וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֔ב שׁ֛וּב אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ אֲבֹותֶ֖יךָ וּלְמֹולַדְתֶּ֑ךָ וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה עִמָּֽךְ׃
Contextual Introduction
Genesis 31:3 marks a turning point in the patriarch Yaʿaqov’s journey. After years of labor under Lavan in Paddan Aram, Yaʿaqov hears the divine command to return to the land of his fathers. This verse is brief yet theologically profound, reaffirming the covenantal promise of divine presence. Its grammatical structure reflects both the command to act and the assurance of support—two pillars of biblical covenantal narrative. The use of imperative and imperfect forms encapsulates divine initiative and continuity.
Grammatical Focus: Imperative Syntax, Coordinate Prepositional Phrases, and Promissory Imperfect
1. וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֔ב – Narrative Introduction
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר is a standard wayyiqtol (vav-conversive + imperfect) form from אָמַר (“to say”), indicating narrative progression. The subject יְהוָה follows, and אֶל־יַעֲקֹ֔ב specifies the indirect object with the directional preposition אֶל (“to”).
2. שׁ֛וּב – Qal Imperative 2ms
The verb שׁ֛וּב (“return”) is a Qal imperative masculine singular from שׁוּב. It functions as a direct divine command. The simplicity and abruptness of the imperative intensify its force, conveying both urgency and clarity. This is a command not only to move geographically but to realign with covenantal destiny.
3. אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ אֲבֹותֶ֖יךָ וּלְמֹולַדְתֶּ֑ךָ – Parallel Prepositional Phrases
The structure includes two prepositional phrases:
– אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ אֲבֹותֶ֖יךָ – “to the land of your fathers”
– וּלְמֹולַדְתֶּ֑ךָ – “and to your kindred” (or “birthplace”)
The prepositions אֶל and לְ serve directional and dative functions, and the coordinating וְ links the two as a poetic pair. The construct אֶ֥רֶץ אֲבֹותֶ֖יךָ is a classic patriarchal idiom for the promised land.
4. וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה עִמָּֽךְ – Imperfect of Divine Promise
וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה is the Qal imperfect 1cs of הָיָה (“to be”), here used with the coordinating vav to express continuity rather than sequential action: “and I will be.” The phrase עִמָּֽךְ (“with you”) emphasizes divine companionship. This exact phrase is a covenantal refrain (cf. Gen 28:15, Exod 3:12), signifying divine assurance and empowerment.
Theological and Exegetical Implications
Genesis 31:3 encapsulates two core themes of biblical theology: return and presence. The imperative שׁ֛וּב is not just geographical but theological—a call to re-enter the land of promise, the domain of divine blessing. The accompanying imperfect וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה assures that this return will not be solitary. The command is framed by divine initiative and relational presence.
This verse also connects back to Genesis 28:15, where YHWH first promises to be with Yaʿaqov: “I am with you, and I will keep you wherever you go.” The grammatical echo (וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה עִמָּֽךְ) reinforces the ongoing covenant, now reaffirmed as Yaʿaqov prepares to leave exile.
Ancient Versions and Comparative Usage
The Septuagint reads: καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Ἰακὼβ ἐπίστρεφε εἰς τὴν γῆν τῶν πατέρων σου καὶ εἰς τὴν γενεὰν σου, καὶ ἔσομαι μετὰ σοῦ—preserving the imperative ἐπίστρεφε and future indicative ἔσομαι to mirror the Hebrew volitional and promissory forms.
The Vulgate renders: revertere in terram patrum tuorum et ad generationem tuam: eroque tecum—again maintaining the imperative structure and promissory “I will be with you.”
In later Hebrew, such as Mishnaic, the use of direct divine speech and imperatives often gives way to indirect discourse and modal forms, underscoring the elevated style and immediacy of biblical Hebrew imperatives in narrative contexts.
Grammatical Journeying: Return Framed by Presence
Genesis 31:3 binds action and assurance through its grammar. The imperative שׁ֛וּב drives the patriarch toward his destiny; the imperfect וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה embraces him with divine companionship. The verse’s grammatical form is theologically rich: obedience is not demanded in isolation—it is met with the covenantal promise that YHWH journeys with His chosen. Thus, grammar becomes covenant, and syntax becomes sanctuary.
