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<!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 31:26 Then Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/01_Gen_31_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:26 - Laban Pursues Jacob" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Laban said to Jacob, What have you done? 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You&#8217ve deceived me, and you&#8217ve carried off my daughters like captives in war. <a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> “What do you mean by deceiving me like this?” Laban demanded. “How dare you drag my daughters away like prisoners of war? <a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have tricked me and driven away my daughters like captives of the sword? <a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war! <a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a> And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? <a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a> And Laban said to Jacob: “What have you done, that you have stolen away unknown to me, and carried away my daughters like captives taken with the sword? <a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done by deceiving me and carrying away my daughters like captives of the sword? <a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Laban said to Jacob, &#8220What have you done by deceiving me and carrying away my daughters like captives of the sword? <a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done by deceiving me and carrying away my daughters like captives of the sword? <a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done by deceiving me and carrying away my daughters like captives of the sword? <a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Laban said to Jacob, “What do you mean by deceiving me and leaving without my knowledge, and carrying off my daughters as if [they were] captives of the sword? <a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and taken my daughters away like prisoners of war! <a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Laban said to Jacob, &#8220What have you done? You have deceived me and taken my daughters away like prisoners of war! <a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters as captives of the sword? <a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and said: Look what you've done! You've tricked me and run off with my daughters like a kidnapper. <a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters as captives of the sword? <a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Laban asked Jacob, "What have you done by tricking me? You've carried off my daughters like prisoners of war. <a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> Laban said to Jacob, "Why did you deceive me and carry off my daughters like women captured in war? <a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Laban asked Jacob, "What did you do? You deceived me, carried off my daughters like you would war captives, <a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Laban said to Jacob, ?What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war! <a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a> "What have you done?" Laban demanded of Jacob. "You've deceived me and carried away my daughters as if they were captives of war! <a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done? You have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives taken in war? <a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? <a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a> Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the sword? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Laban says to Jacob, “What have you done that you deceive my heart, and lead away my daughters as captives of the sword? <a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Laban saith to Jacob, 'What hast thou done that thou dost deceive my heart, and lead away my daughters as captives of the sword? <a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Laban will say to Jacob, What didst thou and thou didst steal my heart, and will carry away my daughters as captives of the sword?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said to Jacob: Why hast thou done thus, to carry away, without my knowledge, my daughters, as captives taken with the sword. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to Jacob: “Why have you acted this way, departing from me in secret, with my daughters like captives of the sword? <a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a> Laban said to Jacob, “How could you hoodwink me and carry off my daughters like prisoners of war? <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the sword.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Laban said to Jacob, What have I done to you, that you have deceived me and carried away my daughters as though they were captives taken with the sword? <a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Laban said to Yaquuv, “What have I done to you that you have deceived my heart, and you have taken my daughters like captives by the sword?<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Laban said to Jacob: 'What hast thou done, that thou hast outwitted me, and carried away my daughters as though captives of the sword? <a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done? wherefore didst thou run away secretly, and pillage me, and lead away my daughters as captives taken with the sword? <a href="/parallel/genesis/31-26.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=7747" 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> …25Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well. 26<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.">Then 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.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">to Jacob,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have you done?