Genesis 31:5 kjv

And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.

Genesis 31:5 nkjv

and said to them, "I see your father's countenance, that it is not favorable toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me.

Genesis 31:5 niv

He said to them, "I see that your father's attitude toward me is not what it was before, but the God of my father has been with me.

Genesis 31:5 esv

and said to them, "I see that your father does not regard me with favor as he did before. But the God of my father has been with me.

Genesis 31:5 nlt

He said to them, "I have noticed that your father's attitude toward me has changed. But the God of my father has been with me.

Genesis 31 verses

Genesis 31 5 Meaning

Genesis 31:5 presents Jacob's keen observation of Laban's altered disposition toward him. Jacob articulates to his wives, Rachel and Leah, that their father's former favorable countenance had shifted to one of hostility or disfavor. Crucially, Jacob immediately contrasts this human volatility with the unwavering presence and faithfulness of the God of his father, emphasizing that God has consistently been with him, guiding and protecting him despite Laban's malice. This verse signifies Jacob's growing reliance on divine providence over human relationships and earthly circumstances.

Genesis 31 5 Context

Genesis chapter 31 describes a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, marking his clandestine departure from Laban after 20 years of service. Years of strained relationship, marked by Laban's manipulation, deception, and repeated changes in Jacob's wages (Gen 31:7, 41), had created an untenable situation. Jacob had grown immensely wealthy, "with many flocks, female and male servants, camels, and donkeys" (Gen 30:43), primarily through God's blessing, even overriding Laban's schemes.

This verse occurs immediately after Jacob has been instructed by God to return to the land of his fathers (Gen 31:3). Before making such a monumental decision to leave his powerful and deceitful father-in-law, Jacob convenes Rachel and Leah, away from the watchful eyes of Laban. He appeals to them, their familial loyalties, and shared understanding of their father's character, setting the stage for their collective decision to flee. The shift in Laban's "face" or attitude signals an increasing threat, confirming Jacob's perception that it was time to leave and underscoring the necessity of divine intervention. This act is not simply a family dispute, but a crucial step in the unfolding covenant history, as Jacob's family returns to the promised land.

Genesis 31 5 Word analysis

• He said: Wayo’mer (וַיֹּאמֶר). Hebrew, masculine singular, "And he said." Refers to Jacob speaking. It highlights his role as the initiator of this crucial conversation, gathering his wives privately. This implies a significant decision being laid before them, requiring their agreement and cooperation.
• to them: Referring to Rachel and Leah. Their support was crucial for Jacob's planned departure. It shows Jacob confiding in his immediate family unit, asserting leadership.
• I see: Ra'iti (רָאִיתִי). Hebrew, first person singular perfect. "I have seen" or "I perceive." Not just a superficial glance but an inward discernment, a conclusion drawn from observation and experience over time. Jacob's awareness is not based on rumor but direct experience.
• your father's face: Penei aviḵem (פְּנֵי אֲבִיכֶן). Panim (פָּנִים), Hebrew for "face," often signifies countenance, presence, attitude, or disposition. It implies not just the physical face but the expression revealing inner thoughts and feelings. A change in "face" signifies a change in relational posture. This is Laban, the one Jacob served for two decades.
• that it is not toward me: Ki einenu 'immadi (כִּי־אֵינֶנּוּ עִמָּדִי). Lit. "that he is not with me." The "not toward me" translates the negative aspect of his attitude. It denotes a withdrawal of favor, a lack of friendliness or support, and hints at underlying animosity or a predatory shift.
• as before: Ki-tmol shilshom (כִּתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם). A Hebrew idiom meaning "as yesterday and the day before yesterday," or "as in times past." It conveys a former state of affairs, implying that Laban's attitude was once different, perhaps even outwardly pleasant or agreeable, but has now visibly changed.
• but: Wə'Elohei avi (וֵאלֹהֵי אָבִי). Hebrew waw (ו) here acts adversatively, introducing a strong contrast. It signals a critical shift from human hostility to divine fidelity.
• the God of my father: Elohei avi (אֱלֹהֵי אָבִי). This refers to the God of Abraham and Isaac (Jacob's father). It grounds Jacob's faith in the covenant God of his ancestors, emphasizing continuity and personal connection to divine heritage. It signifies that God is not just an abstract deity but a personal and relational God who interacted with his lineage.
• has been with me: Hayah 'immadi (הָיָה עִמָּדִי). Hayah (הָיָה), "he has been/was," past tense but with enduring effect. Immadi (עִמָּדִי), "with me." This is a profound statement of divine presence and unwavering support, especially contrasting with Laban's volatile attitude. It's the fulfillment of God's promise at Bethel (Gen 28:15). This active divine presence assures Jacob that he is under divine protection and favor, regardless of human ill-will.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He said to them, 'I see your father's face...": Jacob is perceptive, not merely reacting to events but analyzing Laban's internal disposition. This phrase indicates his authority and confidential leadership within his immediate family, setting the stage for their strategic move. It is a shared assessment based on common experience of Laban's nature.
• "...that it is not toward me as before;": This highlights a significant decline in the relationship. "Not toward me" indicates alienation, opposition, and likely a hostile intent, moving beyond mere disappointment to open enmity. It's the culmination of years of escalating tension and injustice experienced by Jacob at Laban's hands.
• "but the God of my father has been with me.": This clause is the theological core of the verse. It asserts God's consistent, active, and personal involvement in Jacob's life, serving as the ultimate counterpoint to Laban's deceit and malice. It indicates that divine faithfulness supersedes human treachery. Jacob's confidence is rooted in God's unchanging nature and covenant promise, not Laban's fleeting and conditional favor. This contrast is pivotal to understanding Jacob's courage in initiating his departure.

Genesis 31 5 Bonus section

This verse demonstrates Jacob's increased spiritual maturity. Earlier in his life, Jacob relied heavily on his own stratagems (e.g., deceiving Isaac, later setting up his unique breeding program with the livestock). However, here, when facing direct and escalating hostility from Laban, Jacob primarily rests his case on God's unwavering presence. This reflects a transition from self-reliance to a more God-centered approach in the face of adversity. The phrase "God of my father" not only links him to his patriarchal heritage but also indicates his personal ownership of that inherited faith. God's providential care not only blessed Jacob materially despite Laban's attempts to diminish him but also protected him from the unspoken threat inherent in Laban's changed "face." This change was not just a perceived feeling but likely indicated actual danger or intention to harm Jacob, physically or economically. This serves as a reminder that discerning God's ongoing presence empowers believers to navigate treacherous human relationships with courage.

Genesis 31 5 Commentary

Genesis 31:5 encapsulates a foundational truth: while human relationships and attitudes are fickle and can turn hostile, God's presence and faithfulness are constant and unfailing. Jacob, a man often characterized by cunning, here demonstrates a growing spiritual discernment and reliance on divine providence. He keenly observes the visible shift in Laban's demeanor – his "face" indicating inner disposition, confirming Laban's covetousness and envy. This change was a natural outcome of Laban's exploitative character and Jacob's burgeoning prosperity by divine hand.

However, Jacob does not dwell on the negative. His immediate pivot to "but the God of my father has been with me" showcases his profound theological anchor. This declaration echoes God's promises made at Bethel (Gen 28:15) and reaffirms His active engagement in Jacob's life despite years of arduous labor and manipulative dealings from Laban. Jacob's confidence stems not from his own ability to outwit Laban, nor from any leverage he might have, but solely from the faithful presence of his ancestral God. This divine presence is the guarantee of his safety and the means of his prosperity, overriding human animosity. The verse underscores that God champions His chosen ones against all adversaries, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes even when human relationships deteriorate into open hostility. It's a testament to the fact that when men turn against us, God draws closer.