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Genesis 31:24

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 31:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said unto him, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said unto him, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
Genesis 31:24 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 31

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
24And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said unto him, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
25And Laban came up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain: and Laban with his brethren encamped in the mountain of Gilead.
26And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters as captives of the sword?
27Wherefore 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;
← Genesis 31:23Genesis 31:25 →
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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 God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, etc.] It is probable that Laban came to Mount Gilead late in the evening, and so had no sight of, or conversation with Jacob until the morning; and that night God came to him, and in a dream advised him as follows: or it may be rendered, “and God had come”, etc. f1516; in one of the nights in which he had lain upon the road; though the former seems best to agree with (<013129>Genesis 31:29); the Targum of Jonathan has it, an angel came; and the Jews f1517 say it was Michael; by whom, if they understand the uncreated Angel, the Son of God, it is right: and said unto him, take heed that thou speak not to, Jacob either good or bad; not that…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“31:24 leave Jacob alone! (literally Do not speak to Jacob either good or evil): God commanded Laban not to take justice into his own hands. When we try to enact our own sense of good and evil apart from God’s command, we always do evil (see study note on 2:9).”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification