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Genesis 31

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‹ Chapter 30 Genesis — All Chapters Chapter 32 ›

1 Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense." 2 And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed. 3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you." 4 So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were, 5 and he told them, “I can see from your father’s countenance that his attitude toward me has changed; but the God of my father has been with me. 6 You know that I have served your father with all my strength. 7 And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me. 8 If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore speckled offspring. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore streaked offspring. 9 Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me. 10 When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females. 11 In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ And I replied, ‘Here I am.’ 12 ‘Look up,’ he said, ‘and see that all the males that are mating with the flock are streaked, spotted, or speckled; for I have seen all that Laban has done to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up and leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’" 14 And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house? 15 Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. 16 Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you." 17 Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels, 18 and he drove all his livestock before him, along with all the possessions he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land in Canaan. 19 Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. 20 Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away. 21 So he fled with all his possessions, crossed the Euphrates, and headed for the hill country of Gilead. 22 On the third day Laban was informed that Jacob had fled. 23 So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. 24 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." 25 Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well. 26 Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war! 27 Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps. 28 But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing. 29 I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ 30 Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?" 31 “I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force. 32 If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. 33 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent, and then the tents of the two maidservants, but he found nothing. Then he left Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken Laban’s household idols, put them in the saddlebag of her camel, and was sitting on them. And Laban searched everything in the tent but found nothing. 35 Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols. 36 Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? 37 You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us. 38 I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. 39 I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. 40 As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. 41 Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times! 42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment." 43 But Laban answered Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne? 44 Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me." 45 So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, 46 and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. 47 Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed. 48 Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. 49 It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. 50 If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me." 51 Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is the mound, and here is the pillar I have set up between you and me. 52 This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me. 53 May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. 54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. 55 Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home.

‹ Chapter 30 Genesis — All Chapters Chapter 32 ›

Study Notes — Genesis 31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Genesis 31 begins with Jacob noticing that Laban's attitude towards him has changed, and he decides to return to his father's house in Canaan. God appears to Jacob in a vision, instructing him to leave Laban and return to the land of his fathers, where He will be with him. Jacob shares his concerns with his wives, Rachel and Leah, and they agree to leave with him. As they depart, Rachel steals her father's household idols, which will later become a point of contention. The chapter concludes with Laban pursuing Jacob, only to be warned by God in a dream not to harm him. This leads to a confrontation between Laban and Jacob, resulting in a covenant between them to not harm each other. Key verses include Genesis 31:3, where God tells Jacob to return to Canaan, and Genesis 31:42, where Jacob recounts God's faithfulness to him.

Context for the Chapter

Genesis 31 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which tells the story of creation, the early history of humanity, and the beginnings of the Israelites. This chapter follows Jacob's time with Laban, which began in Genesis 29, and precedes his encounter with Esau in Genesis 32-33. Understanding the context of Jacob's family and his relationship with Laban, as well as the cultural practices of the time, is crucial for interpreting the events of Genesis 31. The chapter's themes of God's guidance, human conflict, and the importance of faith and obedience are intertwined with the broader story of God's redemption plan.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of uncertainty and conflict. It reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's leading, as seen in Jacob's decision to return to Canaan. By reflecting on Jacob's experiences, we can deepen our understanding of God's character and our relationship with Him, applying these principles to our own lives and relationships.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Genesis 31 tells the story of Jacob leaving his father-in-law Laban to return to Canaan, guided by God's promise to be with him. This chapter shows how God is faithful and sovereign, even in difficult relationships and uncertain circumstances. As seen in Genesis 31:3, God's instruction to Jacob to return to the land of his fathers illustrates His care for His people.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord's presence is the distinguishing mark of His people, and it is this that makes them peculiar and separate from the world.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“God's providence is not limited to great and extraordinary events, but extends to the smallest and most ordinary matters of our lives.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Jacob's Decision to Leave Laban (Genesis 31:1-16) — Jacob notices the change in Laban's attitude and decides to leave, sharing his concerns with his wives, who agree to go with him.
  2. The Departure and the Stolen Idols (Genesis 31:17-21) — Jacob and his family depart, but Rachel steals Laban's household idols, which will later cause trouble.
  3. Laban's Pursuit and the Confrontation (Genesis 31:22-35) — Laban pursues Jacob but is warned by God not to harm him, leading to a confrontation where Laban accuses Jacob of stealing his idols.
  4. The Covenant Between Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:36-44) — Jacob and Laban make a covenant, marking their boundary and agreeing not to harm each other, symbolizing a treaty of peace between them.
  5. The Departure and the Naming of the Place (Genesis 31:45-55) — After the covenant, Jacob and Laban part ways, and Jacob names the place where they made the covenant, signifying the end of their conflict and the beginning of a new chapter for Jacob.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God
Genesis 31 demonstrates God's sovereignty over human affairs, as He guides Jacob and intervenes in his relationships, illustrating His control over all things.
Faith and Obedience
The chapter teaches the importance of faith and obedience, as Jacob follows God's instruction despite uncertainty, modeling a response to God's leading that is rooted in trust and obedience.
Covenant
The covenant between Jacob and Laban highlights the significance of agreements and treaties in human relationships, reflecting a deeper theme of God's covenant with His people.
Redemption
The overall narrative of Genesis, including chapter 31, points towards the redemption of God's people, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Lessons from Genesis 31

