Genesis 31:17 kjv

Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

Genesis 31:17 nkjv

Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels.

Genesis 31:17 niv

Then Jacob put his children and his wives on camels,

Genesis 31:17 esv

So Jacob arose and set his sons and his wives on camels.

Genesis 31:17 nlt

So Jacob put his wives and children on camels,

Genesis 31 verses

Genesis 31 17 Meaning

Genesis 31:17 describes Jacob's decisive and immediate action to depart from Laban's household. In obedience to God's direct command (Gen 31:3, 13), he began his journey back to the land of Canaan. This verse marks the physical initiation of a significant migration, where Jacob, as the patriarch, responsibly set his numerous family—his sons and his wives—upon their primary mode of transport, camels, signifying the substantial scale of their exodus and God's providence.

Genesis 31 17 Context

Genesis 31:17 immediately follows a period of intense tension and divine intervention in Jacob's life. After twenty years of servitude under his uncle Laban, during which Jacob experienced repeated deceit regarding his wages, God commanded him to return to the land of his fathers (Gen 31:3). This divine instruction was reinforced by the "God of Bethel," who reminded Jacob of His covenant promises and explicitly told him to "arise, depart from this land and return to the land of your birth" (Gen 31:13).

Prior to this verse, Jacob also held a crucial private conversation with his wives, Leah and Rachel, along with Bilhah and Zilpah (Gen 31:4-16). He explained Laban's deceptive practices, God's intervention in prospering him, and the divine command for their return. Importantly, his wives fully supported his decision, expressing their sense of estrangement from Laban and affirming that God's actions were just. Their consent paved the way for the immediate action described in verse 17.

Historically and culturally, nomadic families like Jacob's lived in tents and frequently moved with their livestock to find pasture. Travel was a major undertaking, involving the movement of an entire household and all their accumulated wealth. Camels were invaluable for carrying heavy loads across long distances, symbolizing significant prosperity and the logistical challenge of such a large migration. Jacob's move was not merely economic but a direct act of faith and obedience, moving from the corrupting influence of Laban back toward the land of the covenant promises.

Genesis 31 17 Word analysis

• Then: Hebrew: וְ (wə-). Serves as a conjunctive and indicates a sequential, immediate response or logical consequence. It signifies the promptness of Jacob's action following the divine command and the wives' consent.
• Jacob: Hebrew: יַעֲקֹב (Yaʿaqōv). The grandson of Abraham and son of Isaac, whose name means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter." His life story is one of struggle and transformation, moving from deceit to increasing reliance on God. This action marks a pivotal moment of independent obedience.
• rose: Hebrew: וַיָּקָם (wayyāqom), a consecutive imperfect of the verb קוּם (qum), "to rise, stand up." This phrase is a common Hebrew idiom denoting decisive and swift action, often in response to a divine directive. It underscores Jacob's readiness to execute God's command without delay, showcasing his obedient faith.
• and set: Hebrew: וַיַּרְכֵּב (wayyarkēḇ), a consecutive imperfect of the Hiphil stem of the verb רָכַב (rāḵaḇ), "to ride." The Hiphil stem is causative, meaning Jacob "caused them to ride" or "mounted them." This highlights Jacob's active leadership and responsibility as he orchestrated the entire complex departure.
• his sons: Hebrew: אֶת־בָּנָיו (’eṯ-bānāw). At this point, Jacob had eleven sons (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph), who would become the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel (Benjamin was born later). This emphasizes the magnitude of his family, the future of the covenant people, and the physical protection he offered them during their perilous journey.
• and his wives: Hebrew: וְאֶת־נָשָׁיו (wə’eṯ-nāšāw). This includes Leah, Rachel, and their two maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah, who also bore Jacob children and were recognized as integral members of his household. Their earlier support of Jacob's decision underscores the family unity in this crucial migration.
• upon camels: Hebrew: עַל־הַגְּמַלִּים (‘al-hagəmalîm). Camels were vital beasts of burden in the ancient Near East, especially suited for long-distance travel in arid regions. Possessing many camels indicated significant wealth and logistic capability. This detail signifies the substantial nature of Jacob's household and possessions, and the arduous yet necessary nature of their journey, reminiscent of Abram's journey with his household and possessions.

Genesis 31 17 Bonus section

• The detail of "his sons and his wives upon camels" rather than mentioning his livestock and possessions separately emphasizes the value Jacob placed on his family. His first concern was securing their passage.
• This verse can be seen as a microcosm of faith: hearing God's command, discussing it with those impacted, gaining their support, and then acting immediately in obedience.
• Jacob's careful logistical planning for such a large movement of people and animals is implied, indicating not just blind obedience but prudent action in line with God's will. This is a practical example of "faith without works is dead" (Jas 2:26), demonstrating action aligned with belief.
• The journey from Laban's house represents Jacob's ongoing process of separation from the "world" (represented by Laban's deceit and pagan influences) and commitment to the covenant life, echoing spiritual journeys for believers.

Genesis 31 17 Commentary

Genesis 31:17 marks a pivotal transition for Jacob, signifying the obedient and decisive execution of God's command to leave Laban's deceptive dominion. The verse underscores Jacob's proactive leadership as the patriarch, responsibly gathering and moving his considerable household and possessions. This immediate departure highlights his faith in God's promises of protection and prosperity, and his commitment to returning to the land of Canaan. It sets the stage for a period of profound spiritual growth for Jacob as he prepares to encounter his brother Esau and re-enter the land where the covenant promises would fully unfold for his family. The act of "rising" and "setting" upon camels speaks to a concerted effort and an organized, faith-filled exodus away from a period of bondage and toward God's unfolding plan.