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Genesis 31:20

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 31:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.
Genesis 31:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 31

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon the camels;
18and he carried away all his cattle, and all his substance which he had gathered, the cattle of his getting, which he had gathered in Paddan-aram, to go to Isaac his father unto the land of Canaan.
19Now Laban was gone to shear his sheep: and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father`s.
20And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.
21So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the River, and set his face toward the mountain of Gilead.
22And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.
23And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days` journey; and he overtook him in the mountain of Gilead.
← Genesis 31:19Genesis 31:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, etc.] 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” f1513, 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…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Jacob stole away--The result showed the prudence and necessity of departing secretly; otherwise, Laban might have detained him by violence or artifice.”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification