King James Version

What Does Genesis 31:20 Mean?

Genesis 31:20 in the King James Version says “And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. unawares: Heb. the heart of Lab...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. unawares: Heb. the heart of Laban”

Genesis 31:20 · KJV

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.

Read Genesis 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.... 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. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּגְנֹ֣ב1 of 13

“stole away”

H1589

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב2 of 13

“And Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אֶת3 of 13
H853

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

לֵ֥ב4 of 13

“unawares”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לָבָ֖ן5 of 13

“to Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

הָֽאֲרַמִּ֑י6 of 13

“the Syrian”

H761

an aramite or aramaean

עַל7 of 13

“in that”

H5921

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

בְּלִי֙8 of 13

“him not”

H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

הִגִּ֣יד9 of 13

“he told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֔וֹ10 of 13
H0
כִּ֥י11 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֹרֵ֖חַ12 of 13

“that he fled”

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

הֽוּא׃13 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 31:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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