Genesis 31:38

Translations

Modern

I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock.

Traditional

This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

Literal

These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your female goats have not miscarried, and the rams of your flock I have not eaten.

Latin

Idcirco viginti annis fui tecum? oves tuæ et capræ steriles non fuerunt, arietes gregis tui non comedi:

Original

Hebrew

English

I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock.

Notes

Genesis 31:36–42

Jacob answered by accusing Laban of making false charges and humiliating him. Now Laban was the one who had to answer, because his charges were insulting and seemed to have no basis.

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 The Righteous Suffer

Related verses

Genesis 30:27
But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”
Deuteronomy 28:4
The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.
Exodus 23:26
No woman in your land will miscarry or be barren; I will fulfill the number of your days.
Ezekiel 34:2–4
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?
Genesis 30:30
Indeed, you had very little before my arrival, but now your wealth has increased many times over. The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot. But now, when may I also provide for my own household?”

Glossary

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

Topics

Chiding: Isaac and Laban Chide Each Other Dishonesty: Laban's Treatment of Jacob Ingratitude: should be Met With: Faithfulness Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Servants: Good: Jacob Shepherd: One Who Cares for Flocks of Sheep Teraphim: Condemned and Disposed of by Jacob

Genesis 31:38

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