Genesis 31:24
Genesis 31:24 in Multiple Translations
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.”
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.
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.
Then God came to Laban in a dream by night, and said to him, Take care that you say nothing good or bad to Jacob.
But during the night God came to Laban in a dream and told him, “Watch what you say to Jacob. Don't try to persuade him to come back, and don't threaten him either.”
And God came to Laban the Aramite in a dreame by night, and sayde vnto him, Take heede that thou speake not to Iaakob ought saue good.
And God cometh in unto Laban the Aramaean in a dream of the night, and saith to him, 'Take heed to thyself lest thou speak with Jacob from good unto evil.'
God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.”
And God came to Laban, the Syrian, in a dream by night, and said to him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
And he saw in a dream God saying to him: Take heed thou speak not any thing harshly against Jacob.
Then God appeared to Laban in a dream at night, and said to him, “When you catch up to Jacob, be sure that you do not say anything at all [HYP] to him in an angry manner!”
But that night, Laban had a dream, and he heard God talk to him in that dream. God said, “Be careful about the way you talk to Jacob. Don’t make trouble for him.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 31:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֧א
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
אֶל
לָבָ֥ן
הָ/אֲרַמִּ֖י
בַּ/חֲלֹ֣ם
הַ/לָּ֑יְלָה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ל֗/וֹ
הִשָּׁ֧מֶר
לְ/ךָ֛
פֶּן
תְּדַבֵּ֥ר
עִֽם
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
מִ/טּ֥וֹב
עַד
רָֽע
וַ/יָּבֹ֧א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
לָבָ֥ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
הָ/אֲרַמִּ֖י
ʼĂrammîy
H761
Aramean
Art | Ngmsa
בַּ/חֲלֹ֣ם
chălôwm
H2472
dream
Prep | N-ms
הַ/לָּ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֗/וֹ
Prep | Suff
הִשָּׁ֧מֶר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֛
Prep | Suff
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תְּדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
עִֽם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
מִ/טּ֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Prep | Adj
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:24
וַ/יָּבֹ֧א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לָבָ֥ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
הָ/אֲרַמִּ֖י
ʼĂrammîy
H761
"Aramean"
Art | Ngmsa
An Aramean is someone from Aram, a region in Syria. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe people from this area, including in Genesis and 1 Kings. The KJV translates it as Syrian or Aramitess.
Definition: Someone from Aram Group of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307) § Syrian or Aramean = "exalted" a thing or a person from Syria or Aram
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Syrian, Aramitess. See also: Genesis 25:20; 2 Kings 5:20; 1 Chronicles 7:14.
בַּ/חֲלֹ֣ם
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
הַ/לָּ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל֗/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
הִשָּׁ֧מֶר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
לְ/ךָ֛
""
Prep | Suff
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תְּדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עִֽם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
מִ/טּ֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
- Sermons on Genesis 31:24
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
22On the third day Laban was informed that Jacob had fled.
23So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead.
24But 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.”
25Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well. 26Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 24:50 | Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. |
| 2 | Genesis 31:29 | 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.’ |
| 3 | Genesis 20:3 | One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.” |
| 4 | Numbers 24:13 | that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I will speak whatever the LORD says. |
| 5 | Genesis 31:42 | 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.” |
| 6 | Matthew 27:19 | While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.” |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 13:22 | And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad, because he hated Amnon for disgracing his sister Tamar. |
| 8 | Matthew 1:20 | But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. |
| 9 | Genesis 41:1 | After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, |
| 10 | Numbers 12:6 | He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. |
Genesis 31:24 Summary
This verse shows us that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding and directing us, even when we're not aware of it. He warned Laban not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad, to prevent harm and to remind us that our words have power, as noted in Proverbs 18:21. This teaches us to be mindful of our words and to seek God's guidance in our interactions with others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29. By trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, we can have confidence that He is working all things together for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God warn Laban not to say anything to Jacob?
God warned Laban not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad, to prevent him from speaking out of his own emotions and potentially harming Jacob, as seen in Genesis 31:24, and to remind us that our words have power, as noted in Proverbs 18:21.
What does this verse reveal about God's involvement in our lives?
