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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 31:4 So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/01_Gen_31_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:4 - Jacob Flees from Laban" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were," /><script type="application/javascript" 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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 />So Jacob sent word to Rachel and Leah to come out to the fields where his flocks were.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Jacob called Rachel and Leah out to the field where he was watching his flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob sent <i>word</i> and called Rachel and Leah to his flock in the field,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to his flock in the field,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to his flock in the field,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to his flock in the field,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to his flock in the field,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob had Rachel and Leah called to the field where his flocks were.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob had Rachel and Leah called to the field where his flocks were.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jacob sent for Rachel and Leah to meet him in the pasture where he kept his sheep, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So Jacob sent a message to Rachel and Leah to come out to the open country where his flocks were.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So Jacob sent word to Rachel and Leah to meet him in the field where his flocks were. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Jacob sent for Rachel and Leah to come out to the field where his flock was <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob sent a message for Rachel and Leah to come to the field where his flocks were.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flock was,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field to his flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob sends and calls for Rachel and for Leah to the field to his flock;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jacob sendeth and calleth for Rachel and for Leah to the field unto his flock;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob will send and call to Rachel and to Leah in the field to his sheep.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He sent, and called Rachel and Lia into the field, where he fed the flocks, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He sent and called for Rachel and Leah, in the field where he pastured the flocks,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob sent for Rachel and Leah to meet him in the field where his flock was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yaquuv sent and he called Rakhyl and Leah to the field with his flock,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob sent and called Lea and Rachel to the plain where the flocks were.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/31-4.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=7578" 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">3</span>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="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><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.">So Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent word</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">and called</a> <a href="/hebrew/7354.htm" title="7354: lə·rā·ḥêl (Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Jacob. The same as rachel; Rachel, a wife of Jacob.">Rachel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3812.htm" title="3812: ū·lə·lê·’āh (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- Weary, a wife of Jacob. From la'ah; weary; Leah, a wife of Jacob.">and Leah</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: haś·śā·ḏeh (Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">to the field</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣō·nōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">where his flocks were,</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>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.…<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/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a></span><br />For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Genesis 24:67</a></span><br />And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1-2</a></span><br />When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. / Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/35-2.htm">Genesis 35:2</a></span><br />So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/18-5.htm">Exodus 18:5-6</a></span><br />Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses’ wife and sons, came to him in the desert, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. / He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16-17</a></span><br />But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8</a></span><br />“Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19-21</a></span><br />So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10-12</a></span><br />A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/2-10.htm">Song of Solomon 2:10-13</a></span><br />My beloved calls to me, “Arise, my darling. Come away with me, my beautiful one. / For now the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. / The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Matthew 19:5-6</a></span><br />and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? / So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-7.htm">Mark 10:7-9</a></span><br />‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, / and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. / Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-26.htm">Luke 14:26</a></span><br />“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/30-16.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/30-16.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/genesis/30-42.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/30-43.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/30-20.htm">Leah</a> <a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/30-34.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/genesis/31-8.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/31-8.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/genesis/31-11.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-14.htm">Leah</a> <a href="/genesis/31-14.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.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>So Jacob sent word</b><br>Jacob, aware of the growing tension with Laban, takes a proactive step to communicate with his wives. This action reflects his leadership and responsibility as the head of his family. In the patriarchal society of the time, it was customary for the husband to make significant decisions, and Jacob's initiative here is consistent with that cultural norm. This phrase also highlights the importance of communication within a family unit, a principle that is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25-33</a>, where husbands are instructed to love and lead their wives.<p><b>and called Rachel and Leah</b><br>By calling both Rachel and Leah, Jacob demonstrates fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that both of his wives are informed and involved in the decision-making process. This action is significant given the rivalry between the sisters, as seen in previous chapters. It underscores the importance of unity and cooperation within a family, a theme that is prevalent in biblical teachings, such as in <a href="/psalms/133.htm">Psalm 133:1</a>, which speaks of the blessings of dwelling together in unity.<p><b>to the field</b><br>The field represents a place of work and provision, as Jacob's flocks were his livelihood. This setting is significant because it is away from the prying eyes of Laban and his household, providing a private space for Jacob to discuss his plans with Rachel and Leah. The field as a setting for divine encounters and revelations is a recurring motif in the Bible, as seen in the story of Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 2) and the shepherds receiving the announcement of Jesus' birth (<a href="/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8-14</a>).