4395. 'As he was coming from Paddan Aram' means that which happened after the previous state. This is clear from the meaning of 'as he was coming' as that which happened after, and from the meaning of 'Paddan Aram' as cognitions of good and truth, dealt with in 3664, 4107, 4112, though exterior cognitions which serve in the introduction of genuine goods and truths; for Laban dwelt there, and he represents the affection for that kind of good, see 3612, 3665, 3778, 3974, 3982, 3986 (end), 4063, 4189, 4206. Consequently the words 'as he was coming from Paddan Aram' are used because the point was reached when external truths and goods gave way to interior, and so when the previous state gave way to the present one.

3129. 'And Rebekah had a brother' means the affection for good in the natural man. This is clear from the meaning of 'a brother' and of 'a sister' in the Word - 'a brother' being the affection for good, and 'a sister' the affection for truth, dealt with in 367, 2360, 2508, 2524. For in the natural man, as in the rational, all things there are interrelated like blood relatives and relatives by marriage, 2556, 2739. For that reason also the rational mind as well as the natural mind is called a house or family where parents, brothers, sisters, blood relatives, and relatives by marriage exist in order.