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In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself whether there is anything of yours here with me; and if so, take it.&#8221 Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the gods. <a href="/nlt/genesis/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> But as for your gods, see if you can find them, and let the person who has taken them die! And if you find anything else that belongs to you, identify it before all these relatives of ours, and I will give it back!” But Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the household idols. <a href="/esv/genesis/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> Anyone with whom you find your gods shall not live. In the presence of our kinsmen point out what I have that is yours, and take it.” Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/bsb/genesis/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/genesis/31.htm">King James Bible</a> With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/31.htm">New King James Version</a> With whomever you find your gods, do not let him live. In the presence of our brethren, identify what I have of yours and take it with you.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The one with whom you find your gods shall not live; in the presence of our relatives point out what is yours among my belongings and take it for yourself.” Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/nasb/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The one with whom you find your gods shall not live; in the presence of our kinsmen point out what is yours among my belongings and take it for yourself.&#8221 For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “The one with whom you find your gods shall not live; in the presence of our kinsmen point out what is yours among my belongings and take it for yourself.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/lsb/genesis/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The one with whom you find your gods shall not live; in the presence of our relatives recognize what is yours among my belongings and take it for yourself.” But Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/amp/genesis/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The one with whom you find your gods shall not live; in the presence of our relatives [search my possessions and] point out whatever you find that belongs to you and take it.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. <a href="/csb/genesis/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If you find your gods with anyone here, he will not live! Before our relatives, point out anything that is yours and take it.” Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If you find your gods with anyone here, he will not live! Before our relatives, point out anything that is yours and take it.&#8221 Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. <a href="/asv/genesis/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, he shall not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/cev/genesis/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you find that any one of us has taken your idols, I'll have that person killed. Let your relatives be witnesses. Show me what belongs to you, and you can take it back." Jacob did not realize that Rachel had stolen the household idols. <a href="/erv/genesis/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, he shall not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/gwt/genesis/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If you find your gods, the one who has them will not be allowed to live. In the presence of our relatives, search as much as you want through what I have, and take what is yours." (Jacob didn't know that Rachel had stolen the gods.) <a href="/gnt/genesis/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if you find that anyone here has your gods, he will be put to death. Here, with our men as witnesses, look for anything that belongs to you and take what is yours." Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen Laban's gods. <a href="/isv/genesis/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now as to your gods, if you find someone has them in their possession, he's a dead man. Take our relatives as witnesses, search through our belongings, and take whatever belongs to you that's in my possession." But Jacob didn't know that Rachel had stolen the idols. <a href="/msb/genesis/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/genesis/31.htm">NET Bible</a> Whoever has taken your gods will be put to death! In the presence of our relatives identify whatever is yours and take it." (Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.) <a href="/nheb/genesis/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. In the presence of our relatives, identify what I have that is yours, and take it with you. "For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/wbt/genesis/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee: for Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/web/genesis/31.htm">World English Bible</a> Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For Jacob didn’t know that Rachel had stolen them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> with whomsoever you find your gods—he must not live; before our brothers discern for yourself what [is] with me, and take to yourself”: and Jacob has not known that Rachel has stolen them. <a href="/ylt/genesis/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> with whomsoever thou findest thy gods -- he doth not live; before our brethren discern for thyself what is with me, and take to thyself:' and Jacob hath not known that Rachel hath stolen them. <a href="/slt/genesis/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> With whom thou shalt find thy gods, he shall not live: before our brethren, behold for thyself what is with me and take to thee: and Jacob knew not that Rachel stole them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But whereas thou chargest me with theft: with whomsoever thou shalt find thy gods, let him be slain before our brethren. Search, and if thou find any of thy things with me, take them away. Now when he said this, he knew not that Rachel had stolen the idols. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But, since you accuse me of theft, with whomever you will find your gods, let him be slain in the sight of our brothers. Search; anything of yours that you will find with me, take it away.” Now when he said this, he did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. <a href="/nabre/genesis/31.htm">New American Bible</a> As for your gods, the one you find them with shall not remain alive! If, with our kinsmen looking on, you identify anything here as belonging to you, take it.” Jacob had no idea that Rachel had stolen the household images. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But anyone with whom you find your gods shall not live. In the presence of our kinsfolk, point out what I have that is yours, and take it.” Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the gods.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> With whomsoever you find your gods, he shall not live; moreover, in the presence of our brethren point out whatever I have that belongs to you, and take it for yourself. For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The one with whom your gods are found shall not live. Make known what I have that is yours before our brethren and take it for yourself”; and Yaquuv did not know that Rakhyl had stolen them.