Genesis 31:38

KJV

This twenty years [have] I [been] with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

KJV (with Strong's)

This twenty {H6242} years {H8141} have I been with thee; thy ewes {H7353} and thy she goats {H5795} have not cast their young {H7921}, and the rams {H352} of thy flock {H6629} have I not eaten {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have been with you for these twenty years! Your female sheep and goats haven't aborted their young, and I haven't eaten the male animals in your flocks.

Berean Standard Bible

I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock.

American Standard Version

These twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she-goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flocks have I not eaten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 31:38 captures a pivotal moment in Jacob's impassioned confrontation with Laban, serving as a powerful testament to his unwavering diligence and integrity over two decades of service. In this verse, Jacob meticulously details his exemplary stewardship of Laban's flocks, emphasizing their sustained health and productivity under his care, and underscoring his personal probity by never exploiting the animals for his own benefit, thereby starkly contrasting his faithful commitment with Laban's repeated deceptions and injustices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jacob's climactic verbal confrontation with Laban, following Jacob's surreptitious departure from Laban's household with his family and extensive possessions. Laban, having pursued Jacob for seven days, finally overtakes him in the region of Gilead. After Laban accuses Jacob of theft (specifically, his household gods) and of treating his daughters as captives, Jacob, emboldened by a divine warning given to Laban in a dream (as recounted in [Genesis 31:24](/genesis/31-24 "God's Warning to Laban")), unleashes a torrent of grievances. Genesis 31:38 is a key component of Jacob's detailed defense, where he systematically recounts the hardships, exploitation, and injustices he endured during his twenty years under Laban's employ, highlighting his own blameless and diligent service in stark contrast to Laban's avarice and deceit. The verses immediately preceding this one (e.g., [Genesis 31:36-37](/genesis/31-36-37 "Jacob's Challenge to Laban")) set the stage for Jacob's powerful rebuttal, and the verses following (e.g., [Genesis 31:39-42](/genesis/31-39-42 "Jacob recounts his hardships")) further elaborate on the specific trials he faced as a shepherd.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, pastoralism was a primary economic activity, and a shepherd's integrity and skill were paramount. Agreements between employers and shepherds, often involving family members, were typically verbal but carried significant social and moral weight. Shepherds were responsible for the health, safety, and increase of the flock, often bearing personal liability for any losses not due to natural causes or wild animals (see [Exodus 22:10-13](/exodus/22-10-13 "Laws concerning entrusted animals")). The practice of consuming animals from the flock, especially rams, for personal sustenance was a potential area for abuse, making Jacob's claim of abstinence a powerful assertion of his honesty. Furthermore, the concept of "wages" (as mentioned in [Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban changed Jacob's wages ten times")) was often flexible, allowing for unscrupulous employers like Laban to repeatedly alter terms to their advantage, which Jacob explicitly complains about in [Genesis 31:41](/genesis/31-41 "Jacob recounts his 20 years of service to Laban"). Jacob's detailed account reflects the common practices and ethical expectations within this pastoral society, emphasizing his adherence to an unspoken code of conduct despite Laban's transgressions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It prominently features the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God protects and prospers His covenant people (Jacob) even in exploitative circumstances, ultimately vindicating the righteous. The theme of **Integrity and Diligence in Labor** is central, as Jacob's meticulous care for Laban's flocks, despite the injustice he faced, serves as a model of faithful stewardship. This contrasts sharply with the theme of **Deception and Conflict within Family**, which is a recurring motif in Genesis, particularly between Jacob and Laban, and earlier between Jacob and Esau (as seen in [Genesis 27](/genesis/27 "Jacob's Deception of Isaac")). Ultimately, the verse underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the growth and preservation of Jacob's lineage, from whom the nation of Israel would descend, and through whom the Messiah would come (a theme woven throughout [Genesis](/genesis "The Book of Genesis")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **twenty (Hebrew, _ʻesrîym'_):** From H6242, meaning "twenty." This numerical designation is crucial as it establishes the immense duration of Jacob's service, underscoring his unwavering commitment and endurance despite the challenging and often unjust circumstances. It highlights a significant portion of Jacob's adult life dedicated to Laban's prosperity, fourteen years for his wives and six for the flocks.
