Keraia
Genesis 31

Genesis 31:35

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

Translations

Modern
Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched but could not find the household idols.
Traditional
And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.
Literal
And she said to her father, “Do not let it burn in the eyes of my lord that I am not able to rise before you, for the way of women is with me.” And he searched and he did not find the teraphim.
Latin
…ait: Ne irascatur dominus meus quod coram te assurgere nequeo: quia juxta consuetudinem feminarum nunc accidit mihi: sic delusa sollicitudo quærentis est.

Original

Hebrew
English
Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched but could not find the household idols.

Notes

Genesis 31:33–35

Laban searched for the idols but did not find them. He did not think that a woman in her monthly bleeding would make the idols ceremonially unclean by sitting on them (see Leviticus 15:19–24).

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

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Laban (Person) Monotheism Nathanael Nuzi, Nuzi Tablets Patriarchs, Period of the Wages

Topics

Chiding: Isaac and Laban Chide Each Other Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Manners in Presence of Superiors Menstruation: Immunities of Women During Rachel: Steals the Household Images (Teraphim, Legal Deed) of Her Father Teraphim used by Laban, Stolen by Rachael Teraphim: Condemned and Disposed of by Jacob Theft and Thieves by Rachel, of the Household Gods (Teraphim)