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Verse Takeaways
1
An Ancient Idiom
Multiple commentators (Ellicott, Gill, Barnes) explain that the phrase “stole away unawares” is a literal translation of a Hebrew idiom: “to steal the heart.” In ancient Hebrew thought, the heart was the seat of the intellect. Therefore, Jacob didn't steal an emotion, but rather he eluded Laban's perception and acted without his knowledge.
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Genesis
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Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On Genesis 31:1–55
18th Century
Theologian
תרפים terāpı̂ym — Teraphim. This word occurs fifteen times in the Old Testament. It appears three times in this chapte…
Charles Ellicott
On Genesis 31:20
19th Century
Bishop
Jacob stole away unawares. — Hebrew, stole the heart. But the heart was regarded by the Hebrews as the seat of the intell…
John Calvin
On Genesis 31:20
16th Century
Theologian
And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban. By the Hebrew form of expression, “stole away the heart of Laban,” Moses shows that Jacob departed…
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John Gill
On Genesis 31:20
17th Century
Pastor
And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian
Went away without his knowledge, or giving him any notice of it; h…
Matthew Henry
On Genesis 31:1–21
17th Century
Minister
The affairs of these families are related very minutely, while what are called the great events of states and kingdoms at that period are not menti…