Genesis 31:16

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Genesis 31:16 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, as the sisters affirm their loyalty to Jacob and their trust in God's leading. Their words underscore a profound recognition of God's hand in their lives and a clear call to obedience.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse comes at the climax of Jacob’s twenty-year sojourn with his uncle and father-in-law, Laban, in Paddan-Aram. Laban had repeatedly exploited Jacob, changing his wages ten times (Genesis 31:7). However, God intervened, ensuring Jacob’s prosperity despite Laban's schemes (Genesis 31:9). God then commanded Jacob to return to the land of his fathers (Genesis 31:3, Genesis 31:13). In this verse, Leah and Rachel express their deep alienation from their father, Laban, feeling he had treated them as strangers and "sold" them, effectively squandering their bridal price (Genesis 31:15). Their statement here is a powerful declaration of solidarity with Jacob and an acknowledgment of God's divine justice, setting the stage for their departure from Laban's household.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Justice: The sisters clearly articulate their belief that the wealth Jacob acquired was not merely a result of his labor, but a direct act of God’s justice. God had "taken from our father" (Laban) and given it to Jacob and his family. This highlights God’s active role in righting wrongs and providing for His covenant people, ensuring that justice prevails even against deceitful practices.
  • Obedience to God's Word: The latter part of the verse, "now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do," serves as a crucial endorsement of Jacob's decision to leave Laban. It emphasizes the paramount importance of immediate and full obedience to God's revealed will, even when it requires significant life changes or confrontation. This theme resonates throughout the biblical narrative, from Abraham's call (Genesis 12:1) to the New Testament's emphasis on living in obedience to Christ's commands.
  • Family Unity and Support: Despite the historical rivalry between Leah and Rachel (especially concerning childbearing, as seen in Genesis 30:1), they stand united with Jacob in this critical moment. Their shared grievance against Laban and their mutual recognition of God's blessing on Jacob fostered a strong sense of family solidarity, essential for their journey ahead.
  • Rightful Inheritance and Provision: The "riches" are viewed not just as wages, but as a rightful inheritance belonging to them and their children. This perspective underscores God's provision for future generations and the establishment of Jacob’s household as a distinct entity under God's blessing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "God hath taken from our father" (Hebrew: הֶעֱצִיל אֱלֹהִים מֵאָבִינוּ - he'etzil Elohim me'avinu) implies a divine act of transfer or removal. It's not merely that Jacob earned the wealth, but that God actively separated or "took" it from Laban's control and appointed it to Jacob's family. This highlights God's sovereignty over material possessions and His role as the ultimate dispenser of justice and blessing, particularly in the context of the covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Practical Application

Genesis 31:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us to trust in God's providence, knowing that He sees injustice and will ultimately work for the good of those who are His. Even when circumstances seem unfair, God is able to turn them for our benefit and provide for our needs. Furthermore, the sisters' unwavering counsel to "whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do" serves as a powerful call to radical obedience to God's Word. Our greatest security and blessing come from aligning our lives with His divine will, even when it requires courage and stepping out in faith, much like Jacob's departure from Laban's influence and the subsequent encounter at Peniel.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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