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<!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 31:3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, "Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/01_Gen_31_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:3 - Jacob Flees from Laban" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the LORD said to Jacob, Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you." /><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'; 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and I will be with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, &#8220Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kin, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your people, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD said to him, “Go back to the land of your ancestors and to your family, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to him, &#8220Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One day the LORD said, "Jacob, go back to your relatives in the land of your ancestors, and I will be with you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, "Go back to the land of your ancestors and to your relatives, and I will be with you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to him, "Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives. I will be with you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD ordered Jacob, "Go back to your father's territory and to your relatives. I'll be with you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives. I will be with you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Jacob, Return to the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH says to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your family, and I am with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehovah saith unto Jacob, 'Turn back unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred, and I am with thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will say to Jacob, Turn back to the land of thy fathers, and to thy lineage; and I will be with thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Especially the Lord saying to him: Return into the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred, and I will be with thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Most importantly, the Lord was saying to him, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your generation, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob: Return to the land of your ancestors, where you were born, and I will be with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your ancestors and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Jacob, Return to the land of your fathers, and to your kindred; and I will be with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH said to Yaquuv: “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I shall be with you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD said unto Jacob: 'Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord said to Jacob, Return to the land of thy father, and to thy family, and I will be with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/31-3.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=7570" 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">Jacob Flees from Laban</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">Jacob,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šūḇ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">“Go back</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’e·reṣ (N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·w·ṯe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of your fathers</a> <a href="/hebrew/4138.htm" title="4138: ū·lə·mō·w·laḏ·te·ḵā (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Kindred, birth, offspring. From yalad; nativity; by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family.">and to your kindred,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·’eh·yeh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and I will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·māḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with you.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,…<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="/genesis/28-15.htm">Genesis 28:15</a></span><br />Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Genesis 32:9</a></span><br />Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/35-1.htm">Genesis 35:1</a></span><br />Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-12.htm">Exodus 3:12</a></span><br />“I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-12.htm">Exodus 4:12</a></span><br />Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a></span><br />Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-5.htm">Joshua 1:5</a></span><br />No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-5.htm">Isaiah 43:5</a></span><br />Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-8.htm">Jeremiah 1:8</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a></span><br />and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9-10</a></span><br />One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/46-3.htm">Genesis 46:3-4</a></span><br />“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. / I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the LORD said to Jacob, Return to the land of your fathers, and to your kindred; and I will be with you.</p><p class="hdg">Return.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Genesis 28:15,20,21</a></b></br> And, behold, I <i>am</i> with thee, and will keep thee in all <i>places</i> whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done <i>that</i> which I have spoken to thee of… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Genesis 32:9</a></b></br> And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-1.htm">Genesis 35:1</a></b></br> And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.</p><p class="hdg">land.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-13.htm">Genesis 31:13,18</a></b></br> I <i>am</i> the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, <i>and</i> where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/13-15.htm">Genesis 13:15</a></b></br> For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-3.htm">Genesis 26:3-5</a></b></br> Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; … </p><p class="hdg">with thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Genesis 21:22</a></b></br> And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God <i>is</i> with thee in all that thou doest:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-24.htm">Genesis 26:24</a></b></br> And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I <i>am</i> the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I <i>am</i> with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Genesis 28:15</a></b></br> And, behold, I <i>am</i> with thee, and will keep thee in all <i>places</i> whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done <i>that</i> which I have spoken to thee of.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/15-15.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/genesis/31-2.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/25-17.htm">Kindred</a> <a href="/genesis/24-40.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/genesis/29-4.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/genesis/30-31.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/46-34.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/genesis/31-4.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-13.htm">Kindred</a> <a href="/genesis/38-26.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/genesis/31-23.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/genesis/31-13.htm">Turn</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>Then the LORD said to Jacob</b><br>This phrase indicates direct divine communication, a common occurrence in the patriarchal narratives. Jacob, like his grandfather Abraham and father Isaac, receives guidance from God, underscoring his role in the covenant lineage. This divine encounter emphasizes God's ongoing relationship and covenant with Jacob, reaffirming the promises made to Abraham in <a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>.