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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 31:28 But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/01_Gen_31_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:28 - Laban Pursues Jacob" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. 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You have done a foolish thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Why didn’t you let me kiss my daughters and grandchildren and tell them good-bye? You have acted very foolishly!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons and my daughters farewell? Now you have done foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in <i>so</i> doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And you did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters. Now you have done foolishly in <i>so</i> doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and did not allow me to kiss my grandchildren and my daughters? Now you have done foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now you have done foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now you have done foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now you have acted foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And why did you not allow me to kiss my grandchildren and my daughters [goodbye]? Now you have done a foolish thing [in behaving like this].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />but you didn’t even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters. You have acted foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />but you didn&#8217t even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters. You have acted foolishly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and didst not suffer me to kiss my sons and my daughters? now hast thou done foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You didn't even give me a chance to kiss my own grandchildren and daughters goodbye. That was really foolish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? now hast thou done foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You didn't even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters. You've done a foolish thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters good-bye. That was a foolish thing to do! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As it is, you didn't even allow me to kiss my grandchildren and daughters goodbye! You've acted foolishly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You didn't even allow me to kiss my daughters and my grandchildren good-bye. You have acted foolishly!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And you did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now you have done foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons, and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and didn’t allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now have you done foolishly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and have not permitted me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now you have acted foolishly in doing [so];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? -- now thou hast acted foolishly in doing so;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And didst not permit me to kiss my sons and to my daughters? now thou wert foolish doing it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and daughters: thou hast done foolishly: and now, indeed, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You have not permitted me to kiss my sons and daughters. You have acted foolishly. And now, indeed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You did not even allow me a parting kiss to my daughters and grandchildren! Now what you have done makes no sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons and my daughters farewell? What you have done is foolish.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And you did not permit me to give a farewell kiss to my sons and my daughters? Now you have done foolishly in so doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And you have not let me kiss my sons and my daughters; now you have done wrong in the thing that you have done.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and didst not suffer me to kiss my sons and my daughters? now hast thou done foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I was not counted worthy to embrace my children and my daughters; now then thou hast wrought foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/31-28.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=7765" 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">27</span>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="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><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.">But you did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5203.htm" title="5203: nə·ṭaš·ta·nî (V-Qal-Perf-2ms:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to pound, i.e. Smite; by implication to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon.">even let me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5401.htm" title="5401: lə·naš·šêq (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To kiss, to equip with weapons. A primitive root; to kiss, literally or figuratively; also, to equip with weapons.">kiss</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: lə·ḇā·nay (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">my grandchildren</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: wə·liḇ·nō·ṯāy (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">and my daughters goodbye.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">Now</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śōw (V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you have done</a> <a href="/hebrew/5528.htm" title="5528: his·kal·tā (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- To be foolish or a fool. For kacal; to be silly.">a foolish thing.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’…<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/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41-45</a></span><br />Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” / When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. ...<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/30-25.htm">Genesis 30:25-26</a></span><br />Now after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can return to my homeland. / Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-1.htm">Genesis 32:1-2</a></span><br />Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. / When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Genesis 33:4</a></span><br />Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.<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="/genesis/46-29.htm">Genesis 46:29</a></span><br />Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18</a></span><br />Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Ruth 1:9-14</a></span><br />May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud / and said, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” / But Naomi replied, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">1 Samuel 20:41-42</a></span><br />When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. / And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-37.htm">2 Samuel 19:37-39</a></span><br />Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.” / The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.” / So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-20.htm">1 Kings 19:20</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Psalm 126:6</a></span><br />He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-10.htm">Proverbs 27:10</a></span><br />Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20</a></span><br />So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And have not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? you have now done foolishly in so doing.</p><p class="hdg">kiss.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-55.htm">Genesis 31:55</a></b></br> And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-13.htm">Genesis 29:13</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Exodus 4:27</a></b></br> And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.</p><p class="hdg">foolishly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3,13,24</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="/1_samuel/13-13.htm">1 Samuel 13:13</a></b></br> And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/16-9.htm">2 Chronicles 16:9</a></b></br> For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of <i>them</i> whose heart <i>is</i> perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/2_john/1-11.htm">Farewell</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-15.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-11.htm">Good-By</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">Grandchildren</a> <a href="/genesis/29-11.htm">Kiss</a> <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Permit</a> <a href="/genesis/4-15.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Suffered</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/42-7.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/exodus/10-25.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/genesis/31-31.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/exodus/18-27.htm">Farewell</a> <a href="/numbers/12-11.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/numbers/12-11.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/ruth/1-14.htm">Good-By</a> <a href="/genesis/31-55.htm">Grandchildren</a> <a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Kiss</a> <a href="/exodus/3-19.htm">Permit</a> <a href="/exodus/12-23.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Suffered</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>But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye.</b><br>This phrase reflects the cultural importance of family ties and farewells in ancient Near Eastern societies. Kissing was a common gesture of affection and blessing, as seen in other biblical passages (e.g., <a href="/genesis/27-26.htm">Genesis 27:26-27</a>). The mention of "grandchildren and daughters" highlights the patriarchal family structure, where the head of the family had significant authority and emotional bonds were deeply valued. Laban's complaint underscores the emotional impact of Jacob's sudden departure, which disrupted traditional customs of leave-taking and familial blessing.<p><b>Now you have done a foolish thing.</b><br>Laban's accusation of foolishness can be understood in the context of wisdom literature, where actions are often judged by their adherence to social norms and divine principles. In Proverbs, wisdom is associated with understanding and following God's ways, while foolishness is linked to rashness and disregard for proper conduct (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). Laban's statement may also reflect his perception of Jacob's actions as not only socially inappropriate but potentially dangerous, given the importance of maintaining family alliances and the potential for conflict. This phrase can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ongoing tension between Jacob and Laban, as well as a reminder of the need for wisdom and discernment in navigating complex family dynamics.<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 Leah and Rachel. He is the central figure in this chapter, having fled from his father-in-law Laban 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 feels wronged by Jacob's secret departure. He confronts Jacob about leaving without allowing him to say goodbye to his daughters and grandchildren.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rachel_and_leah.htm">Rachel and Leah</a></b><br>Jacob's wives, who are Laban's daughters. They leave with Jacob, which is part of the reason for Laban's distress.<br><br>4. <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>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/gilead.htm">Gilead</a></b><br>The place where Laban catches up with Jacob and confronts him about his departure.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_communication.htm">The Importance of Communication</a></b><br>Jacob's decision to leave without informing Laban led to unnecessary conflict. Open and honest communication is crucial in maintaining healthy relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_relationships_matter.htm">Family Relationships Matter</a></b><br>Laban's desire to say goodbye to his daughters and grandchildren highlights the importance of family bonds. We should cherish and nurture our family relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_deception.htm">Consequences of Deception</a></b><br>Jacob's secretive departure reflects a pattern of deceit in his life. This serves as a reminder that deceit can lead to broken relationships and mistrust.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_our_plans.htm">God's Sovereignty in Our Plans</a></b><br>Despite human failings, God's plan for Jacob's return to Canaan was fulfilled. We can trust in God's sovereignty over our lives, even when circumstances seem chaotic.<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/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/who_was_laban_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Laban in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_belshazzar_nebuchadnezzar's_'son'.htm">In Daniel 5:2, how do we reconcile calling Belshazzar the “son” of Nebuchadnezzar with known Babylonian lineage?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_esau's_wives_differ_in_genesis.htm">In Genesis 36:2-3, Esau's wives differ from those mentioned in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9--why the discrepancy?</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>(28) <span class= "bld">My sons.</span>--That is, my grandsons.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-28.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">But you did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</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">even let</span><br /><span class="heb">נְטַשְׁתַּ֔נִי</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṭaš·ta·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5203.htm">Strong's 5203: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pound, smite, to disperse, to thrust off, down, out, upon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me kiss</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנַשֵּׁ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(lə·naš·šêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kiss, to equip with weapons</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my grandchildren</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבָנַ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇā·nay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and daughters { goodbye }.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִבְנֹתָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·liḇ·nō·ṯāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Now</span><br /><span class="heb">עַתָּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> </span><span class="str2">At this time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have done</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשֽׂוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a foolish thing.</span><br /><span class="heb">הִסְכַּ֥לְתָּֽ</span> <span class="translit">(his·kal·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5528.htm">Strong's 5528: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be foolish or a fool</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/31-28.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:28 And didn't allow me to kiss my (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:29" /></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>