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 31:1 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/01_Gen_31_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:1 - Jacob Flees from Laban" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/31-1.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/31-1.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 1</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="/ad1.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/30-43.htm" title="Genesis 30:43">◄</a> Genesis 31:1 <a href="/genesis/31-2.htm" title="Genesis 31:2">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </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> Jacob heard that Laban&#8217s sons were saying, &#8220Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Jacob soon learned that Laban’s sons were grumbling about him. “Jacob has robbed our father of everything!” they said. “He has gained all his wealth at our father’s expense.” <a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has gained all this wealth.” <a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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.” <a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a> And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Jacob heard the words of Laban&#8217s sons, saying, &#8220Jacob has taken away all that was our father&#8217s, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.” <a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying: “Jacob has taken away everything that was our father’s, and from what belonged to our father he has acquired all this wealth and honor.” <a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now Jacob heard what Laban’s sons were saying: “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s and has built this wealth from what belonged to our father.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now Jacob heard what Laban&#8217s sons were saying: &#8220Jacob has taken all that was our father&#8217s and has built this wealth from what belonged to our father.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. <a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jacob heard that Laban's sons were complaining, "Jacob is now a rich man, and he got everything he owns from our father." <a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. <a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jacob heard that Laban's sons were saying, "Jacob has taken everything that belonged to our father and has gained all his wealth from him." <a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jacob heard that Laban's sons were saying, "Jacob has taken everything that belonged to our father. He got all his wealth from what our father owned." <a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now Jacob used to listen while Laban's sons kept on complaining, "Jacob has taken over everything our father owns! He made himself wealthy from what belongs to our father!" <a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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.” <a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a> Jacob heard that Laban's sons were complaining, "Jacob has taken everything that belonged to our father! He has gotten rich at our father's expense!" <a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, "Jacob has taken away all that was our father鈥檚. From that which was our father鈥檚 he has gained all this wealth." <a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he obtained all this glory. <a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a> Jacob heard Laban’s sons’ words, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s. He has obtained all this wealth from that which was our father’s.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he hears the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken all that our father has; indeed, from that which our father has, he has made all this glory”; <a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he heareth the words of Laban's sons, saying, 'Jacob hath taken all that our father hath; yea, from that which our father hath, he hath made all this honour;' <a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will hear the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob took all which was to our father, and from what was to our father he made all this multitude.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But after that he heard the words of the sons of Laban, saying: Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's, and being enriched by his substance is become great: <a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But afterwards, he heard the words of the sons of Laban, saying, “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s, and being enlarged by his ability, he has become famous.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a> Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken everything that belonged to our father, and he has produced all this wealth from our father’s property.” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s; he has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND Jacob heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob has taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's has he acquired all of this wealth. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yaquuv heard the words of the children of Laban who said, “Yaquuv took everything that our father had and whatever our father possessed, all of this property.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying: 'Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this wealth.' <a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Jacob heard the words of the sons of Laban, saying, Jacob has taken all that was our father's, and of our father's property has he gotten all this glory. <a href="/parallel/genesis/31-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=7555" 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 Flees from Laban</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">Now Jacob heard</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/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.">that Laban’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">were saying,</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/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qaḥ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">has taken away</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</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.">that belonged to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: lə·’ā·ḇî·nū (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">our father</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and built</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: hak·kā·ḇōḏ (Art:: N-ms) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">wealth</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ū·mê·’ă·šer (Conj-w, Prep-m:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">at</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: lə·’ā·ḇî·nū (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">our father’s expense.”