Genesis 31:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Ya'akov answered Lavan, "Because I was afraid. I said, 'Suppose you take your daughters away from me by force?'

Berean Standard Bible:

“I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.

American Standard Version:

And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Lest thou shouldest take thy daughters from me by force.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Jacob^{H3290} answered^{H6030} and said^{H559} to Laban^{H3837}, Because I was afraid^{H3372}: for I said^{H559}, Peradventure^{H6435} thou wouldest take by force^{H1497} thy daughters^{H1323} from me.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 31:31

1. **Themes:**
- **Fear and Protection:** Jacob expresses his fear that Laban might take his daughters, Rachel and Leah, away from him by force. This reflects the theme of vulnerability and the need for self-preservation and protection of one's family.
- **Trust and Deception:** The verse hints at the underlying tension and lack of trust between Jacob and Laban, stemming from past deceptions (such as Jacob's taking of Laban's blessing and flocks).
- **Family Dynamics:** The complex relationships within the family unit are highlighted, showcasing the interplay of power, control, and autonomy.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Patriarchal Society:** The narrative is set in a patriarchal society where women were often treated as property, and their marriages were arranged for the benefit of the family.
- **Nomadic Life:** Jacob and Laban are part of a nomadic people, for whom livestock and family were central to their survival and prosperity.
- **Covenant Relationships:** At this point in the biblical narrative, Jacob is part of God's covenant with Abraham and Isaac, and his actions are often in the context of fulfilling the promises made to his ancestors.

In Genesis 31:31, Jacob is responding to Laban's accusation of leaving without notice. Jacob's fear of losing his wives reflects the insecurity of his position as a dependent in Laban's household, despite his growing wealth and family. This moment is part of the larger story of Jacob's journey towards independence and fulfillment of his role in the covenant lineage, eventually leading to his reconciliation with Esau and the establishment of his own household in Canaan.

*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: H3290
   There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
   Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
   Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
   Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6030
   There are 317 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָנָה
   Transliteration: ʻânâh
   Pronunciation: aw-naw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce; give account, afflict (by mistake for עָנָה), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for עָנָה), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also בֵּית עֲנוֹת, בֵּית עֲנָת.
   
3. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3837
   There are 47 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָבָן
   Transliteration: Lâbân
   Pronunciation: law-bawn'
   Description: the same as לָבָן; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert; Laban.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3372
   There are 305 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָרֵא
   Transliteration: yârêʼ
   Pronunciation: yaw-ray'
   Description: a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten; affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing).
   
6. Strong's Number: H6435
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֵּן
   Transliteration: pên
   Pronunciation: pane
   Description: from פָּנָה; properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest; (lest) (peradventure), that...not.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1497
   There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גָּזַל
   Transliteration: gâzal
   Pronunciation: gaw-zal'
   Description: a primitive root; to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob; catch, consume, exercise (robbery), pluck (off), rob, spoil, take away (by force, violence), tear.
   
8. Strong's Number: H1323
   There are 499 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בַּת
   Transliteration: bath
   Pronunciation: bath
   Description: from בָּנָה (as feminine of בֵּן); a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively); apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village.