Genesis 31:1

Translations

Modern

Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.”

Traditional

And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory.

Literal

And Jacob heard the words of the sons of Laban, saying, “Jacob has taken away everything that belonged to our father, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.”

Latin

Postquam autem audivit verba filiorum Laban dicentium: Tulit Jacob omnia quæ fuerunt patris nostri, et de illius facultate ditatus, factus est inclytus:

Original

Hebrew

English

Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.”

Notes

Genesis 31:1–2

Laban’s sons became more hostile toward Jacob because his flocks were growing faster than theirs. They were jealous because God was blessing Jacob. They were also afraid that he might take over everything they had.

Genesis 31:1–21

Jacob’s return journey led to a conflict with Laban. This conflict created a lasting boundary between Israel (Jacob) and Aram (Laban). God kept his promise to Jacob. He made Jacob successful in Paddan-aram and protected him as he traveled back home.

Genesis 29:1–31:55

These chapters describe how God fulfilled his promise by greatly blessing Jacob with a family and possessions. God also disciplined Jacob, leaving him to struggle with Laban for many years. Laban was Jacob’s match in deception, and thus a means of correction.
The story of Jacob and Laban is similar to Israel's later stay in Egypt. Jacob struggled while serving his uncle but finally emerged with a large family (the founders of the 12 tribes) and great wealth. In Egypt, the Israelites suffered under their oppressors, but they also flourished, becoming a great nation of 12 large tribes and escaping with great riches.

Theme notes and profiles

Arameans Jacob Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Ecclesiastes 4:4
I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Job 31:31
…if the men of my house have not said, ‘Who is there who has not had his fill?’—
Psalm 57:4
My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Job 31:24–25
If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security,
Ezekiel 16:44
Behold, all who speak in proverbs will quote this proverb about you: ‘Like mother, like daughter.’
Esther 5:11
Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants.
Psalm 17:14
…from such men, O LORD, by Your hand—from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.
Psalm 49:16–17
Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases.
1 Timothy 6:4
…he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
Titus 3:3
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Psalm 120:3–5
What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue?

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Laban: Brother of Rebekah; father of Leah and Rachel

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Envy: Laban's Sons Envy: Laban's Sons, of Jacob Ingratitude: Laban to Jacob Jacob: Dissatisfied with Laban's Treatment and Returns to the Land of Canaan Laban: Outwitted by Jacob Slander: Laban's Sons

Genesis 31:1

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