, acquaints his wives with it; and reports to them Laban's ill usage of him, and the wonderful appearance of God to him, and for him, and his orders to him to depart from thence, Ge 31:1-13; to which they agreed, knowing full well their father's unkindness, and that they had nothing to expect from him, and therefore judged it best to go off with what they had got through the gift of God unto them, Ge 31:14-16; upon which Jacob set out privately, with all he had, towards his own country, while Laban was shearing his sheep, Ge 31:17-21; three days after, Laban, being informed of it, pursued after Jacob, and overtook him at Mount Gilead; but was warned by the way to be cautious what he said to him, Ge 31:22-25; yet nevertheless he warmly expostulated with him about his secret flight, not giving him the opportunity of taking his leave of his children, and especially for taking away his gods, Ge 31:26-30; to which Jacob gave an answer, Ge 31:31-35; and in his turn was warm likewise, and chided Laban severely for his hot pursuit of him, his charge of stealth, when he could find nothing on him, his hard labour for the space of twenty years with him, and his ill requital of him for it, Ge 31:36-42; however, upon the whole, an amicable agreement was made between them, and they parted in a friendly manner, Ge 31:43-55.