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, he shall not live; before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee.'--For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.-- <a href="/sep/genesis/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Jacob said, With whomsoever thou shalt find thy gods, he shall not live in the presence of our brethren; take notice of what I have of thy property, and take it; and he observed nothing with him, but Jacob knew not that his wife Rachel had stolen them. <a href="/parallel/genesis/31-32.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=7796" 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> …31“I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force. 32<a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: tim·ṣā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To attain to, find. ">If you find</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/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your gods</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.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">anyone here,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he shall not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: yiḥ·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">live!</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: ne·ḡeḏ (Prep) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">In the presence of</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’a·ḥê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">our relatives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5234.htm" title="5234: hak·ker- (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To regard, recognize. ">see</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">for yourself</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">if anything</a> <a href="/hebrew/5978.htm" title="5978: ‘im·mā·ḏî (Prep:: 1cs) -- Along with, against, by, from">is yours,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wə·qaḥ- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">and take</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">it back.”</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.">For Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/7354.htm" title="7354: rā·ḥêl (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Jacob. The same as rachel; Rachel, a wife of Jacob.">Rachel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1589.htm" title="1589: gə·nā·ḇā·ṯam (V-Qal-Perf-3fs:: 3mp) -- To steal. A primitive root; to thieve; by implication, to deceive.">had stolen the idols.</a> 33So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent, and then the tents of the two maidservants, but he found nothing. Then he left Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent.…<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="/joshua/7-10.htm">Joshua 7:10-26</a> But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face? / Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions. / This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction. ... <a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm">1 Samuel 14:38-45</a> Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. / As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. / Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. ... <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1-4</a> “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. / If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed. / But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft. ... <a href="/leviticus/6-1.htm">Leviticus 6:1-5</a> And the LORD said to Moses, / “If someone sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in regard to a deposit or security entrusted to him or stolen, or if he extorts his neighbor / or finds lost property and lies about it and swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that a man might commit— ... <a href="/deuteronomy/24-7.htm">Deuteronomy 24:7</a> If a man is caught kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. So you must purge the evil from among you. <a href="/2_kings/5-20.htm">2 Kings 5:20-27</a> Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” / So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” / “Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’” ... <a href="/proverbs/6-30.htm">Proverbs 6:30-31</a> Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. / Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house. <a href="/zechariah/5-3.htm">Zechariah 5:3-4</a> Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed. / I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.” <a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a> Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one. <a href="/matthew/26-21.htm">Matthew 26:21-25</a> And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” / Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. ... <a href="/mark/14-18.htm">Mark 14:18-21</a> And while they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you who is eating with Me will betray Me.” / They began to be grieved and to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I?” / He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me. ... <a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a> But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.” <a href="/john/13-21.htm">John 13:21-30</a> After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant. / One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. ... <a href="/acts/5-1.htm">Acts 5:1-11</a> Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ... <a href="/romans/2-21.htm">Romans 2:21-22</a> you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? / You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>With whomsoever you find your gods, let him not live: before our brothers discern you what is your with me, and take it to you. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.whomsoever.<a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Genesis 31:19,30</a> And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's… <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Genesis 44:9-12</a> With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen… before.<a href="/genesis/31-23.htm">Genesis 31:23</a> And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.<a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Genesis 13:8</a> And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.<a href="/genesis/19-7.htm">Genesis 19:7</a> And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.For Jacob.<a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24-29</a> And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/12-7.htm">Belongings</a> <a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/27-23.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/genesis/27-20.htm">Find</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-1.htm">Findest</a> <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/genesis/31-31.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-25.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/genesis/28-4.htm">Live</a> <a href="/genesis/25-32.htm">Point</a> <a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/31-25.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Search</a> <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/genesis/27-21.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/genesis/19-12.htm">Whomsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/45-20.htm">Belongings</a> <a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/37-32.