This verse shows that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding and directing them, even when they are not aware of it, as seen in Genesis 31:24 and also in Romans 8:28, where we are told that God works all things together for our good.
How does this verse relate to the concept of divine providence?
This verse illustrates divine providence, where God sovereignly guides the actions of individuals, such as Laban, to accomplish His purposes, as also seen in Genesis 45:5, where Joseph attributes his circumstances to God's providence.
What can we learn from God's warning to Laban about our own speech?
We can learn the importance of being mindful of our words and their impact on others, as well as the need to seek God's guidance in our interactions with others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced God's guidance or intervention in your life, and what did you learn from the experience?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of being mindful of your words and their impact on others in your daily interactions?
- What are some areas in your life where you need to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, and how can you cultivate that trust?
- How does this verse encourage you to seek God's guidance in your relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:24
And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night,.... It is probable that Laban came to Mount Gilead late in the evening, and so had no sight of, or conversation with Jacob until the morning; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:24
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
Neither persuading him by flattering promises and cunning artifices, nor compelling him by threatenings, to return. For so these general words must be limited, as is evident from God’ s design in them, and from the following relation. So this is a synecdochical expression.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
Genesis 31:24 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.Ver. 24. Take heed thou speak not good or bad.] That is, that thou seek not, either by flattery or force, by allurement or affrightment, to bring him back. They write of the asp, that he never wanders alone, without his companion with him. So the flattering promises of the Church’ s adversaries go ever accompanied with cruel menaces, their rising tongues with their terrifying saws. "None of them shall want their mate"; as the Scripture speaks of those birds of prey and desolation.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
(24) Either good or bad.—Heb., from good to bad: a proverbial expression, rightly translated in the Authorised Version, but conveying the idea of a more absolute prohibition than the phrase used in Genesis 24:50.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
Verse 24. And God came to Laban] God's caution to Laban was of high importance to Jacob -Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad; or rather, as is the literal meaning of the Hebrew, מטוב עד רע mittob ad ra, from good to evil; for had he neither spoken good nor evil to Jacob, they could have had no intercourse at all. The original is, therefore, peculiarly appropriate; for when people meet, the language at first is the language of friendship; the command therefore implies, "Do not begin with Peace be unto thee, and then proceed to injurious language and acts of violence." If this Divine direction were attended to, how many of those affairs of honour, so termed, which commence with, "I hope you are well" - "I am infinitely glad to see you" - "I am happy to see you well," c., and end with small swords and pistol bullets, would be prevented! Where God and true religion act, all is fair, kind, honest, and upright but where these are not consulted, all is hollow, deceitful, or malicious. Beware of unmeaning compliments, and particularly of saying what thy heart feels not. God hates a hypocrite and a deceiver.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:24
24. And God came] Cf. Genesis 31:11. For this revelation to Laban the Syrian, compare the revelation to Abimelech, king of Gerar, in Genesis 20:3. It is God, not the “angel of God” (Genesis 31:11), who appears to Laban. either good or bad] A phrase used by Laban himself in Genesis 24:50.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:24
24. God came to Laban — Mark the constant divine care that guards the ways of Jacob, and redeems him from all evil. Genesis 48:16. Either good or bad — Hebrews, from good unto bad.
Sermons on Genesis 31:24
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Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 3 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his encounter with his brother Esau. Jacob is filled with fear and distress upon hearing that Esau is coming to meet |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:50-57 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham's servant finding a wife for Isaac. The servant is eager to return to his master, but the family of the potential bride |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:1 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 24, which tells the story of Abraham sending his servant to find a bride for his son Isaac. The preacher emphasizes the lead |
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God's Will for Young People by Peet Botha | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the six things that happened in the lives of Martin and Lisa. The congregation experiences the serenity of God and acknowledges that what has |
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The Holy Ghost Is Received by Faith! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit through faith, urging believers to actively seek this divine gift. He highlights that the Holy Spirit empowers |
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(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 |
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Through the Bible - Genesis 29-31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's journey to Haran, where he meets Rachel at a well, showcasing God's guidance in his life. Jacob's love for Rachel leads him to work seven years for he |