Genesis 31:9

Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given [them] to me.

Thus God {H430} hath taken away {H5337} the cattle {H4735} of your father {H1}, and given {H5414} them to me.

This is how God has taken away your father's animals and given them to me.

Thus God has taken away your fatherโ€™s livestock and given them to me.

Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 31:9

This verse is spoken by Jacob to his wives, Rachel and Leah, as he explains his decision to leave Laban's household and return to the land of Canaan. Jacob had served Laban for twenty years, enduring constant shifts in his wages and unfair treatment. Despite Laban's deceit, Jacob's flocks and wealth had miraculously increased. This verse is part of Jacob's detailed account to his wives, justifying their departure by emphasizing God's direct command to leave and His active role in securing Jacob's prosperity against Laban's schemes. It sets the stage for their secret departure from Paddan-Aram.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Justice: The central message is God's direct intervention on Jacob's behalf. Despite Laban's repeated changes to Jacob's wages (as seen in Genesis 31:7), God ensured Jacob's prosperity. This highlights God's role as a righteous judge who sees injustice and acts to deliver His people.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Covenant: Jacob's flourishing, even under adverse conditions, is a testament to God's faithfulness to the covenant promises made to Abraham and reiterated to Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:15). God was increasing Jacob's seed and wealth, fulfilling His word.
  • Wealth as a Divine Blessing: For Jacob, the increase in his cattle was not merely the result of clever breeding techniques but a tangible sign of God's blessing and favor. It demonstrated that God was actively working to transfer wealth from the unjust to the righteous, providing for His chosen one.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "taken away" (ื ืฆืœ - natsal) can convey the idea of snatching, delivering, or rescuing. In this context, it suggests God actively rescued Jacob's rightful earnings and prosperity from Laban's grasp. It implies a forceful, deliberate act of divine intervention to reallocate resources justly. The word "given" (ื ืชืŸ - nathan) further emphasizes God's proactive role as the ultimate provider and bestower of blessings.

Practical Application

Genesis 31:9 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Provision: Even when circumstances seem unfair or people are deceitful, God is fully capable of providing for His own. Jacob's story reminds us to look to God as our ultimate source of provision, not relying solely on human employers or systems.
  • God Sees and Acts: This verse reassures us that God is not distant; He is intimately aware of the injustices we face and will act on our behalf in His perfect timing. He is a God of justice who champions the cause of the oppressed.
  • Divine Blessing Can Come Through Unexpected Means: Jacob's wealth increased not in ideal conditions, but in a hostile environment. This illustrates that God's blessings can manifest in surprising ways and through challenging circumstances, transforming what seems like disadvantage into divine advantage.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 31:1

    ยถ And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that [was] our father's; and of [that] which [was] our father's hath he gotten all this glory.

  • Genesis 31:16

    For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that [is] ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

  • Esther 8:1

    ยถ On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he [was] unto her.

  • Esther 8:2

    And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

  • Proverbs 13:22

    ยถ A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

  • Matthew 20:15

    Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

  • Psalms 50:10

    For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.
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