King James Version

What Does Genesis 31:2 Mean?

Genesis 31:2 in the King James Version says “And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. as before: Heb. as yesterday an...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. as before: Heb. as yesterday and the day before”

Genesis 31:2 · KJV

Context

1

And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory.

2

And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. as before: Heb. as yesterday and the day before

3

And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

4

And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,

Read Genesis 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.... 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 does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיַּ֥רְא1 of 10

“beheld”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב2 of 10

“And Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אֶת3 of 10
H853

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

פְּנֵ֣י4 of 10

“the countenance”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לָבָ֑ן5 of 10

“of Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

וְהִנֵּ֥ה6 of 10
H2009

lo!

אֵינֶנּ֛וּ7 of 10
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עִמּ֖וֹ8 of 10
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כִּתְמ֥וֹל9 of 10

“and behold it was not toward him as”

H8543

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃10 of 10

“before”

H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday

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 31:2 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 31:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 3:19Genesis 4:51 Samuel 18:9-111 Samuel 19:7Genesis 30:27Deuteronomy 19:4

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