In this verse the LORD tells Jacob to return to Canaan.

Then the LORD: Then translates the Hebrew connective and refers to a subsequent event. We may also say, for example, “After that,” or “Later,” or it may not be necessary to use any transition expression.

Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred: for a similar expression see 12.1; 24.4, 38.

And I will be with you may need to be rendered “I will go with you,” or stated more fully, “I will go with you and help you.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .