Genesis 31:31

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

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.

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

โ€œI was afraid,โ€ Jacob answered, โ€œfor I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.

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

In Genesis 31:31, Jacob responds to Laban's angry confrontation, explaining his clandestine departure. Laban had pursued Jacob for seven days, accusing him of stealing his household gods (teraphim) and taking his daughters and grandchildren without proper farewell. Here, Jacob gives his primary human reason for fleeing secretly: fear.

Context

This verse is part of the dramatic climax of Jacob's twenty-year sojourn with his uncle and father-in-law, Laban. After years of being exploited and deceived by Laban, Jacob finally decides to return to the land of Canaan, as he was commanded by God (see Genesis 31:3). However, instead of an open departure, Jacob leaves secretly. Laban's pursuit, fueled by anger and suspicion, leads to this tense confrontation. Jacob's answer reveals his deep distrust of Laban's character, stemming from years of experience with his manipulative ways, notably Laban's deception regarding Leah and Rachel.

Key Themes

  • Fear as a Motivator: Jacob explicitly states his fear ("Because I was afraid") as the reason for his actions. This highlights how human fear can drive decisions, sometimes even overshadowing direct divine guidance.
  • Laban's Character: Jacob's fear is rooted in his understanding of Laban's possessive and potentially violent nature. The phrase "Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me" underscores Laban's reputation for injustice and control over his family and possessions.
  • Distrust and Conflict: The verse encapsulates the deep-seated distrust and conflict that characterized the relationship between Jacob and Laban. Despite being family, their interactions were marked by exploitation and suspicion.
  • Divine Protection Amidst Human Weakness: Although Jacob acts out of fear, God had already intervened, warning Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob (see Genesis 31:24). This illustrates God's faithfulness to protect His chosen, even when they falter in their trust.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "take by force" translates the Hebrew word gazal (ื’ึธึผื–ึทืœ), which means to rob, plunder, or snatch away, often with violence or injustice. Jacob's choice of this strong verb reveals his perception of Laban not just as someone who might merely prevent their departure, but as one who would unjustly seize his daughters and grandchildren, effectively enslaving them or separating them from him. This word choice emphasizes the severity of Jacob's apprehension.

Practical Application

Jacob's confession in Genesis 31:31 offers several practical insights for believers today:

  • Acknowledging Our Fears: Like Jacob, we often make decisions driven by fearโ€”fear of loss, conflict, or the unknown. This verse reminds us that it's okay to acknowledge these fears.
  • Trusting God's Sovereignty: Even when we act out of fear, God remains sovereign and faithful to His promises. Jacob's secret departure was driven by fear, but God still protected him from Laban's wrath. This encourages us to continually place our trust in God, even when our own faith is weak.
  • Understanding Human Relationships: The narrative between Jacob and Laban is a complex study of family dynamics, manipulation, and the consequences of broken trust. It serves as a reminder to seek reconciliation and honesty in our relationships, but also to recognize when boundaries are necessary to protect ourselves and our families from harmful influences.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 29:25

    ยถ 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.
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