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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Jacob answered Laban, &#8220I was afraid, because I thought you would take your daughters away from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“I rushed away because I was afraid,” Jacob answered. “I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Perhaps you would take your daughters from me by force.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob replied to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Jacob replied to Laban, &#8220Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Lest you would take your daughters from me by force.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, because I said, ‘Lest you take your daughters from me by force.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Jacob answered Laban, “[I left secretly] because I was afraid, for I thought you would take your daughters away from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob answered, “I was afraid, for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob answered, &#8220I was afraid, for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Lest thou shouldest take thy daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jacob answered, "I left secretly because I was afraid you would take your daughters from me by force. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Lest thou shouldest take thy daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jacob answered Laban, "I left because I was afraid. I thought you would take your daughters away from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jacob answered, "I was afraid, because I thought that you might take your daughters away from me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I was afraid," Jacob replied. "I thought you might take your daughters from me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?I was afraid,? Jacob answered, ?for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"I left secretly because I was afraid!" Jacob replied to Laban. "I thought you might take your daughters away from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob answered Laban, "Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, It may be thou wouldest take thy daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob answered Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Lest you should take your daughters from me by force.’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob answers and says to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, Lest you violently take away your daughters from me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jacob answereth and saith to Laban, 'Because I was afraid, for I said, Lest thou take violently away thy daughters from me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob will answer and say to Laban, Because I was afraid; for I said, Lest thou wilt tear away my daughters from me;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Jacob answered: That I departed unknown to thee, it was for fear lest thou wouldst take away thy daughters by force. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Jacob answered: “I set out, unknown to you, because I feared that you might take away your daughters by violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jacob replied to Laban, “I was frightened at the thought that you might take your daughters away from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Jacob answered Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob answered and said to Laban. Because I was afraid; for I said, Perhaps you would take your daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yaquuv answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, and I said, lest you will take your daughters from me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Jacob answered and said to Laban: 'Because I was afraid; for I said: Lest thou shouldest take thy daughters from me by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid; for I said, Lest at any time thou shouldest take away thy daughters from me, and all my possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/31-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=7789" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Laban Pursues Jacob</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?” <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: yā·rê·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">I was afraid,”</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/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“for</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest."></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.">I thought</a> <a href="/hebrew/3837.htm" title="3837: lə·lā·ḇān (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob. The same as laban; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert.">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bə·nō·w·ṯe·ḵā (N-fpc:: 2ms) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">would take your daughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: mê·‘im·mî (Prep-m:: 1cs) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">from me</a> <a href="/hebrew/1497.htm" title="1497: tiḡ·zōl (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To tear away, seize, rob. A primitive root; to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob.">by force.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26-27</a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war! / Why 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Genesis 30:25-26</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41-45</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-5.htm">Genesis 28:5</a></span><br />So Isaac sent Jacob to Paddan-aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, who was the mother of Jacob and Esau.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1-2</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6-7</a></span><br />When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” / In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1-4</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-10.htm">Exodus 14:10-12</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/2-14.htm">Exodus 2:14-15</a></span><br />But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.” / When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1-3</a></span><br />Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” / “Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!” / But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/21-10.htm">1 Samuel 21:10-12</a></span><br />That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. / But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” / Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">1 Kings 19:3</a></span><br />And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3</a></span><br />When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Proverbs 29:25</a></span><br />The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure you would take by force your daughters from me.</p><p class="hdg">Because.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">Genesis 31:26,27</a></b></br> And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives <i>taken</i> with the sword? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Genesis 20:11</a></b></br> And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God <i>is</i> not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Proverbs 29:25</a></b></br> The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/28-17.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/31-28.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/genesis/28-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Force</a> <a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/27-12.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/genesis/29-15.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/genesis/27-33.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/34-2.htm">Force</a> <a href="/genesis/31-32.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-33.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/genesis/31-50.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/genesis/32-8.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/exodus/7-16.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Rachel steals her father's household gods.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-22.htm">Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Rachel's plan to hide the images.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Jacob's complaint of Laban.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">43. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/31-43.htm">The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>I was afraid,</b><br>Jacob's fear reflects the tension and mistrust between him and Laban. This fear is rooted in past experiences, as Laban had previously deceived Jacob by switching Leah for Rachel on their wedding night (<a href="/genesis/29-23.htm">Genesis 29:23-25</a>). Fear is a common human emotion seen throughout Scripture, often leading to reliance on God for protection and guidance, as seen in <a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3</a>, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."