Genesis 31:55

And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

And early {H7925} in the morning {H1242} Laban {H3837} rose up {H7925}, and kissed {H5401} his sons {H1121} and his daughters {H1323}, and blessed {H1288} them: and Laban {H3837} departed {H3212}, and returned {H7725} unto his place {H4725}.

Early in the morning Lavan got up, kissed his sons and daughters, and blessed them. Then Lavan left and returned to his own place.

Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home.

And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

Commentary

Genesis 31:55 marks a significant turning point in the complex relationship between Jacob and Laban, concluding a tumultuous period of Jacob's life before his return to the land of Canaan.

Context

This verse describes the final farewell between Laban, Jacob's father-in-law and uncle, and his daughters (Jacob's wives, Leah and Rachel) and grandchildren. It comes after a dramatic series of events: Jacob's secret departure from Laban's household after twenty years of service (Genesis 31:17), Laban's pursuit and angry confrontation, and their eventual reconciliation and the making of a covenant at Mizpah. The previous verses established a boundary and a mutual promise of peace, facilitated by God's watchful eye. This verse signifies the full and final resolution of their dispute, allowing both parties to move forward.

Key Themes

  • Resolution and Departure: The verse clearly signals the end of a long, often adversarial, chapter in Jacob's life. Laban's departure allows Jacob to continue his journey back to his homeland without further interference from his father-in-law.
  • Familial Affection (Despite Conflict): Despite the history of deception and tension (see Genesis 29:25 for an example of Laban's cunning), Laban's actions—kissing and blessing his sons (grandchildren) and daughters—show a genuine, albeit final, display of familial love and concern.
  • Patriarchal Blessing: The act of "blessing them" was a significant cultural practice in the ancient Near East, conveying good wishes, affirmation, and a pronouncement of favor. Here, it is a paternal blessing, wishing well upon his departing family.
  • Divine Providence: Underlying this resolution is the consistent theme of God's protection and guidance over Jacob. It was God who had instructed Jacob to return (Genesis 31:3) and who intervened to prevent Laban from harming him (Genesis 31:24). This peaceful parting is a testament to God's faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "kissed" is נָשַׁק (nashaq), an act of greeting or farewell often accompanied by strong emotion, as seen in other biblical goodbyes. The word for "blessed" is בָּרַךְ (barak), which in this context denotes a paternal good wish or farewell benediction, rather than a prophetic pronouncement. Both actions underscore the formal and emotional nature of this final separation.

Practical Application

Genesis 31:55 offers insights into the complexities of human relationships and the importance of resolution. It teaches us:

  • The Value of Closure: Even in strained relationships, seeking or allowing for proper closure can bring peace and enable both parties to move forward.
  • Grace in Goodbyes: Despite past wrongs, Laban's final actions show an act of grace, highlighting the importance of parting on as good terms as possible, especially within families.
  • Trust in God's Leading: Just as God faithfully guided Jacob through this difficult period, believers can trust that God orchestrates events, even conflicts, to bring about His purposes and lead them to their intended destination.

This verse, though brief, marks a crucial transition for Jacob, setting the stage for his return to Canaan and his eventual encounter with Esau.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 31:28 (6 votes)

    And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in [so] doing.

  • Genesis 18:33 (4 votes)

    And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

  • Genesis 30:25 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.

  • Numbers 23:5 (3 votes)

    And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.

  • Psalms 76:10 (3 votes)

    Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

  • Deuteronomy 23:5 (3 votes)

    Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

  • Ruth 1:14 (3 votes)

    And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.