King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.
Complete Jewish Bible:
and Ya'akov outwitted Lavan the Arami by not telling him of his intended flight.
Berean Standard Bible:
Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away.
American Standard Version:
And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And Jacob{H3290} stole away{H1589} unawares{H3820} to Laban{H3837} the Syrian{H761}, in that{H5921} he told{H5046} him not{H1097} that he fled{H1272}.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Genesis 31:20
Genesis 31:20 is part of the narrative concerning Jacob, his uncle Laban, and their complex relationship. The verse specifically states that Jacob "stole away unawares" from Laban, indicating a secretive departure. This action is a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob, who had been working for Laban and had grown wealthy, largely due to his skillful management of Laban's flocks (Genesis 30:27-43).
The historical context of this verse is set within the patriarchal period, where family dynamics, inheritance, and marriage were central to the narrative. Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, had fled to Laban's household in Haran to escape the wrath of his brother Esau (Genesis 27:41-45). During his time with Laban, Jacob married Leah and Rachel, Laban's daughters, and fathered eleven of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The themes present in this verse include deception, family conflict, and the providence of God. Jacob's departure without informing Laban can be seen as an act of self-preservation, as he had been warned by God in a dream to return to his native land (Genesis 31:3). Moreover, Jacob's stealthy flight is reminiscent of his earlier life, where he deceived his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau (Genesis 27). This theme of deception is woven throughout Jacob's story, reflecting the complex nature of his character and relationships.
In a broader sense, Genesis 31:20 highlights the theme of God's guidance and protection over Jacob, despite his flawed character. It also underscores the importance of covenant relationships and promises in the narrative of the Israelite people, as Jacob's journey back to Canaan is a step toward fulfilling the divine promises made to his ancestors, Abraham and Isaac. The verse captures a moment of transition for Jacob as he moves from the household of his uncle to facing his brother Esau, which will lead to reconciliation and further development in the unfolding story of the Israelites.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3290
There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob. - Strong's Number: H1589
There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גָּנַב
Transliteration: gânab
Pronunciation: gaw-nab'
Description: a primitive root; to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive; carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. - Strong's Number: H3820
There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֵב
Transliteration: lêb
Pronunciation: labe
Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. - Strong's Number: H3837
There are 47 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָבָן
Transliteration: Lâbân
Pronunciation: law-bawn'
Description: the same as לָבָן; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert; Laban. - Strong's Number: H761
There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֲרַמִּי
Transliteration: ʼĂrammîy
Pronunciation: ar-am-mee'
Description: patrial from אֲרָם; an Aramite or Aramaean; Syrian, Aramitess. - Strong's Number: H5921
There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַל
Transliteration: ʻal
Pronunciation: al
Description: properly, the same as עַל used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications; above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. - Strong's Number: H5046
There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָגַד
Transliteration: nâgad
Pronunciation: naw-gad'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain, praise; bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. - Strong's Number: H1097
There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּלִי
Transliteration: bᵉlîy
Pronunciation: bel-ee'
Description: from בָּלָה; properly, failure, i.e. nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc.; corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. - Strong's Number: H1272
There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּרַח
Transliteration: bârach
Pronunciation: baw-rakh'
Description: a primitive root; to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly; chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot.