King James Version

What Does Genesis 31:17 Mean?

Genesis 31:17 in the King James Version says “Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;”

Genesis 31:17 · KJV

Context

15

Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.

16

For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

17

Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

18

And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.

19

And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. images: Heb. teraphim

Read Genesis 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How should this truth about Covenant at Mizpah shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיָּ֖קָם1 of 9

“rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב2 of 9

“Then Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וַיִּשָּׂ֛א3 of 9

“and set”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת4 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּנָ֥יו5 of 9

“his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֶת6 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נָשָׁ֖יו7 of 9

“and his wives”

H802

a woman

עַל8 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַגְּמַלִּֽים׃9 of 9

“upon camels”

H1581

a camel

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 31:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 31:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 24:611 Samuel 30:17Genesis 24:10

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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