CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 31:35 Rachel said to her father, "Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period." So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-35.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/01_Gen_31_35.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:35 - Laban Pursues Jacob" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Rachel said to her father, Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period. So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/31-35.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/31-35.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 35</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/31-34.htm" title="Genesis 31:34">◄</a> Genesis 31:35 <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm" title="Genesis 31:36">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/31.htm">New International Version</a> Rachel said to her father, &#8220Don&#8217t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I&#8217m having my period.&#8221 So he searched but could not find the household gods. <a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> she said to her father, “Please, sir, forgive me if I don’t get up for you. I’m having my monthly period.” So Laban continued his search, but he could not find the household idols. <a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> And she said to her father, “Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the way of women is upon me.” So he searched but did not find the household gods. <a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched but could not find the household idols. <a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a> And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a> And she said to her father, “Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is with me.” And he searched but did not find the household idols. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And she said to her father, “May my lord not be angry that I cannot stand in your presence, because the way of women is upon me.” So he searched but did not find the household idols. <a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> She said to her father, &#8220Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is upon me.&#8221 So he searched but did not find the household idols. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And she said to her father, “Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is upon me.” So he searched, but did not find the household idols. <a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And she said to her father, “Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is upon me.” So he searched but did not find the household idols. <a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Rachel said to her father, “Do not be displeased, my lord, that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is on me and I am unwell.” He searched [further] but did not find the household idols. <a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> She said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I am having my period.” So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> She said to her father, &#8220Sir, don&#8217t be angry that I cannot stand up in your presence; I am having my period.&#8221 So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols. <a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> And she said to her father, Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise up before thee; for the manner of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the teraphim. <a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Rachel said, "Father, please don't be angry with me for not getting up; I'm having my period." Laban kept on searching, but still did not find the idols. <a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> And she said to her father, Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise up before thee; for the manner of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the teraphim. <a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Rachel said to her father, "Don't be angry, Father, but I can't get up to greet you; I'm having my period." So even though Laban had made a thorough search, he didn't find the idols. <a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> Rachel said to her father, "Do not be angry with me, sir, but I am not able to stand up in your presence; I am having my monthly period." Laban searched but did not find his household gods. <a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Rachel told her father, "Sir, please don't be angry that I cannot stand up in your presence. It's that time of the month." So Laban searched for the idols, but never did find them. <a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Rachel said to her father, ?Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.? So Laban searched but could not find the household idols. <a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a> Rachel said to her father, "Don't be angry, my lord. I cannot stand up in your presence because I am having my period." So he searched thoroughly, but did not find the idols. <a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> She said to her father, "Do not let my lord be angry that I can?t get up for you; for I am having my period. "He searched, but did not find the idols. <a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images. <a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a> She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He searched, but didn’t find the teraphim. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and she says to her father, “Let it not be displeasing in the eyes of my lord that I am not able to rise at your presence, for the way of women [is] on me”; and he searches, and has not found the teraphim. <a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and she saith unto her father, 'Let it not be displeasing in the eyes of my lord that I am not able to rise at thy presence, for the way of women is on me;' and he searcheth, and hath not found the teraphim. <a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And she will say to her father, My lord will not be angry in his eyes, that I shall not be able to rise from thy face, for the way of women is to me. And he will search and he found not the family gods,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> She said: Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise up before thee, because it has now happened to me, according to the custom of women, So his careful search was in vain. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> she said: “Do not be angry, my lord, that I am unable to rise up in your sight, because it has now happened to me according to the custom of women.” So his careful search was thwarted. <a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a> she said to her father, “Do not let my lord be angry that I cannot rise in your presence; I am having my period.” So, despite his search, he did not find the household images. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And she said to her father, “Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the way of women is upon me.” So he searched, but did not find the household gods.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Rachel said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before you; for I am with child. Nevertheless he searched, but did not find the images. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Rakhyl said to her father, “Let it not be displeasing in the eyes of my Lord that I cannot rise from before you, because the custom of women is upon me”, and he searched and he did not find the images.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And she said to her father: 'Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise up before thee; for the manner of women is upon me.' And he searched, but found not the teraphim. <a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And she said to her father, Be not indignant, Sir; I cannot rise up before thee, for it is with me according to the manner of women. Laban searched in all the house, and found not the images. <a href="/parallel/genesis/31-35.