</a> <a href="/hebrew/1589.htm" title="1589: wat·tiḡ·nōḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms) -- To steal. A primitive root; to thieve; by implication, to deceive.">You have deceived</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bə·nō·ṯay (N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">and carried off my daughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/5090.htm" title="5090: wat·tə·na·hêḡ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to drive forth, i.e. Lead, carry away; reflexively, to proceed; also, to sigh."></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/7617.htm" title="7617: kiš·ḇu·yō·wṯ (Prep-k:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fpc) -- To take captive. A primitive root; to transport into captivity.">like captives</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥā·reḇ (N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">of war!</a> 27Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.…<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/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/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41-45</a> Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” / When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. ... <a href="/genesis/28-1.htm">Genesis 28:1-5</a> So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. “Do not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” he commanded. / “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. / May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. ... <a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50-60</a> Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. / Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, just as the LORD has decreed.” / When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. ... <a href="/genesis/27-43.htm">Genesis 27:43-45</a> So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. / Stay with him for a while, until your brother’s fury subsides— / until your brother’s rage against you wanes and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send for you and bring you back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?” <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/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1-3</a> Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.” / And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed. / Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” <a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Genesis 31:19-21</a> Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. / Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away. / So he fled with all his possessions, crossed the Euphrates, and headed for the hill country of Gilead. <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/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3-5</a> Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. / He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. / I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” <a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1-4</a> Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. ... <a href="/exodus/14-5.htm">Exodus 14:5-9</a> When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.” / So Pharaoh prepared his chariot and took his army with him. / He took 600 of the best chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. ... <a href="/exodus/14-10.htm">Exodus 14:10-12</a> As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD. / They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? / Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” <a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">1 Samuel 19:11-17</a> Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Laban said to Jacob, What have you done, that you have stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?What.<a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Genesis 31:36</a> And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?<a href="/genesis/3-13.htm">Genesis 3:13</a> And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.<a href="/genesis/4-10.htm">Genesis 4:10</a> And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.carried.<a href="/genesis/31-16.htm">Genesis 31:16</a> For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.<a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a> Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.<a href="/genesis/34-29.htm">Genesis 34:29</a> And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/4-8.htm">Captives</a> <a href="/genesis/31-18.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/revelation/21-9.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Cheated</a> <a href="/genesis/30-13.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/revelation/20-8.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Deceived</a> <a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">Deceiving</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/genesis/31-25.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-25.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Outwitted</a> <a href="/genesis/14-21.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/genesis/27-40.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Unawares</a> <a href="/genesis/24-60.htm">War</a> <a href="/judges/15-7.htm">You've</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/21-29.htm">Captives</a> <a href="/genesis/34-29.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/exodus/25-27.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-4.htm">Cheated</a> <a href="/genesis/31-28.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Deceived</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Deceiving</a> <a href="/genesis/34-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-31.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Outwitted</a> <a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/genesis/34-25.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/genesis/34-25.htm">Unawares</a> <a href="/exodus/1-10.htm">War</a> <a href="/judges/15-7.htm">You've</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>Then Laban said to Jacob, This phrase introduces a confrontation between Laban and Jacob. Laban, Jacob's father-in-law, is a key figure in Jacob's life, having employed him for many years. The context here is that Jacob has fled from Laban's household with his family and possessions. This confrontation occurs after Laban catches up with Jacob, highlighting the tension and unresolved issues between them. Laban's approach is accusatory, setting the stage for a discussion about family, loyalty, and divine intervention.