Genesis Chapter Study

Jacob Leaves Laban and Returns Toward the Promised Land

Genesis 31 (KJV)

Genesis 31 records Jacob's departure from Laban after twenty years of service. As tension grows between Jacob and Laban's household, God tells Jacob to return to the land of his fathers and promises to be with him. Jacob leaves with his family, flocks, and possessions, but Laban pursues him in anger. God intervenes, protects Jacob, and the chapter ends with a covenant of peace at Mizpah. Genesis 31 reminds us that God guides His people, sees unfair treatment, and faithfully protects His covenant promises.

What You'll Learn

• Why Jacob knew it was time to leave Laban
• How God commanded Jacob to return to the land of his fathers
• How Rachel and Leah responded to Jacob's plan
• Why Rachel stole Laban's household idols
• How Laban pursued Jacob after he departed
• How God protected Jacob by warning Laban in a dream
• Why Jacob defended his years of faithful service
• What the covenant at Mizpah meant between Jacob and Laban
• What Genesis 31 teaches about God's guidance, protection, justice, and faithfulness

Genesis 31 teaches that God faithfully guides and protects His people, even when they face conflict, unfair treatment, and uncertain transitions.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Genesis 31:1 And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory.

Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

Genesis 31:3 And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

Genesis 31:4 And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,

Genesis 31:5 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 31:6 And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.

Genesis 31:7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

Genesis 31:8 If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked.

Genesis 31:9 Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.

Genesis 31:10 And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.

Genesis 31:11 And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.

Genesis 31:12 And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.

Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

Genesis 31:14 And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

Genesis 31:15 Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.

Genesis 31:16 For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

Genesis 31:17 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

Genesis 31:18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 31:19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.

Genesis 31:20 And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.

Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.

Genesis 31:22 And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.

Genesis 31:23 And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.

Genesis 31:24 And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Genesis 31:25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.

Genesis 31:26 And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?

Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?

Genesis 31:28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.

Genesis 31:29 It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Genesis 31:30 And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?

Genesis 31:31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.

Genesis 31:32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.

Genesis 31:33 And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.

Genesis 31:34 Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.

Genesis 31:35 And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched but found not the images.

Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?

Genesis 31:37 Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.

Genesis 31:38 This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

Genesis 31:39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.

Genesis 31:40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.

Genesis 31:41 Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

Genesis 31:43 And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born?

Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.

Genesis 31:45 And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

Genesis 31:46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.

Genesis 31:47 And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.

Genesis 31:48 And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

Genesis 31:50 If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.

Genesis 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;

Genesis 31:52 This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.

Genesis 31:53 The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.

Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

Genesis 31:55 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.

Genesis 31:1

And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory.

Study: Laban's sons resent Jacob's prosperity. Instead of recognizing God's blessing, they accuse Jacob of taking what belonged to their father. Envy begins to turn the household against him.

Genesis 31:2

And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

Study: Jacob notices that Laban's attitude has changed. The favor he once had is gone. God often uses changing circumstances to show His people that a season is ending.

Genesis 31:3

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

Study: God gives Jacob a clear command and a comforting promise. Jacob is to return home, but he will not go alone. God's presence is the foundation of Jacob's confidence.

Genesis 31:4

And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,

Study: Jacob calls Rachel and Leah privately to the field. This shows wisdom and care. Before making the move, he brings his wives into the conversation and explains what God has shown him.

Genesis 31:5

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.

Study: Jacob recognizes Laban's changed attitude, but he also recognizes God's continued presence. People may turn against him, but God has remained faithful.

Genesis 31:6

And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.

Study: Jacob appeals to what Rachel and Leah already know. He has served Laban with strength and commitment. His complaint is not laziness or rebellion; it is the response of a faithful servant who has been treated unfairly.

Genesis 31:7

And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

Study: Laban repeatedly deceived Jacob, yet God restrained the damage. This verse reminds us that God sees mistreatment and can limit the harm others try to cause.

Genesis 31:8

If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked.

Study: Whatever terms Laban set, God turned them in Jacob's favor. Laban tried to control the outcome, but God's blessing could not be stopped.

Genesis 31:9

Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.

Study: Jacob sees his prosperity as God's doing. He does not merely credit his own strategy. God has provided for him and transferred increase despite Laban's schemes.

Genesis 31:10

And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.

Study: Jacob explains that God revealed what was happening through a dream. The increase of the flocks was not random. God was actively working in Jacob's situation.

Genesis 31:11

And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.

Study: God calls Jacob by name, and Jacob answers. This personal calling reminds us that God is not distant from Jacob's hardship. He sees him and speaks to him directly.

Genesis 31:12

And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.

Study: God tells Jacob that He has seen everything Laban has done. Jacob's unfair treatment has not been hidden from the Lord. God sees both labor and injustice.

Genesis 31:13

I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

Study: God reminds Jacob of Bethel, the place where He first promised to be with him. Now Jacob is called to leave Haran and return. God's promises are still active after many years.

Genesis 31:14

And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

Study: Rachel and Leah recognize that their father has not preserved an inheritance for them. Their response shows that they also feel the pain of Laban's selfishness.

Genesis 31:15

Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.

Study: Rachel and Leah feel treated like outsiders by their own father. Laban has used them for gain rather than caring for them as daughters.

Genesis 31:16

For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

Study: Rachel and Leah support Jacob's obedience. They recognize that God has provided for their household and tell Jacob to do whatever God has commanded.

Genesis 31:17

Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

Study: Jacob moves from discussion to action. Obedience requires more than agreement with God's command; it requires rising up and going where God leads.

Genesis 31:18

And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.

Study: Jacob leaves with the possessions God has given him. His destination is Canaan, the land connected to God's covenant promises through Abraham and Isaac.

Genesis 31:19

And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.

Study: Rachel steals Laban's household images. Her motive is not fully explained, but the action reveals lingering attachment to the old household and its false gods.

Genesis 31:20

And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.

Study: Jacob leaves without telling Laban. His fear of Laban's control shapes the way he departs, showing how damaged the relationship has become.

Genesis 31:21

So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.

Study: Jacob sets his face toward Gilead, moving away from Laban and toward God's promise. His departure marks a major turning point in his life.

Genesis 31:22

And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.

Study: Laban learns of Jacob's departure after three days. The delay gives Jacob distance, but it also sets up Laban's pursuit.

Genesis 31:23

And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.

Study: Laban pursues Jacob with his relatives. The pursuit shows the threat Jacob feared was real, yet God is already preparing to intervene.

Genesis 31:24

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Study: God warns Laban directly. Jacob may not know it yet, but the Lord is defending him before the confrontation even begins.

Genesis 31:25

Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.

Study: Laban catches up to Jacob in Gilead. The two camps now stand near one another, but God's warning restrains what Laban can do.

Genesis 31:26

And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?

Study: Laban frames Jacob's departure as though Jacob acted violently. His words exaggerate the situation and attempt to make Jacob appear guilty.

Genesis 31:27

Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?

Study: Laban claims he would have sent Jacob away with celebration. His words sound generous, but his past actions make Jacob's fear understandable.

Genesis 31:28

And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.

Study: Laban accuses Jacob of foolishness and appeals to family affection. Yet his actions over many years had already damaged trust within the family.

Genesis 31:29

It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Study: Laban admits he has power to harm Jacob, but he also admits that God stopped him. The Lord's protection is the only reason the confrontation does not become violent.

Genesis 31:30

And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?

Study: Laban accuses Jacob of stealing his gods. The irony is strong: Laban's gods can be stolen, hidden, and lost, unlike the living God who speaks and protects.

Genesis 31:31

And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.

Study: Jacob explains his fear. He believed Laban might forcibly take Rachel and Leah away. This reveals how deeply Jacob distrusted Laban's intentions.

Genesis 31:32

With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.

Study: Jacob unknowingly speaks dangerous words because he does not know Rachel took the idols. This verse shows how hidden sin can put others in danger and complicate a household.

Genesis 31:33

And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.

Study: Laban searches each tent but finds nothing. The scene builds tension as the search moves closer to Rachel, the one who actually took the idols.

Genesis 31:34

Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.

Study: Rachel hides the idols by sitting on them. The false gods are powerless to reveal themselves, defend themselves, or help Laban find them.

Genesis 31:35

And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched but found not the images.

Study: Rachel deceives Laban, and the idols remain hidden. The chapter contrasts human deception and powerless idols with the living God who sees all things clearly.

Genesis 31:36

And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?

Study: After the failed search, Jacob becomes angry and challenges Laban. Years of frustration now come out as Jacob asks what sin justified such pursuit.

Genesis 31:37

Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.

Study: Jacob asks Laban to present evidence. Since nothing was found, Jacob calls for witnesses to judge between them. His innocence appears clear from his perspective.

Genesis 31:38

This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

Study: Jacob reminds Laban of twenty years of faithful care. He protected the flocks and did not take what belonged to Laban.

Genesis 31:39

That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.

Study: Jacob bore losses that normally might have belonged to the owner. Laban required much from him, and Jacob carried the burden faithfully.

Genesis 31:40

Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.

Study: Jacob describes the hardship of his labor. He endured heat, cold, and sleepless nights. God saw not only the injustice but also the physical cost of Jacob's work.

