And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime.

And perceiving also that Laban's countenance was not towards him as yesterday and the other day,

And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and behold, it was not toward him as previously.

And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and behold, it was not towards him as before.

and Jacob seeth the face of Laban, and lo, it is not with him as heretofore.

And Jacob saw that Laban's feeling for him was no longer what it had been before.

Likewise, he observed that Laban's face was not the same toward him as it was yesterday and the day before.

Et vidit Iahacob faciem Laban, et ecce non erat cum eo sicut heri et nudiustertius.

And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban,.... Upon this he observed Laban's looks, that he might gather from thence how he took his prosperity; what were his thoughts about it, and what he might expect from him on that account:
and, behold, it was not towards him as before; he said nothing to Jacob, nor charged him with robbing of him, or any false dealing with him, yet was uneasy at his growing prosperity; he put on sour looks, and an envious countenance, sad, and surly, and lowering; so that Jacob saw it foreboded no good to him, and therefore thought it most advisable to depart as soon as he could; though perhaps he first sought the Lord about it, who spoke to him as in Genesis 31:3.

And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban--literally, "was not the same as yesterday, and the day before," a common Oriental form of speech. The insinuations against Jacob's fidelity by Laban's sons, and the sullen reserve, the churlish conduct, of Laban himself, had made Jacob's situation, in his uncle's establishment, most trying and painful. It is always one of the vexations attendant on worldly prosperity, that it excites the envy of others (Ecclesiastes 4:4); and that, however careful a man is to maintain a good conscience, he cannot always reckon on maintaining a good name, in a censorious world. This, Jacob experienced; and it is probable that, like a good man, he had asked direction and relief in prayer.