Keraia
Genesis 31

Genesis 31:42

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

Translations

Modern
If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”
Traditional
Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
Literal
Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty. God has seen, my affliction and the toil of my hands and He judged last night.”
Latin
Nisi Deus patris mei Abraham, et timor Isaac affuisset mihi, forsitan modo nudum me dimisisses: afflictionem meam et laborem manuum mearum respexit Deus, et arguit te heri.

Original

Hebrew
English
If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”

Notes

Genesis 31:42

the Fear of Isaac: This is a name for God used here and in 31:53. It does not mean that Isaac was afraid of God in a negative way. Here, fear means deep respect, honor, and awe for God.

God was with Jacob (31:3). God saw Jacob’s hard work and faithfulness, even though Laban treated him badly. God rewarded Jacob. Laban’s dream showed Jacob that he was right.

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 Isaac Jacob Symbolic Numbers The Righteous Suffer

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people Isaac: Son of Abraham; father of Jacob and Esau

Glossary

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

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Chiding: Isaac and Laban Chide Each Other Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Dishonesty: Laban's Treatment of Jacob Father-In-Law: Unjust, Laban to Jacob Ingratitude: should be Met With: Faithfulness Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Servants: when Good: Have God with Them Thankfulness: To God of Jacob