CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 31:2 And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/01_Gen_31_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:2 - Jacob Flees from Laban" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/31-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/31-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/31-1.htm" title="Genesis 31:1">◄</a> Genesis 31:2 <a href="/genesis/31-3.htm" title="Genesis 31:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And Jacob noticed that Laban&#8217s attitude toward him was not what it had been.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob began to notice a change in Laban’s attitude toward him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it <i>was</i> not toward him as before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it <i>was</i> not <i>favorable</i> toward him as before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not <i>friendly</i> toward him as <i>it had been</i> before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as formerly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not <i>friendly</i> toward him as formerly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Jacob saw the face of Laban, and behold, it was not <i>friendly</i> toward him as formerly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Jacob noticed [a change in] the attitude of Laban, and saw that it was not <i>friendly</i> toward him as before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob saw from Laban’s face that his attitude toward him was not the same as before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob saw from Laban&#8217s face that his attitude toward him was not the same. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jacob also noticed that Laban was not as friendly as he had been before. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He also noticed that Laban did not appear as friendly to him as before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He also saw that Laban was no longer as friendly as he had been earlier. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Jacob also noticed that the way Laban had been looking at him wasn't as nice as it had been just two days earlier. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Jacob saw the look on Laban's face, he could tell his attitude toward him had changed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob saw the expression on Laban?s face, and look, it was not as it had been.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and behold, it was not towards him as before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob saw the expression on Laban’s face, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. <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 sees the face of Laban, and behold, it is not with him as before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Jacob seeth the face of Laban, and lo, it is not with him as heretofore.<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 see the face of Laban, and behold, it was not towards him as yesterday, the third day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And perceiving also that Laban's countenance was not towards him as yesterday and the other day, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Likewise, he observed that Laban’s face was not the same toward him as it was yesterday and the day before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jacob perceived, too, that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had previously been.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him as favorably as he did before.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob saw that Laban's countenance toward him was not as it had been yesterday and the day before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yaquuv saw the face of Laban which was not with him as it had been yesterday and as the day before.<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 beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and behold it was not toward him as before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/31-2.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=7565" 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">1</span>Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.” <span class="reftext">2</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.">And Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">from the countenance</a> <a href="/hebrew/3837.htm" title="3837: lā·ḇān (N-proper-ms) -- Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob. The same as laban; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert.">of Laban</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">that his attitude toward</a> <a href="/hebrew/8543.htm" title="8543: kiṯ·mō·wl (Prep-k:: Adv) -- Or tmol; probably for 'ethmowl; properly, ago, i.e. A time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/8032.htm" title="8032: šil·šō·wm (Adv) -- Three days ago, day before, yesterday. Or shilshom; from the same as Shelesh; trebly, i.e. day before yesterday."></a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ê·nen·nū (Adv:: 3ms) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">had changed.</a> </span><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.”…<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/30-27.htm">Genesis 30:27</a></span><br />But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Genesis 31:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Genesis 31:7</a></span><br />And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Genesis 31:41</a></span><br />Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-30.htm">Genesis 29:30</a></span><br />Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2</a></span><br />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/30-34.htm">Genesis 30:34-35</a></span><br />“Agreed,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.” / That very day Laban removed all the streaked or spotted male goats and every speckled or spotted female goat—every one that had any white on it—and every dark-colored lamb, and he placed them under the care of his sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Genesis 31:20</a></span><br />Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Genesis 31:24</a></span><br />But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Genesis 31:42</a></span><br />If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6-7</a></span><br />When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” / In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1-4</a></span><br />Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-8.htm">Exodus 1:8-10</a></span><br />Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.</p><p class="hdg">countenance.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Genesis 4:5</a></b></br> But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-54.htm">Deuteronomy 28:54</a></b></br> <i>So that</i> the man <i>that is</i> tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-9.htm">1 Samuel 18:9-11</a></b></br> And Saul eyed David from that day and forward… </p><p class="hdg">it was.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/30-27.htm">Genesis 30:27</a></b></br> And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, <i>tarry: for</i> I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.</p><p class="hdg">as before.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10</a></b></br> And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I <i>am</i> not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I <i>am</i> slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4</a></b></br> And this <i>is</i> the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-7.htm">1 Samuel 19:7</a></b></br> And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/4-1.htm">Attitude</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Beforetime</a> <a href="/genesis/19-28.