So Jacob sent wordJacob, aware of the growing tension with Laban, takes a proactive step to communicate with his wives. This action reflects his leadership and responsibility as the head of his family. In the patriarchal society of the time, it was customary for the husband to make significant decisions, and Jacob's initiative here is consistent with that cultural norm. This phrase also highlights the importance of communication within a family unit, a principle that is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in
Ephesians 5:25-33, where husbands are instructed to love and lead their wives.
and called Rachel and Leah
By calling both Rachel and Leah, Jacob demonstrates fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that both of his wives are informed and involved in the decision-making process. This action is significant given the rivalry between the sisters, as seen in previous chapters. It underscores the importance of unity and cooperation within a family, a theme that is prevalent in biblical teachings, such as inPsalm 133:1, which speaks of the blessings of dwelling together in unity.
to the field
The field represents a place of work and provision, as Jacob's flocks were his livelihood. This setting is significant because it is away from the prying eyes of Laban and his household, providing a private space for Jacob to discuss his plans with Rachel and Leah. The field as a setting for divine encounters and revelations is a recurring motif in the Bible, as seen in the story of Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 2) and the shepherds receiving the announcement of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:8-14).
where his flocks were
Jacob's flocks symbolize God's provision and blessing, as they were a result of the divine promise and Jacob's diligent work. The mention of the flocks also serves as a reminder of Jacob's prosperity despite Laban's attempts to deceive him. This prosperity is a fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob inGenesis 28:15, where God assured him of His presence and blessing. The flocks can also be seen as a type of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who cares for His sheep, as described inJohn 10:11-14.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and husband to both Leah and Rachel. He is a central figure in the account, known for his journey of faith and his complex family dynamics.
2.
RachelJacob's beloved wife, whom he worked for fourteen years to marry. She is the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
3.
LeahJacob's first wife, whom he was tricked into marrying. She is the mother of six of Jacob's sons, including Judah and Levi.
4.
The FieldThe location where Jacob calls Rachel and Leah to discuss his plans to leave Laban's household. It symbolizes a place of privacy and decision-making.
5.
FlocksRepresent Jacob's wealth and God's provision, as well as the source of tension between Jacob and Laban.
Teaching Points
Leadership in FamilyJacob demonstrates leadership by involving Rachel and Leah in the decision-making process. This highlights the importance of communication and unity in family decisions.
Seeking God's GuidanceJacob's actions are rooted in God's guidance and promises. Believers are encouraged to seek divine direction in their own lives, especially during times of transition.
Trust in God's ProvisionThe flocks symbolize God's provision. Trusting in God's provision is crucial, even when circumstances seem challenging or uncertain.
Privacy in Decision-MakingJacob chooses a private setting to discuss important matters with his wives, emphasizing the need for discretion and focus when making significant life decisions.
Faith in ActionJacob's decision to leave Laban's household is an act of faith, trusting in God's promises. Believers are called to act on their faith, even when it requires leaving their comfort zones.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 31:4?
2.Why did Jacob call Rachel and Leah to the field in Genesis 31:4?
3.How does Genesis 31:4 demonstrate Jacob's leadership within his family?
4.What scriptural connections exist between Genesis 31:4 and God's guidance to Jacob?
5.How can we apply Jacob's approach in Genesis 31:4 to family decisions today?
6.What does Genesis 31:4 teach about communication in times of transition or conflict?
7.Why did Jacob call Rachel and Leah to the field in Genesis 31:4?
8.What cultural significance does the field meeting in Genesis 31:4 hold?
9.How does Genesis 31:4 reflect family dynamics in biblical times?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 31?
11.What is the historical significance of the Arameans?
12.How did Jacob end up marrying both Leah and Rachel?
13.How did Jacob's life unfold in biblical narratives?
14.Genesis 29:23-25: Is it believable that Jacob could be deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel without noticing?What Does Genesis 31:4 Mean
So Jacob sent wordJacob acts immediately after hearing the LORD’s directive to “Return to the land of your fathers” (Genesis 31:3). His quick response shows:
• Leadership that moves at God’s timetable, not his own (Genesis 31:13).
• Trust that obedience is safer than delay, echoing Noah’s promptness inGenesis 6:22.
• A resolve to protect his household from Laban’s growing hostility (Genesis 31:1-2).
By sending word first, Jacob avoids public confrontation, modelingProverbs 15:28—“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.”
and called Rachel and LeahJacob invites both wives, even though Rachel was his first love (Genesis 29:18, 30), signaling:
• Equal dignity—both women deserve to hear his plan firsthand, reflected later in1 Peter 3:7 where husbands are told to honor their wives.
