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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 31:29 I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, 'Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-29.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/01_Gen_31_29.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:29 - Laban Pursues Jacob" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, 'Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/31-29.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/31-29.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 29</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="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/31-28.htm" title="Genesis 31:28">◄</a> Genesis 31:29 <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm" title="Genesis 31:30">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/31.htm">New International Version</a> I have the power to harm you; but last night the God of your father said to me, &#8216Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> I could destroy you, but the God of your father appeared to me last night and warned me, ‘Leave Jacob alone!’ <a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ <a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ <a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a> It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a> It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.’ <a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak either good or bad to Jacob.’ <a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, &#8216Be careful not to speak either good or bad to Jacob.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak either good or bad to Jacob.’ <a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> It is in my hand to do evil against you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Beware of speaking either good or evil to Jacob.’ <a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> It is in my power to harm you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak to Jacob, either good or bad.’ <a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I could do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Watch yourself! Don’t say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ <a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I could do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me: &#8216Watch yourself. Don&#8217t say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.&#8217 <a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. <a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I could easily hurt you, but the God your father worshiped has warned me not to make any threats or promises. <a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. <a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I have the power to harm you. Last night the God of your father said to me, 'Be careful not to say anything at all to Jacob.' <a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> I have the power to do you harm, but last night the God of your father warned me not to threaten you in any way. <a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> It's actually in my power to do some serious evil to you, but last night the God of your father told me, 'Be careful what you say to Jacob whether good or evil.' <a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ?Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.? <a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a> I have the power to do you harm, but the God of your father told me last night, 'Be careful that you neither bless nor curse Jacob.' <a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, 'Be careful that you do not speak to Jacob either good or bad.' <a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spoke to me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. <a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a> It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> my hand is to God to do evil with you, but the God of your father last night has spoken to me, saying, Take heed to yourself from speaking with Jacob from good to evil. <a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> my hand is to God to do evil with you, but the God of your father yesternight hath spoken unto me, saying, Take heed to thyself from speaking with Jacob from good unto evil. <a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> It is for the power of my hand mighty to do with you evil: and the God of your father yesterday spake to me, saying, Watch to thyself from speaking with Jacob from good to evil.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> It is in my power to return thee evil: but the God of your father said to me yesterday: Take heed thou speak not any things harshly against Jacob. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> my hand has power to repay you with harm. But the God of your father said to me yesterday, ‘Beware that you not speak anything stern against Jacob.’ <a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a> I have it in my power to harm all of you; but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Take care not to say anything to Jacob!’ <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Take heed that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I could have done you harm, but the God of your fathers said to me last evening, Take heed that you speak not to Jacob either good or bad. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> It had come into my hands to do harm to you, and the God of your father said to me in the evening, ‘Beware, lest you speak with Yaquuv of good or for evil.’<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt; but the God of your father spoke unto me yesternight, saying: Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. <a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And now my hand has power to hurt thee; but the God of thy father spoke to me yesterday, saying, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not evil words to Jacob. <a href="/parallel/genesis/31-29.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=7773" 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> …28But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing. 29<a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yeš- (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">I have power to do</a> <a href="/hebrew/410.htm" title="410: lə·’êl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- God, in pl. gods. Shortened from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">great harm,</a> <a href="/hebrew/570.htm" title="570: ’e·meš (Adv) -- Yesterday. Time past, i.e. Yesterday or last night.">but last night</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: wê·lō·hê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇî·ḵem (N-msc:: 2mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of your father</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to me,</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/8104.htm" title="8104: hiš·šā·mer (V-Nifal-Imp-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">‘Be careful</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: mid·dab·bêr (Prep-m:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">not to say</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">anything to</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/2896.htm" title="2896: miṭ·ṭō·wḇ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">either good</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">bad.’</a> 30Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?”…<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="/exodus/14-17.htm">Exodus 14:17</a> And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. Then I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army and chariots and horsemen. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-39.htm">Deuteronomy 32:39</a> See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. <a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12</a> May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you. <a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10</a> David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. <a href="/2_kings/19-28.htm">2 Kings 19:28</a> Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’ <a href="/job/1-12.htm">Job 1:12</a> “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. <a href="/job/2-6.htm">Job 2:6</a> “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.” <a href="/psalms/75-7.htm">Psalm 75:7</a> but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a> The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. <a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15</a> Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood! <a href="/isaiah/37-29.htm">Isaiah 37:29</a> Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’ <a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a> All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” <a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a> Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” <a href="/acts/4-28.htm">Acts 4:28</a> They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. <a href="/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39</a> But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Take you heed that you speak not to Jacob either good or bad.the power.<a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Psalm 52:1</a> To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.