Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;

GENESIS 27:43KJV
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Genesis 27:43 (KJV)

What does Genesis 27:43 mean?

Genesis 27:43 records Rebekah urgently telling her son Jacob to listen to her instructions and escape to her brother Laban in Haran. She is warning Jacob to leave quickly for his safety after Esau, his brother, becomes furious over losing his father Isaac’s blessing.

In this verse, Rebekah is speaking directly to Jacob, her favored son, right after he deceived Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau. Knowing Esau’s anger and intent to harm Jacob, Rebekah commands Jacob to obey her voice and flee to her brother Laban’s home, setting in motion Jacob’s journey away from home and into a new chapter of his life.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 27:43

  • "Obey" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means more than just hearing; it carries the sense of listening with the intent to act. Rebekah is not just giving advice, but expecting Jacob to follow her instructions.
  • "Flee" (בָּרַח, barach): This verb is often used for escaping danger. Rebekah is not suggesting a casual visit but a hasty escape from real threat.
  • "Haran" (חָרָן, Charan): Naming Haran as the destination is significant because it connects back to Abraham’s family roots, showing that Rebekah is sending Jacob to trusted kin rather than into the unknown.

Why Genesis 27:43 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Rebekah is taking immediate action to protect Jacob, showing her awareness of the danger and her decisive role in the family’s story.
  • It highlights the seriousness of Esau’s anger and the real threat to Jacob’s life, not just a family argument.
  • Genesis 27:43 sets up the next major section of Genesis, where Jacob’s time with Laban will shape his character and future, connecting the family’s story across generations.

Where else these words appear

“Haran” Hebrew H2771 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 11:31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
  • Genesis 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
  • 2 Kings 19:12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar?

“Laban” Hebrew H3837 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 24:29 And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.
  • Genesis 29:25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
  • Genesis 31:24 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.

“flee” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 23:6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.