And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.

GENESIS 31:5KJV
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Genesis 31:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 31:5 mean?

Genesis 31:5 records Jacob telling Rachel and Leah that he has noticed their father Laban’s attitude toward him has changed for the worse, but that the God of Jacob’s father has continued to be with him. Jacob is explaining that although his relationship with Laban has become strained, he has not been abandoned by God.

Jacob is speaking to his wives, Rachel and Leah, about the tension he senses from their father, Laban. The verse shows Jacob’s awareness of a shift in family dynamics and his reliance on the God worshipped by his own father, Isaac. This sets the stage for Jacob’s decision to leave Laban’s household, trusting in God’s continued presence and support.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 31:5

  • The word "countenance" (פָּנִים, panim) refers to Laban’s face or expression, often used in Hebrew to mean someone’s attitude or feelings. Jacob is not just noticing a physical look, but a deeper change in how Laban feels toward him.
  • The word "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) is the general Hebrew word for God, and here Jacob specifically calls Him "the God of my father," highlighting his connection to the faith of his family line rather than Laban’s household gods.
  • The word "been" (הָיָה, hayah) is often used for existence or presence. In this context, it emphasizes that God has actively remained with Jacob, not just passively existing.

Why Genesis 31:5 matters

  • Genesis 31:5 clarifies that Jacob’s decision to leave Laban is not just about family conflict but is rooted in his trust in God’s ongoing support.
  • The verse highlights the contrast between Laban’s changing attitude and God’s steady faithfulness, which is a key theme in Jacob’s story.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of God’s promises to the patriarchs, showing that Jacob sees himself as part of that ongoing relationship, even when circumstances become difficult.

Where else these words appear

“as” Hebrew H8543 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
  • 1 Samuel 20:27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

“before” Hebrew H8032 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • 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 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

“been” Hebrew H1961 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.