Genesis 31:39

KJV

That which was torn [of beasts] I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, [whether] stolen by day, or stolen by night.

KJV (with Strong's)

That which was torn {H2966} of beasts I brought {H935} not unto thee; I bare the loss {H2398} of it; of my hand {H3027} didst thou require {H1245} it, whether stolen {H1589} by day {H3117}, or stolen {H1589} by night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If one of your flock was destroyed by a wild animal, I didn't bring the carcass to you but bore the loss myself. You demanded that I compensate you for any animal stolen, whether by day or by night.

Berean Standard Bible

I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night.

American Standard Version

That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 31:39 powerfully encapsulates Jacob's extraordinary integrity and diligent service to Laban, his father-in-law, over two decades. In this verse, Jacob recounts how he personally bore the financial burden for any animals lost to wild predators or theft, a responsibility far exceeding the customary pastoral agreements of the ancient Near East. This declaration not only highlights Jacob's unwavering commitment and accountability but also starkly exposes Laban's exploitative and unjust character, who consistently imposed unfair terms to maximize his own profit at Jacob's expense.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 31:39 is embedded within Jacob's impassioned defense and rebuke of Laban, his father-in-law and employer, following twenty years of often-unjust service. The immediate preceding verses recount Jacob's secret departure from Laban, prompted by God's command and the growing animosity from Laban's sons. Laban pursues Jacob, eventually catching up with him in Gilead. This verse is part of Jacob's direct confrontation with Laban, where he articulates the hardships and injustices he endured. It serves as a powerful testament to Jacob's extraordinary diligence and integrity as a shepherd, contrasting sharply with Laban's manipulative and exploitative practices, ultimately setting the stage for their tense, but necessary, separation and covenant at Mizpah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, pastoral agreements often included provisions for losses. Customarily, a shepherd was held responsible for animals lost due to negligence but was typically exonerated if an animal was killed by a wild beast, provided evidence (like a torn carcass) could be presented. This is reflected in later Israelite law, as seen in [Exodus 22:13](/exodus/22-13 "Law concerning torn animals"). Similarly, a shepherd might not be held accountable for animals stolen if they could prove they were diligent. Laban's demand that Jacob personally bear the loss for animals "torn [of beasts]" or "stolen by day, or stolen by night" reveals an exceptionally harsh and exploitative contract, far exceeding typical legal or ethical norms. This highlights Laban's avarice and his willingness to impose unfair burdens on his kinsman for personal gain, a common theme in the patriarchal narratives where family ties were often strained by economic realities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Observation of Injustice**, showing that even when human masters are unfair, God sees the affliction and labor of His servants, as He later affirms to Jacob in [Genesis 31:42](/genesis/31-42 "God's observation of Jacob's affliction"). It powerfully illustrates the **Cost and Value of Integrity**, demonstrating Jacob's unwavering commitment to his duties despite personal financial loss and exploitation. This commitment contrasts sharply with Laban's **Deceit and Exploitation**, a theme evident throughout their relationship, from Laban's deception regarding Leah in [Genesis 29:25](/genesis/29-25 "Laban's deception regarding Leah") to his repeated changing of Jacob's wages (cf. [Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban changed Jacob's wages ten times")). Ultimately, the verse also subtly points to **God's Provident Care**, as despite Laban's schemes and Jacob's personal losses, God ultimately blessed Jacob and prospered him, demonstrating divine sovereignty working through human circumstances to fulfill His covenant purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **torn (Hebrew, _ṭᵉrêphâh'_):** This feminine noun refers to "prey," specifically "flocks devoured by animals" or "that which was torn (of beasts, in pieces)." In the context of ancient shepherding, an animal "torn" by a wild beast was a common and often unavoidable loss. Jacob's statement that he "brought not unto thee" such torn animals implies he did not even bother to present the carcass as proof, knowing Laban would still hold him accountable, thus revealing the extraordinary and unjust burden placed upon him.
* **require (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This verb means "to search out," "to strive after," "to ask," "to beg," or "to demand." Here, it signifies Laban's insistent and forceful demand for restitution from Jacob's own "hand" (resources). The use of "require" emphasizes Laban's active and relentless pursuit of compensation from Jacob, regardless of the circumstances, highlighting his unyielding and exploitative nature.
* **stolen (Hebrew, _gânab'_):** This primitive root means "to thieve" or "to steal" (literally or figuratively). It also implies deception or getting something by stealth. Jacob's inclusion of "stolen by day, or stolen by night" indicates that even losses due to theft, which were often beyond a shepherd's full control, were unjustly charged to his account. This further underscores the extreme and unfair terms of his employment under Laban, revealing Laban's complete disregard for standard practices and his relentless pursuit of personal gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That which was torn [of beasts] I brought not unto thee":** This clause refers to animals that were attacked and killed by wild predators. In typical ancient Near Eastern pastoral agreements, a shepherd was usually excused from responsibility for such losses if they could provide evidence of the attack (e.g., a torn carcass). Jacob's statement implies that he did not even attempt to present such evidence, recognizing that Laban's demands went beyond customary law and that he would be held accountable regardless.
* **"I bare the loss of it;":** This phrase profoundly emphasizes Jacob’s personal financial burden. The Hebrew word for "loss" (châṭâʼ) can also mean "sin" or "forfeit," suggesting that Jacob was made to bear the "blame" or "penalty" for something that was not his fault. He absorbed the cost directly from his own resources, highlighting his profound commitment to his duty and the severe economic strain placed upon him.
* **"of my hand didst thou require it, [whether] stolen by day, or stolen by night.":** This final section clarifies that Laban demanded restitution directly from Jacob's personal resources ("of my hand"). The inclusion of "stolen by day, or stolen by night" further illustrates the extent of Laban's unreasonable demands. Whether the animals were lost to predators or thieves, Jacob was held personally responsible, revealing Laban's severe and unjust terms of employment, which went far beyond customary expectations and legal norms, underscoring his greed and manipulative nature.

