Genesis 31:24 kjv

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Genesis 31:24 nkjv

But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, "Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad."

Genesis 31:24 niv

Then God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night and said to him, "Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad."

Genesis 31:24 esv

But God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream by night and said to him, "Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad."

Genesis 31:24 nlt

But the previous night God had appeared to Laban the Aramean in a dream and told him, "I'm warning you ? leave Jacob alone!"

Genesis 31 verses

Genesis 31 24 Meaning

Genesis 31:24 signifies a direct divine intervention to protect Jacob from Laban's potentially harmful intentions. God explicitly warns Laban in a dream, forbidding him from speaking "good or bad" to Jacob, which implies an absolute prohibition against any form of manipulation, coercion, or abuse. This demonstrates God's sovereign oversight and faithful care for Jacob, ensuring his safe journey back to the promised land.

Genesis 31 24 Context

Genesis chapter 31 describes Jacob's departure from Laban after twenty years of service. Feeling cheated and sensing God's command to return to his homeland, Jacob secretly leaves with his wives, children, and all his acquired wealth. Laban discovers their flight three days later and immediately gathers his relatives, pursuing Jacob for seven days, intending to reclaim his daughters, grandchildren, and perhaps also to confront Jacob over his secret departure and the missing household gods (teraphim). Verse 24 directly precedes Laban's confrontation with Jacob (Gen 31:25 onwards), revealing why Laban, despite his pursuit and initial anger, ultimately handles the situation with restraint. This divine intervention explains Laban's subdued posture in the subsequent interaction, highlighting God's active hand in safeguarding Jacob's family and possessions on their journey back to Canaan.

Genesis 31 24 Word analysis

• וַיָּבֹא אֱלֹהִים (vayavo Elohim): "Then God came".
  • וַיָּבֹא (vayavo): A Piel imperfect verb, often translated "he came" or "and he came". The waw consecutive connects this action immediately to the preceding narrative of Laban's pursuit. It signifies direct divine initiative and presence.
  • אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): The generic Hebrew word for God or gods. Here, used for the true God, the God of Jacob, indicating the supreme deity intervening directly. Its plural form (though singular in meaning for the true God) can emphasize majesty and power.
• אֶל־לָבָן (el-Lavan): "to Laban".
  • אֶל־ (el): A preposition meaning "to," "toward," or "at." Specifies the recipient of the divine visit. Laban, though not part of Abraham's covenant, receives a direct divine revelation due to his proximity to God's chosen one.
• בַּחֲלֹום הַלָּיְלָה (bachalom hallailah): "in a dream by night".
  • בַּחֲלֹום (bachalom): "in a dream." A common method of divine communication in the Old Testament, particularly for non-prophets or for significant warnings (e.g., Pharaoh, Abimelech).
  • הַלָּיְלָה (hallailah): "the night." Emphasizes the specific timing, likely during Laban's sleep, making the divine warning unmistakable and personal.
• וַיֹּאמֶר לֹו (vayomer lo): "and said to him".
  • וַיֹּאמֶר (vayomer): "and he said." Another waw consecutive, directly connecting God's arrival with His speech.
  • לֹו (lo): "to him." Refers directly to Laban.
• הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ (hishamer lekha): "Be careful for yourself / Watch out".
  • הִשָּׁמֶר (hishamer): A Hithpael imperative, meaning "take heed," "beware," or "be careful." It's a strong, emphatic warning. The Hithpael conjugation often suggests taking care of oneself or self-preservation.
  • לְךָ (lekha): "for yourself" or "to yourself." Intensifies the warning; implies the consequences if Laban disobeys will fall on him personally.
• פֶּן־תְּדַבֵּר עִם־יַעֲקֹב (pen-tedabber im-Yaakov): "that you speak not to Jacob".
  • פֶּן־ (pen): "lest" or "so that you do not." Introduces a negative purpose clause or a warning against a potential action.
  • תְּדַבֵּר (tedabber): Piel imperfect of dabar, "to speak."
  • עִם־יַעֲקֹב (im-Yaakov): "with Jacob."
• מִטֹּוב עַד־רָע (mitov ad-ra): "from good to bad / anything, good or bad".
  • מִטֹּוב (mitov): "from good." The Hebrew idiom "from X to Y" implies "nothing at all," or "neither X nor Y." Here, "good" refers to benevolent or kind speech.
  • עַד־רָע (ad-ra): "to bad." "Bad" refers to malevolent, threatening, or harmful speech.
  • This phrase acts as an absolute prohibition: Laban is forbidden to address Jacob in any way that would seek to change his course, whether through persuasion ("good") or intimidation ("bad"). God is completely restricting Laban's free will regarding Jacob.

Genesis 31 24 Bonus section

The phrase "from good to bad" (מִטּוֹב עַד רָע) is an idiom signifying an exhaustive prohibition – encompassing absolutely everything in between. It's similar to saying "not a single word, good or ill." This indicates the totality of God's command to Laban, not leaving him any leeway in how he was to interact with Jacob regarding his journey. This particular wording reveals the depth of God's protection: not only physical safety but also protection from any psychological or manipulative influence. Laban's potential leverage over Jacob, be it emotional appeals ("good") or threats ("bad"), was completely neutralized. This highlights God's holistic care for His servant, addressing not just external dangers but also subtle forms of human interference that could deviate His chosen path for Jacob.

Genesis 31 24 Commentary

Genesis 31:24 marks a pivotal moment showcasing God's active sovereignty in the life of Jacob. While Laban pursued Jacob with a seven-day head start and likely with vengeful intentions—as indicated by his later accusations and demand for the return of his household idols—God directly intervened. The medium of a night dream for divine communication was deliberate; it was clear, undeniable, and immediate, given during Laban’s pursuit. The powerful Hebrew phrasing "Be careful... from good to bad" means a complete and total prohibition. God not only forbids harm or threats ("bad") but also persuasion or entreaty ("good"), demonstrating that He wants Jacob's journey to be entirely unimpeded by Laban's influence. This absolute divine injunction prevents Laban from enticing Jacob to return or even making an alliance that might compromise God’s will for Jacob to inherit the land and bless the nations. It underscores that Jacob’s departure and return to Canaan were divinely orchestrated steps, untouchable by human designs. This episode powerfully confirms God's faithful guardianship over His covenant promises, actively protecting His chosen instruments against those who would obstruct His divine purpose, regardless of their family ties.