Genesis 31:27 Meaning and Explanation
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Laban protests that Jacob should have informed him of the plan so he could send Jacob away with celebration and blessing.
The Context of Genesis 31:27
Laban complains that Jacob should have informed him so he could send him away with celebration.
What Does Genesis 31:27 Mean?
Laban presents an alternative narrative: Jacob should have announced his intention to leave, giving Laban the opportunity to provide a proper, festive departure. The mention of mirth, songs, tambourine, and harp paints a picture of a formal, blessed send-off.
This claim appears self-serving given Laban's previous hostility. Yet it reveals something of Laban's cultural expectation: family members do not slip away like thieves; they receive blessing and farewell from the household head. Laban's protest is as much about wounded pride as about legal grievance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 31:27
What does Genesis 31:27 mean?
Laban protests that Jacob should have informed him of the plan so he could send Jacob away with celebration and blessing.
What is the context of Genesis 31:27?
Laban complains that Jacob should have informed him so he could send him away with celebration.