</a> 2And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.…<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/30-27.htm">Genesis 30:27-30</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.” / And he added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.” / Then Jacob answered, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock have thrived under my care. ... <a href="/genesis/30-43.htm">Genesis 30:43</a> Thus Jacob became exceedingly prosperous. He owned large flocks, maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys. <a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</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.” <a href="/genesis/29-30.htm">Genesis 29:30</a> Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years. <a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Genesis 30:25-26</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.” <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/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a> and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” <a href="/genesis/28-13.htm">Genesis 28:13-15</a> And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. / Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” <a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Genesis 32:9-10</a> Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ / 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="/exodus/1-9.htm">Exodus 1:9-10</a> “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” <a href="/exodus/12-35.htm">Exodus 12:35-36</a> Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. <a href="/deuteronomy/8-18.htm">Deuteronomy 8:18</a> But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day. <a href="/deuteronomy/28-12.htm">Deuteronomy 28:12-13</a> The LORD will open the heavens, His abundant storehouse, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations, but borrow from none. / The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward, if you hear and carefully follow the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am giving you today. <a href="/psalms/105-24.htm">Psalm 105:24</a> And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes, <a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm">Proverbs 10:22</a> The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob has taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's has he gotten all this glory.Jacob.<a href="/genesis/31-8.htm">Genesis 31:8,9</a> If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked… <a href="/job/31-31.htm">Job 31:31</a> If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.<a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a> My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.glory.<a href="/genesis/45-13.htm">Genesis 45:13</a> And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.<a href="/esther/5-11.htm">Esther 5:11</a> And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.<a href="/job/31-24.htm">Job 31:24,25</a> If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/13-1.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/genesis/29-33.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/genesis/29-12.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/26-13.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/revelation/21-26.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/genesis/12-5.htm">Gotten</a> <a href="/genesis/30-6.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/29-13.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/genesis/23-7.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/genesis/30-42.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/30-42.htm">Laban's</a> <a href="/1_john/5-15.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/genesis/25-5.htm">Owned</a> <a href="/genesis/25-5.htm">Property</a> <a href="/genesis/30-43.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/genesis/27-42.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/genesis/35-4.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/genesis/31-5.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/31-18.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/genesis/45-13.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/genesis/31-18.htm">Gotten</a> <a href="/genesis/34-5.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/genesis/37-9.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/genesis/31-2.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-2.htm">Laban's</a> <a href="/genesis/44-32.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Owned</a> <a href="/genesis/31-16.htm">Property</a> <a href="/genesis/31-16.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/genesis/32-4.htm">Words</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/genesis/31.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Now Jacob heard The phrase "Now Jacob heard" indicates a pivotal moment of awareness for Jacob. The Hebrew root for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and internalizing. This moment marks a turning point where Jacob becomes acutely aware of the growing tension and resentment from Laban's sons. In a broader spiritual sense, it reminds believers of the importance of being attentive to the voices and circumstances around us, discerning God's guidance amidst them.the sons of Laban The "sons of Laban" represent the familial and cultural ties that Jacob has been entangled with for many years. Laban, whose name means "white" or "shining," was Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, and his sons would naturally be heirs to his wealth. This phrase highlights the familial conflict and the challenges of navigating relationships where jealousy and competition arise. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of family dynamics and the need for wisdom and integrity in such interactions.were saying The phrase "were saying" suggests ongoing conversation and possibly gossip among Laban's sons. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar) is used here, indicating speech that can influence and shape perceptions. This reflects the power of words to create division and suspicion, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Believers are reminded of the biblical exhortation to guard our tongues and to speak truth and love, as words can either build up or tear down.Jacob has taken away The accusation that "Jacob has taken away" alludes to the perception of theft or unjust gain. The Hebrew root "לָקַח" (laqach) means to take or seize, often with a connotation of force or deception. This reflects the misunderstanding and misrepresentation of Jacob's actions, as God had blessed him through legitimate means. It underscores the theme of divine providence and justice, where God vindicates His chosen ones despite false accusations.all that was our father’s This phrase emphasizes the perceived loss of inheritance and wealth by Laban's sons. The Hebrew word for "all" is "כֹּל" (kol), indicating totality or entirety. The sons' claim reflects their belief that Jacob's prosperity came at their expense. This highlights the human tendency to view blessings as a zero-sum game, rather than recognizing God's abundant provision for all. It challenges believers to trust in God's ability to bless each according to His will.and has gained all this wealth The phrase "and has gained all this wealth" points to the visible prosperity Jacob had achieved. The Hebrew word for "gained" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning to make or produce, suggesting that Jacob's wealth was the result of his labor and God's favor. This serves as a testament to the principle that diligent work, coupled with divine blessing, leads to prosperity. It encourages believers to work faithfully, trusting that God will provide and bless their efforts.from what belonged to our father Finally, "from what belonged to our father" underscores the source of the sons' grievance. The Hebrew word "אָב" (av) for "father" signifies not just a biological relationship but also authority and legacy. The sons' claim reflects their view of Jacob as an outsider who has encroached upon their rightful inheritance. This highlights the tension between human claims and divine allocation, reminding believers that true inheritance and blessing come from God, who is the ultimate Father and provider.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XXXI.JACOB'S FLIGHT.--THE PURSUIT OF HIM BY LABAN, AND THEIR RECONCILIATION.(1) Laban's sons.--No mention hitherto had been made of Laban having any other children than Leah and Rachel. If his sons were by the same wife, they would be men about fifty-five or sixty years of age. In saying that Jacob had taken "all that was their father's" they were guilty of exaggeration; for Laban was still rich, and probably, upon the whole, was a gainer by the presence of one so highly gifted as Jacob. Their word "glory" suggests that, enriched by cattle and commerce, Jacob had now become a person of great importance in the eyes of the people of Haran.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - And he - Jacob had now served twenty years with Laban, and must accordingly have been in his ninety-seventh or seventy-seventh year (vide <a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1</a>) - heard the words of Laban's sons, - who were not at this time only small youths about fourteen years of ago (Delitzsch), since they were capable of being entrusted with their father's flocks (<a href="/genesis/30-35.htm">Genesis 30:35</a>) - saying (probably in a conversation which had been over. heard by Jacob), Jacob hath taken away (by fraud is what they meant, an opinion in which Kalisch agrees; but it is not quite certain that Jacob was guilty of dishonesty in acting as he did) all that was our father's; - this was a manifest exaggeration; sed hoe morbo laborant sordidi et nimium tenaces, ut sibi ereptum esse putent quicquid non ingurgitant (Calvin) - and of that which was our father's hath he gotten (literally, made, in the sense of acquiring, as in <a href="/genesis/12-5.htm">Genesis 12:5</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/14-48.htm">1 Samuel 14:48</a>) all this glory. כָּבוד (from כָּבַד, to be heavy, hence to be great in the sense of honored, and also to be abundant) signifies either glory, splendor, renown, δόξα (LXX.), as in <a href="/job/14-21.htm">Job 14:21</a>; or, what seems the preferable meaning here, wealth, riches, facultates (Vulgate), as in <a href="/psalms/49-13.htm">Psalm 49:13</a>; <a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Nahum 2:10</a>. The two ideas appear to be combined in <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">2 Corinthians 4:17</a>; βάρος δόξης (cf. Wordsworth, in loco). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now Jacob heard וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently that Laban’s לָבָן֙ (lā·ḇān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3837.htm">Strong's 3837: </a> Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob sons בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son were saying, דִּבְרֵ֤י (diḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause “Jacob יַעֲקֹ֔ב (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 has taken away לָקַ֣ח (lā·qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every that [belonged to] אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that our father לְאָבִ֑ינוּ (lə·’ā·ḇî·nū) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father and built עָשָׂ֕ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every this הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that wealth הַכָּבֹ֖ד (hak·kā·ḇōḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> Weight, splendor, copiousness at וּמֵאֲשֶׁ֣ר (ū·mê·’ă·šer) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that our father’s expense.” לְאָבִ֔ינוּ (lə·’ā·ḇî·nū) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:1 He heard the words of Laban's sons (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/30-43.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 30:43"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 30:43" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:2" /></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>