Footnotes

1. Genesis 31:19 tn This disjunctive clause (note the pattern conjunction + subject + verb) introduces a new scene. In the English translation it may be subordinated to the following clause.
2. Genesis 31:19 tn Or “household gods.” Some translations merely transliterate the Hebrew term תְּרָפִים (t^erafim) as “teraphim,” which apparently refers to household idols. Some contend that possession of these idols guaranteed the right of inheritance, but it is more likely that they were viewed simply as protective deities. See M. Greenberg, “Another Look at Rachel’s Theft of the Teraphim,” JBL 81 (1962): 239-48.
3. Genesis 31:20 tn Heb “stole the heart of,” an expression which apparently means “to deceive.” The repetition of the verb “to steal” shows that Jacob and Rachel are kindred spirits. Any thought that Laban would have resigned himself to their departure was now out of the question.
4. Genesis 31:20 tn Heb “fleeing,” which reflects Jacob’s viewpoint.
5. Genesis 31:21 tn Heb “and he fled.”
6. Genesis 31:21 tn Heb “he arose and crossed.” The first verb emphasizes that he wasted no time in getting across.
7. Genesis 31:21 tn Heb “the river”; the referent (the Euphrates) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
8. Genesis 31:21 tn Heb “he set his face.”
9. Genesis 31:22 tn Heb “and it was told to Laban on the third day that Jacob had fled.”
10. Genesis 31:23 tn Heb “his brothers.”
11. Genesis 31:23 tn Heb “him”; the referent (Jacob) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
12. Genesis 31:23 tn Heb “and he pursued after him a journey of seven days.”
13. Genesis 31:23 tn Heb “drew close to.”
14. Genesis 31:24 tn Heb “said to him.”
15. Genesis 31:24 tn Heb “watch yourself,” which is a warning to be on guard against doing something that is inappropriate.
16. Genesis 31:24 tn Heb “lest you speak with Jacob from good to evil.” The precise meaning of the expression, which occurs only here and in v. 29, is uncertain. Since Laban proceeded to speak to Jacob at length, it cannot mean to maintain silence. Nor does it seem to be a prohibition against criticism (see vv. 26-30). Most likely it refers to a formal pronouncement, whether it be a blessing or a curse. Laban was to avoid saying anything to Jacob that would be intended to enhance him or to harm him.