CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 31:27 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/01_Gen_31_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:27 - Laban Pursues Jacob" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/31-27.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/31-27.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 27</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/31-26.htm" title="Genesis 31:26">◄</a> Genesis 31:27 <a href="/genesis/31-28.htm" title="Genesis 31:28">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Why did you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn&#8217t you tell me, so I could send you away with joy and singing to the music of timbrels and harps?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Why did you slip away secretly? Why did you deceive me? And why didn’t you say you wanted to leave? I would have given you a farewell feast, with singing and music, accompanied by tambourines and harps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Why did you flee secretly and trick me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Why did you flee away secretly, and steal away from me, and not tell me; for I might have sent you away with joy and songs, with timbrel and harp?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why did you flee secretly and deceive me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with joy and with songs, with tambourine and with lyre;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Why did you flee secretly and deceive me, and did not tell me so that I might have sent you away with joy and with songs, with timbrel and with lyre;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Why did you flee secretly and deceive me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with joy and with songs, with timbrel and with lyre;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Why did you flee secretly and deceive me and not tell me—so that I might have sent you away with gladness and with songs, with tambourine and with lyre—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Why did you run away secretly and deceive me and not tell me, so that [otherwise] I might have sent you away with joy and with songs, with [music on the] tambourine and lyre?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why did you secretly flee from me, deceive me, and not tell me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and lyres,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why did you secretly flee from me, deceive me, and not tell me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and lyres, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Why did you sneak away without telling me? I would have given you a going-away party with singing and with music on tambourines and harps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Why did you leave secretly and trick me? You didn't even tell me you were leaving. I would have sent you on your way rejoicing, with songs accompanied by tambourines and lyres.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Why did you deceive me and slip away without telling me? If you had told me, I would have sent you on your way with rejoicing and singing to the music of tambourines and harps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />ran away from me secretly, and stole from me by not keeping me informed. Otherwise, I could have sent you off with a party and singing, accompanied by a band playing tambourines and harps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Why did you run away secretly and deceive me? Why didn't you tell me so I could send you off with a celebration complete with singing, tambourines, and harps?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Why did you flee in secret and deceive me, and not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with joy and singing, with a tambourine and with a lyre.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Why have you hidden yourself to flee, and deceive me, and have not declared to me, and I send you away with joy and with songs, with tambourine and with harp,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For what didst thou hide to break away, and didst steal me, and didst not announce to me? and I will send thee away with gladness and with songs, with the drum and with the harp?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />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? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Why would you want to flee without my knowledge and without telling me, though I might have led you forward with gladness, and songs, and timbrels, and lyres?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Why did you dupe me by stealing away secretly? You did not tell me! I would have sent you off with joyful singing to the sound of tambourines and harps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Why did you flee secretly and deceive me and not tell me? I would have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me; and did not tell me, for I would have sent you away with joy and songs, and with harp and tambourine?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Why did you hide to flee and steal away from me, and you did not tell me? I would have sent you in joy and with music and with harps and with tambourines.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wherefore didst thou flee secretly, and outwit me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth and with songs, with tabret and with harp;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Whereas if thou hadst told me, I would have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, and timbrels, and harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/31-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=7754" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Laban Pursues Jacob</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">26</span>Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war! <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/1272.htm" title="1272: liḇ·rō·aḥ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To go through, flee. A primitive root; to bolt, i.e. Figuratively, to flee suddenly.">did you run away</a> <a href="/hebrew/2244.htm" title="2244: naḥ·bê·ṯā (V-Nifal-Perf-2ms) -- To withdraw, hide. A primitive root; to secrete.">secretly</a> <a href="/hebrew/1589.htm" title="1589: wat·tiḡ·nōḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms) -- To steal. A primitive root; to thieve; by implication, to deceive.">and deceive</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯî (DirObjM:: 1cs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">without even</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hig·gaḏ·tā (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">telling</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me?