<p><b>where his flocks were</b><br>Jacob's flocks symbolize God's provision and blessing, as they were a result of the divine promise and Jacob's diligent work. The mention of the flocks also serves as a reminder of Jacob's prosperity despite Laban's attempts to deceive him. This prosperity is a fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob in <a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Genesis 28:15</a>, where God assured him of His presence and blessing. The flocks can also be seen as a type of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who cares for His sheep, as described in <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-14</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 husband to both Leah and Rachel. He is a central figure in the account, known for his journey of faith and his complex family dynamics.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/rachel.htm">Rachel</a></b><br>Jacob's beloved wife, whom he worked for fourteen years to marry. She is the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/leah.htm">Leah</a></b><br>Jacob's first wife, whom he was tricked into marrying. She is the mother of six of Jacob's sons, including Judah and Levi.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a></b><br>The location where Jacob calls Rachel and Leah to discuss his plans to leave Laban's household. It symbolizes a place of privacy and decision-making.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/flocks.htm">Flocks</a></b><br>Represent Jacob's wealth and God's provision, as well as the source of tension between Jacob and Laban.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_in_family.htm">Leadership in Family</a></b><br>Jacob demonstrates leadership by involving Rachel and Leah in the decision-making process. This highlights the importance of communication and unity in family decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God's Guidance</a></b><br>Jacob's actions are rooted in God's guidance and promises. Believers are encouraged to seek divine direction in their own lives, especially during times of transition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>The flocks symbolize God's provision. Trusting in God's provision is crucial, even when circumstances seem challenging or uncertain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/privacy_in_decision-making.htm">Privacy in Decision-Making</a></b><br>Jacob chooses a private setting to discuss important matters with his wives, emphasizing the need for discretion and focus when making significant life decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Jacob's decision to leave Laban's household is an act of faith, trusting in God's promises. Believers are called to act on their faith, even when it requires leaving their comfort zones.<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/why_are_the_arameans_significant.htm">What is the historical significance of the Arameans?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jacob_marry_leah_and_rachel.htm">How did Jacob end up marrying both Leah and Rachel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob's_biblical_life_unfold.htm">How did Jacob's life unfold in biblical narratives?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_jacob_be_tricked_into_marrying_leah.htm">Genesis 29:23-25: Is it believable that Jacob could be deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel without noticing?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah . . . --</span>Rachel is placed first, as the chief wife. The field was probably the pasture where Laban's flocks fed, as they were specially under Jacob's charge; and there, in the open ground, the three would run no risk of having their conversation overheard. Jacob's speech to his wives consists of three parts: first, he tells them of the change in Laban's manner towards him, and his consequent fear of violence; he next justifies his own conduct towards their father, and accuses him of repeated injustice; finally, he announces to them that he had received the Divine command to return to Canaan. As regards the second point, Jacob had undoubtedly used stratagems to increase his wages, and of this his wives must have been well aware. On the other hand, we learn that Laban had openly violated the terms of the bargain; and, whereas all the parti-coloured kids and lambs were to belong to Jacob, no sooner did they increase beyond expectation, than Laban, first, would give him only the speckled, the most common kind, and finally, only the ring-straked, which were the most rare. Of course Jacob would keep all the sheep and goats which he had once made over to the charge of his sons; it would be the additions to them from Laban's flocks which were thus diminished.<p>As regards the vision, it has been thought that Jacob has compressed two occurrences into one narrative; but for insufficient reasons. It was at the breeding-time (<a href="/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</a>) that Jacob saw the vision, with its two-fold lesson: the first, that the multiplication of his wages had been God's gift, and not the result of his own artifices; the second, that this bestowal of wealth was to enable him to return to Canaan. His wives heartily concurred in his purpose, but it was not till the time of sheep-shearing came (<a href="/genesis/31-19.htm" title="And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.">Genesis 31:19</a>) that he effected his escape. But there is no difficulty in this delay. How large the household of Jacob had become we learn from the greatness of the present he selected for Esau (<a href="/context/genesis/32-13.htm" title="And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;">Genesis 32:13-15</a>), and it could not be removed without preparation. The servants and camels must be gathered in from their trading expeditions, tents must be got ready, and camels' furniture and other requisites obtained; finally, they could not start until the ewes were fit for their journey, and only at a time of year when there would be herbage for the cattle on the march. We find that when they reached the Jabbok, Jacob's flocks and herds were "giving suck" (<a href="/genesis/33-13.htm" title="And he said to him, My lord knows that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.">Genesis 33:13</a> in the Heb.); but it is not easy to calculate the interval between this and the time when they commenced their journey.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jacob went</span> - being unwilling to approach the house lest Laban should discover his design (Rosenmüller) - <span class="cmt_word">and called Rachel and Leah</span> - Rachel may be placed first as the beloved wife of Jacob (Wordsworth, Lange), scarcely as the principal wife in comparison with Leah, who was <span class="accented">adventitia</span> (Rosenmüller; cf. ver. 14) - <span class="cmt_word">to the field unto his flock.</span> The expression "his flock" indicates that Jacob had abandoned Laban's sheep and taken possession of those which belonged to himself - probably in preparation for his departure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-4.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">So 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">sent word</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third 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">and called</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Rachel</span><br /><span class="heb">לְרָחֵ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·rā·ḥêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7354.htm">Strong's 7354: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rachel -- a wife of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Leah</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְלֵאָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·lê·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3812.htm">Strong's 3812: </a> </span><span class="str2">Leah -- 'weary', a wife of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the field</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(haś·śā·ḏeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> </span><span class="str2">Field, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">where his flocks were,</span><br /><span class="heb">צֹאנֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣō·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/31-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:4 Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:5" /></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>