“What have you done? Laban's question is rhetorical, expressing his shock and disapproval of Jacob's actions. This echoes earlier biblical narratives where similar questions are posed in moments of betrayal or misunderstanding, such as God's question to Eve in <a href="/genesis/3-13.htm">Genesis 3:13</a>. It underscores the gravity of Jacob's departure and the perceived breach of trust. The question also reflects the cultural importance of family honor and the expectation of transparency in familial relationships.You have deceived me Deception is a recurring theme in Jacob's life, from his acquisition of Esau's birthright to his dealings with Laban. This accusation is ironic, considering Laban's own history of deceit, particularly in the marriage of Leah and Rachel to Jacob. The theme of deception serves as a reminder of the moral complexities in human relationships and the consequences of deceitful actions. It also foreshadows the eventual reconciliation and transformation in Jacob's character.and carried off my daughters Laban refers to Rachel and Leah, who are both Jacob's wives and Laban's daughters. The phrase "carried off" suggests an act of force or abduction, though Jacob's actions were motivated by a desire to return to his homeland. This reflects the patriarchal society of the time, where daughters were often seen as possessions of their father until marriage. The familial dynamics here are complex, involving issues of loyalty, autonomy, and the rights of women within the family structure.like captives of war! This simile emphasizes the severity of Laban's accusation, likening Jacob's actions to those of a conqueror taking spoils. It highlights the emotional intensity of the situation and Laban's perception of loss and betrayal. The imagery of captives of war also connects to broader biblical themes of exile and redemption, as seen in the Israelites' later experiences. It underscores the tension between human conflict and divine providence, as God ultimately guides Jacob's journey and fulfills His covenant promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a> Laban is the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's mother, and thus Jacob's uncle. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, having employed Jacob for many years and given his daughters, Leah and Rachel, to Jacob as wives. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham. He is a central patriarch in the biblical account, known for his cunning and his complex relationship with God and his family. 3. <a href="/topical/l/laban's_daughters.htm">Laban's Daughters (Leah and Rachel)</a> Leah and Rachel are Jacob's wives, whom he married after working for Laban for many years. They are central to the account of Jacob's family and the twelve tribes of Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/p/paddan-aram.htm">Paddan-aram</a> This is the region where Laban lived and where Jacob spent many years working for Laban. It is located in the upper Mesopotamian region. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_departure.htm">The Departure</a> The event in question is Jacob's secret departure from Laban's household, taking his family and possessions with him. This departure is a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, marking his return to the land of his fathers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/deception_and_its_consequences.htm">Deception and Its Consequences</a> Jacob's history of deception, including his departure from Laban, reminds us of the importance of integrity and the potential consequences of deceitful actions. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_transition.htm">God's Faithfulness in Transition</a> Despite the conflict and deception, God remains faithful to Jacob, guiding him back to the Promised Land. This encourages believers to trust in God's guidance during life's transitions. <a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_god's_plan.htm">Family Dynamics and God's Plan</a> The complex family dynamics between Jacob, Laban, Leah, and Rachel illustrate how God can work through imperfect relationships to fulfill His purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_communication.htm">The Importance of Communication</a> Laban's accusation highlights the breakdown in communication between him and Jacob. This serves as a reminder of the importance of clear and honest communication in relationships.<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/does_gen_31_41_suggest_inconsistency.htm">In Genesis 31:41, Jacob claims Laban changed his wages ten times, yet no detailed account shows each change; does this raise questions of consistency or exaggeration?</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>(26-30) Laban said . . . --Laban reproaches Jacob, first, for carrying away his daughters secretly, which was an affront to them (<a href="/genesis/31-26.htm" title="And Laban said to Jacob, What have you done, that you have stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?">Genesis 31:26</a>) and an injury to his own feelings (<a href="/genesis/31-28.htm" title="And have not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? you have now done foolishly in so doing.">Genesis 31:28</a>); secondly, he tells him that he should have punished him but for the Divine warning; lastly, he accuses him of stealing his teraphim.Captives . . . --Heb., captives of the sword, women carried off in war as spoil.