#### Literary Devices
This verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is paramount, highlighting the stark difference between Jacob's unwavering integrity and Laban's exploitative greed. Jacob's meticulous accounting of his losses stands in sharp relief against Laban's deceitful practices. **Hyperbole**, though perhaps not intentional exaggeration by Jacob, serves to emphasize the extraordinary and unjust burden placed upon him; the sheer extent of his personal liability for losses beyond his control would have been perceived as extreme. The repetition of "stolen by day, or stolen by night" functions as a form of **Merism**, encompassing all possible times and circumstances of theft, thereby underscoring the absolute and unyielding nature of Laban's demands. This also contributes to the **Pathos** of Jacob's speech, evoking sympathy for his plight and indignation at Laban's injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's willingness to bear personal loss rather than compromise his duty underscores the profound theological truth that true character is revealed not just in favorable conditions but especially when faced with unfair demands and exploitative relationships. His suffering under Laban's exploitation highlights God's unwavering awareness of human injustice; even when earthly masters are unfair, God sees the affliction and labor of His servants, and He is ultimately the one who brings justice. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that while humans may act unjustly, divine providence is at work, capable of redeeming and even prospering His people through difficult circumstances, ultimately achieving His sovereign purposes despite human malevolence.

* [Exodus 22:13](/exodus/22-13 "Law concerning torn animals")
* [Psalm 37:7-9](/psalms/37-7-9 "Trust in the Lord and wait patiently")
* [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17-21 "Overcoming evil with good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's example in [Genesis 31:39](/genesis/31-39 "Jacob's integrity and suffering") offers profound lessons for believers today concerning diligence, integrity, and trust in God amidst injustice. We are challenged to perform our duties with utmost diligence and responsibility, even when others are unjust, unappreciative, or exploitative. Jacob faithfully served Laban despite constant unfairness and personal financial loss, reminding us that our commitment reflects our character and ultimately honors God, not just human employers. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of excellence in our work, understanding that God sees our labor and suffering, even when human circumstances are exploitative. Living with honesty and integrity, even when it is costly, builds a foundation of trust, a clear conscience, and a witness to God's character that is invaluable. It teaches us to trust in God's ultimate justice and provision, knowing that He will reward faithfulness and vindicate His servants in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate integrity, even when it is costly or goes unnoticed by others?**
* **How does Jacob's endurance of injustice challenge your perspective on serving faithfully in difficult or unrewarding circumstances?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's awareness of our struggles and His ultimate response to injustice?**
* **How can you apply Jacob's commitment to personal responsibility in your own work or relationships today, even when others might not hold you to such a high standard?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jacob held to such a strict standard by Laban?**

Answer: Jacob was held to an unusually strict standard primarily due to Laban's greedy and exploitative nature, which is a recurring theme in their relationship. Laban consistently sought to maximize his own profit at Jacob's expense, frequently changing wages and imposing terms that went far beyond customary ancient Near Eastern pastoral agreements. By making Jacob personally responsible for losses due to wild animals or theft, Laban ensured he bore no risk, shifting all potential financial burden onto Jacob. This demonstrates Laban's manipulative and unjust character, as he consistently used his position to take advantage of Jacob's diligence and familial obligation, as seen throughout their twenty years together (cf. [Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban changed Jacob's wages")).

**Does Jacob's endurance of exploitation imply that God approves of such unfair treatment?**

Answer: No, Jacob's endurance of Laban's exploitation does not imply God's approval of unfair treatment. Rather, the narrative explicitly portrays Laban's actions as deceitful and unjust, highlighting the hardship Jacob endured. God's sovereignty is demonstrated not in His endorsement of exploitation but in His ability to work His purposes even through human injustice. The text makes it clear that God saw Jacob's affliction and labor, as He later tells Jacob, "I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you" ([Genesis 31:42](/genesis/31-42 "God saw Jacob's affliction")). Ultimately, God intervened to protect and bless Jacob, demonstrating His justice and faithfulness to His covenant promises, not an endorsement of exploitation. This narrative reassures believers that God is aware of their suffering and will ultimately act on their behalf.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob, bearing losses that were not his fault and enduring unjust demands from an exploitative master, serves as a poignant type of Christ. Just as Jacob absorbed the cost of others' failures and the harshness of an unrighteous employer, so too did Christ bear the ultimate loss and burden of humanity's sin, though He was perfectly innocent and without fault. His perfect integrity and obedience, even unto death on the cross, fulfilled the shadow of Jacob's faithfulness under duress. Christ is the ultimate Good Shepherd, who not only bears the loss of His sheep but willingly lays down His life for them, fully absorbing the cost of their salvation ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "The Good Shepherd lays down His life")). Unlike Jacob, who bore the loss of animals, Christ bore the sin of the world, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away sin ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His suffering, though undeserved, was a deliberate act of love and obedience, demonstrating an unparalleled righteousness and sacrificial love that far surpasses Jacob's commendable, yet imperfect, diligence (cf. [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows")). In Christ, we find the perfect fulfillment of bearing the burden of another's transgression, offering not mere restitution, but complete redemption.

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

Luke 2:8

¶ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Exodus 22:31

And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat [any] flesh [that is] torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.

1 Samuel 17:34

And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

1 Samuel 17:35

And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

Exodus 22:10

If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing [it]:

Exodus 22:13

If it be torn in pieces, [then] let him bring it [for] witness, [and] he shall not make good that which was torn.

Leviticus 22:8

That which dieth of itself, or is torn [with beasts], he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I [am] the LORD.