Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home. New Living Translation Laban got up early the next morning, and he kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home. English Standard Version Early in the morning Laban arose and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned home. Berean Standard Bible Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. King James Bible And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place. New King James Version And early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place. New American Standard Bible Then early in the morning Laban got up, and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place. NASB 1995 Early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place. NASB 1977 And early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place. Legacy Standard Bible And Laban arose early in the morning and kissed his sons and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place. Amplified Bible Early in the morning Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters [goodbye] and pronounced a blessing [asking God’s favor] on them. Then Laban left and returned home. Christian Standard Bible Laban got up early in the morning, kissed his grandchildren and daughters, and blessed them. Then Laban left to return home. Holman Christian Standard Bible Laban got up early in the morning, kissed his grandchildren and daughters, and blessed them. Then Laban left to return home. American Standard Version And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed and returned unto his place. Contemporary English Version Early the next morning, Laban kissed his daughters and his grandchildren goodbye, then he left to go back home. English Revised Version And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place. GOD'S WORD® Translation Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban left and went back home. Good News Translation Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters good-bye, and left to go back home. International Standard Version Early the next morning, Laban woke up, kissed his grandchildren and daughters, blessed them, and then left for home. NET Bible Early in the morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters goodbye and blessed them. Then Laban left and returned home. New Heart English Bible Early in the morning, Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them. Laban departed and returned to his place. Webster's Bible Translation And early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned to his place. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEarly the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. World English Bible Early in the morning, Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them. Laban departed and returned to his place. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Laban rises early in the morning, and kisses his sons and his daughters, and blesses them; and Laban goes on, and turns back to his place. Young's Literal Translation and Laban riseth early in the morning, and kisseth his sons and his daughters, and blesseth them; and Laban goeth on, and turneth back to his place. Smith's Literal Translation And Laban will rise up in the morning and will kiss his sons and his daughters, and will bless them: and Laban will go and turn back to his place. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut laban arose in the night, and kissed his sons, and daughters, and blessed them: and returned to his place. Catholic Public Domain Version In truth, Laban rose up in the night, and he kissed his sons and daughters, and he blessed them. And he returned to his place. New American Bible Early the next morning, Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them; then he set out on his journey back home. New Revised Standard Version Early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them; then he departed and returned home. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd early in the morning Laban rose up and kissed his grandsons and his daughters, and blessed them; then Laban returned and went to his country. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Laban arose at dawn and kissed his sons and his daughters, and he blessed them, and Laban returned and he went on to his place. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them. And Laban departed, and returned unto his place. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Laban rose up in the morning, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them; and Laban having turned back, departed to his place. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob's Covenant with Laban…54Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. 55Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. Cross References Genesis 28:1-5 So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. “Do not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” he commanded. / “Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. / May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. ... Genesis 32:1-2 Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. / When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim. Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.” Genesis 27:41-45 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” / When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. ... Genesis 33:4 Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. Genesis 35:9-15 After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. / And God said to him, “Though your name is Jacob, you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel.” So God named him Israel. / And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you. ... Genesis 46:1-4 So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. / And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob. / “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. ... Exodus 18:7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent. Ruth 1:9 May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud 1 Samuel 20:41-42 When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. / And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. 2 Samuel 19:39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home. 1 Kings 19:20 So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Acts 20:36-38 When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. / They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. / They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings. Treasury of Scripture And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned to his place. and kissed. Genesis 31:28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing. Genesis 33:4 And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. Ruth 1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. blessed. Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them. Genesis 28:1 And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Numbers 23:5,8,11 And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak… returned. Genesis 18:33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place. Genesis 30:25 And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. Numbers 24:25 And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way. Jump to Previous Blessed Blesseth Blessing Daughters Departed Early Grandchildren Home Kissed Kisseth Kissing Laban Morning Riseth Rose Turneth WayJump to Next Blessed Blesseth Blessing Daughters Departed Early Grandchildren Home Kissed Kisseth Kissing Laban Morning Riseth Rose Turneth WayGenesis 31 1. Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.19. Rachel steals her father's household gods. 22. Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong. 34. Rachel's plan to hide the images. 36. Jacob's complaint of Laban. 