TRV
Translation
King James 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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
That which was torn of animals, I didn’t bring to you. I bore its loss. Of my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Whatsoeuer was torne of beasts, I brought it not vnto thee, but made it good my selfe: of mine hand diddest thou require it, were it stollen by day or stollen by night.
Young's Literal Translation
the torn I have not brought in unto thee--I, I repay it--from my hand thou dost seek it; I have been deceived by day, and I have been deceived by night;
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In the KJVVerse 913 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 31 verses 36–42
36 ¶ And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
37 Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.
38 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.
39 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.
40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
41 Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
See in these verses,
I. The power of provocation. Jacob's natural temper was mild and calm, and grace had improved it; he was a smooth man, and a plain man; and yet Laban's unreasonable carriage towards him put him into a heat that transported him into a heat that transported him into some vehemence, Gen 31:36, Gen 31:37. His chiding with Laban, though it may admit of some excuse, was not justifiable, nor is it written for our imitation. Grievous words stir up anger, and commonly do but make bad worse. It is a very great affront to one that bears an honest mind to be charged with dishonesty, and yet even this we must learn to bear with patience, committing our cause to God.
II. The comfort of a good conscience. This was Jacob's rejoicing, that when Laban accused him his own conscience acquitted him, and witnessed for him that he had been in all things willing and careful to live honestly, Heb 13:18. Note, Those that in any employment have dealt faithfully, if they cannot obtain the credit of it with men, yet shall have the comfort of it in their own bosoms.
III. The character of a good servant, and particularly of a faithful shepherd. Jacob had approved himself such a one, Gen 31:38-40. 1. He was very careful, so that, through his oversight or neglect, the ewes did not cast their young. His piety also procured a blessing upon his master's effects that were under his hands. Note, Servants should take no less care of what they are entrusted with for their masters than if they were entitled to it as their own. 2. He was very honest, and took none of that for his own eating which was not allowed him. He contented himself with mean fare, and coveted not to feast upon the rams of the flock. Note, Servants must not be dainty in their food, nor covet what is forbidden them, but in that, and other instances, show all good fidelity. 3. He was very laborious, Gen 31:40. He stuck to his business, all weathers; and bore both heat and cold with invincible patience. Note, Men of business, that intend to make something of it, must resolve to endure hardness. Jacob is here an example to ministers; they also are shepherds, of whom it is required that hey be true to their trust and willing to take pains.
IV. The character of a hard master. Laban had been such a one to Jacob. Those are bad masters, 1. Who exact from their servants that which is unjust, by obliging them to make good that which is not damaged by any default of theirs. This Laban did, Gen 31:39. Nay, if there has been a neglect, yet it is unjust to punish above the proportion of the fault. That may be an inconsiderable damage to the master which would go near to ruin a poor servant. 2. Those also are bad masters who deny to their servants that which is just and equal. This Laban did, Gen 31:41. It was unreasonable for him to make Jacob serve fro his daughters, when he had in reversion so great an estate secured to him by the promise of God himself; as it was also to give him his daughters without portions, when it was in the power of his hands to do well for them. Thus he robbed the poor because he was poor, as he did also by changing his wages.
V. The care of providence for the protection of injured innocence, Gen 31:42. God took cognizance of the wrong done to Jacob, and repaid him whom Laban would otherwise have sent empty away, and rebuked Laban, who otherwise would have swallowed him up. Note, God is the patron of the oppressed; and those who are wronged and yet not ruined, cast down and yet not destroyed, must acknowledge him in their preservation and give him the glory of it. Observe, 1. Jacob speaks of god as the God of his father, intimating that he thought himself unworthy to be thus regarded, but was beloved for the father's sake. 2. He calls him the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac; for Abraham was dead, and had gone to that world where perfect love casts out fear; but Isaac was yet alive, sanctifying the Lord in his heart, as his fear and his dread
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 36–42. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's example in Genesis 31:39 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
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 (Genesis 31:7).
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). 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). 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). 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 (Isaiah 53:4-6). In Christ, we find the perfect fulfillment of bearing the burden of another's transgression, offering not mere restitution, but complete redemption.