* **cast their young (Hebrew, _shâkôl'_):** From H7921, meaning "to miscarry, i.e. suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it specifically refers to the ewes and she-goats not aborting or losing their offspring. Jacob's assertion that Laban's female livestock "have not cast their young" speaks volumes about his exceptional husbandry, the health of the flocks under his supervision, and implicitly, the divine blessing that rested upon his labor, ensuring productivity and preventing significant losses.
* **rams (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** From H352, meaning "properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from his strength)." The ram, being a valuable male animal, was often kept for breeding or for specific sacrificial purposes. Jacob's declaration that he "have not eaten" the rams of Laban's flock emphasizes his personal integrity and self-restraint, demonstrating his refusal to exploit his position for personal gain, even when Laban was repeatedly altering his wages and dealing deceitfully.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This twenty years have I been with thee;"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the immense duration of Jacob's service to Laban, setting the stage for his detailed account of diligence and hardship. The twenty years are meticulously accounted for in the narrative: fourteen years spent working for Laban’s daughters, Leah and Rachel (cf. [Genesis 29:20](/genesis/29-20 "Jacob's first seven years for Rachel") and [Genesis 29:27](/genesis/29-27 "Jacob's second seven years for Leah and Rachel")), followed by six years dedicated to acquiring a share of the flocks (cf. [Genesis 31:41](/genesis/31-41 "Jacob recounts his 20 years of service to Laban")). This extended period underscores Jacob's remarkable endurance and the significant portion of his life invested in Laban's household, highlighting the depth of the exploitation he endured.
* **"thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young,"**: This statement serves as a powerful testament to Jacob's exceptional skill as a shepherd and the divine blessing upon his work. By asserting that Laban's female sheep and goats did not miscarry or lose their offspring under his care, Jacob highlights the remarkable health and productivity of the flocks entrusted to him. This indicates meticulous attention to their well-being, skilled management of breeding cycles, and protection from environmental hazards. More profoundly, it suggests God's protective hand over the flocks, ensuring their increase despite Laban's deceitful practices, thereby demonstrating divine favor upon Jacob's labor.
* **"and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten."**: This final clause emphasizes Jacob's personal integrity and self-restraint, contrasting sharply with the avarice of his employer. In a cultural context where shepherds might occasionally supplement their diet with a portion of the flock, Jacob's declaration that he abstained from consuming the rams demonstrates a high level of honesty and a commitment to preserving Laban's assets. This refusal to diminish Laban's wealth, even when Laban himself was repeatedly changing Jacob's wages and dealing dishonestly (as Jacob recounts in [Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban changed Jacob's wages ten times")), underscores Jacob's blameless conduct and unwavering adherence to his duties.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 31:38 employs several literary devices to enhance Jacob's defense. The primary device is **Testimony** or **Apologia**, as Jacob presents a detailed, verifiable account of his blameless service, directly refuting any implicit or explicit accusations of wrongdoing from Laban. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, as Jacob's diligent, honest, and productive stewardship is set against Laban's deceitful, exploitative, and avaricious nature. The specific details, such as "not cast their young" and "not eaten," function as **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, representing the totality of Jacob's careful and honest management of the flocks. Furthermore, the entire passage can be seen as a form of **Rhetorical Questioning** or **Implied Challenge**, where Jacob's undeniable record implicitly asks Laban, "How can you accuse me, given my faithful service?" The use of concrete, verifiable facts lends **Credibility** to Jacob's impassioned argument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 31:38 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of faithful stewardship, demonstrating that one's commitment to duty should not be contingent on the fairness of the circumstances or the character of the master. Jacob's meticulous care for Laban's flocks, ensuring their health and productivity despite his employer's injustice, exemplifies a profound dedication to excellence rooted in a higher calling. This passage also highlights the theme of divine oversight and vindication: despite Laban's repeated exploitation and deceit, God observed Jacob's integrity and diligence. Jacob's prosperity and the remarkable health of the flocks were ultimately a testament to God's blessing and protection, illustrating that God sees and honors the righteous, even when human systems fail to provide justice. It underscores the importance of integrity in labor and business ethics, showing that honesty and diligence are paramount, even when one is not being directly supervised or when the employer is untrustworthy.

