Definition: And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 31:20: “And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.” Here's a simple explanation: This story is about Jacob, a man who was fleeing from his brother Esau. He’s in a difficult situation – he’s being pursued and feels like he needs to escape. But here’s the really interesting part: he doesn't tell Laban, the owner of a vineyard, that he’s running away. Let’s unpack it: “Jacob stole away unawares…” : This means Jacob deliberately and unexpectedly left his home or location. He wasn’t simply wandering around; he was actively planning to go somewhere else. “…to Laban the Syrian…” : This tells us where he went. Laban is a powerful and somewhat hostile man who owns a vineyard. “In that he told him not that he fled.” : This is the key part. Jacob didn’t tell Laban that he was running away. He deliberately kept his true intentions hidden. What does this story mean? This is often interpreted as a demonstration of Jacob's cunning and resilience. It suggests: He wasn't just fleeing; he was strategic. He knew he needed to avoid Esau’s wrath, but he chose to remain hidden, showing his cleverness. It shows his faith and trust in God. He didn’t try to deceive Laban – that’s a sign of respect and perhaps even divine favor. In short, the verse highlights Jacob's ability to handle difficult situations with discretion and a bit of deception. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this story? Discuss the symbolism behind this event (e.g., it’s about overcoming adversity)?