<p><b>Go back to the land of your fathers</b><br>The "land of your fathers" refers to Canaan, the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. This command signifies a return to the land of promise, highlighting the importance of the land in God's covenant. It also marks a transition from Jacob's time in Haran, where he fled from Esau, back to the land where God's promises are to be fulfilled.<p><b>and to your kindred</b><br>Returning to his kindred implies a reconnection with his family, particularly Esau, whom Jacob had deceived. This return is not just geographical but relational, suggesting themes of reconciliation and restoration. It also foreshadows the eventual reunification of Jacob's family, which is crucial for the development of the twelve tribes of Israel.<p><b>and I will be with you</b><br>This promise of divine presence is a reassurance of God's protection and guidance. It echoes God's promise to be with Isaac in <a href="/genesis/26-3.htm">Genesis 26:3</a> and is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, seen in God's assurances to Moses (<a href="/exodus/3-12.htm">Exodus 3:12</a>) and Joshua (<a href="/joshua/1-5.htm">Joshua 1:5</a>). This promise is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who is called "Immanuel," meaning "God with us" (<a href="/matthew/1-23.htm">Matthew 1:23</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother of Esau. Jacob is a central figure in Genesis, known for his journey of faith and his role as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, with whom Jacob has lived and worked for many years. Laban's relationship with Jacob is complex, involving both family ties and conflicts over wealth and property.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who guides and directs Jacob's journey and promises His presence with him.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_your_fathers.htm">The Land of Your Fathers</a></b><br>Refers to Canaan, the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. It is a place of both physical and spiritual significance for Jacob and his family.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_command_to_return.htm">The Command to Return</a></b><br>This event marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, as God instructs him to leave Haran and return to Canaan, signifying a step of faith and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_call.htm">Obedience to God's Call</a></b><br>Just as Jacob was called to return to his homeland, believers are called to obey God's direction in their lives, trusting in His promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>God's promise to be with Jacob underscores His faithfulness. Believers can rely on God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/stepping_out_in_faith.htm">Stepping Out in Faith</a></b><br>Jacob's journey back to Canaan required faith and courage. Similarly, believers are often called to step out in faith, trusting in God's guidance and provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_returning_to_spiritual_roots.htm">The Importance of Returning to Spiritual Roots</a></b><br>Jacob's return to the land of his fathers symbolizes a return to spiritual heritage. Believers are encouraged to remain connected to their spiritual foundations and heritage.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_transition.htm">God's Presence in Transition</a></b><br>Life transitions can be challenging, but God's promise to be with Jacob assures believers of His presence during times of change and uncertainty.<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/are_jews_granted_salvation.htm">Are Jews granted salvation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/names_and_meanings_of_israel's_tribes.htm">What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_speak_to_idolater_laban.htm">In Genesis 31:24, why would God communicate with Laban if Laban worshipped other gods, and how does this align with other biblical passages about idolatry?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_laban_pursuit_in_genesis_33.htm">Why is there no mention of repercussions or pursuit from Laban, despite prior tensions, when Jacob meets Esau in Genesis 33?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">The Lord said unto Jacob.</span>--This is probably the revelation, more exactly described in <a href="/context/genesis/31-10.htm" title="And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped on the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.">Genesis 31:10-13</a>, as given to Jacob in a dream. It is there ascribed to Elohim, but here to Jehovah. The narrator's purpose in this, probably, is to show that while Jacob regarded the providence that watched over him as the act of Elohim, it was really in His character of Jehovah, the covenant-God, that He thus guarded him. (See Note on <a href="/genesis/26-29.htm" title="That you will do us no hurt, as we have not touched you, and as we have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you away in peace: you are now the blessed of the LORD.">Genesis 26:29</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Thy kindred.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">thy birthplace, </span>as in <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm" title="Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you:">Genesis 12:1</a>; <a href="/genesis/24-4.htm" title="But you shall go to my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife to my son Isaac.">Genesis 24:4</a>; <a href="/genesis/24-7.htm" title="The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spoke to me, and that swore to me, saying, To your seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife to my son from there.">Genesis 24:7</a>, &c. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the Lord</span> - Jehovah; since the entire journey to Padan-aram had been conducted under his special care, <span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Genesis 28:15</a> (Hengstenberg), and not because the first three verses of this chapter have been inserted or modified by the Jehovist (Tuch, Block, et al.) - <span class="cmt_word">said unto Jacob, probably in a dream</span> (cf. vers. 5, 10, 11). <span class="cmt_word">Return unto the land of thy fathers</span> (<span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. Canaan), <span class="cmt_word">and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.</span> So Jehovah had promised at Bethel twenty years before (<a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Genesis 28:15</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-3.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">Then the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jacob,</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֔ב</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Go back</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֛וּב</span> <span class="translit">(šūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the land</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֥רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(’e·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of your fathers</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבוֹתֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·w·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and to your kindred,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְמוֹלַדְתֶּ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·mō·w·laḏ·te·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4138.htm">Strong's 4138: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nativity, lineage, native country, offspring, family</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and I will be</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eh·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with you.”</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמָּֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·māḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:3 Yahweh said to Jacob Return to (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:4" /></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>