Genesis 31:16

KJV

For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that [is] ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

KJV (with Strong's)

For all the riches {H6239} which God {H430} hath taken {H5337} from our father {H1}, that is ours, and our children's {H1121}: now then, whatsoever God {H430} hath said {H559} unto thee, do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, the wealth which God has taken away from our father has become ours and our children's anyway; so whatever God has told you to do, do."

Berean Standard Bible

Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”

American Standard Version

For all the riches which God hath taken away from our father, that is ours and our children’s: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Captures a pivotal moment of unwavering loyalty and profound faith, as Leah and Rachel affirm their trust in God's providential justice and issue a clear directive to Jacob: to obey God's command without hesitation. Their declaration underscores a deep recognition that the wealth Jacob acquired was divinely orchestrated, not merely a result of his labor or Laban's grudging concessions, and serves as a powerful endorsement for their imminent departure from Laban's household in obedience to God's revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of a crucial dialogue between Jacob and his wives, Leah and Rachel, preceding their clandestine departure from Laban. Jacob has just recounted his dream and God's explicit command to return to the land of his birth, highlighting Laban's repeated deceit and God's consistent intervention on Jacob's behalf ([Genesis 31:3-13](/genesis/31-3-13 "God's Command and Jacob's Dream")). Leah and Rachel's response in [Genesis 31:14-16](/genesis/31-14-16 "Leah and Rachel's Response to Jacob") is a decisive affirmation of Jacob's plan, aligning their will with his and, more importantly, with God's. Their statement here validates Jacob's decision to leave and underscores the shared understanding within the family that God is actively guiding their steps and rectifying past injustices, setting the stage for the dramatic flight from Laban.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a man typically paid a "mohar" or bridal price to the bride's father. This payment was intended to compensate the family for the loss of their daughter's labor and to establish the daughter's security within her husband's household. Laban, however, had exploited Jacob's labor for twenty years, effectively "selling" his daughters and then squandering their bridal price, treating them as strangers ([Genesis 31:15](/genesis/31-15 "Leah and Rachel's grievance against Laban")). This cultural background highlights the depth of Leah and Rachel's grievance and their understanding that Laban had defrauded them of their rightful inheritance and security. Their declaration that the wealth "is ours, and our children's" reflects a deep concern for their future and the legal rights of their offspring, acknowledging God's intervention as the only means to secure what was justly theirs in a society where women had limited legal recourse.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 31:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Providence and Justice**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people, even in the face of human deceit and exploitation. God is shown as the one who rights wrongs and ensures His promises are fulfilled, as seen in His protection of Jacob's prosperity despite Laban's schemes ([Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban's deceit and God's protection of Jacob")). The verse also highlights the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, emphasizing that God's revealed will requires immediate and decisive action, a principle foundational to the covenant relationship established with Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "The Call of Abraham")). Furthermore, it speaks to **Family Unity and Loyalty**, as Leah and Rachel, despite their historical rivalries, unite with Jacob in shared faith and purpose, recognizing God's hand in their collective destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 31:16 encapsulates the sisters' complete alignment with Jacob's decision to depart from Laban, grounding their support in both a recognition of divine justice and a commitment to divine command. Their declaration is twofold, addressing both the material provision and the spiritual directive.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **riches (Hebrew, _ʻôsher'_):** From a root meaning "to be rich," this word signifies wealth, abundance, or prosperity. Here, it refers to the flocks, servants, and other possessions Jacob had accumulated. Leah and Rachel's use of this term, coupled with their assertion that God "taken" it from Laban, highlights their understanding that this material prosperity is not merely the fruit of Jacob's labor but a divinely ordained transfer of resources, intended for their family's well-being and security.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, used here with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. Its use emphasizes the divine agency behind the events. Leah and Rachel attribute the acquisition of wealth directly to God, acknowledging His ultimate authority and active intervention in their lives. This points to a theological understanding that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in human affairs, especially in upholding justice for His covenant people.
* **taken (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This primitive root means "to snatch away," "deliver," "rescue," or "recover." The nuance here is crucial: it implies a forceful or decisive removal from one's grasp, often with the connotation of liberation or rescue. Leah and Rachel perceive God's action as a righteous act of snatching away what Laban unjustly withheld, thereby delivering it to Jacob and his family as their rightful due. This word underscores the active, powerful, and just nature of God's intervention.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A very broad verb meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense, encompassing actions, accomplishments, and execution. In this imperative form, it conveys a strong command for immediate and complete obedience. Leah and Rachel are not merely agreeing with Jacob; they are urging him to act decisively and fully in accordance with God's word, emphasizing that divine revelation demands a corresponding response of action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that [is] ours, and our children's":** This opening clause reveals Leah and Rachel's profound understanding of divine providence and justice. They do not merely see Jacob's accumulated wealth as the result of his labor or Laban's grudging concession, but as a direct, sovereign act of God. The phrase "God hath taken from our father" implies a divine intervention to reclaim what was rightfully due to Jacob and his family, transferring it from Laban's unjust control. This highlights God's role as the ultimate dispenser of justice, ensuring that even in situations of exploitation, His covenant people are provided for and their rights upheld. The declaration that these riches belong to "ours, and our children's" underscores the concept of rightful inheritance and God's provision for future generations, establishing Jacob’s household as a distinct entity under God's blessing. This shared grievance against Laban and mutual recognition of God’s blessing fostered a strong sense of family solidarity, essential for their journey ahead, despite their historical rivalry.
* **"now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do":** This concluding imperative serves as a crucial endorsement of Jacob's decision to leave Laban. It shifts the focus from what God *has done* (provision and justice) to what God *has commanded*. The sisters' counsel emphasizes the paramount importance of immediate and full obedience to God's revealed will, even when it requires significant life changes, confrontation, or stepping into the unknown. This statement is not merely an agreement but an exhortation, urging Jacob to act decisively based on God's clear instruction. It reflects a deep faith that God's commands are always for their good and that obedience is the path to security and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Direct Speech** is central, as it presents the unvarnished and authoritative counsel of Leah and Rachel, highlighting their agency and their shared conviction. The sisters' words function as an **Affirmation** and **Exhortation**, confirming Jacob's course of action while simultaneously urging him to complete obedience. There is also a strong element of **Divine Agency**, as the sisters explicitly attribute the transfer of wealth to God's direct action, framing the narrative through a theological lens rather than merely a human one. This underscores the pervasive theme of God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leah and Rachel's declaration in Genesis 31:16 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His relationship with humanity. It asserts God's ultimate **sovereignty over material possessions**, demonstrating that He is not merely a passive observer but actively orchestrates the distribution of wealth according to His justice and covenant purposes, ensuring His people are provided for. This verse powerfully portrays God as the **Righteous Judge**, who sees injustice and rights wrongs, intervening on behalf of the oppressed and ensuring that those who exploit others do not ultimately prosper at the expense of His chosen ones. Furthermore, the imperative "whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do" establishes the **primacy of obedience to God's Word** as a foundational biblical principle, underscoring that divine revelation demands an immediate and unreserved response, forming the basis of a faithful relationship with God.

* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "God gives the power to get wealth")
* [Psalm 37:28](/psalm/37-28 "The Lord loves justice")
* [John 14:21](/john/14-21 "Love for Jesus demonstrated through obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 31:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us to trust implicitly in God's providence, especially when facing injustice or uncertainty. It assures us that God sees every wrong and will ultimately work all things for the good of those who are His. Even when circumstances seem unfair or when we feel exploited, this verse encourages us that God is able to turn situations for our benefit and provide for our needs in ways we cannot foresee, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Furthermore, Leah and Rachel's unwavering counsel to "whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do" serves as a powerful call to radical, unreserved obedience to God's Word. Our greatest security, peace, and blessing come from aligning our lives completely with His divine will, even when it requires courage, significant life changes, or stepping out in faith, much like Jacob's departure from Laban's influence and his subsequent transformative encounter at Peniel ([Genesis 32:24-32](/genesis/32-24-32 "Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel")). This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we truly believe God is just, and are we willing to obey Him fully, even when the path is unclear?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's provision and justice more deeply, especially when you feel wronged or exploited?**
* **What specific commands or promptings from God might you be hesitant to "do" right now, and what might be hindering your full obedience?**
* **How can a shared commitment to God's will foster greater unity and resolve within your family or community, even amidst internal tensions or disagreements?**

### FAQ
**Why is the affirmation of Leah and Rachel so significant to Jacob's decision?**

Answer: Leah and Rachel's affirmation is crucial because it provides Jacob with the necessary spousal support and validation for a momentous, potentially dangerous, decision. As his wives and mothers of his children, their agreement signified family unity and a shared commitment to God's will, which was essential for a successful and unified departure from Laban's household. It also confirmed that they, too, recognized God's hand in their lives and His command for Jacob to leave Paddan-Aram and return to the land of Canaan, as explicitly stated by God to Jacob in [Genesis 31:3](/genesis/31-3 "God commands Jacob to return").

**What does "God hath taken from our father" imply about divine justice?**

Answer: This phrase implies that God is actively involved in administering justice, especially when His people are exploited. It's not merely that Jacob earned the wealth through hard labor, but that God sovereignly intervened to transfer it from Laban, who had repeatedly cheated Jacob by changing his wages ten times ([Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban's deceitful changes to Jacob's wages")), to Jacob's family. This demonstrates God's role as a righteous judge who ensures His covenant people receive what is due to them, even if it means reallocating resources from the unjust. It underscores God's commitment to upholding His covenant promises of blessing and provision for Jacob and his descendants.

**How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of Jacob's life?**

Answer: [Genesis 31:16](/genesis/31-16 "Jacob's narrative context") is a pivotal turning point in Jacob's narrative. It marks the culmination of Jacob's twenty-year ordeal under Laban's deceit and the beginning of his return journey to the Promised Land. The sisters' affirmation of God's provision and command empowers Jacob to finally obey God's instruction to leave, setting the stage for significant events such as his reconciliation with Esau ([Genesis 33](/genesis/33 "Jacob and Esau's Reconciliation")) and his eventual establishment as the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse solidifies the family's united front in pursuing God's will, which is essential for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Jacob's lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 31:16 profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine provision and call to obedience found in Christ. Just as God "took" riches from Laban and gave them to Jacob's family as their rightful inheritance, so too does God, through Christ, reclaim humanity from the dominion of sin and death, transferring the spiritual riches of salvation, righteousness, and eternal life to those who are His by grace through faith ([Ephesians 1:7-11](/ephesians/1-7-11 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Christ Himself perfectly embodied the command "whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do," demonstrating complete and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His perfect obedience secured our spiritual inheritance, which is "ours, and our children's" in the new covenant, a spiritual patrimony far exceeding any earthly wealth ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). Thus, the material provision and call to obedience in this verse point to Christ as the one who brings true liberation from spiritual bondage, establishes a new family under God's eternal blessing ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs according to the Promise")), and perfectly fulfills the Father's commands, inviting all believers into a life of faith and obedience in Him ([John 15:10](/john/15-10 "Abiding in Christ's Love through Obedience")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 31:9

Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given [them] to me.

Psalms 45:10

¶ Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

Genesis 30:35

And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, [and] every one that had [some] white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave [them] into the hand of his sons.

Genesis 31:1

¶ And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that [was] our father's; and of [that] which [was] our father's hath he gotten all this glory.