Genesis 31:55
ESV
Early in the morning Laban arose and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned home.
NIV
Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home.
NASB
Then early in the morning Laban got up, and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place.
CSB
Laban got up early in the morning, kissed his grandchildren and daughters, and blessed them. Then Laban left to return home.
NLT
Laban got up early the next morning, and he kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home.
KJV
And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.
NKJV
And early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place.
What does Genesis 31:55 mean?
Genesis 31 ends with a poignant scene. The long feared and awaited confrontation between Laban and Jacob has taken place. Both have made their case. They have made a covenant that will officially separate Jacob and his family from Laban on either side of the marker stones they have built together.Now Laban bids farewell to his daughters and grandchildren. He has proved himself a hard and often dishonest man, but he has also expressed his affection for his family. He kisses them and blesses them, and then he rides off with his sons in the opposite direction.
The conflict between Laban and Jacob has been resolved, though with great fear, pain, and heartache. Jacob is now free to begin his life again in the Promised Land of Canaan.
Genesis 31:43–55 describes the final agreement reached between Jacob and Laban. Laban declares that he will not claim his right to Jacob's wives and children and property. Instead, he and Jacob agree to make a covenant of separation and peace. They build a heap of stones, swear oaths, conduct a sacrifice, and eat a meal together. Finally, Laban kisses his daughters and grandchildren goodbye and rides back to his home. Jacob and his family turn to face the Promised Land.
Genesis 31 describes Jacob's difficult separation from Laban, his father-in-law, as well as his boss for twenty years. During that time, Jacob was routinely mistreated and cheated by his master. Commanded by God to return to the land of Canaan, Jacob packs up his wives, children, and all of his possessions and leaves without telling Laban. Laban soon catches up with the large company. Laban and Jacob confront each other bitterly. Eventually, though, they make a covenant of separation and peace.
