Genesis 31:20 - Exposition

And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, —literally, stole the heart of Laban the Syrian , he deceived his mind and intelligence, like κλέπτειν νόον, Horn; ' II .,' 14. 227 (el. Genesis 31:26 , Genesis 31:27 ); hence—ἔκρυψε ( LXX .); so Calvin, Rosenmüller, Keil, Gesenius, and others. Lange fancifully understands by the heart of Laban which Jacob stole either Laban's daughters or his favorite Rachel Gerlach contrasts Jacob's stealing with that of Rachel, in which Jacob, had no part. The exact import of Jacob's stealing is declared by the words that follow— in that he told him not (Lunge and Bush interpret הִגִּיד impersonally, as signifying in that or because it was not told; but in this among expositors they stand alone) that he fled.