Genesis 31:5
Genesis 31:5 in Multiple Translations
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.
And said unto them, I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.
and said unto them, I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as beforetime; but the God of my father hath been with me.
And he said to them, It is clear to me that your father's feeling is no longer what it was to me; but the God of my father has been with me
“I've noticed that your father is treating me differently to the way he did before,” he told them. “But the God of my father will be with me.
Then sayde hee vnto them, I see your fathers countenance, that it is not towardes me as it was wont, and the God of my father hath bene with me.
and saith to them, 'I am beholding your father's face — that it is not towards me as heretofore, and the God of my father hath been with me,
and said to them, “I see the expression on your father’s face, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me.
And said to them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not towards me as before: but the God of my father hath been with me.
And said to them: I see your father’s countenance is not towards me as yesterday and the other day: but the God of my father hath been with me.
When they arrived, he said to them, “I see that your father does not act friendly toward me as he did previously. But God, whom my father worshiped, has helped me.
Jacob said to them, “I can see that your father isn’t friendly to me any more. But God is still with me. He is the one that looked after my father Isaac, and he is with me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:5
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 31:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לָ/הֶ֗ן
רֹאֶ֤ה
אָנֹכִי֙
אֶת
פְּנֵ֣י
אֲבִי/כֶ֔ן
כִּֽי
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
אֵלַ֖/י
כִּ/תְמֹ֣ל
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם
וֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֣י
אָבִ֔/י
הָיָ֖ה
עִמָּדִֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֗ן
Prep | Suff
רֹאֶ֤ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal
אָנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
אֲבִי/כֶ֔ן
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כִּ/תְמֹ֣ל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
yesterday
Prep | Adv
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם
shilshôwm
H8032
three days ago
N-ms
וֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Conj | N-mp
אָבִ֔/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
הָיָ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עִמָּדִֽ/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
with me
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:5
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.
לָ/הֶ֗ן
""
Prep | Suff
רֹאֶ֤ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אָנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֲבִי/כֶ֔ן
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
כִּ/תְמֹ֣ל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
"yesterday"
Prep | Adv
This Hebrew word means yesterday or a short time ago, like in Genesis when God reminds the Israelites of what happened the day before. It can also mean recently or formerly, as in the events of the past. It appears in various Bible verses as beforetime or heretofore.
Definition: 1) before, before that time, beforetime, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past, yesterday, day before yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1a1) recently, formerly (usual usage) (fig) 1b) as formerly, so more recently 1c) from yesterday, already
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (-time), [phrase] these (three) days, [phrase] heretofore, [phrase] time past, yesterday. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 3:4; Job 8:9.
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם
shilshôwm
H8032
"three days ago"
N-ms
The Hebrew phrase shilshom means three days ago or day before yesterday, used to describe a past event. It is an idiom that conveys a sense of time, often used in the Bible to tell stories of what happened previously. This phrase helps to establish a timeline of events.
Definition: 1) day before yesterday, three days ago 1a) an idiom for 'heretofore in times past'
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that time, -time), excellent things (from the margin), [phrase] heretofore, three days, [phrase] time past. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 4:18; Proverbs 22:20.
וֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Conj | 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.
אָבִ֔/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הָיָ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עִמָּדִֽ/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
"with me"
Prep | Suff
Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.
Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Flees from Laban
3Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”
4So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,
5and 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.
6You know that I have served your father with all my strength. 7And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:2–3 | And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed. Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” |
| 2 | Genesis 31:53 | 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. |
| 3 | Genesis 48:15 | Then he blessed Joseph and said: “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, |
| 4 | 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.” |
| 5 | Genesis 50:17 | ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. |
| 6 | Genesis 32:9 | Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ |
| 7 | Genesis 31:13 | 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.’” |
| 8 | Genesis 21:22 | At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. |
Genesis 31:5 Summary
[In Genesis 31:5, Jacob tells his wives that he can see a change in their father Laban's attitude towards him, but he trusts in the God of his father to be with him. This means that even when people's attitudes towards us change, we can trust in God's presence and guidance in our lives, just like Jacob did. As it says in Psalm 37:3-4, we can trust in God and do good, and He will give us the desires of our heart. By trusting in God, we can navigate challenging situations and relationships with confidence and peace.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Laban's countenance has changed towards Jacob?
This means that Laban's facial expression and demeanor have shifted, indicating a change in his attitude towards Jacob, likely due to Jacob's increasing wealth and influence, as seen in Genesis 30:43, but despite this, Jacob trusts in the God of his father, as stated in Genesis 31:5.
How can we know if someone's attitude towards us has changed?
Like Jacob, we can discern changes in people's attitudes through their actions, tone, and body language, and we must trust in God's presence and guidance, as promised in Genesis 28:15 and Genesis 31:3, to navigate these situations.
What role does the 'God of my father' play in Jacob's life?
The 'God of my father' refers to the God of Abraham and Isaac, who has been faithful to Jacob's family and is now with Jacob, guiding and protecting him, as seen in Genesis 28:13-15 and Genesis 31:5, giving Jacob confidence despite Laban's changed attitude.
How can we apply Jacob's trust in God to our own lives?
We can apply Jacob's trust by recognizing God's presence and sovereignty in our lives, just as Jacob did, and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness, as expressed in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28, even when faced with challenging circumstances or changed attitudes from others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can discern changes in people's attitudes towards me, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- How can I trust in God's presence and guidance in my life, even when faced with uncertainty or adversity?
- What are some ways I can apply Jacob's example of trusting in the 'God of my father' to my own life and relationships?
- How can I balance being aware of people's attitudes towards me with trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's presence and guidance in my life, and how can I cultivate this trust on a daily basis?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:5
And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it [is] not towards me as before,.... [See comments on Genesis 31:2]; no notice is taken of what their brethren, the sons of Laban, had said:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:5
And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:5
Either, 1. Hath blessed me; hath stood constantly by me, when your father hath failed and deceived me. Or, 2. Hath appeared unto me, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:5
Genesis 31:5 And said unto them, I see your father’ s countenance, that it [is] not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. Ver. 5. I see your father’ s countenance, &c.] This is the world’ s wages. All Jacob’ s good service is now forgotten. Do an unthankful person nineteen kindnesses, unless you add the twentieth, all is lost Perraro grati homines reperiuntur , saith Cicero. Nemo beneficium in Calendarium scribit , saith Seneca. And the poet Ausonius not unfitly - “ Sunt homines humeris quos siquis gestat ad urbem Ausoniam, domiti quae caput orbis erat: Nec tamen ad portam placide deponat eosdem, Gratia praeteriti nulla laboris erit” Pαλαιαμενευδειχαριςαμνημονεςδεβροτοι. - Pindar. Orat. pro Planc.
Sermons on Genesis 31:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Revelation) No Trumpets Sounding by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the Lord over all creation. He describes how the Lord has control over the land and sea, and how no angel can com |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 495 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of a family with four wicked sons and one tender-hearted youngest son. The father had trained the sons to be rascals, but the youngest s |
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(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 |
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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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Joseph's Life by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling trapped and forgotten, longing for the joy and freedom that others seem to have. Despite the difficulties, the s |
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Holy Ghost Tears by G.D. Watson | G.D. Watson preaches about the powerful language of tears, emphasizing how tears express deep emotions and truths beyond words, reflecting in our gait, voice tones, eyes, smiles, a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 32:9-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob appeals to God in his distress, acknowledging Him as the God of his father Abraham and Isaac. This |