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Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-43.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/01_Gen_31_43.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:43 - Jacob's Covenant with Laban" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Laban answered Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! 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All you see is mine. Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine, or about the children they have borne? <a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Laban replied to Jacob, “These women are my daughters, these children are my grandchildren, and these flocks are my flocks—in fact, everything you see is mine. But what can I do now about my daughters and their children? <a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day for these my daughters or for their children whom they have borne? <a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Laban answered Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne? <a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a> And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born? <a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a> And Laban answered and said to Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and this flock is my flock; all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day to these my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? <a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Laban replied to Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my grandchildren, the flocks are my flocks, and everything that you see is mine. But what can I do this day to these daughters of mine or to their children to whom they have given birth? <a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Laban replied to Jacob, &#8220The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day to these my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? <a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day to these my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? <a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day to these daughters of mine or to their children whom they have borne? <a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Laban answered Jacob, “These women [that you married] are my daughters, these children are my grandchildren, these flocks are [from] my flocks, and all that you see [here] is mine. But what can I do today to these my daughters or to their children to whom they have given birth? <a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Laban answered Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters; the children, my children; and the flocks, my flocks! Everything you see is mine! But what can I do today for these daughters of mine or for the children they have borne? <a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Laban answered Jacob, &#8220The daughters are my daughters; the sons, my sons; and the flocks, my flocks! Everything you see is mine! But what can I do today for these daughters of mine or for the children they have borne? <a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children whom they have borne? <a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Laban said to Jacob, "Leah and Rachel are my daughters, and their children belong to me. All these sheep you are taking are really mine too. In fact, everything you have belongs to me. But there is nothing I can do to keep my daughters and their children. <a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have borne? <a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Laban answered Jacob, "These are my daughters, my grandchildren, and my flocks. Everything you see is mine! Yet, what can I do today for my daughters or for their children? <a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> Laban answered Jacob, "These young women are my daughters; their children belong to me, and these flocks are mine. In fact, everything you see here belongs to me. But since I can do nothing to keep my daughters and their children, <a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Laban answered Jacob, "These women are my daughters. These children are my children. The flocks are mine. In fact, everything that you see belongs to me. But what would I do today to my daughters and the children they have borne? <a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Laban answered Jacob, ?These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne? <a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a> Laban replied to Jacob, "These women are my daughters, these children are my grandchildren, and these flocks are my flocks. All that you see belongs to me. But how can I harm these daughters of mine today or the children to whom they have given birth? <a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Laban answered Jacob, "The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine: and what can I do this day to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne? <a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Laban answered, and said to Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine; and what can I do this day to these my daughters, or to their children which they have borne? <a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a> Laban answered Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine! What can I do today to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Laban answers and says to Jacob, “The daughters [are] my daughters, and the sons my sons, and the flock my flock, and all that you are seeing [is] mine; and to my daughters—what do I to these today, or to their sons whom they have born? <a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Laban answereth and saith unto Jacob, 'The daughters are my daughters, and the sons my sons, and the flock my flock, and all that thou art seeing is mine; and to my daughters -- what do I to these to-day, or to their sons whom they have born? <a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Laban will answer and say to Jacob, The daughters, my daughters, and the sons, my sons, and the sheep, my sheep, and all which thou sawest, this to me, and to my daughters: what shall I do to these this day, or to their sons which they brought forth?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Laban answered him: The daughters are mine and the children, and thy flocks, and all things that thou seest are mine: what can I do to my children, and grandchildren? <a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Laban answered him: “My daughters and sons, and your flocks, and all that you discern are mine. What can I do to my sons and grandchildren? <a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a> Laban replied to Jacob: “The daughters are mine, their children are mine, and the flocks are mine; everything you see belongs to me. What can I do now for my own daughters and for the children they have borne? <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do today about these daughters of mine, or about their children whom they have borne?