Genesis 31:5

Translations

Modern

…and he told them, “I can see from your father’s countenance that his attitude toward me has changed; but the God of my father has been with me.

Traditional

And said unto them, I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.

Literal

…and he said to them, “I can see the face of your father, that it is not toward me as yesterday and the day before yesterday; and the God of my father has been with me.

Latin

…dixitque eis: Video faciem patris vestri quod non sit erga me sicut heri et nudiustertius: Deus autem patris mei fuit mecum.

Original

Hebrew

English

…and he told them, “I can see from your father’s countenance that his attitude toward me has changed; but the God of my father has been with me.

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

Related verses

Genesis 31:2–3
And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.
Genesis 31:53
May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.
Genesis 31:42
If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”
Genesis 48:15
Then he blessed Joseph and said: “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,
Genesis 32:9
Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’
Genesis 50:17
‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
Genesis 21:22
At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.
Genesis 31:13
I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up, leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’”

Glossary

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

Topics

Countenance: Reading of Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Consult with Them Laban: Outwitted by Jacob

Genesis 31:5

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