  1. God's Guidance — We learn from Genesis 31 that God guides His people, even in complex situations, and that His presence is a source of strength and comfort.
  2. Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, as Jacob's decision to follow God's instruction, despite uncertainty, models a faith response to God's leading.
  3. Human Relationships — Genesis 31 highlights the challenges and complexities of human relationships, teaching us about the need for forgiveness, understanding, and divine guidance in our interactions with others.
  4. Covenant and Promise — The covenant between Jacob and Laban, and God's covenant with His people, underscore the significance of promises and agreements, both human and divine, in shaping our lives and relationships.
  5. Redemption and Fulfillment — The narrative of Genesis 31 contributes to the larger story of God's redemption plan, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's faithfulness and love for His people.

Themes from Genesis 31

  1. Sovereignty of God — The theme of God's sovereignty is prominent, as God guides Jacob and intervenes in his relationships, illustrating His control over all things.
  2. Faith and Obedience — The importance of faith and obedience is a key theme, as Jacob follows God's instruction despite uncertainty, modeling a response to God's leading that is rooted in trust and obedience.
  3. Covenant and Agreement — The chapter highlights the significance of covenants and agreements, both human and divine, in shaping our lives and relationships, reflecting a deeper theme of God's covenant with His people.
  4. Redemption and Promise — The overall narrative of Genesis 31 contributes to the theme of redemption, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's faithfulness and love for His people.
  5. Guidance and Presence — The theme of God's guidance and presence is central, as Jacob experiences God's leading and comfort, even in the midst of conflict and uncertainty, illustrating God's care for His people.

Questions for Meditation

  1. How does God's sovereignty manifest in Jacob's life in Genesis 31, and what does this teach us about God's involvement in our lives?
  2. What challenges did Jacob face in his relationship with Laban, and how can we apply the principles of faith and obedience from Jacob's story to our own relationships and challenges?
  3. What role do covenants play in human relationships, as seen in Genesis 31, and how do these relate to God's covenant with His people?
  4. How does the story of Jacob's departure from Laban illustrate the theme of redemption, and what does this teach us about God's plan for His people?
  5. In what ways can we trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty in our own lives, as modeled by Jacob's trust in God's promise to be with him?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Jacob's Decision to Leave Laban (Genesis 31:1-16)

31:1 Jacob noticed that Laban's attitude towards him had changed, indicating a shift in their relationship.
31:2 The change in Laban's sons' attitude towards Jacob also contributed to his decision to leave.
31:3 God instructed Jacob to return to the land of his fathers, promising to be with him, which guided his decision.
31:4-16 Jacob shared his concerns with his wives, who agreed to leave with him, marking the beginning of their departure from Laban.

2. The Departure and the Stolen Idols (Genesis 31:17-21)

31:17 Jacob prepared to leave with his family and possessions, marking the beginning of their journey back to Canaan.
31:18-19 Rachel stole her father's household idols, which would later cause trouble and illustrate the spiritual confusion of the time.
31:20-21 Jacob deceived Laban by not telling him they were leaving, highlighting the tension and conflict in their relationship.

3. Laban's Pursuit and the Confrontation (Genesis 31:22-35)

31:22-23 Laban was told that Jacob had fled, prompting him to pursue Jacob with his relatives.
31:24 God warned Laban in a dream not to say anything good or bad to Jacob, illustrating God's intervention in human affairs.
31:25-35 Laban confronted Jacob, accusing him of stealing his idols and daughters, which led to a heated exchange between them.

4. The Covenant Between Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:36-44)

31:36 Jacob became angry and confronted Laban about his actions, marking a turning point in their conflict.
31:37-42 Jacob recounted his faithfulness to Laban and God's faithfulness to him, highlighting the theme of faith and obedience.
31:43-44 Laban proposed making a covenant, which they did, marking a treaty of peace between them and a boundary.

5. The Departure and the Naming of the Place (Genesis 31:45-55)

31:45 Jacob set up a stone pillar, marking the place of their covenant and the end of their conflict.
31:46-48 Laban named the place Jegar-sahadutha, while Jacob named it Galeed, signifying their agreement and the end of their dispute.
31:49-55 They made a covenant, and Laban returned home, marking the end of their encounter and a new chapter for Jacob.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob decide to leave Laban?

