Genesis 31:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jacob offers a candid explanation to Laban for his clandestine departure, revealing that his primary motivation was profound fear. He anticipated that Laban, known for his manipulative and exploitative nature, would forcibly reclaim his daughters (Jacob's wives) and, by extension, his grandchildren and possessions. This verse highlights the deep-seated distrust between Jacob and Laban, underscoring how human apprehension, even in the lives of those guided by divine command, can significantly influence decisions and actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of a tense confrontation between Jacob and Laban, following Jacob's secret flight from Haran after two decades of service. The preceding verses detail Laban's seven-day pursuit of Jacob, fueled by anger over Jacob's unannounced departure and the disappearance of his household idols (teraphim). Upon catching Jacob, Laban confronts him with accusations of deceit and theft ([Genesis 31:26-29](/genesis/31-26-29 "Laban Confronts Jacob")). Jacob's response in [Genesis 31:31](/genesis/31-31 "Jacob's Explanation") directly addresses Laban's implied accusation of disrespect and theft, shifting the focus from the missing idols (which Rachel had hidden) to his genuine fear of Laban's potential violence and re-enslavement of his family. This verbal exchange sets the stage for the covenant and separation that follows, marking the definitive end of Jacob's time under Laban's oppressive influence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, family ties and patriarchal authority were paramount. A father's control over his daughters, even after marriage, could extend to their children and property, especially if the marriage terms were disputed or if the daughter's husband was perceived to have wronged the father. Laban's pursuit and his accusation of Jacob "carrying away my daughters as captives taken with the sword" ([Genesis 31:26](/genesis/31-26 "Laban's Accusation")) reflect this cultural understanding of a father's rights and the gravity of Jacob's perceived offense. Furthermore, the concept of "taking by force" (Hebrew: *gâzal*) would have resonated deeply in a society where property rights and personal freedom were often secured through strength or covenant. Jacob's fear was not unfounded; Laban had already demonstrated a willingness to deceive and exploit, notably in substituting Leah for Rachel on Jacob's wedding night ([Genesis 29:25](/genesis/29-25 "Laban's Deception of Jacob")).
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 31:31](/genesis/31-31 "Jacob's Fear") contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **human fear versus divine sovereignty**. Despite God's explicit command for Jacob to return to Canaan and His promise of protection ([Genesis 31:3](/genesis/31-3 "God Commands Jacob to Return")), Jacob's immediate action was driven by fear, illustrating that even those called by God can struggle with trust. Secondly, the verse underscores the **consequences of distrust and deception** within family relationships, showing how Laban's repeated exploitation ([Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban Changes Jacob's Wages Ten Times")) fostered deep-seated apprehension in Jacob. Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant**, as He intervenes to protect Jacob even when Jacob's actions are imperfect, ensuring the continuation of the lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_):** From H3372, this primitive root means "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In this context, it denotes a profound sense of apprehension and dread, specifically a fear of what Laban might do. It's a raw, human emotion, contrasting with the reverence often associated with this word when referring to the fear of God. Jacob's fear here is a practical, survival-oriented response to a perceived threat.
* **take by force (Hebrew, _gâzal_):** From H1497, this primitive root means "to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob." It implies violent seizure, plundering, or snatching away, often with injustice or a disregard for rights. Jacob's choice of this strong verb reveals his deep understanding of Laban's character as someone capable of oppressive and unlawful actions, not merely preventing departure but actively repossessing what was rightfully Jacob's.
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath_):** From H1323, this word (feminine of H1121, _bên_, "son") refers to "a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)." Here, it specifically refers to Leah and Rachel, Jacob's wives, who are Laban's biological daughters. Jacob's fear is not just for his wives, but implicitly for his entire family and all his possessions, as the wives and their children represented his lineage and wealth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob answered and said to Laban,"**: This clause marks the direct response of Jacob to Laban's accusations and challenges. After Laban's lengthy tirade, Jacob finally speaks, indicating a shift in the dialogue from Laban's aggressive questioning to Jacob's defensive explanation. It sets the stage for Jacob's candid confession.
* **"Because I was afraid:"**: This is the core of Jacob's immediate justification for his secret departure. It is a direct and unvarnished admission of his emotional state. Jacob doesn't offer a theological or strategic reason first; his primary motive was a very human, visceral fear of Laban's potential actions. This fear is presented as the singular, driving force behind his decision.
* **"for I said,"**: This phrase introduces Jacob's internal monologue or reasoning that led to his fear. It explains the specific thought process that culminated in his apprehension. It indicates that his fear was not a sudden, irrational panic, but a considered conclusion based on his past experiences with Laban.
* **"Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me."**: This final clause articulates the precise nature of Jacob's fear. The term "Peradventure" (Hebrew: *pên*, H6435, meaning "lest") highlights the preventative nature of his flight—he acted *lest* Laban do what he feared. The phrase "take by force" (Hebrew: *gâzal*) underscores the violent and unjust nature of the act Jacob anticipated. He feared Laban would not merely detain them but would violently seize his wives and, by extension, his children and possessions, effectively reasserting control and reversing their freedom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and emotional depth. **Confession** is prominent, as Jacob openly admits his fear, a vulnerability that contrasts with his typically shrewd and calculating nature. This direct admission lends authenticity to his character. There is an element of **Antithesis** between Jacob's human fear and God's divine protection; despite Jacob's apprehension driving his actions, the narrative reveals God's prior intervention to warn Laban ([Genesis 31:24](/genesis/31-24 "God Warns Laban")), highlighting God's sovereignty over human anxieties. The phrase "take by force" serves as **Foreshadowing**, revealing Laban's character as oppressive and exploitative, a trait that has been consistently demonstrated throughout their relationship and will continue to define him. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** in Jacob, the "supplanter" (his name meaning "heel-catcher" or "supplanter"), now fearing being "taken by force" or robbed by Laban, mirroring the very tactics he himself had employed or experienced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's admission of fear in [Genesis 31:31](/genesis/31-31 "Jacob's Fear of Laban") serves as a powerful reminder that even those walking in God's will are not immune to human anxieties. It highlights the tension between divine command and human weakness, demonstrating that God's plans are often accomplished not through perfect human obedience, but through His sovereign grace that works despite and even through our imperfections. This narrative underscores the importance of trusting in God's protection, even when circumstances seem daunting or when past experiences with others breed deep distrust. It also speaks to the profound impact of broken relationships and the consequences of deception, as Laban's manipulative character directly fueled Jacob's fear.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "The Fear of Man")
* [Psalm 56:3-4](/psalms/56-3-4 "Trust in God Amidst Fear")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Do Not Worry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's candid admission of fear in [Genesis 31:31](/genesis/31-31 "Jacob's Fear") offers a deeply relatable insight for believers today. We, too, often make decisions, both large and small, driven by anxieties about loss, conflict, or the unknown. This verse encourages us to acknowledge our fears honestly, rather than denying them or allowing them to fester. More importantly, it reminds us that even when our actions are imperfect or fear-driven, God remains faithful to His promises and sovereign over our circumstances. Just as God protected Jacob despite his secret departure, He continues to work all things for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work for Good")). This narrative calls us to continually deepen our trust in God's provision and protection, even as we navigate complex and sometimes fearful human relationships, recognizing when boundaries are necessary to safeguard ourselves and our families from harmful influences. It prompts us to consider whether our fears are leading us away from or towards God's intended path, and how we might better align our trust with His unfailing love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What fears currently influence your decisions, and how might you bring those fears before God?**
* **How does Jacob's fear, despite God's command, resonate with your own experiences of trusting God amidst uncertainty?**
* **In what ways might past experiences of betrayal or manipulation from others contribute to your present anxieties, and how can you find healing and release from those patterns?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob flee secretly instead of departing openly?**