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=7835" 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">Laban Pursues Jacob</a> …34Now Rachel had taken Laban’s household idols, put them in the saddlebag of her camel, and was sitting on them. And Laban searched everything in the tent but found nothing. 35<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Rachel said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·hā (N-msc:: 3fs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">her father,</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">“Sir,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2734.htm" title="2734: yi·ḥar (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- To burn or be kindled with anger. A primitive root; to glow or grow warm; figuratively to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy.">be angry</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nê (Prep-b:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō·w (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ’ū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: lā·qūm (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">stand up</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pā·ne·ḵā (Prep-m:: N-cpc:: 2ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before you;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: ḏe·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">I am having my period.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: nā·šîm (N-fp) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2664.htm" title="2664: way·ḥap·pêś (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To search. A primitive root; to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself, or mask.">So Laban searched,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but could not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">find</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8655.htm" title="8655: hat·tə·rā·p̄îm (Art:: N-mp) -- (a kind of idol) perhaps household idol. Plural from rapha'; a healer; Teraphim a family idol.">the household idols.</a> 36Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued 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/18-12.htm">Genesis 18:12</a> So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” <a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Genesis 24:67</a> And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death. <a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31</a> When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. <a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1-2</a> When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. / Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” <a href="/genesis/30-15.htm">Genesis 30:15-16</a> But Leah replied, “Is it not enough that you have taken away my husband? Now you want to take my son’s mandrakes as well?” “Very well,” said Rachel, “he may sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.” / When Jacob came in from the field that evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come with me, for I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he slept with her that night. <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Genesis 35:16-19</a> Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. / During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.” / And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin. ... <a href="/leviticus/15-19.htm">Leviticus 15:19-24</a> When a woman has a discharge consisting of blood from her body, she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening. / Anything on which she lies or sits during her menstruation will be unclean, / and anyone who touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. ... <a href="/leviticus/20-18.htm">Leviticus 20:18</a> If a man lies with a menstruating woman and has sexual relations with her, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has uncovered the source of her blood. Both of them must be cut off from among their people. <a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">1 Samuel 1:6-8</a> Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her. / And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. / “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">1 Samuel 1:19-20</a> The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. / So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” <a href="/2_samuel/6-23.htm">2 Samuel 6:23</a> And Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death. <a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16-17</a> And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” / But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her. <a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a> Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind. <a href="/jeremiah/31-22.htm">Jeremiah 31:22</a> How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the land—a woman will shelter a man.” <a href="/luke/1-24.htm">Luke 1:24-25</a> After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared, / “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before you; for the custom of women is on me. And he searched but found not the images.my lord.<a href="/genesis/18-12.htm">Genesis 18:12</a> Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?<a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a> Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.<a href="/leviticus/19-3.htm">Leviticus 19:3</a> Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.rise up.<a href="/leviticus/19-32.htm">Leviticus 19:32</a> Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.<a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm">1 Kings 2:19</a> Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.custom.<a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Genesis 18:11</a> Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.<a href="/leviticus/15-19.htm">Leviticus 15:19</a> And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/30-2.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/genesis/30-2.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/genesis/27-8.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/genesis/11-1.htm">Common</a> <a href="/revelation/3-17.htm">Condition</a> <a href="/genesis/29-26.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-15.htm">Displease</a> <a href="/genesis/28-8.htm">Displeasing</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Find</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Household</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/genesis/27-46.htm">I'm</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Images</a> <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/1_john/2-10.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/revelation/12-14.htm">Period</a> <a href="/genesis/31-32.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/genesis/28-2.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/genesis/24-43.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Teraphim</a> <a href="/genesis/30-43.htm">Way</a> <a href="/genesis/30-13.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/39-19.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/genesis/44-12.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Common</a> <a href="/genesis/31-40.htm">Condition</a> <a href="/genesis/40-13.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/numbers/11-11.htm">Displease</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Displeasing</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Find</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/35-2.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Household</a> <a href="/exodus/34-17.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/genesis/37-16.htm">I'm</a> <a href="/exodus/23-24.htm">Images</a> <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/genesis/43-18.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/genesis/50-3.htm">Period</a> <a href="/genesis/40-20.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/genesis/35-3.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/genesis/49-27.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/genesis/41-3.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/judges/17-5.htm">Teraphim</a> <a href="/genesis/31-55.htm">Way</a> <a href="/genesis/31-43.