TRV
Translation
King James Version
Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
Complete Jewish Bible
Here's how it was for me: during the day thirst consumed me, and at night the cold - my sleep fled from my eyes.
Berean Standard Bible
As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.
American Standard Version
Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from mine eyes.
World English Bible Messianic
This was my situation: in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from my eyes.
Geneva Bible (1599)
I was in the day consumed with heate, and with frost in the night, and my sleepe departed from mine eyes.
Young's Literal Translation
I have been thus : in the day consumed me hath drought, and frost by night, and wander doth my sleep from mine eyes.
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In the KJVVerse 914 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
Jacob's poignant declaration in Genesis 31:40 vividly portrays the severe physical hardships and relentless toil he endured during his twenty years serving Laban. This verse, part of Jacob's impassioned defense against Laban's deceit and exploitation, details the extreme environmental conditions—scorching drought by day and freezing frost by night—coupled with constant vigilance that deprived him of sleep, underscoring his unwavering dedication and the immense injustice he suffered.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 31:40 offers a stark illustration of the physical demands placed upon Jacob as a shepherd in the ancient Near East, painting a vivid picture of his relentless dedication and suffering under Laban's exploitative hand.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jacob's statement in Genesis 31:40 is rich with Imagery, painting a vivid picture of his suffering through sensory details of extreme heat ("drought consumed me") and cold ("frost by night"). The phrase "my sleep departed from mine eyes" is a powerful Idiom for chronic sleeplessness, effectively conveying the relentless nature of his vigilance and toil. The cumulative effect of these descriptions creates a strong sense of Pathos, evoking sympathy for Jacob's plight and highlighting the injustice he endured. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the "day" and "night" conditions serves as a form of Antithesis, emphasizing the continuous, unremitting nature of his hardship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's lament in Genesis 31:40 is more than a personal grievance; it is a profound testament to the divine oversight of human suffering and injustice. It underscores the biblical principle that God sees and remembers the faithful labor of His servants, even when they are exploited or forgotten by human masters. Jacob's endurance, despite the extreme physical and emotional toll, points to a deeper reliance on God's sustaining power, even if unstated in this specific verse. His subsequent affirmation of God's presence and protection in Genesis 31:42 reveals that his perseverance was rooted in faith, demonstrating that God's covenant faithfulness extends to providing strength and vindication in the face of adversity. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God is a righteous judge who cares deeply about justice and the well-being of His people, ultimately bringing about their deliverance and blessing.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's arduous experience in Genesis 31:40 offers profound lessons for believers facing hardship and injustice today. It reminds us that God observes our diligent labor and integrity, even when human employers or circumstances are unfair, assuring us that our efforts are never unseen by Him. Jacob's steadfastness in the face of extreme adversity underscores the value of perseverance; his long years of difficult service ultimately led to his independence and the growth of his family and wealth, all under God's blessing. When confronted with exploitation or injustice, we are called to trust in divine justice, knowing that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring about vindication and provide for His own, as Romans 12:19 reminds us: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Furthermore, Jacob's plight fosters empathy for all who labor under difficult conditions or face unfair treatment, reinforcing the dignity of honest work and the biblical call to treat others justly, reflecting God's heart for the oppressed.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How could Jacob endure such extreme conditions for so long?
Answer: Jacob's remarkable endurance was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his family and, more importantly, to God's sustaining grace and covenant promises. While the physical toll was immense, the biblical narrative emphasizes that God was with him, protecting and prospering him despite Laban's deceit. Jacob himself acknowledged that without "the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac," Laban would have sent him away empty (Genesis 31:42). His perseverance was fueled by divine promise and provision, demonstrating that God equips His servants for the tasks and trials He calls them to.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's suffering and endurance in Genesis 31:40 foreshadow the ultimate Servant who would endure far greater hardship and injustice for the sake of His people: Jesus Christ. Like Jacob, who toiled tirelessly under unjust conditions, Christ "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). He experienced the full spectrum of human suffering—rejection, betrayal, and immense physical and spiritual agony (Isaiah 53:3-5). While Jacob's sleepless nights were for earthly flocks, Christ's agony in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46) and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross were to secure the eternal inheritance for His spiritual flock, the Church. Where Jacob's suffering led to his own earthly prosperity and independence, Christ's suffering led to the spiritual prosperity, redemption, and reconciliation of all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:21), demonstrating God's perfect justice and ultimate vindication through the Servant who truly knew no rest until His work of salvation was finished.