Jacob decided to leave Laban because he noticed a change in Laban's attitude towards him, and God instructed him to return to the land of his fathers, as seen in Genesis 31:3.

What was the significance of the covenant between Jacob and Laban?

The covenant marked a treaty of peace and a boundary between Jacob and Laban, signifying the end of their conflict and a new beginning for Jacob, as seen in Genesis 31:44.

How does Genesis 31 relate to the broader narrative of the Bible?

Genesis 31 contributes to the story of God's redemption plan, highlighting themes of sovereignty, faith, and covenant, all of which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as seen in John 10:3 and Hebrews 13:5.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Genesis 31:3 → Psalm 23:4 Both verses emphasize God's presence and guidance, comforting His people in times of uncertainty.
2 Genesis 31:13 → Exodus 3:15 Both references highlight the significance of God's name and His relationship with His people, emphasizing His faithfulness and covenant.
3 Genesis 31:24 → Job 33:15-16 Both passages illustrate God's use of dreams to communicate with individuals, guiding them according to His will.
4 Genesis 31:42 → Psalm 121:1-2 Both verses express trust in God's faithfulness and protection, looking to Him as the helper and guardian of His people.
5 Genesis 31:44 → Joshua 24:25 Both references involve making a covenant, highlighting the importance of agreements and treaties in human relationships and with God.
6 Genesis 31:49 → Judges 11:29-40 Both passages mention the naming of a place as a witness to an event, emphasizing the significance of remembering and commemorating important occurrences.
7 Genesis 31:53 → The reference to the God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father highlights the ancestral worship and the concept of a family God, which is a precursor to the understanding of the one true God of the Bible, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5.
8 Genesis 31:55 → Ruth 1:15 Both verses mention the return of individuals to their homes, illustrating the theme of return and restoration in the biblical narrative, which points to the ultimate return and restoration through Jesus Christ, as seen in Luke 15:11-32.

Sermons on Genesis 31

SermonDescription
Warren Wiersbe The Man Who Lived on Promises by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son breaking his leg while being heroic at a low-budget camp. He emphasizes that explanations don't make us feel bette
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 31:42-49 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contract made between Jacob and Laban. Laban claims ownership of everything, including Jacob's wives and children. Jacob, however, assert
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 31:7-13 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses Jacob's actions towards Laban and the blessings he receives from God. The speaker acknowledges that Jacob may have used a method that any busi
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 31:26-31 by J. Vernon McGee J. Vernon McGee discusses the confrontation between Jacob and Laban, highlighting Laban's diplomatic approach and emotional manipulation as he questions Jacob about his secret depa
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 31:32-36 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Laban from the book of Genesis. Jacob confronts Laban, questioning why he is pursuing him so aggressively. Jacob is c
Chuck Missler Genesis #20 Ch. 31-34 Wrestling to the End of Self by Chuck Missler In this sermon, Chuck Misler discusses Genesis chapters 31 through 34. He begins by emphasizing the importance of relying on God's word, particularly Romans 8, during times of stre
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 30:31-39 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with his uncle Laban. Jacob, known for his trickery, meets his match in Laban, who is an even better tri
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 29:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob serves his uncle Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, as his love for her is so
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 31:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob leaving Laban's household. Jacob decides to leave without giving notice, as he realizes that the influence of Laban and h

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 31

Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis 31 highlights the themes of God's sovereignty, faith, and covenant. Henry notes that Jacob's decision to leave Laban was guided by God's instruction, demonstrating God's care for His people. The commentary also emphasizes the significance of the covenant between Jacob and Laban, which marked a treaty of peace and a boundary. Henry observes that the chapter teaches us about the importance of faith and obedience, as well as the complexities of human relationships and the need for divine guidance. Ultimately, the commentary points to the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's faithfulness and love for His people, as seen in John 10:3 and Hebrews 13:5. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Sovereignty

Notice how God intervenes in Jacob's life, guiding him to leave Laban and return to Canaan, demonstrating His sovereignty over human affairs. This is evident in Genesis 31:3, where God instructs Jacob to return to the land of his fathers.

Human Conflict

Observe the tension and conflict between Jacob and Laban, which arises from their different perspectives and interests, highlighting the challenges of human relationships. Genesis 31:1-2 illustrates the change in Laban's attitude towards Jacob, leading to Jacob's decision to leave.

Faith and Obedience

Jacob's decision to follow God's instruction, despite the uncertainties and challenges, models faith and obedience. This is seen in Genesis 31:17-18, where Jacob prepares to leave with his family and possessions.

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