King James Version
What Does Genesis 31:20 Mean?
“And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. unawares: Heb. the heart of Laban”
Context
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
20
And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. unawares: Heb. the heart of Laban
21
So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
22
And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(20) **Jacob stole away unawares.**—*Heb., stole the heart. *But the heart was regarded by the Hebrews as the seat of the intellect, and so *to steal a man’s understanding, *like the similar phrase in Greek, means to elude his observation.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 31:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.