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks. and all that you see is mine; and what can I do this day for these my daughters, or for their children whom they have borne? <a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Laban answered and said to Yaquuv, “The daughters of my daughters, and the sons of my sons, and the flocks of my flocks, and everything that you see is mine. What shall I do for these my daughters today, or for their sons whom they have borne?<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Laban answered and said unto Jacob: 'The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that thou seest is mine; and what can I do this day for these my daughters, or for their children whom they have borne? <a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Laban answered and said to Jacob, The daughters are my daughters, and the sons my sons, and the cattle are my cattle, and all things which thou seest are mine, and the property of my daughters; what shall I do to them to-day, or their children which they bore? <a href="/parallel/genesis/31-43.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=7925" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Jacob's Covenant with Laban</a> 43<a href="/hebrew/3837.htm" title="3837: lā·ḇān (N-proper-ms) -- Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob. The same as laban; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert.">But Laban</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answered</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">Jacob,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: hab·bā·nō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">“These daughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bə·nō·ṯay (N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">are my daughters,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: wə·hab·bā·nîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">these sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">are my sons,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: wə·haṣ·ṣōn (Conj-w, Art:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">and these flocks</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣō·nî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">are my flocks!</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵōl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">Everything</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rō·’eh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">is</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî- (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">mine!</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Yet what</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ’e·‘ĕ·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">can I do</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">today</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: lā·’êl·leh (Prep-l:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">about these</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: wə·liḇ·nō·ṯay (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">daughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">of mine or</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê·hen (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3fp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the children</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: yā·lā·ḏū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">they have borne?</a> 44Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/31-14.htm">Genesis 31:14-16</a> And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house? / Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. / Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.” <a href="/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15-30</a> Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” / Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel. / Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful. ... <a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Genesis 30:25-43</a> Now after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can return to my homeland. / Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.” / But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” ... <a href="/genesis/24-35.htm">Genesis 24:35</a> “The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys. <a href="/genesis/27-36.htm">Genesis 27:36</a> So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” <a href="/genesis/30-31.htm">Genesis 30:31-34</a> “What can I give you?” Laban asked. “You do not need to give me anything,” Jacob replied. “If you do this one thing for me, I will keep on shepherding and keeping your flocks. / Let me go through all your flocks today and remove from them every speckled or spotted sheep, every dark-colored lamb, and every spotted or speckled goat. These will be my wages. / So my honesty will testify for me when you come to check on my wages in the future. If I have any goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not dark-colored, they will be considered stolen.” ... <a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25-30</a> But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, / Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.” / So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. ... <a href="/genesis/26-14.htm">Genesis 26:14-16</a> He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. / So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham. / Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Depart from us, for you are much too powerful for us.” <a href="/genesis/28-2.htm">Genesis 28:2</a> “Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. <a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Genesis 29:18-20</a> Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. <a href="/genesis/30-27.htm">Genesis 30:27</a> But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Genesis 31:7-9</a> And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me. / If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore speckled offspring. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore streaked offspring. / Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me. <a href="/genesis/31-38.htm">Genesis 31:38-42</a> I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. / I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. ... <a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Genesis 32:10</a> I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps. <a href="/genesis/33-11.htm">Genesis 33:11</a> Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Laban answered and said to Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that you see is mine: and what can I do this day to these my daughters, or to their children which they have born?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Born</a> <a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/31-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/genesis/31-13.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/16-13.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/genesis/30-32.htm">Today</a> <a href="/genesis/25-33.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/genesis/31-35.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/35-26.htm">Born</a> <a href="/genesis/34-1.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/31-50.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/genesis/34-26.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/genesis/31-45.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-47.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/exodus/10-28.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/genesis/31-48.htm">Today</a> <a href="/genesis/31-48.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/genesis/33-5.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 31</div>1. <a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.</a> 19. <a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Rachel steals her father's household gods.</a> 22. <a href="/genesis/31-22.htm">Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong.</a> 34. <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Rachel's plan to hide the images.</a> 36. <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Jacob's complaint of Laban.</a> 43. <a href="/genesis/31-43.htm">The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But Laban answered Jacob, Laban's response to Jacob comes after Jacob has fled with his family and possessions. This phrase sets the stage for a confrontation between Laban and Jacob, highlighting the tension and unresolved issues between them. Laban's authority as the head of the family and his role in Jacob's life as his father-in-law are central to this encounter. The patriarchal culture of the time gave Laban significant control over his daughters and their offspring, which he asserts in his response.“These daughters are my daughters, Laban's claim over his daughters reflects the cultural norms of the ancient Near East, where daughters were often considered the property of their fathers until marriage. Even after marriage, familial ties remained strong, and Laban's statement underscores his continued sense of ownership and responsibility. This also highlights the importance of family lineage and inheritance in biblical times.these sons are my sons, Laban refers to his grandchildren as his own sons, emphasizing the patriarchal structure where the grandfather had a significant role in the family hierarchy. This reflects the broader biblical theme of generational blessings and responsibilities, as seen in other patriarchal narratives such as those of Abraham and Isaac.and these flocks are my flocks! Laban's claim over the flocks points to the wealth and prosperity that Jacob had accumulated while working for him. In the ancient world, livestock was a primary measure of wealth, and Laban's assertion indicates his belief that Jacob's prosperity was due to his own resources and blessing. This echoes earlier tensions over the division of flocks and the divine favor that Jacob experienced.Everything you see is mine! Laban's sweeping claim of ownership over all that Jacob has acquired reflects his possessive nature and the conflict over material wealth. This statement can be seen as an expression of Laban's unwillingness to acknowledge Jacob's independent success and God's blessing upon him. It also highlights the broader biblical theme of God's provision and the tension between human claims and divine sovereignty.Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne? Laban's rhetorical question reveals his recognition of the limits of his power. Despite his claims, he acknowledges that he cannot change the current situation. This moment of resignation can be seen as a turning point, where Laban must accept the new family dynamics. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's ultimate control over human affairs, as seen in the resolution of conflicts throughout the patriarchal narratives.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a> Laban is the father-in-law of Jacob, a man known for his cunning and manipulative behavior. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, having employed him for many years. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> Jacob is the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. He has worked for Laban for many years and is now seeking to return to his homeland with his family and possessions. 3. <a href="/topical/d/daughters.htm">Daughters (Leah and Rachel)</a> The daughters of Laban, who are married to Jacob. They play a significant role in the account as the mothers of Jacob's children. 4. <a href="/topical/c/children.htm">Children</a> Refers to the children of Jacob and Laban's daughters, who are part of the covenant lineage. 5. <a href="/topical/f/flocks.htm">Flocks</a> The livestock that Jacob has acquired during his time working for Laban, which are a source of contention between the two men.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_ownership_and_stewardship.htm">Understanding Ownership and Stewardship</a> Laban's claim that everything is his reflects a misunderstanding of true ownership. As believers, we are called to recognize that all we have is ultimately God's, and we are stewards of His blessings. <a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_conflict_resolution.htm">Family Dynamics and Conflict Resolution</a> The tension between Laban and Jacob highlights the complexities of family relationships. It is important to seek peace and resolution through communication and, when necessary, setting healthy boundaries. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">God's Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Despite Laban's attempts to control and manipulate, God remained faithful to Jacob, fulfilling His promises. This encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, even when facing opposition. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_covenants.htm">The Importance of Covenants</a> The eventual covenant between Jacob and Laban serves as a reminder of the importance of making and honoring commitments, both with God and with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 31</a> <a href="/q/why_no_laban_pursuit_in_genesis_33.htm">Why is there no mention of repercussions or pursuit from Laban, despite prior tensions, when Jacob meets Esau in Genesis 33?</a> <a href="/q/swear_oaths__leviticus_vs._matthew.htm">Should we swear oaths? (Leviticus 19:12 vs. Matthew 5:34)</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_speak_to_idolater_laban.htm">In Genesis 31:24, why would God communicate with Laban if Laban worshipped other gods, and how does this align with other biblical passages about idolatry?</a> <a href="/q/does_genesis_31_45-49_fit_ancient_rituals.htm">In Genesis 31:45-49, what evidence confirms or challenges the historical reliability of the Mizpah covenant, and does its ritual element fit known ancient Near Eastern practices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(43) Laban answered . . . --Laban does not attempt any reply to Jacob's angry invectives, but answers affectionately. Why should he wish to injure Jacob, and send him away empty? All that he had was still Laban's in the best of senses; for were not Rachel and Leah his daughters? And were not their children his grandsons? How was it possible that he could wish to rob them? He proposes, therefore, that they should make a covenant, by which Jacob should bind himself to deal kindly with his daughters, and to take no other wife; while he promises for himself that he would do Jacob no wrong. Jacob therefore sets up a large stone, as a pillar and memorial; and Laban subsequently does the same; while, probably between the two hills on which they had severally encamped (<a href="/genesis/31-25.htm" title="Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brothers pitched in the mount of Gilead.">Genesis 31:25</a>), they collect a large mass of other stones, on which they feast together, in token of friendship (<a href="/genesis/26-30.htm" title="And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.">Genesis 26:30</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 43, 44. - And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, - neither receiving Jacob's torrent of invective with affected meekness (Candlish), nor proving himself to be completely reformed by the angry recriminations of his "callous and hardened son-in-law (Kalisch); but perhaps simply owning the truth of Jacob's wants, and recognizing that he had no just ground of complaint (Calvin), as well as touched in his paternal affections by the sight of his daughters, from whom he felt that he was about to part for ever. These daughters - literally, the daughters (there) - are my daughters, and these (literally, the) children are my children, and these (literally, the) cattle are my cattle; and all that thou seest is mine. Not as reminding Jacob that he had still a legal claim to his (Jacob's) wives and possessions (Candlish), or at least possessions (Kalisch), though prepared to waive it, but rather as acknowledging that in doing injury to Jacob he would only be proceeding against his own flesh and blood (Calvin, Rosenmüller, Gerlach, Alford). And what can I do this day unto these my daughters, - literally, and as for (or to) my daughters, what can I do to these this day? The LXX., connecting "and to my daughters" with what precedes, reads, καὶ πάντα ὅσα σὺ ὁρᾷς ἐμά ἐσι καὶ τῶν θυγατέρων μου ( <ΒΤΤ·Ξομμενταρψ Ωορδ>or unto their children which they have born? - i.e. why should I do anything unto them An ego in viscera mea saervirem (Calvin). Now therefore literally, and now, νῦν ο΅υν (LXX.) - come thou, - לְכָה, imperf., of יָלַך- age, go to, come now (cf. <a href="/genesis/19-32.htm">Genesis 19:32</a>) - let us make a covenant, - literally, let us cut a covenant, an expression which, according to partitionists (Tuch, Stahelin, Delitzsch, et alii), is not used by the Elohist until after <a href="/exodus/14-8.htm">Exodus 14:8</a>; and yet by all such authorities the present verse is assigned to the Elohist (cf. Keil's 'Introduction,' part 1. § 2, div. 1. § 27) - I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee. CHAPTER 31:45-55 <a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-43.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Laban לָבָ֜ן (lā·ḇān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3837.htm">Strong's 3837: </a> Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob answered וַיַּ֨עַן (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond Jacob, יַעֲקֹ֗ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc “[These] daughters הַבָּנ֨וֹת (hab·bā·nō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> A daughter are my daughters, בְּנֹתַ֜י (bə·nō·ṯay) Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> A daughter [these] sons וְהַבָּנִ֤ים (wə·hab·bā·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son [are] my sons, בָּנַי֙ (bā·nay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son and [these] flocks וְהַצֹּ֣אן (wə·haṣ·ṣōn) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock [are] my flocks! צֹאנִ֔י (ṣō·nî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock Everything וְכֹ֛ל (wə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every you אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you see is mine! רֹאֶ֖ה (rō·’eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see Yet what מָֽה־ (māh-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what can I do אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֤ה (’e·‘ĕ·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make today הַיּ֔וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day about these לָאֵ֙לֶּה֙ (lā·’êl·leh) Preposition-l | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those daughters וְלִבְנֹתַ֞י (wə·liḇ·nō·ṯay) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> A daughter of mine or א֥וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if the children לִבְנֵיהֶ֖ן (liḇ·nê·hen) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son they have borne? יָלָֽדוּ׃ (yā·lā·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/31-43.htm">Genesis 31:43 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/31-43.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:43 Laban answered Jacob The daughters are my (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-42.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:42"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:42" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-44.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:44"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:44" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>