Genesis 31:3 - Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 31:3" mean?
Genesis 31:3 is a pivotal verse in the story of Jacob. It signifies a turning point where Jacob is instructed by God to return to his homeland. Let's break down its meaning:
"Yahweh said to Jacob": This establishes that the instruction is coming directly from God. Yahweh is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a personal relationship and covenant between God and Jacob.
"Return to the land of your fathers": This is an order to leave Haran (where Jacob has been living with Laban) and go back to Canaan, the land that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. It's a return to his ancestral homeland, a place of promise and destiny.
"and to your relatives": This suggests a reconnection with his family, specifically his brother Esau (with whom he had a difficult history), and his father Isaac. It's a call to reintegrate into his family lineage and community.
"and I will be with you": This is the crucial promise of divine protection and guidance. It assures Jacob that God will accompany him on this potentially dangerous journey. The presence of God guarantees success and safety. This promise echoes the promises made to Abraham and Isaac, reinforcing the covenant lineage.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse signals the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give Jacob and his descendants the land of Canaan.
Divine Mandate: Jacob's return is not just a personal choice; it is a divinely ordained mission. He is being called back to his purpose.
Assurance and Guidance: Despite the potential dangers (like encountering Esau), Jacob is given the assurance that God will be with him, guiding and protecting him.
Continuation of the Covenant: The verse reinforces the covenant relationship between God and Jacob's family line. The promise "I will be with you" is a cornerstone of this covenant.
Overcoming Challenges: This verse sets the stage for the challenges Jacob will face on his return journey, including dealing with Laban and Esau. It implies that with God's help, Jacob can overcome these obstacles.
In short, Genesis 31:3 marks a turning point for Jacob, sending him back to his homeland with the promise of God's presence and guidance, signifying the continuation of the covenant and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Genesis 31:3 - Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”
What does "Genesis 31:3" mean?
Genesis 31:3 is a pivotal verse in the story of Jacob. It signifies a turning point where Jacob is instructed by God to return to his homeland. Let's break down its meaning:
"Yahweh said to Jacob": This establishes that the instruction is coming directly from God. Yahweh is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a personal relationship and covenant between God and Jacob.
"Return to the land of your fathers": This is an order to leave Haran (where Jacob has been living with Laban) and go back to Canaan, the land that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. It's a return to his ancestral homeland, a place of promise and destiny.
"and to your relatives": This suggests a reconnection with his family, specifically his brother Esau (with whom he had a difficult history), and his father Isaac. It's a call to reintegrate into his family lineage and community.
"and I will be with you": This is the crucial promise of divine protection and guidance. It assures Jacob that God will accompany him on this potentially dangerous journey. The presence of God guarantees success and safety. This promise echoes the promises made to Abraham and Isaac, reinforcing the covenant lineage.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse signals the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give Jacob and his descendants the land of Canaan.
Divine Mandate: Jacob's return is not just a personal choice; it is a divinely ordained mission. He is being called back to his purpose.
Assurance and Guidance: Despite the potential dangers (like encountering Esau), Jacob is given the assurance that God will be with him, guiding and protecting him.
Continuation of the Covenant: The verse reinforces the covenant relationship between God and Jacob's family line. The promise "I will be with you" is a cornerstone of this covenant.
Overcoming Challenges: This verse sets the stage for the challenges Jacob will face on his return journey, including dealing with Laban and Esau. It implies that with God's help, Jacob can overcome these obstacles.
In short, Genesis 31:3 marks a turning point for Jacob, sending him back to his homeland with the promise of God's presence and guidance, signifying the continuation of the covenant and the fulfillment of prophecy.