Genesis 31:2-4 New English Translation
2 When Jacob saw the look on Laban’s face, he could tell his attitude toward him had changed.[a]
3 The Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers[b] and to your relatives. I will be with you.”[c] 4 So Jacob sent a message for Rachel and Leah[d] to come to the field[e] where his flocks were.[f]
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- Genesis 31:2 tn Heb “and Jacob saw the face of Laban, and look, he was not with him as formerly.” Jacob knew from the expression on Laban’s face that his attitude toward him had changed—Jacob had become persona non grata.
- Genesis 31:3 tn Or perhaps “ancestors” (so NRSV), although the only “ancestors” Jacob had there were his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac.
- Genesis 31:3 sn I will be with you. Though Laban was no longer “with him,” the Lord promised to be.
- Genesis 31:4 tn Heb “sent and called for Rachel and for Leah.” Jacob did not go in person, but probably sent a servant with a message for his wives to meet him in the field.
- Genesis 31:4 tn Heb “the field.” The word is an adverbial accusative, indicating that this is where Jacob wanted them to meet him. The words “to come to” are supplied in the translation for clarification and stylistic reasons.
- Genesis 31:4 tn Heb “to his flock.”
New English Translation (NET)
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