Genesis 31:22

KJV

And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was told {H5046} Laban {H3837} on the third {H7992} day {H3117} that Jacob {H3290} was fled {H1272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Not until the third day was Lavan told that Ya'akov had fled.

Berean Standard Bible

On the third day Laban was informed that Jacob had fled.

American Standard Version

And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 31:22 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's narrative, revealing that Laban was informed, three days after Jacob's clandestine departure, that his son-in-law, along with his entire family and all his possessions, had secretly fled. This discovery ignites Laban's pursuit, signaling the dramatic conclusion of Jacob's two-decade sojourn in Paddan-Aram and initiating his divinely ordained return to the land of Canaan, prompted by God's command and his desire to escape Laban's persistent manipulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate catalyst for the dramatic confrontation between Jacob and Laban, which occupies the remainder of [Genesis 31](/genesis/31 "Genesis 31 - Jacob's Departure and Covenant with Laban"). Following Jacob's twenty years of service to Laban, characterized by Laban's repeated deceit and changing of wages (as highlighted in [Genesis 31:41](/genesis/31-41 "Laban's Deception of Jacob")), Jacob receives a divine directive to return to the land of his fathers ([Genesis 31:3](/genesis/31-3 "God's Command to Jacob to Return")). With the full consent of Leah and Rachel, who feel alienated by their father's treatment ([Genesis 31:14-16](/genesis/31-14-16 "Leah and Rachel's Agreement to Leave Laban")), Jacob orchestrates a secret departure while Laban is away shearing his sheep, a common practice that would keep him occupied for several days. Verse 22 specifically details the moment Laban becomes aware of Jacob's absence, setting the stage for the pursuit and subsequent covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of sheep-shearing was a significant annual event in ancient Near Eastern pastoral societies, often requiring the master's presence and typically lasting several days. This provided Jacob a crucial window of opportunity for his escape. The patriarchal society of the time granted fathers significant authority over their daughters, even after marriage, and a master over his servants and property. Laban's pursuit, therefore, is rooted in his perceived right to control his daughters and the wealth he believed Jacob had unjustly taken. Furthermore, the concept of a "covenant" or treaty, which Jacob and Laban eventually make, was a common legal and social practice to solidify agreements and resolve disputes between parties, often involving a shared meal and a pile of stones as a witness, as seen later in [Genesis 31:44-55](/genesis/31-44-55 "Laban and Jacob's Covenant at Galeed").
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 31:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Guidance**, as Jacob's flight is not merely an act of desperation but an obedient response to God's command to return to the land of promise, demonstrating God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen people. The verse also highlights the theme of **Human Deception and Conflict**, particularly Laban's manipulative nature, which directly precipitates Jacob's secret departure and the ensuing tension. This conflict is a recurring motif in Jacob's life, from his supplanting of Esau to his dealings with Laban. Lastly, it advances the theme of **The Journey Towards Promise**, as Jacob's departure from Paddan-Aram is a critical step in his pilgrimage back to Canaan, the land where God's covenant promises to Abraham and Isaac are to be fulfilled, a journey marked by both human struggle and divine faithfulness, as God had promised Jacob in [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **told (Hebrew, _nâgad'_ H5046):** This primitive root means "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication, "to manifest" or "to announce." In this context, it signifies that the news of Jacob's flight was not merely whispered but openly and definitively declared to Laban. The verb implies a direct, explicit communication, making it impossible for Laban to remain ignorant of Jacob's actions. It conveys the sudden and impactful nature of the revelation.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_ H3117):** Derived from a root meaning "to be hot," this word refers to a literal day, a period from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next. Here, "on the third day" specifies a precise temporal marker, indicating a significant passage of time since Jacob's departure. This detail emphasizes the head start Jacob gained, highlighting the strategic success of his secretive flight and the considerable distance he and his large company would have covered.
* **fled (Hebrew, _bârach'_ H1272):** This primitive root means "to bolt," "to flee suddenly," or "to run away." It conveys a strong sense of urgent, hasty, and often secretive departure, typically undertaken to escape danger, an undesirable situation, or potential retribution. The use of _bârach_ rather than a more neutral verb for "departed" underscores the precariousness of Jacob's situation, his deliberate effort to evade Laban's control, and the strained, almost hostile, nature of their relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was told Laban":** This opening clause immediately establishes the moment of discovery. The passive voice ("it was told") suggests that the news came from an external source, likely one of Laban's servants who observed Jacob's absence or found evidence of his departure. This revelation shatters the secrecy of Jacob's flight and sets in motion Laban's reaction.
* **"on the third day":** This temporal marker is crucial. It indicates that Jacob, his wives, children, servants, and vast herds had a full three-day head start. This was a calculated and strategic move by Jacob, allowing his large company to put significant distance between themselves and Laban's household, making immediate pursuit more challenging and providing a buffer against Laban's potential wrath.
* **"that Jacob was fled.":** This final clause succinctly states the core message conveyed to Laban. The use of "fled" (Hebrew _bârach_) emphasizes the urgency, secrecy, and deliberate nature of Jacob's departure. It implies an escape rather than a simple relocation, highlighting the deep-seated conflict and mistrust that had developed between Jacob and Laban over two decades of exploitation and deception.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its narrative weight. The **brevity** of the statement, "And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled," creates a sense of suddenness and impact, mirroring the shock Laban must have felt upon receiving the news. The **timing** ("on the third day") functions as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the considerable distance Jacob has gained and the desperate nature of Laban's impending pursuit. This specific detail also emphasizes Jacob's **strategic planning** and **prudence** in his escape. The choice of the verb "fled" (Hebrew _bârach_) is a powerful example of **diction**, conveying urgency, secrecy, and a sense of escape from a hostile situation, rather than a simple departure. This word choice underscores the deep-seated tension and mistrust that defined the relationship between Jacob and Laban, setting a dramatic tone for the subsequent narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's flight, as revealed in Genesis 31:22, is not merely a family dispute but a divinely orchestrated movement in the unfolding of God's covenant promises. It underscores God's faithfulness to His chosen servant, actively guiding Jacob's return to the promised land despite the human complexities and conflicts. This event highlights that God's purposes will prevail, even when the path to their fulfillment is fraught with human deceit and requires bold acts of faith. It demonstrates that God can use challenging circumstances and manipulative relationships to refine His people and advance His redemptive plan, ultimately bringing Jacob closer to his destiny as the patriarch of Israel.

* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "The Lord's Protection")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Man Plans, God Directs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound insights into navigating challenging life transitions and difficult relationships. Jacob's decisive action, prompted by divine command, reminds us that obedience to God may sometimes necessitate bold departures from familiar, even if harmful, circumstances. It challenges believers to discern when a situation, though long-standing, has become detrimental to spiritual and personal well-being, requiring a courageous step of faith to break free. Just as God was faithfully with Jacob, guiding his path and ultimately protecting him from Laban's wrath and manipulation, believers today can trust in divine providence when facing complex transitions, escaping toxic environments, or taking a leap of faith into the unknown. Jacob's story illustrates that God remains faithful to His promises, actively working through human conflicts and even our own strategic maneuvers, to bring about His perfect will and lead us towards our divinely appointed destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Laban-like" situations or relationships in my life might God be calling me to "flee" from, even if it requires a difficult or secretive departure?**
* **How can I better discern God's specific commands for my life, and what steps of faith might they require me to take?**
* **In what ways have I experienced God's protection and provision when I have stepped out in obedience, even when the path was uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob flee secretly from Laban?**

Answer: Jacob fled secretly primarily to avoid a direct confrontation with Laban, whose manipulative and greedy nature he knew well. Having served Laban faithfully for twenty years, enduring repeated deceit regarding his wages and the treatment of his wives, Jacob was now obeying God's explicit command to [return to his homeland](/genesis/31-3 "God's Command to Jacob to Return to Canaan"). A clandestine departure allowed him to gain a significant head start, minimizing the risk of Laban attempting to retain his daughters, grandchildren, or the considerable wealth (livestock and servants) that God had blessed Jacob with, which Laban might have claimed as his own.

**What is the significance of "on the third day"?**

Answer: The phrase "on the third day" is highly significant as it indicates that Jacob and his large company—including his family, servants, and extensive flocks—had managed to put a considerable distance (likely a three-day journey) between themselves and Laban's household before their absence was discovered. This three-day head start was a crucial element of Jacob's strategic escape, demonstrating his foresight and the well-planned, swift nature of their departure. It provided a vital buffer against immediate pursuit and potential conflict, allowing Jacob to gain a tactical advantage.

**What does the Hebrew word for "fled" (barach) imply about Jacob's departure?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _barach_ (בָּרַח, H1272), translated as "fled," implies more than a simple departure. It conveys a strong sense of a hasty, urgent, and often secretive escape, typically undertaken to avoid danger, an undesirable situation, or potential retribution. Its use here underscores the precariousness of Jacob's situation and his deliberate effort to evade Laban's control and potential wrath. This linguistic nuance highlights the strained and deeply mistrustful relationship that had developed over two decades, emphasizing Jacob's calculated move to break free from an oppressive environment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's flight from Laban, undertaken in obedience to a divine command and under the protective hand of God, serves as a powerful Old Testament type foreshadowing the greater spiritual journey of faith that believers are called to in Christ. Just as Jacob departed from a place of servitude and deceit in Paddan-Aram to move towards the promised land, so too does Christ call His followers to "flee" from the bondage of sin and the world's deceptive systems, entering into His kingdom and the glorious promises of God. Christ Himself is the ultimate Deliverer, leading His people out of spiritual slavery (cf. [Exodus 12:51](/exodus/12-51 "The Exodus from Egypt")), guiding them through the wilderness of this life with His constant presence and protection, much like God supernaturally protected Jacob from Laban's vengeful pursuit (cf. [Genesis 31:24](/genesis/31-24 "God's Warning to Laban")). Jacob's reliance on God's word for his return prefigures our absolute reliance on Christ, the living Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), for our salvation, sanctification, and our ultimate journey to the heavenly promised land, where true rest, freedom, and eternal fulfillment are found in His presence ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "The Rest of God's People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 14:5

And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

Exodus 14:31

And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

Job 5:12

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

Job 5:13

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

Genesis 30:36

And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.