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>Rachel said to her father, Rachel, the daughter of Laban and wife of Jacob, is speaking directly to her father. This interaction highlights the familial tensions and the complex dynamics within the household. Rachel's relationship with her father is strained due to Jacob's departure and the theft of Laban's household idols.“Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; Rachel addresses her father with respect, using a term of deference. Her request for understanding is strategic, as she seeks to avoid suspicion. In the cultural context, standing in the presence of a father or elder was a sign of respect, and her inability to do so would typically require a valid reason.for I am having my period.” Rachel uses her menstrual cycle as an excuse, which in the cultural and religious context of the time, rendered her ceremonially unclean (<a href="/leviticus/15-19.htm">Leviticus 15:19-24</a>). This would have been a plausible reason for her not to rise, as it was a time when women were often secluded. This excuse also served to deter Laban from searching her immediate area, as touching anything she sat on would also render him unclean.So Laban searched but could not find the household idols. Laban's search for the household idols, or "teraphim," reflects the importance of these objects in his household. These idols were often associated with inheritance rights and household protection. The fact that Laban could not find them despite his search indicates Rachel's cunning and the providential protection over Jacob's family. This incident foreshadows the eventual separation of Jacob's family from Laban's influence and the establishment of their own identity, free from idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/r/rachel.htm">Rachel</a> The wife of Jacob and daughter of Laban, who is involved in the deception regarding the household idols. 2. <a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a> Rachel's father, who is searching for his stolen household idols. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> Rachel's husband, who has fled from Laban with his family and possessions. 4. <a href="/topical/h/household_idols.htm">Household Idols (Teraphim)</a> Small idols or figurines that were often used for divination or as symbols of inheritance rights. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_camp_of_jacob.htm">The Camp of Jacob</a> The location where Laban searches for his idols, representing a place of tension and confrontation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/deception_and_its_consequences.htm">Deception and Its Consequences</a> Rachel's use of deception to hide the idols from Laban shows the moral complexities and potential consequences of deceit. Believers are called to live truthfully and trust in God's provision rather than resorting to dishonesty. <a href="/topical/i/idolatry_and_spiritual_allegiance.htm">Idolatry and Spiritual Allegiance</a> The presence of household idols in Rachel's possession raises questions about spiritual allegiance. Christians are reminded to examine their lives for any "idols" that may take precedence over their relationship with God. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_context_and_understanding.htm">Cultural Context and Understanding</a> Understanding the cultural and historical context of the menstrual impurity laws helps us see how Rachel's excuse was plausible. It also reminds us of the importance of context in interpreting Scripture. <a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_faith.htm">Family Dynamics and Faith</a> The tension between Rachel and Laban highlights the complexities of family relationships and the need for faith and integrity in navigating them. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in family matters. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Despite human deception and idolatry, God's purposes prevail. This passage reassures believers of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in guiding and protecting His people.<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/summarize_leah_and_rachel's_story..htm">What is the summary of Leah and Rachel's story?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_teraphim.htm">What are teraphim?</a> <a href="/q/genesis_31_19__evidence_of_teraphim's_role.htm">In Genesis 31:19, what historical evidence supports the existence or importance of household gods (teraphim), and how does it reconcile with monotheism?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_bible's_family_idols.htm">What are the family idols mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 35. - And she said to her father, - "covering theft by subtlety and untruth" (Kalisch), and thus proving herself a time daughter of Laban, as well as showing with how much imperfection her religious character was tainted - Let it not displease my lord - literally, let it not burn with anger (יִחַר, from חָרָה, to glow, to burn) in the eyes of my lord (Adoni) - that I cannot rise up before thee; - Oriental politeness required children to rise up in the presence of their parents (vide <a href="/leviticus/19-32.htm">Leviticus 19:32</a>; and cf. <a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm">1 Kings 2:19</a>). Hence Rachel's apology was not unnecessary - for the custom of women - (literally, the way of women; a periphrasis for menstruation (cf. <a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Genesis 18:11</a>) which, under the law, required females, as ceremonially unclean, to be put apart (<a href="/leviticus/15-19.htm">Leviticus 15:19</a>). That, prior to the law, this particular statute concerning women was in force among the Aramaeans appears from the present instance; and that it was not exclusively Jewish, but shared in by other nations of antiquity, is the opinion of the best authorities (vide Kurtz, 'History of the Old Covenant,' § 79; 'Sacrificial Worship of the Old Testament,' § 213; Keil in loco; both of whom quote Bahr's 'Symbolik of the Mosaic Cultus,' 2. 466). Roberts mentions that under similar circumstances with Rachel no one in India goes to the temple or any religious ceremony ('Oriental Illustrations,' p. 37) - is upon me. It is just possible Rachel may have been speaking the exact truth, though the probability is she was guilty of fabrication. And he searched (everywhere except among the camel's furniture, partly from fear of defilement, but chiefly as regarding it impossible that Rachel in her then state would sit upon his gods), but found not the images (teraphim). The three times repeated phrase "he found not," emphasizes the completeness, of Lahan's deception. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-35.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>[Rachel] said וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to her father, אָבִ֗יהָ (’ā·ḇî·hā) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father “Sir, אֲדֹנִ֔י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not be angry יִ֙חַר֙ (yi·ḥar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2734.htm">Strong's 2734: </a> To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I cannot ל֤וֹא (lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no stand up לָק֣וּם (lā·qūm) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand before you; מִפָּנֶ֔יךָ (mip·pā·ne·ḵā) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face for כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I am having my period.” דֶ֥רֶךְ (ḏe·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action So Laban searched, וַיְחַפֵּ֕שׂ (way·ḥap·pêś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2664.htm">Strong's 2664: </a> To seek, to conceal oneself, mask but could not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no find מָצָ֖א (mā·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present the household idols. הַתְּרָפִֽים׃ (hat·tə·rā·p̄îm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8655.htm">Strong's 8655: </a> (a kind of idol) perhaps household idol <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/31-35.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:35 She said to her father Don't let (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-34.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:34"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:34" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-36.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:36"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:36" /></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>