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/genesis/4-6.htm">Expression</a> <a href="/genesis/30-40.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/30-27.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">Feeling</a> <a href="/genesis/13-4.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/james/4-4.htm">Friendly</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-5.htm">Heretofore</a> <a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Laban's</a> <a href="/acts/27-39.htm">Noticed</a> <a href="/genesis/28-19.htm">Previously</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/genesis/30-40.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Attitude</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Beforetime</a> <a href="/genesis/48-8.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Expression</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Feeling</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Friendly</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Heretofore</a> <a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/30-36.htm">Laban's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">Noticed</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Previously</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Towards</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>And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban</b><br>Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, is a key patriarch in the biblical narrative. His ability to discern Laban's feelings through his countenance suggests a deep understanding of human nature and relationships. In ancient Near Eastern culture, facial expressions were significant indicators of one's emotions and intentions. This moment highlights Jacob's perceptiveness, a trait that has served him throughout his life, from his dealings with Esau to his time with Laban. The countenance, or facial expression, is often used in Scripture to reveal inner thoughts and feelings, as seen in <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Genesis 4:5-6</a> with Cain.<p><b>that his attitude toward him had changed.</b><br>Laban's change in attitude marks a turning point in Jacob's story. Initially, Laban welcomed Jacob warmly, seeing him as a valuable addition to his household. However, over time, as Jacob prospered and Laban's own fortunes seemed to wane, jealousy and resentment grew. This shift in attitude is a common theme in biblical narratives, where relationships are tested by prosperity and divine favor. The change in Laban's attitude can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob in <a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Genesis 28:15</a>, where God assured Jacob of His presence and protection. This moment foreshadows the eventual departure of Jacob from Laban's household, aligning with God's plan for Jacob to return to the land of his fathers.<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 a key patriarch in the Bible. At this point in Genesis, Jacob is living with his uncle Laban in Paddan-aram, having worked for him for many years.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, who has employed Jacob for many years. Laban's changing attitude towards Jacob is a pivotal moment in their relationship.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/paddan-aram.htm">Paddan-aram</a></b><br>The region where Laban lived and where Jacob had fled to escape his brother Esau. It is a significant location in Jacob's life journey.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/countenance.htm">Countenance</a></b><br>The expression or look on someone's face. In this context, it refers to Laban's facial expression, which indicated his changed feelings towards Jacob.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/attitude_change.htm">Attitude Change</a></b><br>This event marks a shift in the relationship between Jacob and Laban, leading to Jacob's decision to leave Laban's household.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_relationships.htm">Discernment in Relationships</a></b><br>Jacob's ability to perceive Laban's changing attitude highlights the importance of being observant and discerning in our relationships. We should be attentive to non-verbal cues and changes in behavior that may indicate underlying issues.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_guidance.htm">Trusting God's Guidance</a></b><br>Despite the change in Laban's attitude, Jacob trusted in God's guidance to lead him back to his homeland. This teaches us to rely on God's direction, especially when facing relational challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/handling_conflict.htm">Handling Conflict</a></b><br>The shift in Laban's attitude could have led to conflict, but Jacob chose to seek God's will and act accordingly. This encourages us to seek peaceful resolutions and divine wisdom when dealing with difficult relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_provision.htm">Recognizing God's Provision</a></b><br>Jacob's time with Laban, despite its challenges, was a period of growth and blessing. We should recognize and be grateful for God's provision, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.<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/does_gen_31_41_suggest_inconsistency.htm">In Genesis 31:41, Jacob claims Laban changed his wages ten times, yet no detailed account shows each change; does this raise questions of consistency or exaggeration?</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/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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob_and_esau_reconcile_quickly.htm">How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, Behold, it</span> (<span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. either Laban or his countenance) <span class="cmt_word">was not toward him</span> (literally, <span class="accented">with him</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>as before</span> - literally, as <span class="accented">yesterday and the day before</span>. The e<span class="accented">vide</span>nt change in Laban's disposition, which had previously been friendly, was obviously employed by God to direct Jacob s mind to the propriety of returning to the land of his inheritance; and the inclination thus started in his soul was further strengthened and confirmed by a revelation which probably soon after, if not the night following, was sent for his direction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-2.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">And Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֖ב</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">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֥רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the countenance</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Laban</span><br /><span class="heb">לָבָ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḇān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3837.htm">Strong's 3837: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that his attitude toward</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמּ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine 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 /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּתְמ֥וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(kiṯ·mō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8543.htm">Strong's 8543: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterday</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had changed.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵינֶ֛נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·nen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/31-2.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:2 Jacob saw the expression on Laban's face (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:3" /></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>