Genesis 31:27
Genesis 31:27 in Multiple Translations
Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.
Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
Wherefore didst thou flee secretly, and steal away from me, and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth and with songs, with tabret and with harp;
Why did you make a secret of your flight, not giving me word of it, so that I might have sent you away with joy and songs, with melody and music?
Why did you run away in secret, trying to trick me? Why didn't you come and tell me? I would have given you a good send-off, a celebration with singing and the music of tambourines and lyres.
Wherfore diddest thou flie so secretly and steale away from me, and diddest not tel me, that I might haue sent thee foorth with mirth and with songs, with timbrel and with harpe?
Why hast thou hidden thyself to flee, and deceivest me, and hast not declared to me, and I send thee away with joy and with songs, with tabret and with harp,
Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me, and didn’t tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth and with songs, with tambourine and with harp;
Why didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me, and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
Why wouldst thou run away privately and not acquaint me, that I might have brought thee on the way with joy, and with songs, and with timbrels, and with harps?
Why did you run away and deceive me? Why did you not tell me that you were going to leave, so that we could have rejoiced and sung while people played music on tambourines and harps before I said ‘goodbye’ to you?
Why didn’t you tell me that you wanted to leave? You tricked me, and you ran away. That was a stupid thing to do. I didn’t get to say goodbye to you properly. I wanted to have a party for you, with people singing and playing music on drums and harps. You didn’t even let me kiss my daughters and my grand-kids and say goodbye to them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:27
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 31:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ֤/מָּה
נַחְבֵּ֨אתָ֙
לִ/בְרֹ֔חַ
וַ/תִּגְנֹ֖ב
אֹתִ֑/י
וְ/לֹא
הִגַּ֣דְתָּ
לִּ֔/י
וָֽ/אֲשַׁלֵּחֲ/ךָ֛
בְּ/שִׂמְחָ֥ה
וּ/בְ/שִׁרִ֖ים
בְּ/תֹ֥ף
וּ/בְ/כִנּֽוֹר
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
נַחְבֵּ֨אתָ֙
châbâʼ
H2244
to hide
V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
לִ/בְרֹ֔חַ
bârach
H1272
to flee
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וַ/תִּגְנֹ֖ב
gânab
H1589
to steal
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
אֹתִ֑/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הִגַּ֣דְתָּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
לִּ֔/י
Prep | Suff
וָֽ/אֲשַׁלֵּחֲ/ךָ֛
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
בְּ/שִׂמְחָ֥ה
simchâh
H8057
joy
Prep | N-fs
וּ/בְ/שִׁרִ֖ים
shîyr
H7892
song
Conj | Prep | N-cp
בְּ/תֹ֥ף
tôph
H8596
tambourine
Prep | N-ms
וּ/בְ/כִנּֽוֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
lyre
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:27
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נַחְבֵּ֨אתָ֙
châbâʼ
H2244
"to hide"
V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
To hide means to secrete or withdraw, often for safety or protection. In the Bible, this word is used to describe hiding oneself or being forced into hiding. It appears in various forms, including to hide oneself or to be hidden by someone else.
Definition: 1) to withdraw, hide 1a) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1b) (Pual) to be forced into hiding 1c) (Hiphil) to hide 1d) (Hophal) to be hidden 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to hide oneself, draw back 1e2) to draw together, thicken, harden
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly. See also: Genesis 3:8; 1 Kings 18:4; Isaiah 42:22.
לִ/בְרֹ֔חַ
bârach
H1272
"to flee"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
וַ/תִּגְנֹ֖ב
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
To steal means to take something secretly, whether physically or by deceiving someone. This can happen in various ways, as described in different Bible stories.
Definition: 1) to steal, steal away, carry away 1a) (Qal) to steal 1b) (Niphal) to be stolen 1c) (Piel) to steal away 1d)(Pual) to be stolen away, be brought by stealth 1e) (Hithpael) to go by stealth, steal away
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. See also: Genesis 30:33; Joshua 7:11; Proverbs 6:30.