<a href="/john/19-10.htm">John 19:10,11</a> Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? … the God.<a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Genesis 31:42,53</a> Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight… <a href="/genesis/28-13.htm">Genesis 28:13</a> And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;<a href="/joshua/24-2.htm">Joshua 24:2,3</a> And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods… yesternight.<a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Genesis 31:24</a> And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.Take.<a href="/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38,39</a> And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: … <a href="/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5</a> And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Care</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Damage</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Either</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/30-35.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/26-22.htm">Last</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Night</a> <a href="/genesis/31-6.htm">Power</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/genesis/19-34.htm">Yesternight</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/41-3.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/genesis/32-16.htm">Care</a> <a href="/exodus/10-28.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Damage</a> <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Either</a> <a href="/genesis/31-52.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/31-52.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/genesis/39-23.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/genesis/31-31.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/35-18.htm">Last</a> <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Night</a> <a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Power</a> <a href="/genesis/32-4.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/33-9.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Yesternight</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>I have power to do you great harm Laban, speaking to Jacob, acknowledges his authority and ability to inflict harm. This reflects the patriarchal and tribal society of the time, where family heads wielded significant power. Laban's statement underscores the tension between him and Jacob, highlighting the potential for conflict. This power dynamic is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where individuals in authority have the capacity to harm, such as Pharaoh's power over the Israelites in Exodus.but last night the God of your father said to me The phrase indicates divine intervention. The "God of your father" refers to the God of Abraham and Isaac, emphasizing the covenantal relationship and continuity of God's promises. This divine encounter mirrors other instances where God communicates through dreams, such as with Joseph in <a href="/genesis/37.htm">Genesis 37</a>. It also shows God's protective hand over Jacob, similar to how God protected Abraham and Isaac.‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ This command from God to Laban serves as a divine warning, ensuring Jacob's safety. The instruction to refrain from speaking "either good or bad" suggests that God is preventing any manipulation or influence over Jacob's decisions. This reflects God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen people, as seen throughout the biblical narrative. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of God's guidance and protection over believers, as seen in passages like <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a> Laban is the father-in-law of Jacob, who pursued Jacob after he fled with his family and possessions. Laban is a key figure in this account, representing the worldly power and authority that can be wielded over others. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> Jacob is the grandson of Abraham, who has been working for Laban for many years. He is the recipient of God's covenant promises and is in the process of returning to his homeland. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god_of_jacob's_father.htm">God of Jacob's Father</a> This refers to the God of Isaac, Jacob's father, who intervenes in the situation to protect Jacob. This highlights the ongoing covenant relationship God has with the patriarchs. 4. <a href="/topical/p/paddan-aram.htm">Paddan-aram</a> The region where Laban lived and where Jacob had been residing. It is significant as the place from which Jacob is returning to Canaan, the land promised to his forefathers. 5. <a href="/topical/d/divine_intervention.htm">Divine Intervention</a> The event where God warns Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob, demonstrating God's protective hand over His chosen people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_protection.htm">Divine Protection</a> God actively protects His people, even when they are unaware of the threats against them. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty and care in their lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_intentions.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Intentions</a> Laban's power is limited by God's intervention. This teaches us that no human authority can override God's plans and purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening_to_god.htm">The Importance of Listening to God</a> Laban heeds God's warning, showing the importance of being attentive to God's voice and direction in our lives. <a href="/topical/c/covenant_faithfulness.htm">Covenant Faithfulness</a> God's intervention is a reminder of His faithfulness to His covenant promises, encouraging believers to rely on His steadfast love and commitment. <a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a> The resolution of potential conflict between Laban and Jacob through divine intervention highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in resolving disputes.<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/are_jews_granted_salvation.htm">Are Jews granted salvation?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_you_call_upon_the_lord's_name.htm">What does 'Touch Not My Anointed' mean?</a> <a href="/q/does_god_approve_jacob's_deceit.htm">Genesis 29:31: Does God's response to Jacob's situation imply approval of deceit and manipulation?</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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) It is in the power of my hand.--This is the rendering here of all the versions, and is confirmed by <a href="/deuteronomy/28-32.htm" title="Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people, and your eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long; and there shall be no might in your hand.">Deuteronomy 28:32</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm" title="Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children: and, see, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought to bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.">Nehemiah 5:5</a>; <a href="/micah/2-1.htm" title="Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil on their beds! when the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand.">Micah 2:1</a>; but Keil and Knobel wish to translate, "My hand is for God." This comes to the same thing in an impious way, as the sense would be," My hand is an El, a god, for me," and enables me to do what I will.The speech of Laban is half true and half false. He would have wished not to part with Jacob at all, but to have recovered from him as much as he could of his property. But if he was to go, he would have liked outward appearances maintained; and, probably, he had an affection for his daughters and their children, though not so strong as to counterbalance his selfishness. His character, like that of all men, is a mixture of good and evil. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-29.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I have power to do לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make you עִמָּכֶ֖ם (‘im·mā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with great harm, רָ֑ע (rā‘) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil but last night אֶ֣מֶשׁ ׀ (’e·meš) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_570.htm">Strong's 570: </a> Yesterday, last night the God וֵֽאלֹהֵ֨י (wê·lō·hê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of your father אֲבִיכֶ֜ם (’ă·ḇî·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father said אָמַ֧ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to me, אֵלַ֣י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to ‘Be careful הִשָּׁ֧מֶר (hiš·šā·mer) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to not to say מִדַּבֵּ֥ר (mid·dab·bêr) Preposition-m | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue anything to עִֽם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with Jacob, יַעֲקֹ֖ב (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 either good מִטּ֥וֹב (miṭ·ṭō·wḇ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good or עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while bad.’ רָֽע׃ (rā‘) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:29 It is in the power of my (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-30.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:30"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:30" /></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>