Genesis 31:23-25

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Genesis 31:23 tn Heb “his brothers.”
2. Genesis 31:23 tn Heb “him”; the referent (Jacob) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
3. Genesis 31:23 tn Heb “and he pursued after him a journey of seven days.”
4. Genesis 31:23 tn Heb “drew close to.”
5. Genesis 31:24 tn Heb “said to him.”
6. Genesis 31:24 tn Heb “watch yourself,” which is a warning to be on guard against doing something that is inappropriate.
7. Genesis 31:24 tn Heb “lest you speak with Jacob from good to evil.” The precise meaning of the expression, which occurs only here and in v. 29, is uncertain. Since Laban proceeded to speak to Jacob at length, it cannot mean to maintain silence. Nor does it seem to be a prohibition against criticism (see vv. 26-30). Most likely it refers to a formal pronouncement, whether it be a blessing or a curse. Laban was to avoid saying anything to Jacob that would be intended to enhance him or to harm him.
8. Genesis 31:25 tn Heb “and Jacob pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban pitched with his brothers in the hill country of Gilead.” The juxtaposition of disjunctive clauses (note the pattern vav plus subject plus verb in both clauses) indicates synchronism of action.