Answer: Jacob explicitly states his primary reason was fear: "Because I was afraid." He feared that Laban, given his history of manipulation and exploitation, would "take by force" (Hebrew: *gâzal*) his daughters (Jacob's wives) and, by extension, his grandchildren and all his accumulated wealth, effectively preventing their departure or re-enslaving them. This secret departure was a protective measure born out of deep distrust and a realistic assessment of Laban's character, even though God had already intervened to warn Laban not to harm Jacob ([Genesis 31:24](/genesis/31-24 "God Warns Laban")).

**What does "take by force" (Hebrew: _gâzal_) imply about Laban's character?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *gâzal* (גָּזַל) means to rob, plunder, or snatch away, often with violence or injustice. Jacob's choice of this strong term indicates his perception of Laban as not merely controlling, but as someone capable of violent and unjust seizure of property and even people. It highlights Laban's oppressive and exploitative nature, which Jacob had endured for twenty years, including changing his wages ten times ([Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban Changes Jacob's Wages")). This word choice reveals the depth of Jacob's apprehension and the perceived threat from Laban.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jacob's fear in [Genesis 31:31](/genesis/31-31 "Jacob's Fear and God's Protection") reveals human weakness and the lingering effects of a broken world, the overarching narrative points to God's unwavering protection of His covenant people, ultimately anticipating the perfect deliverer in Christ. Jacob, acting out of fear of human oppressors, foreshadows humanity's desperate need for a rescuer from the ultimate oppressor: sin and death. Unlike Jacob, who fled in fear, Jesus Christ faced His ultimate confrontation—the cross—not with apprehension, but with perfect obedience and unwavering trust in His Father ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Christ "takes by force" not from us, but *for* us, plundering the power of sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ Disarms Principalities and Powers")) and delivering His people from the bondage of fear ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ Frees from Fear of Death")) and spiritual slavery. In Christ, believers find true freedom and security that no earthly power, no manipulative individual, and no spiritual enemy can seize, for nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")).

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

Proverbs 29:25

¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Genesis 31:26

And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives [taken] with the sword?

Genesis 31:27

Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?

Genesis 20:11

And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God [is] not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.