• Unity—he wants them to decide together, similar to Joshua’s “as for me and my house” stance (Joshua 24:15).
• Protection—by addressing them together, he prevents Laban from isolating or pressuring either one (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
to the fieldThe open countryside grants privacy far from Laban’s ears. This deliberate setting reminds us of:
• Isaac’s solitary time “in the field toward evening” (Genesis 24:63) for reflection.
• Jesus pulling His disciples aside to a quiet place (Mark 6:31) for important dialogue.
• The wisdom of handling sensitive family matters away from potential interference, aligning withMatthew 18:15’s principle of private conversation first.
where his flocks wereMeeting among the animals under Jacob’s care highlights:
• God’s tangible blessing—“the man became exceedingly prosperous and owned large flocks” (Genesis 30:43).
• A shepherd-imagery backdrop that foreshadows Scripture’s consistent theme of faithful oversight (Psalm 23:1;John 10:14).
• The link between vocation and faith—Jacob’s workplace becomes his pulpit, mirroring Paul’s tent-making scenes inActs 18:3-5 where ministry flows out of daily labor.
summaryGenesis 31:4 shows Jacob exercising godly initiative, honoring both wives equally, choosing a discreet setting, and standing amid the very evidence of God’s provision. The verse captures a shepherd-leader who obeys the LORD promptly, values family unity, guards confidentiality, and anchors every decision in the blessings God has already supplied.
(4)
Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah . . . --Rachel is placed first, as the chief wife. The field was probably the pasture where Laban's flocks fed, as they were specially under Jacob's charge; and there, in the open ground, the three would run no risk of having their conversation overheard. Jacob's speech to his wives consists of three parts: first, he tells them of the change in Laban's manner towards him, and his consequent fear of violence; he next justifies his own conduct towards their father, and accuses him of repeated injustice; finally, he announces to them that he had received the Divine command to return to Canaan. As regards the second point, Jacob had undoubtedly used stratagems to increase his wages, and of this his wives must have been well aware. On the other hand, we learn that Laban had openly violated the terms of the bargain; and, whereas all the parti-coloured kids and lambs were to belong to Jacob, no sooner did they increase beyond expectation, than Laban, first, would give him only the speckled, the most common kind, and finally, only the ring-straked, which were the most rare. Of course Jacob would keep all the sheep and goats which he had once made over to the charge of his sons; it would be the additions to them from Laban's flocks which were thus diminished.
As regards the vision, it has been thought that Jacob has compressed two occurrences into one narrative; but for insufficient reasons. It was at the breeding-time (Genesis 31:10) that Jacob saw the vision, with its two-fold lesson: the first, that the multiplication of his wages had been God's gift, and not the result of his own artifices; the second, that this bestowal of wealth was to enable him to return to Canaan. His wives heartily concurred in his purpose, but it was not till the time of sheep-shearing came (Genesis 31:19) that he effected his escape. But there is no difficulty in this delay. How large the household of Jacob had become we learn from the greatness of the present he selected for Esau (Genesis 32:13-15), and it could not be removed without preparation. The servants and camels must be gathered in from their trading expeditions, tents must be got ready, and camels' furniture and other requisites obtained; finally, they could not start until the ewes were fit for their journey, and only at a time of year when there would be herbage for the cattle on the march. We find that when they reached the Jabbok, Jacob's flocks and herds were "giving suck" (Genesis 33:13 in the Heb.); but it is not easy to calculate the interval between this and the time when they commenced their journey.
Verse 4. -
And Jacob went - being unwilling to approach the house lest Laban should discover his design (Rosenmüller) -
and called Rachel and Leah - Rachel may be placed first as the beloved wife of Jacob (Wordsworth, Lange), scarcely as the principal wife in comparison with Leah, who was
adventitia (Rosenmüller; cf. ver. 14) -
to the field unto his flock. The expression "his flock" indicates that Jacob had abandoned Laban's sheep and taken possession of those which belonged to himself - probably in preparation for his departure.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Jacobיַעֲקֹ֔ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descsent wordוַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח(way·yiš·laḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outand calledוַיִּקְרָ֖א(way·yiq·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readRachelלְרָחֵ֣ל(lə·rā·ḥêl)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7354:Rachel -- a wife of Jacoband Leahוּלְלֵאָ֑ה(ū·lə·lê·’āh)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3812:Leah -- 'weary', a wife of Jacobto the fieldהַשָּׂדֶ֖ה(haś·śā·ḏeh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704:Field, landwhere his flocks were,צֹאנֽוֹ׃(ṣō·nōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6629:Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock
Links
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OT Law: Genesis 31:4 Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah (Gen. Ge Gn) 
