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Genesis 31:50 If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me."
<!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 31:50 If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/31-50.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_31_50.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 31:50 - Jacob's Covenant with Laban" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me." /><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/31-50.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/31-50.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 50</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="/ad10.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/31-49.htm" title="Genesis 31:49">◄</a> Genesis 31:50 <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm" title="Genesis 31:51">►</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"><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 />If you mistreat my daughters or if you take any wives besides my daughters, even though no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters or if you marry other wives, God will see it even if no one else does. He is a witness to this covenant between us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If you oppress my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no one is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take <i>other</i> wives beside my daughters, no man <i>is</i> with us; see, God <i>is</i> witness betwixt me and thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If you afflict my daughters, or if you take <i>other</i> wives besides my daughters, <i>although</i> no man <i>is</i> with us—see, God <i>is</i> witness between you and me!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, <i>although</i> no one is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“If you mistreat my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no man is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If you mistreat my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, <i>although</i> no man is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If you afflict my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, <i>although</i> no man is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If you should mistreat (humiliate, oppress) my daughters, or if you should take other wives besides my daughters, although no one is with us [as a witness], see <i>and</i> remember, God is witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, though no one is with us, understand that God will be a witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, though no one is with us, understand that God will be a witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If thou shalt afflict my daughters, and if thou shalt take wives besides my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then Laban said: If you mistreat my daughters or marry other women, I may not know about it, but remember, God is watching us! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If thou shalt afflict my daughters, and if thou shalt take wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters or marry other women behind my back, remember that God stands as a witness between you and me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Laban went on, "If you mistreat my daughters or if you marry other women, even though I don't know about it, remember that God is watching us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters or if you take other wives besides them, though no one is watching us, keep in mind that God stands as a witness between you and me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no one else is with us, realize that God is witness to your actions." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no one is with us; see, God is witness between me and you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives besides my daughters; no man is with us; See, God is witness betwixt me and thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If you afflict my daughters, or if you take wives in addition to my daughters, no man is with us; behold, God is witness between me and you.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />if you afflict my daughters, or take wives beside my daughters—there is no man with us—see, God [is] witness between me and you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> if thou afflict my daughters, or take wives beside my daughters -- there is no man with us -- see, God is witness between me and thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If thou shalt afflict my daughters, and if thou shalt take wives to my daughters, no man is with us, seeing God a witness between me and between thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If thou afflict my daughters, and if thou bring in other wives over them: none is witness of our speech but God, who is present and beholdeth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If you afflict my daughters, and if you bring in other wives over them, no one is a witness of our words except God, who understands beforehand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters, or take other wives besides my daughters, know that even though no one else is there, God will be a witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If you ill-treat my daughters, or if you take wives in addition to my daughters, though no one else is with us, remember that God is witness between you and me.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If you despise my daughters, or if you shall take other wives besides my daughters, now no man is with us; see, God only is witness between me and you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If you despise my daughters and if you take wives beside my daughters, there is no man with us; see that God is witness between me and you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If thou shalt afflict my daughters, and if thou shalt take wives beside my daughters, no man being with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If thou shalt humble my daughters, if thou shouldest take wives in addition to my daughters, see, there is no one with us looking on. God <i>is</i> witness between me and thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/31-50.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=7984" 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">Jacob's Covenant with Laban</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">49</span>It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. <span class="reftext">50</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: tə·‘an·neh (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">you mistreat</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/1323.htm" title="1323: bə·nō·ṯay (N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">my daughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: tiq·qaḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">take</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">other</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bə·nō·ṯay (N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter."></a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: nā·šîm (N-fp) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">wives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">although no</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">one</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">is with us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rə·’êh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">remember</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">that God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘êḏ (N-ms) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">is a witness</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bê·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- An interval, space between. ">between you and me.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇê·ne·ḵā (Conj-w:: Prep:: 2ms) -- An interval, space between. "></a> </span><span class="reftext">51</span>Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is the mound, and here is the pillar I have set up between you and me.…<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="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14-16</a></span><br />Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. / Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a></span><br />You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-6.htm">Matthew 19:6</a></span><br />So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">1 Peter 3:7</a></span><br />Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a></span><br />If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">1 Corinthians 7:10-11</a></span><br />To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Hebrews 13:4</a></span><br />Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/5-15.htm">Proverbs 5:15-19</a></span><br />Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. / Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? / Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25-33</a></span><br />Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her / to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, / and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a></span><br />If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a></span><br />Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a></span><br />If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a></span><br />who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-19.htm">Colossians 3:19</a></span><br />Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If you shall afflict my daughters, or if you shall take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness between me and you.</p><p class="hdg">afflict.