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 captures Jacob's diligent service to Laban, where he recounts bearing personal financial losses for animals lost to wild beasts or theft, a responsibility far beyond typical pastoral agreements. This verse powerfully underscores Jacob's unwavering integrity and commitment to his work, while simultaneously exposing Laban's exploitative and unjust character, who consistently imposed unfair terms to maximize his own profit.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 31:39 is part of Jacob's impassioned defense and rebuke of Laban, his father-in-law and employer, after twenty years of often-unjust service. Following Laban's pursuit of Jacob and his family, Jacob confronts Laban about his deceit, constant changing of wages, and unfair treatment. This specific verse serves as a powerful testament to Jacob's extraordinary diligence and integrity as a shepherd, contrasting sharply with Laban's exploitative practices and setting the stage for their eventual, tense separation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
"That which was torn [of beasts] I brought not unto thee" refers to animals mangled or killed by wild predators. In the ancient Near East, including Israelite law, a shepherd was typically exonerated from responsibility for such losses if they could present evidence of the attack, such as the torn carcass (see [Exodus 22:13](/exodus/22-13 "Law concerning torn animals")). Jacob's statement implies that he did not even bother to present such proof, knowing Laban would still hold him accountable, thus revealing the extraordinary and unjust burden placed upon him.

"I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, [whether] stolen by day, or stolen by night" profoundly emphasizes Jacob’s personal financial burden. Laban demanded restitution directly from Jacob's own resources, regardless of the circumstances—whether due to natural predators or theft. This reveals Laban's severe and unfair terms of employment, which went far beyond customary expectations and legal norms, highlighting his greed and manipulative nature.

This verse powerfully illustrates:
* **Jacob's Unwavering Integrity and Accountability:** Jacob's commitment to his work surpassed mere contractual obligation. He absorbed personal financial losses for animals that were "_torn [of beasts]_" or "_stolen by day, or stolen by night_," demonstrating a profound level of responsibility and honesty rarely expected. This commitment underscores his character in stark contrast to Laban's deceit.
* **Diligence and Sacrifice:** The passage paints a vivid picture of Jacob's relentless hard work and personal sacrifice. He didn't merely manage the flocks; he bore the personal cost of their safety, enduring hardship and financial strain to fulfill his duty. This echoes his later description of his toil and exposure in [Genesis 31:40](/genesis/31-40 "Jacob's hardship in Genesis 31:40").
* **Laban's Exploitation:** Implicit in Jacob's complaint is Laban's harsh and unjust treatment. By requiring Jacob to personally cover losses that were beyond his control, Laban extracted maximum profit from Jacob's labor, reflecting a pattern of greed and opportunism that characterized their relationship from its very beginning (recall Laban's deception concerning Leah in [Genesis 29:25](/genesis/29-25 "Laban's deception regarding Leah")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Observation of Injustice:** Jacob's suffering under Laban's exploitation highlights God's awareness of human injustice. Even when earthly masters are unfair, God sees the affliction and labor of His servants, as He later affirms to Jacob ([Genesis 31:42](/genesis/31-42 "God's observation of Jacob's affliction")).
* **The Cost and Value of Integrity:** Jacob's willingness to bear personal loss rather than compromise his duty underscores the high cost, yet immense value, of integrity. True character is revealed not just in favorable conditions but especially when faced with unfair demands and exploitative relationships.
* **God's Provident Care:** Despite Laban's schemes and Jacob's personal losses, God ultimately blessed Jacob and prospered him, demonstrating that divine providence can work through, and even redeem, situations of human exploitation to achieve His sovereign purposes.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's example in [Genesis 31:39](/genesis/31-39 "Jacob's integrity in Genesis 31:39") offers profound lessons for believers today. We are challenged to perform our duties with utmost diligence and responsibility, even when others are unjust or unappreciative, understanding that our commitment reflects our character and ultimately honors God, not just human employers. Jacob faithfully served Laban despite constant unfairness, reminding us that God sees our labor and suffering, even when human circumstances are exploitative. Living with honesty, even when it is costly, builds a foundation of trust and a clear conscience that is invaluable, demonstrating a faithfulness that God Himself will ultimately reward.

### 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. Laban consistently sought to maximize his own profit at Jacob's expense, frequently changing wages and imposing terms that went 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, thus demonstrating his manipulative and unjust character.

**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, it highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to work His purposes even through human injustice. The narrative explicitly condemns Laban's actions by portraying them as deceitful and unjust. God saw Jacob's affliction and labor ([Genesis 31:42](/genesis/31-42 "God saw Jacob's affliction")) and ultimately intervened to protect and bless Jacob, demonstrating His justice and faithfulness to His covenant promises, not an endorsement of exploitation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob, bearing losses that were not his fault and enduring unjust demands, serves as a poignant type of Christ. Just as Jacob absorbed the cost of others' failures and the harshness of an exploitative master, so too did Christ bear the ultimate loss and burden of humanity's sin, though He was perfectly innocent. His perfect integrity and obedience, even unto death on the cross, fulfilled the shadow of Jacob's faithfulness under duress. Christ is the 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 and demonstrating an unparalleled love and righteousness that far surpasses Jacob's commendable, yet imperfect, diligence.

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.