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/genesis/31-33.htm">Find</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-3.htm">Findest</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/genesis/31-33.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/genesis/34-10.htm">Live</a> <a href="/genesis/46-28.htm">Point</a> <a href="/genesis/31-35.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/genesis/31-33.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Search</a> <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Whomsoever</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>If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! Jacob's declaration reflects the seriousness of idolatry in the patriarchal period. The possession of foreign gods was a grave offense, violating the covenant relationship with Yahweh. This statement underscores the severity of idolatry, which is consistently condemned throughout Scripture (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-4</a>). The death penalty for idolatry is later codified in the Mosaic Law (<a href="/deuteronomy/13-6.htm">Deuteronomy 13:6-10</a>). Jacob's ignorance of Rachel's actions highlights the tension between familial loyalty and covenant faithfulness.In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” Jacob invites Laban to search for his household gods in the presence of witnesses, emphasizing transparency and accountability. This reflects ancient Near Eastern customs where disputes were often settled publicly to ensure fairness. The presence of relatives as witnesses is significant, as it aligns with the cultural practice of involving family in legal matters (<a href="/genesis/23-10.htm">Genesis 23:10-18</a>). This public search also serves to clear Jacob's name from any accusations of theft, maintaining his integrity.For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. This phrase reveals a critical plot point: Jacob's unawareness of Rachel's actions. Rachel's theft of the idols, or teraphim, may have been motivated by a desire for inheritance rights or protection, as these objects were often associated with household authority and divination (<a href="/judges/17-5.htm">Judges 17:5</a>). Her actions introduce a moral complexity, as she is both a beloved wife and a transgressor of the covenant. This incident foreshadows future familial conflicts and highlights the theme of deception that recurs in Jacob's life (<a href="/genesis/27-35.htm">Genesis 27:35-36</a>). Rachel's actions also contrast with the faithfulness expected of the covenant community, pointing to the need for internal purification and loyalty to God alone.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> The patriarch who unknowingly declared a curse upon the thief of Laban's household gods, unaware that his beloved wife Rachel was the culprit. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rachel.htm">Rachel</a> Jacob's wife who secretly took her father Laban's household idols, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's provision and protection. 3. <a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a> Rachel's father, who pursued Jacob to retrieve his household gods, indicating his attachment to these idols. 4. <a href="/topical/h/household_gods.htm">Household Gods (Idols)</a> Objects of worship or protection in Laban's household, representing a spiritual conflict between the worship of the one true God and idolatry. 5. <a href="/topical/r/relatives.htm">Relatives</a> The family members present during the confrontation between Jacob and Laban, serving as witnesses to the unfolding events.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_idolatry.htm">The Danger of Idolatry</a> Idolatry can subtly infiltrate our lives, leading us away from trusting in God alone. We must be vigilant in identifying and removing anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Jacob's unknowing curse upon the thief of the idols reminds us to be cautious with our words, as they can have unintended consequences. <a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_faith.htm">Family Dynamics and Faith</a> The incident reveals the complexities of family relationships and the need for transparency and trust, especially in matters of faith. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a> Despite human failings, God's plan prevails. Jacob's journey and protection illustrate God's faithfulness to His promises. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> When we recognize idolatry or sin in our lives, we must seek repentance and restoration, aligning ourselves with God's will.<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/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> <a href="/q/why_did_god_speak_to_idolater_laban.htm">In Genesis 31:24, why would God communicate with Laban if Laban worshipped other gods, and how does this align with other biblical passages about idolatry?</a> <a href="/q/can_a_touch_injure_jacob's_hip.htm">How is it scientifically plausible for Jacob's hip to be permanently injured simply by a touch (Gen. 32:25)?</a> <a href="/q/could_jacob_be_tricked_into_marrying_leah.htm">Genesis 29:23-25: Is it believable that Jacob could be deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel without noticing?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/genesis/31-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>If you find תִּמְצָ֣א (tim·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present your gods אֱלֹהֶיךָ֮ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative with עִ֠ם (‘im) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with anyone here, אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he shall not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no live! יִֽחְיֶה֒ (yiḥ·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> To live, to revive In the presence of נֶ֣גֶד (ne·ḡeḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before our relatives, אַחֵ֧ינוּ (’a·ḥê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) see הַֽכֶּר־ (hak·ker-) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5234.htm">Strong's 5234: </a> To regard, recognize for yourself לְךָ֛ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> if anything מָ֥ה (māh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what is yours, עִמָּדִ֖י (‘im·mā·ḏî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5978.htm">Strong's 5978: </a> Against, by, from, me, mine, of, that I take, unto, and take וְקַֽח־ (wə·qaḥ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take it back.” לָ֑ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> For Jacob יַעֲקֹ֔ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc did not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no know יָדַ֣ע (yā·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction Rachel רָחֵ֖ל (rā·ḥêl) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7354.htm">Strong's 7354: </a> Rachel -- a wife of Jacob had stolen [the idols]. גְּנָבָֽתַם׃ (gə·nā·ḇā·ṯam) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1589.htm">Strong's 1589: </a> To thieve, to deceive <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/31-32.htm">OT Law: Genesis 31:32 Anyone you find your gods with shall (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/31-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 31:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/31-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 31:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 31:33" /></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>