אֹתִ֑/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִגַּ֣דְתָּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לִּ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
וָֽ/אֲשַׁלֵּחֲ/ךָ֛
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בְּ/שִׂמְחָ֥ה
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
וּ/בְ/שִׁרִ֖ים
shîyr
H7892
"song"
Conj | Prep | N-cp
This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.
Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.
בְּ/תֹ֥ף
tôph
H8596
"tambourine"
Prep | N-ms
A tambourine is a musical instrument, used in celebrations and worship in the Bible. The word appears in Exodus, where the Israelites use tambourines to praise God, and in other books like Psalm and Isaiah.
Definition: timbrel, tambourine
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: tabret, timbrel. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 81:3; Psalms 149:3.
וּ/בְ/כִנּֽוֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
"lyre"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Kinnor is a musical instrument, specifically a lyre or harp. It is used to make music and is mentioned in the Bible as a instrument used by musicians.
Definition: lyre, harp
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: harp. See also: Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Psalms 33:2.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:27
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:27
- Sermons on Genesis 31:27
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
25Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well.
26Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war!
27Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.
28But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing. 29I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 15:20 | Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. |
| 2 | Proverbs 26:23–26 | Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart. A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. |
| 3 | Genesis 31:3–5 | Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were, and he told them, “I can see from your father’s countenance that his attitude toward me has changed; but the God of my father has been with me. |
| 4 | Job 21:11–14 | They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about, singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace. Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. |
| 5 | Genesis 31:20–21 | Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away. So he fled with all his possessions, crossed the Euphrates, and headed for the hill country of Gilead. |
| 6 | Genesis 4:21 | And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. |
| 7 | Judges 6:27 | So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city, he did it by night rather than in the daytime. |
| 8 | Genesis 24:59–60 | So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.” |
| 9 | Genesis 31:31 | “I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force. |
Genesis 31:27 Summary
In Genesis 31:27, Laban is upset with Jacob because he left without saying goodbye, and Laban feels deceived. Laban says that if Jacob had told him he was leaving, he would have sent him away with a celebration, which shows that Laban values honesty and open communication. This verse teaches us the importance of being truthful and transparent in our relationships, as seen in Ephesians 4:25, where we are instructed to speak the truth in love. By being honest and open with others, we can build trust and strengthen our relationships, just like God desires for us to have honest and loving relationships with Him and with each other (1 John 1:6-7).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Laban feel deceived by Jacob's secret departure?
Laban felt deceived because Jacob did not inform him of his decision to leave, which is evident in Genesis 31:27 where Laban asks why Jacob ran away secretly and deceived him, and also in Genesis 31:26 where Laban accuses Jacob of carrying off his daughters like captives of war.
What would Laban have done if Jacob had told him about his departure?
According to Genesis 31:27, Laban would have sent Jacob away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps, indicating that he would have given Jacob a celebratory sendoff if he had been informed.
Is Laban's statement about sending Jacob away with joy and singing genuine or just an attempt to manipulate Jacob?
While it is difficult to determine Laban's true intentions, his statement in Genesis 31:27 can be seen as an attempt to manipulate Jacob, as Laban's actions in Genesis 31:25-26 and Genesis 31:28-29 reveal a more complex and potentially self-serving motivation.
What can we learn from Laban's reaction to Jacob's departure?
We can learn that honesty and open communication are essential in relationships, as seen in Ephesians 4:25, where it is written that we should speak the truth in love, and in Colossians 3:9-10, where we are instructed to put away deceit and speak truthfully to our neighbors.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be deceiving others or hiding my true intentions, and how can I apply the principle of honesty and open communication in my relationships?
- How can I balance the need for honesty and openness with the need for tact and sensitivity in my interactions with others, as seen in Proverbs 15:1, where a gentle answer turns away wrath?
- What are some areas in my life where I might be seeking to manipulate or control others, and how can I surrender those areas to God and trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of joy and celebration in my relationships, even in difficult or challenging circumstances, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-19?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:27
Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me?.... Intimating as if he should not have been against his departure, if he had but acquainted him with it, and the reasons of it; so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:27
And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? Laban said ... What hast thou done?