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 26-30. - And Laban (assuming a tone of injured innocence) said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, - literally, and (meaning, in that) thou hast stolen my heart (vide supra, ver. 20; and cf. ver. 27) - and carried away (vide ver. 18) my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? Literally, as captives of the sword, i.e. invitis parentibus (Rosenmüller); language which, if not hypocritical on Laban's part, was certainly hyperbolical, since he had already evinced the strength of his parental affection by selling his daughters to Jacob; and besides, so far as it concerned either Jacob or his wives, it was quite untrue, Rachel and Leah having voluntarily accompanied their husband in his flight. Wherefore didst thou floe away secretly, - literally, wherefore didst thou hide thyself to flee away; חָבַא (niph.), with an inf. following, corresponding to the similar construction in Greek of λανθάνειν with a part, and being correctly rendered in English by an adverb (vide Gesenius, 'Gram.,' § 142) - and steal away from me (literally, and steal me, ut supra); and didst not tell me, that I might (literally, and I would) have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, - in Oriental countries those about to make a long journey are still sent away cantionibus et musicorum instrumentorum concentu (Rosenmüller) - with tabret, - the toph was a drum or timbrel, consisting of a wooden circle covered with membrane, and furnished with brass bells (like the modern tambourine), which Oriental women beat when dancing (cf. <a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20</a>; <a href="/judges/11-34.htm">Judges 11:34</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/31-4.htm">Jeremiah 31:4</a>) - and with harp! For a description of the kinnor see <a href="/genesis/4-21.htm">Genesis 4:21</a>. And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons (i.e. the children of Leah and Rachel) and my daughters! It is perhaps judging Laban too severely to pronounce this complete hypocrisy and cant (Alford, Bush, Candlish, Gerlach), but equally wide of the truth is it to see in Laban's conduct nothing but generosity of feeling (Kalisch); probably there was a mixture of both paternal affection and crafty dissimulation (Delitzsch). Thou hast now done foolishly in so doing. The charge of folly in Old Testament Scriptures commonly carries with it an imputation of wrong-doing (cf. <a href="/1_samuel/13-13.htm">1 Samuel 13:13</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/14-10.htm">2 Samuel 14:10</a>). It is in the power of my hand - so the phrase יָדִי יֶשׁ־לְאֵל (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/28-32.htm">Deuteronomy 28:32</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5</a>; <a href="/micah/2-1.htm">Micah 2:1</a>) is rendered by competent authorities (Gesenius, Furst, Rosenmüller, Kalisch, Murphy, et alii), with which agree laxly, ἡ χειρ μου (LXX.), and valet manus men (Vulgate), though the translation "My hand is for God," i.e. my hand serves me as God (cf. <a href="/job/12-6.htm">Job 12:6</a>; <a href="/hebrews/1-11.htm">Hebrews 1:11</a>), is by some preferred (Keil, Knobel, Jacobus) - to do you hurt: but the God of your father - the use of this expression can be rightly regarded neither as a proof of Elohistic authorship (Tuch, Bleek, Colenso, Davidson) nor as a sign of Laban's spiritual degeneracy (Hengstenberg, Wordsworth), since it is practically equivalent to Jehovah (vide <a href="/genesis/28-13.htm">Genesis 28:13</a>), but is probably to be viewed as a play upon the sound and sense of the preceding clause, as thus: - "It is in the El of my hand to do you evil, but the Elohim of your father spake to me." Another instance of this play upon the sound and sense is to be found in vers. 19, 20 - "Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father's; and Jacob stole the heart of Laban the Syrian" (cf. Quarry on Genesis, p. 498) - spake unto me yester night, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob - literally, guard or keep thee for thyself (the pleon, pron. being added ut supra, ver. 24) from speaking with Jacob - either good or bad (vide on ver. 24). And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone (literally, going thou didst go - thou hast indeed gone), because thou sore longedst after thy father's house (literally, because desiring thou didst desire. The verb כָּסַפ, to be pale (whence כֶּסֶפ, silver, so called from its pale color), expresses the idea of pining away and languishing through strong inward longing), yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods? Laban had probably gone to consult his teraphim and so discovered their loss. Augustine calls attention to this as the first Scripture reference to heathen gods, and Calvin probably supplies the right explanation of the sense in which they were so styled by Laban, non quia deitatem illie putaret esse inclusam, sed quia in honorem deorum imagines illas colebat; vel potius quod Deo sacra facturus, vertebat se ad illas imagines (cf. <a href="/exodus/32-4.htm">Exodus 32:4</a>; <a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28</a>). "This complaint of Laban, that his "gods were stolen, show-eth the vanity of such idolatry" (Ainsworth). Cf. <a href="/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31</a>; <a href="/judges/16-24.htm">Judges 16:24</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/10-5.htm">Jeremiah 10:5, 11, 15</a>. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Laban לָבָן֙ (lā·ḇān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3837.htm">Strong's 3837: </a> Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to Jacob, לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב (lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc “What מֶ֣ה (meh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have you done? עָשִׂ֔יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make You have deceived וַתִּגְנֹ֖ב (wat·tiḡ·nōḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1589.htm">Strong's 1589: </a> To thieve, to deceive me אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case and carried off my daughters בְּנֹתַ֔י (bə·nō·ṯay) Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> A daughter like captives כִּשְׁבֻי֖וֹת (kiš·ḇu·yō·wṯ) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7617.htm">Strong's 7617: </a> To transport into captivity of war! חָֽרֶב׃ (ḥā·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:26 Laban said to Jacob What have you (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:27" /></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>