Genesis 31:41

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Study: Jacob summarizes his twenty years with Laban. Fourteen years were for Rachel and Leah, and six were for the flocks. Through it all, Laban repeatedly changed the terms.

Genesis 31:42

Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

Study: Jacob gives God the credit for his protection and provision. Without God, Laban would have sent him away empty. But God saw Jacob's affliction and rebuked Laban.

Genesis 31:43

And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born?

Study: Laban still speaks possessively, claiming daughters, children, and cattle as his own. Yet he also recognizes that he cannot act against them because God has restrained him.

Genesis 31:44

Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.

Study: Laban proposes a covenant. Since he cannot overpower Jacob, he seeks a formal agreement that will stand as a witness between them.

Genesis 31:45

And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

Study: Jacob sets up a stone pillar as a visible marker. Like earlier moments in Jacob's life, a stone becomes a reminder of a serious encounter before God.

Genesis 31:46

And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.

Study: The gathered stones form a memorial heap, and the shared meal confirms the covenant. The conflict begins to move toward peace and closure.

Genesis 31:47

And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.

Study: Laban and Jacob give the heap names in their own languages. Though different in expression, both names point to the same purpose: the heap is a witness.

Genesis 31:48

And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

Study: Laban explains the meaning of the heap. It stands as evidence of the agreement made that day. The memorial is meant to keep both men accountable.

Genesis 31:49

And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

Study: Mizpah means watchtower. This is not mainly a sentimental farewell; it is a solemn reminder that God watches both parties when they are apart.

Genesis 31:50

If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.

Study: Laban calls God as witness over Jacob's treatment of Rachel and Leah. The covenant places both private behavior and family responsibility under God's sight.

Genesis 31:51

And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;

Study: Laban points again to the heap and pillar. These physical markers represent the boundary between the two men and the seriousness of their agreement.

Genesis 31:52

This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.

Study: The covenant sets a boundary of peace. Neither man is to cross the marker to harm the other. Sometimes peace requires clear boundaries.

Genesis 31:53

The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.

Study: Laban appeals broadly to the God of their ancestors, while Jacob swears by the fear of Isaac. Jacob's oath connects him to the covenant line of Abraham and Isaac.

Genesis 31:54

Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

Study: Jacob offers sacrifice and shares a meal. Worship and fellowship mark the close of the conflict, showing gratitude to God and sealing the covenant.

Genesis 31:55

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.

Study: Laban blesses his family and returns home. The long conflict ends, and Jacob is free to continue toward the land God promised.

Genesis 31 begins with growing tension between Jacob and Laban's household. Laban's sons accuse Jacob of taking their father's wealth, and Jacob sees that Laban's attitude has changed. Then God tells Jacob to return to the land of his fathers and promises to be with him. Jacob explains the situation to Rachel and Leah, and they agree that he should obey God. Jacob leaves with his family, flocks, and possessions while Rachel secretly steals Laban's household images. Laban pursues Jacob, but God warns him in a dream not to harm Jacob. After Laban confronts Jacob and searches unsuccessfully for the idols, Jacob defends his twenty years of faithful service. The chapter ends with Jacob and Laban making a covenant at Mizpah, setting a boundary of peace before Laban returns home.

Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding Your people through difficult seasons and uncertain transitions. Help me listen when You lead, trust Your presence when the path changes, and believe that You see every unfair situation. Protect me from bitterness, fear, and hidden idols that pull my heart away from You. Teach me to walk in integrity, pursue peace where possible, and trust that You are faithful to fulfill every promise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

• Read Genesis 31 each day this week
• Memorize Genesis 31:3
• Ask God to show you where He may be leading you next
• Write down one situation where you need to trust God's protection
• Pray for integrity in your work and relationships
• Identify one hidden idol or old attachment that needs to be surrendered
• Pursue peace in one relationship while keeping wise boundaries

Genesis 31 shows Jacob leaving Laban after twenty years of service. Laban's sons become jealous, Laban's attitude changes, and God commands Jacob to return to the land of his fathers. Jacob explains God's leading to Rachel and Leah, and they agree to go. As Jacob departs, Rachel steals her father's household images. Laban pursues Jacob, but God warns him in a dream not to harm Jacob. After Laban searches for the idols and finds nothing, Jacob defends his faithful service and declares that God has seen his affliction. The chapter ends with Jacob and Laban making a covenant at Mizpah, establishing a boundary of peace before parting ways.

Check this box when you finish this chapter study.

You have completed 0 of 50 chapters in Genesis.

View your full progress on the Genesis Hub .

Still Studying?

Have a Question About This Chapter?

Ask a Bible question and receive a Scripture-guided study response designed to help point you back to God's Word.