Genesis 31:2

Translations

Modern

And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.

Traditional

And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

Literal

And Jacob saw the face of Laban, and behold, it was not with him as yesterday and the day before yesterday.

Latin

…animadvertit quoque faciem Laban, quod non esset erga se sicut heri et nudiustertius,

Original

Hebrew

English

And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.

Notes

Genesis 31:1–2

Laban’s sons became more hostile toward Jacob because his flocks were growing faster than theirs. They were jealous because God was blessing Jacob. They were also afraid that he might take over everything they had.

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 Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Daniel 3:19
At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual,
Genesis 4:5
…but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell.
1 Samuel 18:9–11
And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
1 Samuel 19:7
So Jonathan summoned David and told him all these things. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul, and David was with Saul as before.
Genesis 30:27
But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”
Deuteronomy 28:54
The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived,
Exodus 4:10
“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”
Deuteronomy 19:4
Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him:

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Laban: Brother of Rebekah; father of Leah and Rachel

Glossary

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

Topics

Countenance: Reading of Laban: Outwitted by Jacob

Genesis 31:2

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