Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” New Living Translation Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be with you.” English Standard Version Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” Berean Standard Bible Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” Berean Literal Bible And YHWH said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” King James Bible And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. New King James Version Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” New American Standard Bible Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” NASB 1995 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” NASB 1977 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kin, and I will be with you.” Amplified Bible Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your people, and I will be with you.” Berean Annotated Bible Then the LORD {YHWH} said to Jacob (he grasps the heel), “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you. Christian Standard Bible The LORD said to him, “Go back to the land of your ancestors and to your family, and I will be with you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the LORD said to him, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” American Standard Version And Jehovah said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. Contemporary English Version One day the LORD said, "Jacob, go back to your relatives in the land of your ancestors, and I will be with you." English Revised Version And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the LORD said to Jacob, "Go back to the land of your ancestors and to your relatives, and I will be with you." Good News Translation Then the LORD said to him, "Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives. I will be with you." International Standard Version Then the LORD ordered Jacob, "Go back to your father's territory and to your relatives. I'll be with you." NET Bible The LORD said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives. I will be with you." New Heart English Bible Then God said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you." Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD said to Jacob, Return to the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” World English Bible Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH says to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your family, and I am with you.” Berean Literal Bible And YHWH said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah saith unto Jacob, 'Turn back unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred, and I am with thee.' Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will say to Jacob, Turn back to the land of thy fathers, and to thy lineage; and I will be with thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleEspecially the Lord saying to him: Return into the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred, and I will be with thee. Catholic Public Domain Version Most importantly, the Lord was saying to him, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your generation, and I will be with you.” New American Bible Then the LORD said to Jacob: Return to the land of your ancestors, where you were born, and I will be with you. New Revised Standard Version Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your ancestors and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD said to Jacob, Return to the land of your fathers, and to your kindred; and I will be with you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH said to Yaquuv: “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I shall be with you.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD said unto Jacob: 'Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord said to Jacob, Return to the land of thy father, and to thy family, and I will be with thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Flees from Laban…2And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed. 3Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” 4So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,… Cross References Then the LORD said to Jacob, Genesis 35:1 Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” Genesis 46:2-3 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. Genesis 28:13 And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. “Go back to the land of your fathers Genesis 28:15 Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Deuteronomy 30:5 And the LORD your God will bring you into the land your fathers possessed, and you will take possession of it. He will cause you to prosper and multiply more than your fathers. Deuteronomy 1:8 See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess the land that the LORD swore He would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants after them.” and to your kindred, Genesis 24:4 but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” Genesis 24:38 but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred to take a wife for my son.’ Genesis 24:40 And he told me, ‘The LORD, before whom I have walked, will send His angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you may take a wife for my son from my kindred and from my father’s house. and I will be with you.” Joshua 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Genesis 28:15 Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 32:9 Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ Genesis 35:1 Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” Exodus 3:12 “I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.” Treasury of Scripture And the LORD said to Jacob, Return to the land of your fathers, and to your kindred; and I will be with you. Return. Genesis 28:15,20,21 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of… Genesis 32:9 And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. land. Genesis 31:13,18 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 13:15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. Genesis 26:3-5 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; … with thee. Genesis 21:22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: Genesis 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake. Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. Jump to Previous Fathers Jacob Kindred Relations Relatives TurnJump to Next Fathers Jacob Kindred Relations Relatives TurnGenesis 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. Then the LORD said to Jacob This phrase indicates direct divine communication, a common occurrence in the patriarchal narratives. Jacob, like his grandfather Abraham and father Isaac, receives guidance from God, underscoring his role in the covenant lineage. This divine encounter emphasizes God's ongoing relationship and covenant with Jacob, reaffirming the promises made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred and I will be with you Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother of Esau. Jacob is a central figure in Genesis, known for his journey of faith and his role as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. 