Keraia
Genesis 31

Genesis 31:43

Jacob’s Covenant with Laban · Genesis 31:43–55
Read Genesis 31

Translations

Modern
But Laban answered Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne?
Traditional
And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born?
Literal
And Laban answered and said to Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, and these sons are my sons, and the flock is my flock, and all that you see is mine. And for my daughters, what can I do to these today, or to their sons whom they have borne?
Latin
Respondit ei Laban: Filiæ meæ et filii, et greges tui, et omnia quæ cernis, mea sunt: quid possum facere filiis et nepotibus meis?

Original

Hebrew
English
But Laban answered Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne?

Notes

Genesis 31:43–44

Laban wanted a treaty to end the dispute because he felt unsafe and wanted to secure the borders. Jacob did not need a treaty because God had provided for him and protected 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

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) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him