And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.

GENESIS 31:28KJV
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Genesis 31:28 (KJV)

What does Genesis 31:28 mean?

Genesis 31:28 records Laban confronting Jacob for leaving secretly and not allowing him to say goodbye to his sons and daughters with a farewell kiss, calling Jacob’s actions foolish. Laban expresses hurt and frustration that he was denied the chance to part from his family in a proper, affectionate way.

In this verse, Laban is speaking directly to Jacob after discovering that Jacob left with his daughters and grandchildren without telling him. The setting is tense: Jacob has fled with his family and possessions, and Laban has caught up to him. Laban’s words highlight the emotional side of the separation, focusing on the missed opportunity for a loving farewell rather than just the loss of property or household gods.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 31:28

  • "Suffered" (נָטַשׁ, natash): This word often means to leave, forsake, or allow. Here, it carries the sense that Jacob did not permit or allow Laban to say goodbye, emphasizing the lack of consent or opportunity.
  • "Kiss" (נָשַׁק, nashaq): In ancient cultures, kissing family members was a common sign of affection and blessing. Laban’s use of this word underscores the emotional pain of not being able to give a proper farewell.
  • "Foolishly" (נָבַל, naval): This word can mean to act senselessly or disgracefully. Laban is not just calling Jacob’s action unwise, but also somewhat dishonorable or lacking in proper respect.

Why Genesis 31:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Laban’s anger is not only about material loss or deception, but also about the emotional bonds with his family and the pain of abrupt separation.
  • The emphasis on kissing sons and daughters shows the importance of family ties and traditional farewells in the ancient world, providing insight into their values.
  • By calling Jacob’s action “foolish,” Laban frames the departure as not just a practical mistake but a breach of social and familial norms, which helps explain the depth of his reaction in the wider story.

Where else these words appear

“foolishly” Hebrew H5528 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.
  • 2 Samuel 15:31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

“kiss” Hebrew H5401 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
  • Exodus 18:7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

“suffered” Hebrew H5203 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 23:11 But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.
  • 2 Samuel 5:18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
  • Isaiah 21:15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.