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:27
Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?Ver. 27. That I might have sent thee away with mirth.] A likely matter! but it is the hypocrite’ s best now, to say the best. He durst do no other; for God had overawed him, and put his hook into his nostrils. Hypocrites are likened to "bulrushes," which are green and smooth; and he is curious to a miracle, that can find a knot in them; but within is nothing but a useless and spongy pith. Compared they are also to "vipers," that are painted, as it were, without, but poisonful within: they have their teeth also buried in their gums, saith Pliny, so that one would think them to be harmless beasts, and that they could not bite. So hypocrites seem most innocent. Who would have thought otherwise of Laban, that had not known him, considering his dispute here with Jacob, his protests, afterwards, of deep and dear love to his daughters, and lastly, his attestation and taking God to witness for their good usage, and his heap of stones to witness (together with his heap of words to small purpose), calling it first Jegar-sahadutha, as a witness betwixt man and man; and then Mizpeh, as a watch-tower or witness between God and man? Who could take Laban for less now, than a loving father, yea, and an honest man? But, as the historian saith of another, so may we of him; Palam compositus pudor, intus summa adipiscendi libido . All this was but blanched hypocrisy, and coloured covetousness, as St Paul calls it. “ Astutam vapido servat sub pectore vulpem .” - Pers.
Tacit., De Sejano.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:27
(26-30) Laban said . . . —Laban reproaches Jacob, first, for carrying away his daughters secretly, which was an affront to them (Genesis 31:26) and an injury to his own feelings (Genesis 31:28); secondly, he tells him that he should have punished him but for the Divine warning; lastly, he accuses him of stealing his teraphim. Captives . . . —Heb., captives of the sword, women carried off in war as spoil.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:27
Verse 27. I might have sent thee away with mirth] בשמחה, besimchah, with rejoicing, making a feast or entertainment on the occasion; and with songs, beshirim, odes either in the praise of God, or to commemorate the splendid acts of their ancestors; with tabret, bethoph, the tympanum used in the east to the present day, and there called [Arabic] diff, a thin broad wooden hoop, with parchment extended over one end of it, to which are attached small pieces of brass, tin, c., which make a jingling noise it is held in the air with one hand, and beat on with the fingers of the other. It appears to have been precisely the same with that which is called the tambourine and which is frequently to be met with in our streets. And with harp, בכנור bekinnor, a sort of stringed instrument, a lute or harp; probably the same as the Greek κινυρα kinura, a harp; the name being evidently borrowed from the Hebrew. These four things seem to include all that was used in those primitive times, as expressive of gladness and satisfaction on the most joyous occasions.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:27
27. steal away from me] Heb. didst steal me; cf. Genesis 31:20. sent thee away] The same word as in Genesis 12:20, “And they brought him on the way.” The suggestion of a musical accompaniment is rhetorical. The “tabret” (tôph) is the “timbrel” or “tambourine.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:27
27. I might have sent thee away with mirth — His previous conduct had given no hopes of any such kind treatment, as Jacob freely intimates, when he comes to respond.
Sermons on Genesis 31:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Case of Conscience Resolved by John Bunyan | John Bunyan addresses the contentious issue of whether women in a church should separate from men to conduct their own prayer meetings. He argues against this practice, emphasizing |
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Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit |
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The Man Who Lived on Promises by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son breaking his leg while being heroic at a low-budget camp. He emphasizes that explanations don't make us feel bette |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob leaving Laban's household. Jacob decides to leave without giving notice, as he realizes that the influence of Laban and h |
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Through the Bible - Genesis 29-31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's journey to Haran, where he meets Rachel at a well, showcasing God's guidance in his life. Jacob's love for Rachel leads him to work seven years for he |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi |
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(Men God Made) Gideon by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher announces that the next week's topic will be the life of David. He mentions that there are about 42 chapters dedicated to David in the Bible, and he pr |