</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: wā·’ă·šal·lê·ḥă·ḵā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">I would have sent you away</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: bə·śim·ḥāh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">with joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: ū·ḇə·ši·rîm (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-mp) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">and singing,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8596.htm" title="8596: bə·ṯōp̄ (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- A timbrel, tambourine. From taphaph contracted; a tambourine.">with tambourines</a> <a href="/hebrew/3658.htm" title="3658: ū·ḇə·ḵin·nō·wr (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-ms) -- A lyre. From a unused root meaning to twang; a harp.">and harps.</a> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20-21</a></span><br />Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. / And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/11-34.htm">Judges 11:34</a></span><br />And when Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no son or daughter besides her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">1 Samuel 18:6-7</a></span><br />As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">2 Samuel 6:5</a></span><br />David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-14.htm">2 Samuel 6:14-15</a></span><br />And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, / while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/30-11.htm">Psalm 30:11</a></span><br />You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/149-3.htm">Psalm 149:3</a></span><br />Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-4.htm">Jeremiah 31:4</a></span><br />Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-13.htm">Jeremiah 31:13</a></span><br />Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25</a></span><br />Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-17.htm">Matthew 11:17</a></span><br />‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-32.htm">Luke 7:32</a></span><br />They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-23.htm">Luke 15:23-24</a></span><br />Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. / For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-20.htm">John 16:20</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why did you flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and did not tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?</p><p class="hdg">Wherefore.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3-5,20,21,31</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/6-27.htm">Judges 6:27</a></b></br> Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and <i>so</i> it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do <i>it</i> by day, that he did <i>it</i> by night.</p><p class="hdg">steal away from me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Genesis 31:20</a></b></br> And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.</p><p class="hdg">that I.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23-26</a></b></br> Burning lips and a wicked heart <i>are like</i> a potsherd covered with silver dross… </p><p class="hdg">with mirth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-59.htm">Genesis 24:59,60</a></b></br> And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-11.htm">Job 21:11-14</a></b></br> They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance… </p><p class="hdg">tabret.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20</a></b></br> And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/6-8.htm">Cheat</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">Conducted</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-9.htm">Covertly</a> <a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/genesis/31-22.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/genesis/4-21.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/genesis/4-14.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/genesis/30-13.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/genesis/4-21.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Melody</a> <a href="/hosea/2-11.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/genesis/4-21.htm">Music</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-11.htm">Outwit</a> <a href="/genesis/19-20.htm">Run</a> <a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/revelation/15-3.htm">Singing</a> <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Songs</a> <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Steal</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Tabret</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Tambour</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Tambourine</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Tambourines</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/psalms/150-4.htm">Timbrel</a> <a href="/genesis/29-25.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/malachi/1-14.htm">Cheat</a> <a href="/numbers/20-5.htm">Conducted</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-9.htm">Covertly</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-11.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/genesis/35-1.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/genesis/35-1.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-5.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/genesis/31-49.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-24.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/judges/5-3.htm">Melody</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/89-22.htm">Outwit</a> <a href="/genesis/39-13.htm">Run</a> <a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/genesis/42-9.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/exodus/32-18.htm">Singing</a> <a href="/exodus/32-18.htm">Songs</a> <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm">Steal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-5.htm">Tabret</a> <a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Tambour</a> <a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Tambourine</a> <a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Tambourines</a> <a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Timbrel</a> <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Rachel steals her father's household gods.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-22.htm">Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Rachel's plan to hide the images.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Jacob's complaint of Laban.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">43. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-43.htm">The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me?</b><br>This phrase reflects Laban's accusation against Jacob for leaving without notice. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, family ties and proper farewells were significant. Laban's question implies a breach of social norms and trust. Jacob's secret departure was motivated by fear of Laban's potential reaction, as Laban had previously shown deceitful behavior (<a href="/genesis/29-25.htm">Genesis 29:25</a>). This echoes earlier biblical themes of deception, such as Jacob's own deception of Esau (<a href="/genesis/27-35.htm">Genesis 27:35</a>). The tension between Laban and Jacob highlights the ongoing struggle between God's chosen people and those who oppose them.<p><b>I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.</b><br>Laban's claim of a joyful send-off contrasts with his past actions, suggesting insincerity. The mention of "joy and singing, with tambourines and harps" reflects common celebratory practices in ancient times, as seen in other biblical passages like <a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20</a>, where Miriam leads the women with tambourines after crossing the Red Sea. These instruments were often used in festive and religious occasions, symbolizing joy and community. Laban's statement may be seen as an attempt to portray himself as benevolent, despite his history of exploiting Jacob (<a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Genesis 31:7</a>). This phrase also foreshadows the eventual joyful return of God's people to their promised inheritance, a theme seen throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The grandson of Abraham, who fled from his father-in-law Laban's household with his family and possessions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Jacob's father-in-law, who confronts Jacob for leaving secretly.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/paddan-aram.htm">Paddan-aram</a></b><br>The region where Laban lived and where Jacob had spent many years working for Laban.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/fleeing_of_jacob.htm">Fleeing of Jacob</a></b><br>The event where Jacob leaves Laban's household secretly, fearing that Laban would prevent him from leaving with his family and possessions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/confrontation.htm">Confrontation</a></b><br>Laban catches up with Jacob and questions his motives for leaving without notice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_transparency.htm">The Importance of Transparency</a></b><br>Jacob's secret departure highlights the need for honesty and transparency in relationships. Deception can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_expressions_of_joy.htm">Cultural Expressions of Joy</a></b><br>Laban's mention of sending Jacob away with music and celebration reflects the cultural importance of expressing joy and gratitude. In our lives, we should find ways to celebrate God's blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_timing.htm">Trusting God's Timing</a></b><br>Jacob's fear-driven decision to flee secretly contrasts with trusting in God's timing and provision. We should seek God's guidance and trust His plans for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/resolving_conflicts_biblically.htm">Resolving Conflicts Biblically</a></b><br>The confrontation between Laban and Jacob serves as a reminder to address conflicts directly and seek reconciliation in a manner that honors God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fear_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Fear in Decision-Making</a></b><br>Jacob's actions were influenced by fear. As believers, we should strive to make decisions based on faith and trust in God rather than fear.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_church_instruments.htm">What does the Bible say about church musical instruments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_music.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on music?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_emphasize_instruments_in_psalm_150.htm">Why does Psalm 150:3-5 emphasize musical instruments if many cultures and eras lacked access to these instruments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_kkk_a_christian_group.htm">Is the KKK considered a Christian group?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֤מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did you run away</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְרֹ֔חַ</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·rō·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1272.htm">Strong's 1272: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bolt, to flee suddenly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">secretly</span><br /><span class="heb">נַחְבֵּ֙אתָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(naḥ·bê·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2244.htm">Strong's 2244: </a> </span><span class="str2">To withdraw, hide</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and deceive</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּגְנֹ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiḡ·nōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1589.htm">Strong's 1589: </a> </span><span class="str2">To thieve, to deceive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without even</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">telling</span><br /><span class="heb">הִגַּ֣דְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(hig·gaḏ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me?</span><br /><span class="heb">לִּ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">I would have sent you away</span><br /><span class="heb">וָֽאֲשַׁלֵּחֲךָ֛</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ă·šal·lê·ḥă·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with joy</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשִׂמְחָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(bə·śim·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and singing,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְשִׁרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·ši·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with tambourines</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּתֹ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯōp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8596.htm">Strong's 8596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A timbrel, tambourine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and harps.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְכִנּֽוֹר׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·ḵin·nō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3658.htm">Strong's 3658: </a> </span><span class="str2">A harp</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/31-27.htm">Genesis 31:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:27 Why did you flee secretly and deceive (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:28" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>