Genesis 31:3

KJV

And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Jacob {H3290}, Return {H7725} unto the land {H776} of thy fathers {H1}, and to thy kindred {H4138}; and I will be with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Ya'akov, "Return to the land of your ancestors, to your kinsmen; I will be with you."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 31:3 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, as the LORD issues a direct divine command for him to return from Laban's household in Paddan-Aram to the land of his ancestors and his family. This verse profoundly illustrates God's active, sovereign guidance over His covenant people, providing not only clear direction for Jacob's next steps but also the comforting and foundational assurance of His unwavering, personal presence throughout the journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 31:3 immediately follows a period of escalating tension and deceit between Jacob and his uncle Laban. Jacob had served Laban for twenty years, enduring repeated exploitation despite God's blessing on his endeavors, which led to his significant prosperity in livestock, family, and wealth. The preceding verses (Genesis 30:25-30:43, 31:1-2) detail Jacob's growing unease, Laban's changing countenance, and the increasing animosity from Laban’s sons. This divine command serves as the explicit catalyst for Jacob's departure, providing the necessary divine mandate and justification for leaving a hostile environment and initiating the next crucial phase of God's redemptive plan for his lineage. It sets the stage for the dramatic events of Jacob's flight, Laban's pursuit, and the subsequent reconciliation and covenant at Galeed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jacob's sojourn in Paddan-Aram reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of a younger son or relative working for a period to earn a family and wealth, often under the patriarchal authority of an elder kinsman like Laban. The cultural norms of the time included intricate family covenants, the importance of lineage, and the significance of land inheritance. Jacob's return to the "land of thy fathers" is not merely a geographical relocation but a re-engagement with the patriarchal covenant promises made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call and Promise to Abraham") and [Isaac](/genesis/26-3-4 "God's Reaffirmation to Isaac"). The journey itself would be perilous, traversing significant distances through potentially hostile territories, making the divine promise of presence ("I will be with thee") all the more crucial for Jacob's courage and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights God's **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, demonstrating His active intervention in the lives of His chosen individuals, directing their paths even in complex human situations. It underscores God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant**, as the command to return to Canaan reaffirms His unwavering commitment to the Abrahamic covenant and the land promise central to it (see [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). Furthermore, the promise "I will be with thee" establishes the crucial theme of **God's Enduring Presence**, a foundational assurance that recurs throughout Scripture, providing comfort and strength to those called to walk in His ways. Jacob's subsequent actions in [Genesis 31:4-21](/genesis/31-4-21 "Jacob's Departure from Laban") illustrate the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command** as a necessary response to God's revealed will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, derived from the root meaning "to be" or "to exist." Its use here (H3068) emphasizes that the speaker is the self-existent, eternal God who is in covenant relationship with Jacob. It highlights the personal, relational, and faithful character of the God who is actively intervening in Jacob's life, underscoring the authority and reliability of the command and promise that follow.
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) signifies a direct, authoritative verbal communication. It is not merely an internal prompting or a general sense of direction, but an explicit, spoken word from God to Jacob. The breadth of its usage, from simple declaration to command and promise, indicates that God's utterance here carries the full weight of His divine will and purpose, demanding a clear response.
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This root (H7725) means "to turn back," "to turn away," or "to restore." In this context, it is a direct imperative for Jacob to reverse his direction and go back to his ancestral land. The word carries a sense of reorientation and restoration, not just geographically but also spiritually, bringing Jacob back into closer alignment with God's unfolding covenant plan for his family and the promised land. It implies a departure from his current circumstances and a decisive move towards God's intended destination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Jacob,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. The direct address from "the LORD" (YHWH), God's covenant name, emphasizes the personal and relational nature of this communication. It signifies that God is actively engaged in Jacob's life, not as a distant deity, but as the faithful God who interacts directly with His chosen people, guiding their steps according to His sovereign plan.
* **"Return unto the land of thy fathers,"**: This is the primary command given to Jacob. The "land of thy fathers" refers specifically to Canaan, the land promised to Abraham and Isaac. This directive is laden with covenantal significance, signaling the continuation of God's redemptive purpose through the patriarchal line. It is a call for Jacob to re-establish his family in the territory designated for the fulfillment of God's promises, moving him away from the foreign influence of Laban and back to the sphere of God's direct covenantal activity.
* **"and to thy kindred;"**: This part of the command specifies the destination further, emphasizing the familial and ancestral connection. While "land of thy fathers" points to the geographical and covenantal inheritance, "thy kindred" highlights the importance of returning to his family roots, specifically to Isaac and Rebekah, as well as the broader clan. This ensures the continuity of the covenant lineage and the integrity of the family unit through whom the nation of Israel would eventually emerge.
* **"and I will be with thee."**: This concluding phrase is a profound and foundational promise, serving as the divine assurance accompanying the command. The Hebrew phrase conveys more than mere proximity; it signifies active support, divine partnership, protection, and unwavering commitment. This promise directly addresses any fears or uncertainties Jacob might have about leaving Laban and undertaking a potentially dangerous journey. It is God's guarantee of His faithful presence, ensuring that Jacob will not face the challenges ahead alone, but with the full backing of the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 31:3 prominently features **Direct Discourse**, where God speaks directly to Jacob, emphasizing the personal and authoritative nature of the divine command. This direct address highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people. The verse also employs a clear **Command-Promise Structure**, a common biblical pattern where a divine directive is immediately followed by an assurance of God's presence or blessing. This structure serves to motivate obedience by providing comfort and confidence. Furthermore, the phrase "I will be with thee" functions as a powerful **Echo or Repetition** of earlier divine promises made to Jacob, notably at Bethel in [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel"). This repetition reinforces God's faithfulness and consistency, assuring Jacob that the God who promised to be with him when he left Canaan is the same God who will be with him upon his return.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 31:3 powerfully illustrates God's active sovereignty and meticulous providence in the lives of His people. It reveals a God who is not distant but intimately involved, orchestrating circumstances and issuing direct commands to guide His chosen ones towards His ultimate purposes. The command to return to the land of his fathers reaffirms God's unwavering commitment to the Abrahamic covenant, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises across generations. The accompanying assurance, "and I will be with thee," is a profound theological statement, establishing God's enduring presence as a foundational truth that undergirds all divine commands and empowers human obedience. This promise signifies divine partnership, protection, and active support, providing the necessary courage for Jacob to embark on a challenging and uncertain journey.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abraham and the Promise of Land")
* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise of Presence to Jacob at Bethel")
* [Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "God's Promise to Moses: 'I will be with you'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 31:3 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities and uncertainties of life today. In moments of transition, strained relationships, or when facing daunting decisions, this verse reminds us that God remains intimately involved in our lives, ready to provide clear direction. Just as Jacob received a specific, verbal command, we are encouraged to diligently seek God's will through prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and wise counsel, trusting that He has a perfect plan for our steps, even when the path is unclear. Furthermore, the timeless promise, "I will be with thee," serves as an inexhaustible source of strength and courage. It assures us that we are never alone in our challenges, our obedience, or our journeys. God's constant, active presence, echoing the promise of [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Jesus' Great Commission and Promise of Presence"), empowers us to step out in faith, knowing that His faithfulness will sustain us through every trial and enable us to fulfill His calling, no matter how daunting the road ahead may seem.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's direct communication to Jacob in this verse encourage you to seek His specific guidance in your own life?**
* **In what current circumstances do you most need to lean on the promise, "I will be with thee"?**
* **How does Jacob's obedience to God's command, despite the potential dangers, challenge your own willingness to follow God's leading?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Jacob to return at this specific time?**

Answer: God's timing was meticulously strategic, coinciding with the peak of tension and hostility between Jacob and Laban, and Jacob's own growing desire and readiness to depart. This divine command provided the authoritative mandate Jacob needed, assuring him that his decision to leave was not merely a flight from conflict or a personal whim, but a direct alignment with God's sovereign will. It also marked the opportune moment for the next crucial stage of God's covenant plan to unfold, bringing Jacob back to the promised land where his family would continue to grow and develop into the nation through whom God's redemptive purposes would be realized, as detailed in [Genesis 35](/genesis/35 "Jacob's Return to Bethel and God's Blessing").

**What is the significance of God identifying Himself as "the LORD" (YHWH) in this verse?**

Answer: The use of "the LORD" (YHWH, H3068) signifies God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His relational, faithful, and self-existent character. It distinguishes Him as the God who makes and keeps promises, the one who actively engages with His people in a deep, committed relationship. In this context, it powerfully underscores that both the command to return and the profound promise of His presence come from the same faithful God who established the covenant with Abraham and Isaac. This reinforces the trustworthiness, authority, and unwavering nature of His word to Jacob, assuring him that the One who commands is also the One who sustains and provides.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 31:3, with its emphasis on divine guidance and the profound promise of God's unwavering presence, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God commanded Jacob to return to the land of promise with the assurance, "I will be with thee," so too does Christ embody God's ultimate "return" to humanity through the Incarnation, bringing God's presence directly among us in a tangible way (as beautifully articulated in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is the true "Immanuel," God with us, who not only guides His people into the true promised land of eternal life but also assures His disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Jesus' Great Commission and Promise")). Through Christ, believers are not merely given a command to return to a physical land, but are called into a spiritual kingdom, empowered by the constant, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who is the very Spirit of Christ (see [John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). This ensures that God's active support, protection, and transformative power are eternally with His new covenant people, enabling them to live out His commands in the assurance of His unfailing companionship, far surpassing the temporary presence granted to Jacob.

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 28:15

And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.

Genesis 32:9

¶ And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Genesis 31:13

I [am] the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, [and] where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Genesis 21:22

¶ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in all that thou doest: