Genesis 31 55

Genesis 31:55 kjv

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.

Genesis 31:55 nkjv

And early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place.

Genesis 31:55 niv

Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home.

Genesis 31:55 esv

Early in the morning Laban arose and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned home.

Genesis 31:55 nlt

Laban got up early the next morning, and he kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home.

Genesis 31 verses

Genesis 31 55 meaning

Genesis 31:55 describes Laban's final actions before his departure from Jacob and his family. It portrays a tender farewell where Laban embraces and blesses his daughters and grandchildren, concluding the strained but resolved conflict between him and Jacob. This verse marks the peaceful, though delayed, end to their association and allows Jacob to continue his journey towards Canaan.

Genesis 31 55 Context

Genesis 31:55 concludes a long and arduous period of twenty years Jacob spent working for his uncle Laban in Haran. The chapter chronicles Jacob's surreptitious departure with his family and flocks, spurred by divine instruction (Gen 31:3, 13) and a desire to escape Laban's exploitation. Laban pursued Jacob vehemently for seven days, eventually confronting him at Mount Gilead. After a tense negotiation, God intervened in a dream to Laban (Gen 31:24), restraining him from harming Jacob. This led to the formation of a covenant between Laban and Jacob at Mizpah (Gen 31:44-54), a pile of stones and a watchtower, signifying peace and a promise not to cross into each other's territory with hostile intent. Verse 55 serves as the formal, yet emotionally softened, farewell, dissolving the physical and contractual ties between them.

Genesis 31 55 Word analysis

• Early next morning: (וַיַּשְׁכֵּם, vayyashkem) From the root שׁכמ (shakam), meaning "to rise early" or "to be diligent." It signifies promptness and a purposeful action. This promptness indicates Laban's eagerness to conclude matters and return, perhaps also suggesting a respect for the established covenant. It is a common literary motif indicating the start of a significant event or journey (e.g., Gen 22:3 - Abraham rising early for Isaac's sacrifice).

• Laban: His name (לָבָן, lavan) means "white." Throughout the narrative, he is depicted as cunning, deceitful, and manipulative, especially regarding Jacob's wages. However, in this final moment, his actions reveal a more human, albeit late, display of affection, perhaps acknowledging the blood ties and the recent divine warning.

• got up and kissed: (וַיִּשַּׁק, vayyishshak) From the root נשק (nashaq), "to kiss." Kissing was a common sign of greeting, affection, farewell, or reconciliation in the ancient Near East. Here, it denotes affection towards family members at a poignant parting. It represents a softening of Laban's stance compared to his aggressive pursuit just days prior.

• his grandchildren and his daughters: This specific mention emphasizes the family bond and the objects of Laban's affection. Daughters (Leah and Rachel) and grandchildren (all of Jacob's children born in Paddan-aram) are specifically noted, highlighting Laban's connection to them despite his past mistreatment of Jacob. This act suggests a restoration of natural familial affection.

• blessed them: (וַיְבָרֶךְ, vayvarekh) From the root ברך (barak), "to bless." This is a significant act in the Hebrew Bible, often involving an invocation of divine favor, prosperity, and well-being. Though Laban's past actions are questionable, this blessing provides a final gesture of good will and parental authority. It seals the farewell with a traditional sign of honor and care, perhaps ensuring good relations or acknowledging God's favor upon his offspring.

• Then he left and returned home: (וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיָּשָׁב, vayyelekh vayyashav) These two verbs emphasize finality and separation. "He left" signifies his departure from Jacob's camp. "He returned home" (אֶל-מְקֹמוֹ, 'el meqomo - literally "to his place" or "to his home") signifies his definitive return to Haran. This establishes the boundary agreed upon in the covenant and formally closes Jacob's lengthy sojourn with Laban, setting the stage for Jacob's future challenges and encounters in Canaan.

• Word-group Analysis:

  • "Early next morning Laban got up and kissed...": This phrase signifies the swift and decisive nature of Laban's actions. The act of "kissing" demonstrates a sudden shift in Laban's disposition from a cunning adversary to a caring patriarch, indicating a final tender, albeit perhaps superficial, reconciliation or cultural farewell formality.
  • "...his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them.": The subjects of Laban's affection are his direct descendants, showing a strong focus on family ties at the point of parting. The act of "blessing" solidifies the farewell with a formal invocation of well-being, indicating a parental acknowledgment and perhaps a release of their obligation to him, allowing them to journey on freely.
  • "Then he left and returned home.": This clearly states the outcome of the entire conflict and covenant. Laban's journey back to his own territory in Haran allows Jacob to continue his own journey to Canaan without further hindrance, symbolizing the end of a long, arduous, and formative period in Jacob's life.

Genesis 31 55 Bonus section

The seemingly abrupt shift in Laban's character from manipulative master to a tender patriarch, highlighted in this verse, underscores the profound impact of the covenant (Gen 31:44-54) and God's intervention (Gen 31:24). The emphasis on his 'grandchildren' demonstrates that despite his dispute with Jacob, he acknowledges and cherishes his connection to the next generation. This verse, therefore, represents a complete break from the entanglement of Jacob's past in Haran, allowing him to face future challenges (like the impending encounter with Esau) with a clearer purpose. It is also an important example of a formal ancient Near Eastern farewell, encompassing customary gestures like kissing and blessing.

Genesis 31 55 Commentary

Genesis 31:55 serves as the denouement of the complex relationship between Jacob and Laban. After years of deception, hard labor, and a tense pursuit culminating in a divine intervention and covenant, this verse offers a remarkably peaceful and tender farewell. Laban's act of kissing his daughters and grandchildren, coupled with a blessing, highlights the enduring nature of familial bonds even when strained by greed and mistrust. This seemingly softening of Laban's character at the very end could be seen as a direct or indirect consequence of God's earlier warning in Genesis 31:24. It assures the audience that despite all previous conflict, the formal separation between the two men is settled peacefully, enabling Jacob's journey to continue unhindered by his formidable father-in-law. It concludes an important patriarchal episode, showing God's protection over Jacob, guiding him back towards the promised land.