Genesis 31:18

Translations

Modern

…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.

Traditional

And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padan–aram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.

Literal

…and he drove all his livestock, and all his possessions that he had gotten, the livestock of his acquiring that he had gotten in Paddan-aram, to go to Isaac his father, in the land of Canaan.

Latin

Tulitque omnem substantiam suam, et greges, et quidquid in Mesopotamia acquisierat, pergens ad Isaac patrem suum in terram Chanaan.

Original

Hebrew

English

…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.

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

Related verses

Genesis 27:41
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Genesis 35:27–29
Jacob returned to his father Isaac at Mamre, near Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed.
Genesis 27:1–2
When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied.
Genesis 28:21
…so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God.

People

Isaac: Son of Abraham; father of Jacob and Esau

Places

Canaan: Ancient region; descendants of Ham; promised to Abraham's descendants Paddan: The homeland of the patriarchs in Mesopotamia

Glossary

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

Topics

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

Genesis 31:18

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?