2. Laban Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, with whom Jacob has lived and worked for many years. Laban's relationship with Jacob is complex, involving both family ties and conflicts over wealth and property. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who guides and directs Jacob's journey and promises His presence with him. 4. The Land of Your Fathers Refers to Canaan, the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. It is a place of both physical and spiritual significance for Jacob and his family. 5. The Command to Return This event marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, as God instructs him to leave Haran and return to Canaan, signifying a step of faith and obedience. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CallJust as Jacob was called to return to his homeland, believers are called to obey God's direction in their lives, trusting in His promises. God's Faithfulness God's promise to be with Jacob underscores His faithfulness. Believers can rely on God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people. Stepping Out in Faith Jacob's journey back to Canaan required faith and courage. Similarly, believers are often called to step out in faith, trusting in God's guidance and provision. The Importance of Returning to Spiritual Roots Jacob's return to the land of his fathers symbolizes a return to spiritual heritage. Believers are encouraged to remain connected to their spiritual foundations and heritage. God's Presence in Transition Life transitions can be challenging, but God's promise to be with Jacob assures believers of His presence during times of change and uncertainty. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 31:3?2. How does Genesis 31:3 demonstrate God's guidance in times of uncertainty? 3. What does "return to the land of your fathers" teach about obedience? 4. How can we trust God's promise, "I will be with you," today? 5. What other Bible stories show God directing His people to move locations? 6. How can Genesis 31:3 inspire us to follow God's call in our lives? 7. What does Genesis 31:3 reveal about God's guidance in times of uncertainty? 8. How does Genesis 31:3 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? 9. Why is returning to one's homeland significant in Genesis 31:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 31? 11. Are Jews granted salvation? 12. What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes? 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. Why is there no mention of repercussions or pursuit from Laban, despite prior tensions, when Jacob meets Esau in Genesis 33? What Does Genesis 31:3 Mean Then the LORD said to Jacob• Scripture presents a living God who speaks; Jacob’s guidance is not guesswork but revelation (Genesis 28:13, 35:1; Exodus 3:4). • After twenty years under Laban’s roof, Jacob hears the same voice that met him at Bethel—proof that God has not forgotten His promise (Genesis 28:15). • The direct address highlights personal relationship; like Abraham (Genesis 12:1) and Moses (Exodus 3:10), Jacob is summoned by name, underscoring God’s intimate involvement with His servants (John 10:27). Go back to the land of your fathers • “Go back” signals completion of a season. Jacob’s time in Haran was fruitful, yet temporary; his true inheritance lay in Canaan (Genesis 26:3-4; Hebrews 11:9). • Returning is an act of faith. The familiar comforts of Haran must be exchanged for the uncertainties of the promised land, a pattern repeated in every believer’s call to trust (Hebrews 11:8-10). • The land is covenant ground. By sending Jacob back, God re-anchors him to the oath sworn to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 12:7; 13:15). and to your kindred • Family matters to God. Reuniting with kin would mean facing Esau, whose anger once drove Jacob away (Genesis 27:41-45). God’s directive anticipates reconciliation and healing (Genesis 33:4). • Covenant blessing flows through family lines. To remain in Haran would isolate Jacob’s household; returning weaves his offspring into the promised lineage (Genesis 46:3-4). • Obedience here protects future generations, positioning them within God’s redemptive storyline (Genesis 50:24). and I will be with you • Presence is the backbone of the command. What God requires, He accompanies (Genesis 28:15; Exodus 33:14). • This promise counters every fear: Laban’s retaliation, Esau’s hostility, the unknown journey. Divine presence out-measures human threats (Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31). • The phrase foreshadows later assurances: “I will be with you” to Moses (Exodus 3:12), Joshua (Joshua 1:5), and ultimately all believers (Matthew 28:20). The God who sends also stays. summary Genesis 31:3 is a turning point that blends command and comfort. God personally instructs Jacob to leave Haran, return to the covenant land, and reconnect with his family—all under the guarantee of divine presence. The verse shows that when God calls, He supplies direction, purpose, and unfailing companionship, urging every follower to trust His voice and move forward in faith. (3) The Lord said unto Jacob.--This is probably the revelation, more exactly described in Genesis 31:10-13, as given to Jacob in a dream. It is there ascribed to Elohim, but here to Jehovah. The narrator's purpose in this, probably, is to show that while Jacob regarded the providence that watched over him as the act of Elohim, it was really in His character of Jehovah, the covenant-God, that He thus guarded him. (See Note on Genesis 26:29.)Thy kindred.--Heb., thy birthplace, as in Genesis 12:1; Genesis 24:4; Genesis 24:7, &c. . . . Verse 3. - And the Lord - Jehovah; since the entire journey to Padan-aram had been conducted under his special care, vide Genesis 28:15 (Hengstenberg), and not because the first three verses of this chapter have been inserted or modified by the Jehovist (Tuch, Block, et al.) - said unto Jacob, probably in a dream (cf. vers. 5, 10, 11). Return unto the land of thy fathers (i.e. Canaan), and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. So Jehovah had promised at Bethel twenty years before (Genesis 28:15).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then the LORDיְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Jacob, יַעֲקֹ֔ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc “Go back שׁ֛וּב (šūḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the land אֶ֥רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of your fathers אֲבוֹתֶ֖יךָ (’ă·ḇō·w·ṯe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father and to your kindred, וּלְמוֹלַדְתֶּ֑ךָ (ū·lə·mō·w·laḏ·te·ḵā) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 4138: Nativity, lineage, native country, offspring, family and I will be וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה (wə·’eh·yeh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be with you.” עִמָּֽךְ׃ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links Genesis 31:3 NIVGenesis 31:3 NLT Genesis 31:3 ESV Genesis 31:3 NASB Genesis 31:3 KJV Genesis 31:3 BibleApps.com Genesis 31:3 Biblia Paralela Genesis 31:3 Chinese Bible Genesis 31:3 French Bible Genesis 31:3 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 31:3 Yahweh said to Jacob Return to (Gen. 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