Genesis 31:24

KJV

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} came {H935} to Laban {H3837} the Syrian {H761} in a dream {H2472} by night {H3915}, and said {H559} unto him, Take heed {H8104} that thou speak {H1696} not to {H5973} Jacob {H3290} either good {H2896} or {H5704} bad {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But God came to Lavan the Arami in a dream that night and said to him, "Be careful that you don't say anything to Ya'akov, either good or bad."

Berean Standard Bible

But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”

American Standard Version

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said unto him, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 31:24 marks a crucial divine intervention where God appears to Laban in a dream, issuing a direct and forceful command to refrain from harming or influencing Jacob in any manner. This nocturnal warning underscores God's active providence and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, ensuring Jacob's safety and unimpeded return to the promised land, despite Laban's hostile pursuit and manipulative nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Jacob's life, specifically following his clandestine departure from Laban's household after two decades of service. Jacob's flight, detailed in [Genesis 31:1-21](/genesis/31-1-21 "Jacob's Secret Departure from Laban"), was prompted by escalating tensions, a sense of divine leading to return to Canaan, and the realization that Laban's countenance had changed towards him. Laban, incensed by Jacob's secret departure and the theft of his household idols (teraphim) by Rachel, pursued Jacob for seven days, finally catching up with him in the hill country of Gilead. The immediate preceding verses (Genesis 31:22-23) describe Laban's pursuit and his successful overtaking of Jacob, setting the stage for a potentially violent confrontation that is abruptly averted by God's direct intervention in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East frequently saw dreams as a legitimate and potent medium for divine communication, not only to prophets or covenant people but also to rulers and individuals outside the covenant, especially when God's broader purposes were at stake. The concept of "household gods" or teraphim (mentioned in [Genesis 31:19](/genesis/31-19 "Rachel steals the Teraphim")) was common, often serving as proof of inheritance rights or family lineage, which explains Laban's intense concern over their disappearance. The pursuit itself reflects the patriarchal authority and the legal and social expectations of the time regarding runaway family members or servants. God's intervention here transcends these cultural norms, demonstrating His sovereign control over human intentions and actions, even those of non-covenant individuals like Laban the Aramean (Syrian).
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 31:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Protection**, showcasing God's active and meticulous care for His chosen servant, Jacob, even in perilous circumstances. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, particularly those made to Jacob at Bethel ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")), where God pledged to be with him and bring him back to the land. Thirdly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty Over All Peoples**, demonstrating His ability to influence the hearts and actions of non-covenant individuals to accomplish His redemptive plans, as seen in His direct address to Laban. This divine intervention ensures the continuation of the patriarchal line and the eventual return to the promised land, crucial for the unfolding of God's redemptive history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 31:24 presents a concise yet profoundly significant divine intervention, revealing God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen, even amidst complex human conflicts.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, used here with a singular verb, refers specifically to the supreme God. Its use emphasizes the majesty, power, and authority of the one true God who is actively involved in human affairs. The divine intervention is not a mere coincidence but a direct, authoritative act of the sovereign Lord.
* **dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** A nocturnal vision, a medium through which God frequently communicated in the ancient world. In this context, it signifies a direct, unmistakable message from the divine realm, bypassing ordinary human interaction and directly implanting God's will into Laban's consciousness. It highlights the supernatural nature of the warning.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to arrange," but used figuratively of words, "to speak." Here, it encompasses any form of verbal communication or influence. The prohibition against speaking "either good or bad" implies a complete restriction on any attempt to persuade, coerce, or manipulate Jacob through words, whether overtly hostile or deceptively benevolent.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** Good in the widest sense, encompassing beauty, favor, prosperity, and well-being. In this idiomatic phrase ("good or bad"), "good" refers to any seemingly positive or beneficial influence, such as persuasive offers, manipulative kindness, or tempting proposals designed to alter Jacob's course or return him to Laban's control.
* **bad (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** Bad or evil, encompassing adversity, affliction, harm, and wickedness. In this context, "bad" refers to any negative or harmful influence, including threats, curses, physical violence, or any action that would impede Jacob's journey or cause him distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night":** This clause establishes the divine initiative and the supernatural mode of communication. God, the sovereign Lord, directly approaches Laban, identifying him as "the Syrian" (Aramean), highlighting that God's authority extends even to those outside the covenant community. The setting "in a dream by night" emphasizes the direct, unmediated, and undeniable nature of the divine message, delivered while Laban was vulnerable and receptive.
* **"and said unto him":** This simple phrase underscores the directness and clarity of God's communication. It is not an ambiguous vision but a clear verbal command, leaving no room for misinterpretation by Laban.
* **"Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad":** This is the core of the divine command, a comprehensive prohibition. "Take heed" (from the Hebrew _shâmar_) means to guard, protect, or be circumspect, implying a strict warning to be extremely careful. The idiomatic phrase "either good or bad" (Hebrew _mitov ad ra'_) signifies "anything at all" or "in any respect." This means Laban was forbidden from influencing Jacob in *any* way—whether through threats, physical harm, or through deceptive persuasion, manipulative offers, or attempts to convince Jacob to return or alter his course through seemingly benevolent means. God's command effectively neutralizes Laban's ability to interfere with Jacob's journey and ensures his complete freedom to proceed as God intended.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Divine Intervention** as its central literary device, demonstrating God's direct and active involvement in the human narrative. This intervention is specifically manifested through a **Dream Vision**, a common biblical motif for conveying divine messages, especially to non-prophetic figures or those outside the covenant. The phrase "either good or bad" is an **Idiom**, a figure of speech whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definitions of its words. This idiom functions as a comprehensive **Merism**, where two contrasting parts (good and bad) are used to represent a totality (anything at all). This literary technique emphasizes the absolute and unqualified nature of God's prohibition, leaving no ambiguity about the scope of Laban's restraint.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 31:24 is a profound testament to God's active and personal involvement in the lives of His people, illustrating His meticulous providential care. It showcases God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly His pledge to protect Jacob and bring him back to the land of Canaan. This divine intervention also powerfully demonstrates God's universal sovereignty, as He, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, exercises authority over the heart and actions of Laban, a non-covenant individual, to achieve His redemptive purposes. This event reinforces the biblical truth that God works all things, even potential conflicts and human animosity, for the good of those who are called according to His purpose.

* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalm/37-23-24 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 31:24 offers profound comfort and instruction for believers today, reminding us that God is intimately involved in the intricate details of our lives. It assures us that even when we face formidable adversaries or navigate uncertain paths, God's providential hand is at work, often behind the scenes, to protect us and guide our steps. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's faithfulness to His promises, knowing that He is sovereign over all circumstances and even over the hearts and intentions of those who may oppose us. When confronted with difficult people or challenging situations, we can rest in the assurance that our security is not dependent on our own cleverness or strength, but on God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This should inspire us to live with greater peace, knowing that the Lord who protected Jacob continues to watch over His own, ensuring that His ultimate purposes for us will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's providential protection more deeply, especially when facing difficult people or circumstances?**
* **How does God's intervention on behalf of Jacob strengthen your faith in His faithfulness to His promises to you?**
* **What does God's sovereignty over Laban, a non-covenant individual, teach you about His universal authority and His ability to work in unexpected ways?**

### FAQ

**Why did God speak to Laban, who was not a covenant person?**

Answer: God's sovereignty extends over all humanity, not just His covenant people. He is the Creator and Lord of all, and He can use any individual, regardless of their spiritual standing, to accomplish His divine purposes. In this instance, speaking to Laban directly in a dream was the most effective and expedient way to protect Jacob and ensure the continuation of the redemptive narrative. This demonstrates God's universal authority and His capacity to influence hearts and minds beyond the immediate covenant community, as also seen in His dealings with Pharaoh in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams") or Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Nebuchadnezzar's Dream").

**What is the full implication of God's command, "Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad"?**

Answer: This phrase, "either good or bad," is an idiomatic Hebrew expression (מִטּוֹב עַד רָע, _mitov ad ra'_) meaning "anything at all" or "in any respect." It's a comprehensive prohibition. It means Laban was forbidden from influencing Jacob in any way whatsoever. This includes not only overt threats, physical harm, or curses ("bad") but also deceptive persuasion, manipulative offers, or attempts to convince Jacob to return or alter his course through seemingly benevolent means ("good"). God's command was designed to completely disarm Laban and ensure Jacob's unimpeded journey back to Canaan.

**Does this event imply God condoned Jacob's secret departure from Laban?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly condone Jacob's method of departure, God's subsequent protection of Jacob indicates His approval of Jacob's ultimate objective: to return to Canaan, which was in line with God's earlier command to Jacob in [Genesis 31:3](/genesis/31-3 "God tells Jacob to return to Canaan"). God's intervention focuses on preventing harm to Jacob and ensuring the fulfillment of His promises, rather than on judging the specific manner of Jacob's leaving. God's priority was Jacob's safety and the continuation of His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 31:24 profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine protection and deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Just as God sovereignly intervened to shield Jacob from Laban's malicious intent, Christ, as the incarnate God and the true Israel, exercises supreme authority over all earthly and spiritual powers to protect His church. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to be "with thee, and will keep thee," not merely guiding a physical journey but securing the eternal salvation of His people. The divine warning to Laban points to Christ's power to disarm all adversaries—sin, death, and the devil—who seek to hinder God's children. Through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, Christ has triumphed over all the forces of "bad" (evil and destruction) and offers the ultimate "good" (eternal life and reconciliation with God). In Him, believers find perfect security and the assurance that no one can snatch them out of His hand ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "Jesus' Sheep Are Secure")), as He perfectly fulfills God's covenant of grace and ensures the safe passage of His elect to their heavenly inheritance ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "God will complete His work in you")).

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

Genesis 24:50

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.

Genesis 20:3

¶ But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou [art but] a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she [is] a man's wife.

Genesis 31:29

It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Genesis 31:42

Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked [thee] yesternight.

Numbers 24:13

If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do [either] good or bad of mine own mind; [but] what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

Matthew 27:19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

2 Samuel 13:22

And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.