Bible Commentary

Genesis 31:20

Genesis 31:20

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian,.... Went away without his knowledge, or giving him any notice of it; he was too cunning for Laban the Syrian; notwithstanding his astrology and superstitious arts, which the Syrians are addicted to, he had no foresight of this matter: or he "stole away the heart of Laban" , that which his heart was set upon; not his gods, these Rachel stole away; nor his daughters, for whom he does not appear to have had any great affection and respect; but rather the cattle and goods Jacob took with him, which Laban's eye and heart were upon, and hoped to get into his possession by one means, or at one time or another; but the former sense, that he "stole from" his heart , or stole away without his knowledge, seems best to agree with what follows;in that he told him not that he fled; or that he designed to go away, and was about to do it.

bl ta-bngy "furatus est cor", Tigurine version, Pagninus, Montanus, Munster, Vatablus, Drasius, Cartwright.

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Genesis 31 — OverviewGenesis 31 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleJacob was a very honest good man, a man of great devotion and integrity, yet he had more trouble and vexation than any of the patriarchs. He left his father's house in a fright, went to his uncle's in distress,…Genesis 31 — OverviewGenesis 31 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeGenesis 31:1, Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly; Genesis 31:19, Rachel steals her father’s images; Genesis 31:22, Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong; Genesis 31:34,…Genesis 31 — OverviewGenesis 31 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter relates how that Jacob observing that Laban and his sons envied his prosperity, and having a call from God to return to his own country, acquaints his wives with it; and reports to them Laban's ill usage of…Genesis 31:1-21Genesis 31:1-21 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONGenesis 31:1-21Genesis 31:1-21 · The Pulpit CommentaryJacob's flight from Laban. I. THE HOMEWARD DESIRE. The longing to revisit Canaan, which six years previously Laban's exactions and Joseph's birth (Genesis 30:25) had combined to inspire within the heart of Jacob,…Genesis 31:17-24Genesis 31:17-24 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere is, I. Jacob's flight from Laban. We may suppose he had been long considering of it, and casting about in his mind respecting it; but when now, at last, God had given him positive orders to go, he made no…