<p><b>Jacob answered,</b><br>Jacob's response indicates a moment of honesty and vulnerability. Throughout his life, Jacob often relied on his cunning and resourcefulness, but here he openly admits his fear. This moment is part of Jacob's ongoing transformation, which culminates in his wrestling with God in <a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-30</a>, where he is renamed Israel.<p><b>for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.</b><br>Jacob's concern about Laban taking his daughters by force highlights the patriarchal and familial dynamics of the time. Marriages were often arranged, and women were considered part of the father's household until marriage. Laban's previous actions, such as the deception with Leah and Rachel, suggest he might use force to assert his will. This fear also underscores the importance of family and inheritance in the ancient Near Eastern context, where family ties were crucial for social and economic stability. The protection of one's family is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in the story of Moses' mother hiding him from Pharaoh's decree (<a href="/exodus/2.htm">Exodus 2:1-3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and husband to Leah and Rachel. He is a central figure in this account, having fled from his father-in-law Laban with his family and possessions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Jacob's father-in-law, who pursued Jacob after he left Haran. Laban is portrayed as a shrewd and sometimes deceitful character, which contributes to Jacob's fear.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rachel_and_leah.htm">Rachel and Leah</a></b><br>The daughters of Laban and wives of Jacob. Their relationship with their father and Jacob is central to the tension in this passage.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/haran.htm">Haran</a></b><br>The place where Jacob lived with Laban for many years and where he accumulated his family and wealth.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_flight_from_laban.htm">The Flight from Laban</a></b><br>The event where Jacob, fearing for his safety and the safety of his family, decides to leave Laban secretly.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a></b><br>Jacob's fear of Laban highlights the human tendency to fear man rather than trust in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God, who is faithful to protect and guide.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics.htm">Family Dynamics</a></b><br>The relationship between Jacob, Laban, and the daughters illustrates complex family dynamics. It serves as a reminder to handle family relationships with wisdom and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection.htm">God's Protection</a></b><br>Despite Jacob's fear, God's protection is evident throughout his journey. This reassures believers that God is sovereign and watches over His people, even when circumstances seem daunting.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_to_act.htm">Courage to Act</a></b><br>Jacob's decision to leave Laban, despite his fear, demonstrates the importance of taking courageous steps when led by God. Believers are encouraged to act in faith, trusting God's guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a></b><br>The passage sets the stage for the eventual resolution between Jacob and Laban. It teaches the importance of addressing conflicts with honesty and seeking peaceful resolutions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_genesis_37_customs_match_ancient_practices.htm">(Genesis 37:34-35) Do the customs of mourning described align with verifiable ancient practices, or do they hint at anachronistic traditions introduced later?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob's_dream_affect_flock_genetics.htm">In Genesis 31:10-12, how could Jacob's dream and the striped rods realistically influence the genetics of the flocks?</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>(31, 32) <span class= "bld">Jacob answered.</span>--Jacob gives the true reason for his flight; after which, indignant at the charge of theft, he returns, in his anger, as rash an answer about the teraphim as Joseph's brethren subsequently did about the stolen cup (<a href="/genesis/44-9.htm" title="With whomsoever of your servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's slaves.">Genesis 44:9</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Let him not live.</span>--The Rabbins regard this as a prophecy, fulfilled in Rachel's premature death. Its more simple meaning is, <span class= "ital">I yield him up to thee even to be put to death.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 31, 32.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jacob answered</span> - "in an able and powerful speech" (Kalisch) - <span class="cmt_word">and said to Laban</span> (replying to his first interrogation as to why Jacob had stolen away unawares), <span class="cmt_word">Because I was afraid: for I said</span> (sc. to myself), <span class="cmt_word">Peradventure</span> (literally, lest, <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. I must depart without informing thee <span class="accented">lest</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>thou wouldest</span> (or shoudest) <span class="cmt_word">take by force</span> - the verb signifies to strip off as skin from flesh (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/micah/3-2.htm">Micah 3:2</a>), and hence to forcibly remove - <span class="cmt_word">thy daughters from me</span> (after which, in response to Laban's question about his stolen gods, he proceeds). <span class="cmt_word">With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live.</span> If Jacob meant he shall not live, but I will slay him with mine own hand (Aben Ezra), let God destroy him (Abarbanel), I give him up to thee to put to death (Rosenmüller), let him instantly die (Drusius), he was guilty of great unadvisedness in speech. Accordingly, the import of his words has been mollified by regarding them simply as a prediction, "he will not live," <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. he will die before his time (Jonathan), a prediction which, the Rabbins note, was fulfilled in Rachel (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Genesis 35:16, 18</a>); or by connecting them with clause following, "he will not live before our brethren," <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. let him be henceforth cut off from the society of his kinsmen (LXX., Bush). Yet, even as thus explained, the language of Jacob was precipitats, since he ought first to have inquired at his wives and children before pronouncing so emphatically on a matter of which he was entirely ignorant (Calvin). <span class="cmt_word">Before our brethren</span> - not Jacob's sons, but Laban's kinsmen (ver. 23) - <span class="cmt_word">discern thou</span> - literally, <span class="accented">examine closely for thyself</span>, the hiph. of <span class="hebrew">נָכַר</span> (to be strange) meaning to press strongly into a thing, i.e. to perceive it by finding out its distinguishing characteristics (<span class="accented">vide</span> Furst, <span class="accented">sub voce</span>) - <span class="cmt_word">what is thine with me, and take it to thee.</span> <span class="cmt_word">For</span> (literally, and) <span class="cmt_word">Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them</span> - otherwise he would have spoken with less heat and more caution. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“I was afraid,”</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרֵ֔אתִי</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answered,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֥עַן</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I thought</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[you]</span><br /><span class="heb">לְלָבָ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·lā·ḇān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3837.htm">Strong's 3837: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would take your daughters</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנוֹתֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nō·w·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from me</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעִמִּֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘im·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by force.</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּגְזֹ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(tiḡ·zōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1497.htm">Strong's 1497: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pluck off, to flay, strip, rob</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/31-31.htm">Genesis 31:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/31-31.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:31 Jacob answered Laban Because I was afraid (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:32" /></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>