Genesis 31:2
New International Version
And Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been.

New Living Translation
And Jacob began to notice a change in Laban’s attitude toward him.

English Standard Version
And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before.

Berean Standard Bible
And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.

King James Bible
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

New King James Version
And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favorable toward him as before.

New American Standard Bible
And Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as it had been before.

NASB 1995
Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as formerly.

NASB 1977
And Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as formerly.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jacob saw the face of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as formerly.

Amplified Bible
Jacob noticed [a change in] the attitude of Laban, and saw that it was not friendly toward him as before.

Christian Standard Bible
And Jacob saw from Laban’s face that his attitude toward him was not the same as before.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And Jacob saw from Laban’s face that his attitude toward him was not the same.

American Standard Version
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime.

Contemporary English Version
Jacob also noticed that Laban was not as friendly as he had been before.

English Revised Version
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He also noticed that Laban did not appear as friendly to him as before.

Good News Translation
He also saw that Laban was no longer as friendly as he had been earlier.

International Standard Version
Jacob also noticed that the way Laban had been looking at him wasn't as nice as it had been just two days earlier.

Majority Standard Bible
And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.

NET Bible
When Jacob saw the look on Laban's face, he could tell his attitude toward him had changed.

New Heart English Bible
Jacob saw the expression on Laban?s face, and look, it was not as it had been.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and behold, it was not towards him as before.

World English Bible
Jacob saw the expression on Laban’s face, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Jacob sees the face of Laban, and behold, it is not with him as before.

Young's Literal Translation
and Jacob seeth the face of Laban, and lo, it is not with him as heretofore.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jacob will see the face of Laban, and behold, it was not towards him as yesterday, the third day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And perceiving also that Laban's countenance was not towards him as yesterday and the other day,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Likewise, he observed that Laban’s face was not the same toward him as it was yesterday and the day before.

New American Bible
Jacob perceived, too, that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had previously been.

New Revised Standard Version
And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him as favorably as he did before.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jacob saw that Laban's countenance toward him was not as it had been yesterday and the day before.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yaquuv saw the face of Laban which was not with him as it had been yesterday and as the day before.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and behold it was not toward him as before.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Flees from Laban
1Now 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.” 2And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed. 3Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”…

Cross References
Genesis 30:27
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.”

Genesis 31:5
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.

Genesis 31:7
And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.

Genesis 31:41
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!

Genesis 27:41
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.”

Genesis 29:30
Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.

Genesis 30:2
Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?”

Genesis 30:34-35
“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.

Genesis 31:20
Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away.

Genesis 31:24
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.”

Genesis 31:29
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.’

Genesis 31:42
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.”

Genesis 32:6-7
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.

Genesis 33:1-4
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. ...

Exodus 1:8-10
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.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

countenance.

Genesis 4:5
But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Deuteronomy 28:54
So that the man that is 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:

1 Samuel 18:9-11
And Saul eyed David from that day and forward…

it was.

Genesis 30:27
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

as before.

Exodus 4:10
And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Deuteronomy 19:4
And this is 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;

1 Samuel 19:7
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.

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Attitude Beforetime Beheld Countenance Expression Face Favor Feeling Formerly Friendly Heretofore Jacob Laban's Noticed Previously Regard Towards
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Attitude Beforetime Beheld Countenance Expression Face Favor Feeling Formerly Friendly Heretofore Jacob Laban's Noticed Previously Regard Towards
Genesis 31
1. Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.
19. Rachel steals her father's household gods.
22. Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong.
34. Rachel's plan to hide the images.
36. Jacob's complaint of Laban.
43. The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed.














And Jacob saw
The Hebrew word for "saw" is רָאָה (ra'ah), which means to perceive or understand. This indicates not just a physical seeing but a deeper perception or insight. Jacob, a man who had experienced divine encounters and dreams, was attuned to discerning the intentions and emotions of those around him. This perception is crucial in the narrative, as it sets the stage for his decision to leave Laban's household. It reminds us of the importance of spiritual discernment in our own lives, to see beyond the surface and understand the deeper realities at play.

from the face of Laban
The phrase "from the face" in Hebrew is מִפְּנֵי (mipnei), which can also be translated as "from the presence" or "from the countenance." The face in Hebrew culture often reflects one's inner emotions and intentions. Laban's face, therefore, was a window into his heart, revealing his true feelings toward Jacob. This highlights the biblical theme that our inner attitudes are often visible to others, whether we intend them to be or not. It serves as a reminder to maintain integrity and sincerity in our relationships.

that his attitude toward him
The word "attitude" here is translated from the Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (shalom), which is often rendered as peace, well-being, or favor. In this context, it implies the relational harmony or goodwill that once existed between Jacob and Laban. The change in Laban's attitude signifies a shift from peace to hostility, a turning point in their relationship. This change is pivotal, as it propels Jacob to seek God's guidance and ultimately return to the land of his fathers. It underscores the transient nature of human favor and the need to rely on God's unchanging faithfulness.

had changed
The Hebrew root for "changed" is חָלַף (chalaph), meaning to pass on or to alter. This word conveys a sense of transformation or transition. Laban's change of heart is not just a minor adjustment but a significant shift that affects the course of Jacob's life. This transformation serves as a catalyst for Jacob's journey back to Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to him. It illustrates the biblical principle that God can use even adverse circumstances to accomplish His divine purposes, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereign plan even when faced with changing human relationships.

Verse 2. - And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, Behold, it (i.e. either Laban or his countenance) was not toward him (literally, with him) as before - literally, as yesterday and the day before. The evident 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Jacob
יַעֲקֹ֖ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

saw
וַיַּ֥רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

from the countenance
פְּנֵ֣י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

of Laban
לָבָ֑ן (lā·ḇān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob

that his attitude toward
עִמּ֖וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

him
כִּתְמ֥וֹל (kiṯ·mō·wl)
Preposition-k | Adverb
Strong's 8543: Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterday

had changed.
אֵינֶ֛נּוּ (’ê·nen·nū)
Adverb | third person masculine singular
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle


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OT Law: Genesis 31:2 Jacob saw the expression on Laban's face (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 31:1
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