Keraia
Genesis 31

Genesis 31:10

Jacob Flees from Laban · Genesis 31:1–21
Read Genesis 31

Translations

Modern
When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females.
Traditional
And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.
Literal
And it came to pass at the time the flock was conceiving, that I lifted my eyes and saw in the dream, and behold, the male goats going up on the flock were striped, speckled, and spotted.
Latin
Postquam enim conceptus ovium tempus advenerat, levavi oculos meos, et vidi in somnis ascendentes mares super feminas, varios et maculosos, et diversorum colorum.

Original

Hebrew
English
When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females.

Notes

Genesis 31:4–13

Jacob explained to his wives how God had blessed him, even though Laban opposed him. He was not sure if they wanted to leave Laban and move to Canaan. He wanted his family to agree willingly, so he needed to persuade them. He shared how God had guided and provided for them over the years. He explained that he needed to keep the vow he made at Bethel (28:20–22).

Genesis 31:1–21

Jacob’s return journey led to a conflict with Laban. This conflict created a lasting boundary between Israel (Jacob) and Aram (Laban). God kept his promise to Jacob. He made Jacob successful in Paddan-aram and protected him as he traveled back home.

Genesis 29:1–31:55

  • These chapters describe how God fulfilled his promise by greatly blessing Jacob with a family and possessions. God also disciplined Jacob, leaving him to struggle with Laban for many years. Laban was Jacob’s match in deception, and thus a means of correction.

  • The story of Jacob and Laban is similar to Israel's later stay in Egypt. Jacob struggled while serving his uncle but finally emerged with a large family (the founders of the 12 tribes) and great wealth. In Egypt, the Israelites suffered under their oppressors, but they also flourished, becoming a great nation of 12 large tribes and escaping with great riches.

Theme notes and profiles

Arameans Jacob Leah Rachel Symbolic Numbers

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cattle Dreams Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Jacob Laban (Person) Monotheism Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Wages

Topics

Dream: The Ring-Straked Cattle Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Jacob Laban: Outwitted by Jacob