Genesis 31:27

Translations

Modern

Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.

Traditional

Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?

Literal

Why have you fled secretly and stolen from me and not told me? And I would have sent you away with joy and with songs, with tambourines and with harps?

Latin

…cur ignorante me fugere voluisti, nec indicare mihi, ut prosequerer te cum gaudio, et canticis, et tympanis, et citharis?

Original

Hebrew

English

Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.

Notes

Genesis 31:25–30

The dispute between the two men used the language of legal controversies and lawsuits (see also 31:36). Laban first argued that Jacob had wronged him by stealing from him.

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

Exodus 15:20
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.
Proverbs 26:23–26
Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.
Genesis 31:20–21
Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away.
Genesis 24:59–60
So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men.
Job 21:11–14
They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about,
Genesis 31:31
“I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.
Genesis 31:3–5
Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”
Judges 6:27
So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city, he did it by night rather than in the daytime.
Genesis 4:21
And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Birthright Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Laban (Person) Monotheism Music Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Poetry, Biblical Tabret Teraphim Wages

Topics

Chiding: Isaac and Laban Chide Each Other Harp used in Festivities Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Music: Custom of Sending Away Friends With Music: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Laban Travellers: Friends of Often Sent Them Away with Music

Genesis 31:27

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