Skip to main content

    Genesis 31 (KJV)

    Read Genesis chapter 31 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Genesis 31

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Genesis 31:49

    "And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee,…"

    Genesis 31:3

    "And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fa…"

    Explore Topics Related to Genesis 31

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Commentary

    Genesis 8:22 Commentary

    In-depth study • God's Faithfulness

    Commentary

    Genesis 26:24 Commentary

    In-depth study • God's Faithfulness

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About God's Faithfulness

    10 curated KJV verses

    Promise

    God Promises His Word Never Returns Void

    Bible promises about the unstoppable power and effectiveness of God's spoken Wor

    Promise

    God Promises to Keep His Covenant Forever

    Bible promises about God's unbreakable covenant faithfulness through every gener

    Spiritual Warfare

    Jacob's Ladder — Angels Ascending and Descending

    At Bethel, Jacob saw a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and desce

    Genesis 31 Summary

    Genesis 31 records Jacob's dramatic departure from Laban after twenty years of service. God tells Jacob to return to the land of his fathers, and Jacob flees secretly with his wives, children, and flocks. Rachel steals her father's household idols, and Laban pursues the caravan for seven days.

    When Laban catches up, God warns him in a dream not to harm Jacob. The confrontation that follows is a masterclass in grievance-airing: both men list their complaints. They resolve the conflict by building a pillar called Mizpah — 'The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another' — a covenant of mutual separation rather than warm friendship.

    Key Themes

    Departure from LabanGod's command to returnRachel's stolen idolsMizpah covenantTwenty years of faithful labor

    Key Verses in Genesis 31

    "And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee."

    — Genesis 31:3

    God initiates Jacob's return — the same God who met him leaving now calls him home.

    "Except the God of my father… had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty."

    — Genesis 31:42

    Jacob credits God, not his own cleverness, for his prosperity.

    "The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another."

    — Genesis 31:49

    Often used as a blessing, this was actually a boundary marker between two men who didn't trust each other.

    Life Application

    Jacob's twenty years with Laban were marked by deception on both sides, yet God prospered Jacob throughout. This chapter teaches that God can bless you even in imperfect, exploitative situations — and that there comes a time when He says 'return.' Knowing when to stay and when to leave requires listening for God's direction, not just reacting to circumstances.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did Rachel steal Laban's idols?

    Rachel may have taken the household gods (teraphim) for religious attachment, for inheritance rights they conferred in some cultures, or to prevent Laban from using them for divination to locate Jacob. The theft reveals that Rachel hadn't fully abandoned her father's religious practices.

    What does Mizpah mean?

    Mizpah means 'watchtower.' While often quoted as a benediction, the original context was a boundary agreement between Jacob and Laban: 'May God watch between us since we can't trust each other.' It was a covenant of separation, not affection.

    Read the full summary of Genesis

    Free Bible widgets and more ways to read