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/18-18.htm">Leviticus 18:18</a></b></br> Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex <i>her</i>, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life <i>time</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Matthew 19:5,6</a></b></br> And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? … </p><p class="hdg">God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/11-10.htm">Judges 11:10</a></b></br> And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/12-5.htm">1 Samuel 12:5</a></b></br> And he said unto them, The LORD <i>is</i> witness against you, and his anointed <i>is</i> witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, <i>He is</i> witness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/29-23.htm">Jeremiah 29:23</a></b></br> Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and <i>am</i> a witness, saith the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/29-33.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Although</a> <a href="/genesis/28-9.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Betwixt</a> <a href="/genesis/16-6.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/genesis/31-43.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Ill-Treat</a> <a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Mistreat</a> <a href="/genesis/9-16.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/genesis/31-31.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/genesis/31-48.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/genesis/31-17.htm">Wives</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/29-25.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/genesis/39-10.htm">Although</a> <a href="/genesis/38-22.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm">Betwixt</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/genesis/31-55.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/acts/7-6.htm">Ill-Treat</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Mistreat</a> <a href="/genesis/40-14.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/numbers/11-12.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/genesis/31-52.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Wives</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>If you mistreat my daughters</b><br>This phrase reflects the protective concern of Laban, the father of Leah and Rachel, for his daughters. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the well-being of daughters was a significant concern for fathers, especially in marriage arrangements. The patriarchal society placed women under the authority of their fathers and then their husbands, making the father's blessing and protection crucial. This concern is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in <a href="/deuteronomy/22-13.htm">Deuteronomy 22:13-19</a>, where laws are given to protect the rights and dignity of women in marriage.<p><b>or take other wives</b><br>Polygamy was culturally accepted in the ancient Near East, and Jacob himself had multiple wives. However, this phrase indicates Laban's desire for Jacob to remain committed to Leah and Rachel. The biblical narrative often shows the complications and strife that arise from polygamous relationships, as seen in the lives of Abraham, Jacob, and David. This concern for marital fidelity foreshadows the New Testament teachings on marriage, where monogamy is emphasized, as in <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Ephesians 5:31-33</a>.<p><b>although no one is with us</b><br>This highlights the private nature of the covenant between Laban and Jacob. In ancient times, covenants were often made in the presence of witnesses to ensure accountability. The absence of human witnesses in this context underscores the solemnity and seriousness of the agreement, relying on divine witness instead. This concept of God as a witness is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing His omnipresence and omniscience, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Proverbs 15:3</a>.<p><b>remember that God is a witness between you and me.</b><br>This statement underscores the belief in God's active role in human affairs and His ability to hold individuals accountable. The invocation of God as a witness reflects the deep-seated belief in His justice and righteousness. This idea is consistent with other biblical passages where God is called upon as a witness to covenants and oaths, such as in <a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14</a>, where God is a witness to the marriage covenant. It also points to the broader biblical theme of God's covenantal faithfulness, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant between God and humanity.<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 the central figure in this passage, having fled from his father-in-law Laban.<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 with his family. Laban is concerned about the welfare of his daughters, Leah and Rachel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/leah_and_rachel.htm">Leah and Rachel</a></b><br>- The daughters of Laban and wives of Jacob. They are central to the covenant made between Jacob and Laban.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mizpah.htm">Mizpah</a></b><br>- The place where Jacob and Laban made a covenant. It serves as a witness to their agreement.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_witness.htm">God as Witness</a></b><br>- The divine presence invoked by Laban to ensure Jacob's faithfulness to the covenant regarding his daughters.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_marriage.htm">The Sanctity of Marriage</a></b><br>Marriage is a sacred covenant witnessed by God. Just as Jacob was reminded of his responsibilities, we too must honor and respect the commitments we make in marriage.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_the_ultimate_witness.htm">God as the Ultimate Witness</a></b><br>Even when no human is present, God sees and knows our actions. This should encourage us to live with integrity and faithfulness in all our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_in_relationships.htm">Accountability in Relationships</a></b><br>Laban's warning to Jacob highlights the importance of accountability. In our lives, we should seek to be accountable to God and others, ensuring our actions align with our commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_covenants.htm">The Role of Covenants</a></b><br>Covenants are serious commitments that require faithfulness. Whether in marriage or other areas of life, we should strive to uphold our promises, knowing that God is a witness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>When wronged or concerned about the future, we can trust that God sees and will act justly. Laban's reliance on God as a witness shows a trust in divine justice.<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/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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_'sons_of_god'_in_gen_6_1-4.htm">Who were the 'sons of God' in Genesis 6:1-4?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/genesis_31_19__evidence_of_teraphim's_role.htm">In Genesis 31:19, what historical evidence supports the existence or importance of household gods (teraphim), and how does it reconcile with monotheism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_'sons_of_god'_in_genesis_6_2.htm">In Genesis 6:2, who were the 'sons of God,' and how could they produce offspring with human women?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-50.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">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you mistreat</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּעַנֶּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(tə·‘an·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6031.htm">Strong's 6031: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be bowed down or afflicted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my daughters</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֹתַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nō·ṯay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common 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">or</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">take</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּקַּ֤ח</span> <span class="translit">(tiq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">other</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wives,</span><br /><span class="heb">נָשִׁים֙</span> <span class="translit">(nā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">although no</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֖ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is with us,</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמָּ֑נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<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">remember</span><br /><span class="heb">רְאֵ֕ה</span> <span class="translit">(rə·’êh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] witness</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘êḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> </span><span class="str2">A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between you and me.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּינִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/31-50.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:50 If you afflict my daughters or if (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-49.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:49"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:49" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-51.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:51"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:51" /></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>