Keraia
Genesis 31

Genesis 31:32

Laban Pursues Jacob · Genesis 31:22–42
Read Genesis 31

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
With whomever you find your gods, he shall not live; before our brothers discern what of yours is with me, and take it with you.” And Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.
Latin
Quod autem furti me arguis: apud quemcumque inveneris deos tuos, necetur coram fratribus nostris: scrutare, quidquid tuorum apud me inveneris, et aufer. Hæc dicens, ignorabat quod Rachel furata esset idola.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

Genesis 31:32

Jacob was so sure he did not have the gods that he made an oath that unknowingly put Rachel under a death sentence.

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 Rachel Symbolic Numbers

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Rachel: Wife of Jacob; mother of Joseph and Benjamin

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Birthright Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Gods and Goddesses Jacob Laban (Person) Monotheism Nathanael Nuzi, Nuzi Tablets 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 Teraphim used by Laban, Stolen by Rachael