Genesis 31:26

Translations

Modern

Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war!

Traditional

And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?

Literal

And Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? And you have stolen my heart, and you have driven my daughters like captives of the sword!

Latin

Et dixit ad Jacob: Quare ita egisti, ut clam me abigeres filias meas quasi captivas gladio?

Original

Hebrew

English

Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war!

Notes

Genesis 31:25–30

The dispute between the two men used the language of legal controversies and lawsuits (see also 31:36). Laban first argued that Jacob had wronged him by stealing from him.

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

1 Samuel 30:2
They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.
Genesis 26:10
“What is this you have done to us?” asked Abimelech. “One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.”
Genesis 12:18
So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?
Genesis 31:16
Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”
Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Joshua 7:19
So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
Genesis 34:29
They carried off all their possessions and women and children, and they plundered everything in their houses.
Genesis 4:10
“What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.
Genesis 3:13
Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied, “and I ate.”
Genesis 31:36
Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me?
1 Samuel 14:43
“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?”
1 Samuel 17:29
“What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?”

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) Birthright Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Laban (Person) Monotheism Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Teraphim Wages

Topics

Chiding: Isaac and Laban Chide Each Other Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Laban

Genesis 31:26

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