Genesis 31:30

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And now, [though] thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, [yet] wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?

Complete Jewish Bible:

Granted that you had to leave, because you longed so deeply for your father's house; but why did you steal my gods?"

Berean Standard Bible:

Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?”

American Standard Version:

And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father’s house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And now, though thou wouldest needs^{H1980} be gone^{H1980}, because thou sore^{H3700} longedst^{H3700} after thy father's^{H1} house^{H1004}, yet wherefore hast thou stolen^{H1589} my gods^{H430}?

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 31:30

1. Themes:
- Family Dynamics and Loyalty: The verse reflects the tension between family ties and personal ambitions. Jacob's longing for his father's house represents the pull of one's familial roots.
- Theft and Deception: The accusation of theft highlights the themes of dishonesty and moral compromise, which are recurrent in the narrative of Jacob.
- Religious Beliefs and Practices: The mention of "gods" indicates the religious context of the time and the importance of idols in the cultural and spiritual life of the ancient Near East.

2. Historical Context:
- The setting is during the patriarchal period, where family units were central to society and economy. Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, is working for his uncle Laban.
- This period was characterized by a mix of polytheistic and emerging monotheistic beliefs. The "gods" mentioned were likely household idols common in Mesopotamian culture, which Laban, a Mesopotamian, would have possessed.
- Jacob's departure from Laban's household reflects the common practice of younger family members seeking to establish their own households and wealth, often leading to tensions and negotiations within the extended family.

In Genesis 31:30, Laban confronts Jacob about his secret departure, accusing him of theft, which Jacob denies. This event occurs after Jacob has worked for Laban for many years, during which time Jacob's wealth has grown significantly, leading to strained relations between the two. The verse captures the climax of this tension, as Jacob is leaving to return to his native land, Canaan, taking with him his wives, children, and flocks, which he feels he has rightfully earned.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1980
   There are 468 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הָלַךְ
   Transliteration: hâlak
   Pronunciation: haw-lak'
   Description: akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3700
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּסַף
   Transliteration: kâçaph
   Pronunciation: kaw-saf'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to become pale, i.e. (by implication) to pine after; also to fear; (have) desire, be greedy, long, sore.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1
   There are 15773 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָב
   Transliteration: ʼâb
   Pronunciation: awb
   Description: a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1004
   There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בַּיִת
   Transliteration: bayith
   Pronunciation: bah'-yith
   Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out).
   
5. Strong's Number: H1589
   There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גָּנַב
   Transliteration: gânab
   Pronunciation: gaw-nab'
   Description: a primitive root; to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive; carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth.
   
6. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.