Genesis 31:2
Genesis 31:2 in Multiple Translations
And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime.
And Jacob saw that Laban's feeling for him was no longer what it had been before.
Jacob also noticed that Laban was treating him differently to the way he had before.
Also Iaakob beheld the countenance of Laban, that it was not towards him as in times past:
and Jacob seeth the face of Laban, and lo, it is not with him as heretofore.
Jacob saw the expression on Laban’s face, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and behold, it was not towards him as before.
And perceiving also that Laban’s countenance was not towards him as yesterday and the other day,
And Jacob noticed that Laban was not acting friendly toward him as he had done before.
Jacob also saw that Laban wasn’t friendly to him any more.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 31:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֥רְא
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
אֶת
פְּנֵ֣י
לָבָ֑ן
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
אֵינֶ֛/נּוּ
עִמּ֖/וֹ
כִּ/תְמ֥וֹל
שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם
וַ/יַּ֥רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
לָבָ֑ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אֵינֶ֛/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
עִמּ֖/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
כִּ/תְמ֥וֹל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
yesterday
Prep | Adv
שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם
shilshôwm
H8032
three days ago
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:2
וַ/יַּ֥רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לָבָ֑ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֵינֶ֛/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
עִמּ֖/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
כִּ/תְמ֥וֹל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
"yesterday"
Prep | Adv
This Hebrew word means yesterday or a short time ago, like in Genesis when God reminds the Israelites of what happened the day before. It can also mean recently or formerly, as in the events of the past. It appears in various Bible verses as beforetime or heretofore.
Definition: 1) before, before that time, beforetime, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past, yesterday, day before yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1a1) recently, formerly (usual usage) (fig) 1b) as formerly, so more recently 1c) from yesterday, already
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (-time), [phrase] these (three) days, [phrase] heretofore, [phrase] time past, yesterday. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 3:4; Job 8:9.
שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם
shilshôwm
H8032
"three days ago"
N-ms
The Hebrew phrase shilshom means three days ago or day before yesterday, used to describe a past event. It is an idiom that conveys a sense of time, often used in the Bible to tell stories of what happened previously. This phrase helps to establish a timeline of events.
Definition: 1) day before yesterday, three days ago 1a) an idiom for 'heretofore in times past'
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that time, -time), excellent things (from the margin), [phrase] heretofore, three days, [phrase] time past. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 4:18; Proverbs 22:20.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:2
- Sermons on Genesis 31:2
Context — Jacob Flees from Laban
1Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.”
2And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.
3Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” 4So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 3:19 | At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 18:9–11 | And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. |
| 3 | Genesis 4:5 | but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 19:7 | So Jonathan summoned David and told him all these things. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul to serve him as he had before. |
| 5 | Genesis 30:27 | But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 28:54 | The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived, |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 19:4 | Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him: |
| 8 | Exodus 4:10 | “Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” |
Genesis 31:2 Summary
[This verse tells us that Jacob noticed a change in Laban's attitude towards him, which was likely caused by the complaints of Laban's sons. This shows us that our actions and attitudes can impact how others feel about us, as seen in Genesis 31:1. As Christians, we are called to be mindful of how our actions affect others and to strive for peace and harmony in our relationships, as taught in Romans 12:18 and Matthew 7:12. By being sensitive to the emotions and attitudes of those around us, we can build stronger, more loving relationships and bring glory to God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Jacob saw a change in Laban's countenance?
This means that Jacob noticed a change in Laban's facial expression and demeanor, indicating a shift in his attitude towards Jacob, as seen in Genesis 31:2. This is similar to how we can discern the emotions and intentions of others through their nonverbal cues, as mentioned in Proverbs 15:13.
Why did Laban's attitude towards Jacob change?
Laban's attitude changed because his sons were complaining about Jacob's wealth, which they believed was acquired at their father's expense, as stated in Genesis 31:1. This reveals the influence of others on our attitudes and actions, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33.
How did Jacob know that Laban's attitude had changed?
The Bible doesn't explicitly state how Jacob knew, but it's likely that Jacob was sensitive to the feelings and emotions of those around him, as seen in his ability to discern the change in Laban's countenance, similar to how we are called to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 4:30.
What can we learn from Jacob's experience with Laban?
We can learn the importance of being aware of the emotions and attitudes of those around us, as well as being mindful of how our own actions and attitudes may impact others, as taught in Romans 12:18 and Matthew 7:12.
Reflection Questions
- How do I discern the emotions and attitudes of those around me, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- What are some ways that I may be influencing the attitudes and actions of others, whether positively or negatively?
- How can I cultivate a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in my life, especially in situations where I need to discern the emotions and attitudes of others?
- What are some practical ways that I can apply the principles of sensitivity and awareness to my relationships with others, as seen in Jacob's experience with Laban?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:2
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban,.... Upon this he observed Laban's looks, that he might gather from thence how he took his prosperity; what were his thoughts about it, and what he might
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:2
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:2
And this change of his countenance argued a change in his mind, and prosaged some evil intentions in him towards Jacob.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:2
Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it [was] not toward him as before.Ver. 2. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban.] He said little, for shame, but thought the more, and could not so conceal his discontent, but that it appeared in his lowering looks. That which he had parted with in his riches, was, as it were, raked out of his belly; he had as beloved have parted with his very heart blood. And this was plain to Jacob by his countenance, which had been friendly, smooth, and smiling; but now was cloudy, sad, spiteful. The young men were hot, and could not hold or hide what was in their heart, but blurted it out, and spoke their minds freely. This old fox held his tongue, but could not keep his countenance. “ En, quam difficile est animum non prodere vultu.”
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:2
2. the countenance of Laban] Here, and in Genesis 31:5, Laban’s countenance toward Jacob is said to be altered. For this idiomatic use of “the countenance” as expressing feeling, cf. Genesis 4:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:2
2. Not toward him as before — During the fourteen years of his service, when Laban had all the advantage, and every thing his own way, he doubtless treated Jacob with great regard, so that the latter
Sermons on Genesis 31:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Man God Tore Apart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the troubled state of the world and predicts that it will become even more troubled in the next 10 years. He emphasizes that there are three ty |
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Woman's Most Vulnerable Area of Attack by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about aging and the impact it has on individuals. He emphasizes that despite the physical changes that come with age, the focu |
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Husbands as Spiritual Protectors by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about aging and the impact it has on individuals and their families. He emphasizes that despite the physical effects of aging, |
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Stand Fearless for God by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of true freedom, which comes from |
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Can Two Walk Together? by James Macginlay | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and dismisses the idea of fake religions that rely on visions, dreams, and hallucinations. He encourages the congre |
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(Men God Made) David by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David from the Bible. He starts by mentioning Samuel and how he did what the Lord commanded him to do. The speaker then talks abo |
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Keeping Ourselves in the Love of God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and controlling our words. He uses the analogy of a man who cleans his house of jealousy, but then invi |