43. The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed. Early the next morning This phrase indicates a sense of urgency and resolution. In biblical narratives, early morning often signifies a new beginning or a decisive action (e.g., Genesis 22:3, when Abraham sets out to sacrifice Isaac). It suggests Laban's acceptance of the situation and his readiness to move forward. Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them Then he left to return home Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanThe father of Leah and Rachel, and the father-in-law of Jacob. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, often representing opposition and challenge. 2. Jacob The grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and husband to Leah and Rachel. He is the central figure in this account, having just left Laban's household with his family and possessions. 3. Leah and Rachel The daughters of Laban and wives of Jacob. They play significant roles in the unfolding of God's promises to Jacob. 4. Paddan-aram The region where Laban lived and where Jacob spent many years working for Laban. 5. The Departure This event marks the end of Jacob's time with Laban and the beginning of his journey back to Canaan, the land promised to his forefathers. Teaching Points The Importance of Family BlessingsLaban's act of blessing his family before departing highlights the significance of speaking blessings over our loved ones. In our lives, we should prioritize blessing and encouraging our family members. Trusting God's Promises Jacob's journey back to Canaan is a testament to trusting in God's promises, even when the path is uncertain. We are called to trust in God's faithfulness in our own journeys. Reconciliation and Peace Despite past conflicts, Laban and Jacob part ways with a gesture of peace. This teaches us the importance of seeking reconciliation and peace in our relationships. God's Sovereignty in Our Journeys Just as God guided Jacob, He is sovereign over our life's journey. We should seek His guidance and trust His timing in our lives. The Role of Faith in Uncertain Times Jacob's departure is an act of faith, stepping into the unknown with trust in God's promises. We are encouraged to exercise faith in times of uncertainty. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 31:55?2. How does Genesis 31:55 demonstrate the importance of family blessings and farewells? 3. What can we learn about reconciliation from Laban's actions in Genesis 31:55? 4. How does Genesis 31:55 connect with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and peace? 5. In what ways can we apply Laban's example of blessing to our families? 6. How does Genesis 31:55 encourage us to prioritize family relationships in our lives? 7. What is the significance of Laban's actions in Genesis 31:55 for family relationships? 8. How does Genesis 31:55 reflect ancient Near Eastern customs? 9. What theological message does Genesis 31:55 convey about reconciliation? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 31? 11. Who was Laban in the Bible? 12. Why is there no mention of repercussions or pursuit from Laban, despite prior tensions, when Jacob meets Esau in Genesis 33? 13. In Genesis 31:24, why would God communicate with Laban if Laban worshipped other gods, and how does this align with other biblical passages about idolatry? 14. What is the summary of Leah and Rachel's story? What Does Genesis 31:55 Mean Early the next morning• The narrative’s time marker underscores that Laban acted immediately after the covenant-making of the previous night (Genesis 31:44–54). Scripture often associates morning with fresh starts—think of Abraham rising early to obey God (Genesis 22:3) or Israel gathering manna at dawn (Exodus 16:21). Here the new morning signals a decisive, peaceful transition after long tension, echoing Psalm 30:5, “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Laban got up • His rising shows personal responsibility: he himself carries out the farewell rather than delegating it. Like Jethro personally visiting Moses (Exodus 18:5-7), Laban’s presence affirms the sincerity of the covenant and models family leadership. The text’s straightforward statement reminds us that Scripture records real events involving real people—Laban literally stood, ready to act on yesterday’s words. Kissed his grandchildren and daughters • Physical affection seals family bonds. Jacob’s children, born amid strife, now receive tender acknowledgment from their maternal grandfather. Comparable moments appear when Joseph kisses his brothers (Genesis 45:15) and when Paul embraces the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:37). The gesture testifies that despite past deception (Genesis 29:20-27; 31:7), covenant grace can soften hearts, fulfilling Proverbs 17:6: “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.” And blessed them • A spoken blessing conveys more than emotion; it invokes God’s favor. Laban, though previously invoking his household gods (Genesis 31:30), now verbalizes goodwill in the wake of Jacob’s altar and sacrifice (31:54). This echoes Isaac’s blessing over Jacob (27:27-29) and Aaron’s priestly benediction (Numbers 6:24-26). Scripture treats blessings as effectual words aligned with God’s purposes; here they mark a formal, peaceful conclusion to family conflict. Then he left to return home • Laban’s departure fulfills the covenant’s boundary clause: each party stays on his side of the pillar-witness (Genesis 31:51-52). By obeying it immediately, Laban demonstrates acceptance of God’s oversight of the agreement, paralleling Abraham and Lot’s peaceful separation (Genesis 13:8-12). The text literally closes his narrative arc, paving the way for Jacob to continue toward the land promised to his fathers (31:3; 32:1). Summary Genesis 31:55 records a literal, historical farewell that transforms hostility into harmony. At dawn, Laban rises, embraces his family, pronounces blessing, and departs, honoring the covenant he and Jacob made under God’s watch. The verse illustrates that when God intervenes, strained relationships can end in peace, affection, and obedience, setting the stage for His ongoing covenant plan through Jacob’s line. Verse 55. - And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, - i.e. Rachel and Leah and their children. It does not appear that Laban kissed Jacob on taking final leave of him as he did on first meeting him (Genesis 29:39) - and blessed them (cf. Genesis 14:60; 28:1): and Laban departed, and returned unto his place - Padan-aram (cf. Genesis 18:33; Genesis 30:25).
Hebrew Early the next morning,בַּבֹּ֗קֶר (bab·bō·qer) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning Laban לָבָ֜ן (lā·ḇān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob got up וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם (way·yaš·kêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7925: To load up, to start early in the morning and kissed וַיְנַשֵּׁ֧ק (way·naš·šêq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons his grandchildren לְבָנָ֛יו (lə·ḇā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son and daughters וְלִבְנוֹתָ֖יו (wə·liḇ·nō·w·ṯāw) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1323: A daughter and blessed them. וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ (way·ḇā·reḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse Then [he] לָבָ֖ן (lā·ḇān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob left וַיֵּ֛לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to return וַיָּ֥שָׁב (way·yā·šāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again home. לִמְקֹמֽוֹ׃ (lim·qō·mōw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition Links Genesis 31:55 NIVGenesis 31:55 NLT Genesis 31:55 ESV Genesis 31:55 NASB Genesis 31:55 KJV Genesis 31:55 BibleApps.com Genesis 31:55 Biblia Paralela Genesis 31:55 Chinese Bible Genesis 31:55 French Bible Genesis 31:55 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 31:55 Early in the morning Laban rose up (Gen. Ge Gn) |
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