* [Proverbs 10:9](/proverbs/10-9 "Proverbs 10:9 - Integrity in Walking")
* [Psalm 37:5-6](/psalms/37-5-6 "Psalm 37:5-6 - Trusting God for Vindication")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 31:38 offers timeless lessons for contemporary life, encouraging believers to cultivate excellence and integrity in all their endeavors, regardless of the immediate reward or recognition. Jacob's example teaches us to perform our duties with diligence and honesty, even when circumstances are difficult, employers are unjust, or our efforts go unappreciated by others. It reminds us that our commitment to excellence should stem from a desire to honor God, knowing that He sees our struggles and honors our integrity, even when human systems fail to do so. This passage challenges us to consider our own work ethic and whether we are truly giving our best, not just to human masters, but to the Lord. Furthermore, Jacob's bold confrontation with Laban demonstrates the importance of standing up for oneself and speaking truth when wronged, especially when one has a clear conscience and a verifiable record of integrity, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's diligence in caring for Laban's flocks, despite Laban's unfairness, challenge my own approach to work or responsibilities when I feel unappreciated or exploited?**
* **In what areas of my life can I demonstrate greater integrity and self-restraint, even when no one is watching or when it seems to go unnoticed?**
* **How does the principle of God's vindication for Jacob encourage me to persevere with integrity in difficult or unjust situations?**

### FAQ
**How long did Jacob serve Laban in total, and what was the nature of this service?**

Answer: Jacob served Laban for a total of twenty years. The initial fourteen years were spent working for Laban to marry his daughters, Leah and Rachel, with seven years for Rachel (as recounted in [Genesis 29:20](/genesis/29-20 "Jacob's first seven years for Rachel")) and another seven years for Leah and then Rachel (as detailed in [Genesis 29:27](/genesis/29-27 "Jacob's second seven years for Leah and Rachel")). The final six years were dedicated to working for a share of Laban's flocks, during which Laban repeatedly changed Jacob's wages, as Jacob himself testifies in [Genesis 31:41](/genesis/31-41 "Jacob recounts his 20 years of service to Laban").

**What does Jacob mean by "thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young"?**

Answer: This phrase means that under Jacob's care, Laban's female sheep and goats did not miscarry or suffer the loss of their offspring. The Hebrew word *shakhol* (שָׁכֹל) specifically refers to being bereaved or suffering loss of children/offspring. Jacob is asserting his exceptional skill and diligence as a shepherd, ensuring the health, productivity, and increase of the flocks, implying that his management prevented significant losses due to miscarriage or neglect, and that God's blessing was upon his work.

**Why was it significant that Jacob "had not eaten" the rams of Laban's flock?**

Answer: Jacob's claim that he had not eaten the rams from Laban's flock highlights his profound personal integrity and self-restraint. In ancient pastoral societies, a shepherd might sometimes consume a portion of the flock for sustenance, but Jacob's abstinence from eating the valuable rams demonstrated his commitment to preserving Laban's assets. This detail underscores his refusal to exploit his position for personal gain, even though he was working under an exploitative and dishonest employer who repeatedly changed his wages (as seen in [Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban changed Jacob's wages ten times")). It serves as a powerful contrast to Laban's own avarice and deceit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 31:38 does not directly prophesy Christ, it offers profound typological parallels to His life and ministry, particularly concerning faithful stewardship, unjust suffering, and ultimate divine vindication. Jacob, in his role as a diligent and exploited servant, meticulously cared for Laban's flock despite enduring repeated injustices, much as Christ, the ultimate faithful Shepherd, perfectly fulfilled the will of His Father, even when enduring unimaginable suffering and rejection from humanity. Christ's integrity was absolute; He never exploited His position or sought personal gain, but rather perfectly obeyed the Father, ultimately laying down His life for His "flock" (as declared in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus as the Good Shepherd")). Just as God ultimately vindicated Jacob, blessing his labor and ensuring his prosperity despite Laban's deceit, so too was Christ, after His suffering, death, and resurrection, ultimately vindicated and exalted by the Father to the highest place (as described in [Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). This passage foreshadows the truth that true righteousness, though it may endure hardship and injustice, will ultimately triumph through divine oversight and vindication, culminating in the glorious reign of the Lamb of God (as seen in [Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Worthy is the Lamb")).

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 30:27

And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

Ezekiel 34:2

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Ezekiel 34:4

The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up [that which was] broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.

Genesis 30:30

For [it was] little which thou hadst before I [came], and it is [now] increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?

Deuteronomy 28:4

Blessed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

Exodus 23:26

There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.