Keraia
Genesis 31

Genesis 31:17

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

Translations

Modern
Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels,
Traditional
Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;
Literal
And Jacob rose and lifted his sons and his wives on the camels,
Latin
Surrexit itaque Jacob, et impositis liberis ac conjugibus suis super camelos, abiit.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels,

Notes

Genesis 31:17–21

Jacob left Laban secretly because he was afraid of revenge (31:31).

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 Rachel Symbolic Numbers

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

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

Topics

Camel: Uses of for Riding Haran: Also Called Charran: Returns From, with Rachel and Leah Laban: Outwitted by Jacob Leah: Flees with Jacob Rachel: Steals the Household Images (Teraphim, Legal Deed) of Her Father