Genesis 31:38
Genesis 31:38 in Multiple Translations
I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock.
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.
These twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she-goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flocks have I not eaten.
These twenty years I have been with you; your sheep and your goats have had young without loss, not one of your he-goats have I taken for food.
I've worked for you for these past twenty years. During that time none of your sheep and goats miscarried, and I haven't eaten a single ram from your flock.
This twenty yere I haue bin with thee: thine ewes and thy goates haue not cast their yong, and the rammes of thy flocke haue I not eaten.
'These twenty years I [am] with thee: thy ewes and thy she-goats have not miscarried, and the rams of thy flock I have not eaten;
“These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not cast their young, and I haven’t eaten the rams of your flocks.
These 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.
Have I therefore been with thee twenty years? thy ewes and goats were not barren, the rams of thy flocks I did not eat:
I was with you for 20 years. In all that time, your sheep and goats have ◄not miscarried/always given birth to animals safely►. I have not killed and eaten any rams from your flocks.
Then Jacob said to Laban, “I worked hard for you for 20 years, and I looked after your sheep and goats really well. They had lots of babies, and none of those babies died. And I never took any of your sheep for my food, not even your male sheep.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:38
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 31:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זֶה֩
עֶשְׂרִ֨ים
שָׁנָ֤ה
אָנֹכִי֙
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
רְחֵלֶ֥י/ךָ
וְ/עִזֶּ֖י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
שִׁכֵּ֑לוּ
וְ/אֵילֵ֥י
צֹאנְ/ךָ֖
לֹ֥א
אָכָֽלְתִּי
זֶה֩
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
עֶשְׂרִ֨ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
שָׁנָ֤ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
אָנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
רְחֵלֶ֥י/ךָ
râchêl
H7353
ewe
N-fp | Suff
וְ/עִזֶּ֖י/ךָ
ʻêz
H5795
goat
Conj | N-fp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שִׁכֵּ֑לוּ
shâkôl
H7921
be bereaved
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
וְ/אֵילֵ֥י
ʼayil
H352
ram
Conj | N-mp
צֹאנְ/ךָ֖
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אָכָֽלְתִּי
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:38
זֶה֩
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
עֶשְׂרִ֨ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
שָׁנָ֤ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
אָנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
רְחֵלֶ֥י/ךָ
râchêl
H7353
"ewe"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a female sheep, or ewe. It is a type of animal, often mentioned in the Bible as part of a flock or herd, and is known for its ability to travel well.
Definition: ewe
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: ewe, sheep. See also: Genesis 31:38; Song of Solomon 6:6; Isaiah 53:7.
וְ/עִזֶּ֖י/ךָ
ʻêz
H5795
"goat"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 27:27.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שִׁכֵּ֑לוּ
shâkôl
H7921
"be bereaved"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
Barrenness refers to the inability to have children. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who has lost a child or is unable to conceive, like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:5-6.
Definition: 1) to be bereaved, make childless, miscarry 1a) (Qal) to be bereaved 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make childless 1b2) to cause barrenness, show barrenness or abortion 1b3) to miscarry 1c) (Hiphil) miscarrying (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: bereave (of children), barren, cast calf (fruit, young), be (make) childless, deprive, destroy, [idiom] expect, lose children, miscarry, rob of children, spoil. See also: Genesis 27:45; Isaiah 49:21; Jeremiah 15:7.
וְ/אֵילֵ֥י
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
Conj | N-mp
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
צֹאנְ/ךָ֖
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָכָֽלְתִּי
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:38
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:38
- Sermons on Genesis 31:38
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
36Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me?
37You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us.
38I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock.
39I 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. 40As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 30:27 | But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 28:4 | The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock— the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 34:2–4 | “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. |
| 4 | Genesis 30:30 | Indeed, you had very little before my arrival, but now your wealth has increased many times over. The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot. But now, when may I also provide for my own household?” |
| 5 | Exodus 23:26 | No woman in your land will miscarry or be barren; I will fulfill the number of your days. |
Genesis 31:38 Summary
In Genesis 31:38, Jacob is telling Laban that he has taken good care of his sheep and goats for twenty years, and that he has not taken anything that does not belong to him. This shows that Jacob is a responsible and trustworthy person, who has worked hard to take care of Laban's flocks (Genesis 29:15-20). Jacob's statement also reminds us of the importance of being faithful and honest in our relationships, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 12:10. By looking at Jacob's example, we can learn the value of perseverance and integrity in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jacob trying to prove to Laban in Genesis 31:38?
Jacob is trying to demonstrate his faithfulness and integrity as a shepherd, highlighting that the sheep and goats have not miscarried and he has not eaten the rams of the flock, as a testament to his responsible stewardship (Genesis 31:38).
Why is Jacob emphasizing his twenty years of service to Laban?
Jacob is emphasizing his twenty years of service to Laban to show that he has been a diligent and hardworking shepherd, and to remind Laban of his commitment to their agreement, as seen in Genesis 29:18-20 and Genesis 30:25-43.
How does Jacob's statement in Genesis 31:38 relate to his character?
Jacob's statement in Genesis 31:38 reveals his character as a responsible and trustworthy individual, who is committed to his work and his relationships, much like the qualities commended in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 12:10.
What can we learn from Jacob's defense of himself in Genesis 31:38?
We can learn from Jacob's defense that it is essential to maintain a clear conscience and to be able to give an account of our actions, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15-16 and Acts 24:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my faithfulness and integrity in my daily life, just like Jacob did in Genesis 31:38?
- How can I, like Jacob, trust God to vindicate me when I am faced with false accusations or unfair treatment?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of responsible stewardship, as seen in Jacob's care for Laban's flocks, to my own life and relationships?
- What can I learn from Jacob's example about the importance of perseverance and patience in the face of challenging circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:38
This twenty years [have] I been [with] thee,.... So that he now must have been ninety seven years of age: thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young: or very few of them: it was a rare case
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:38
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? Jacob answered and said to Laban.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:38
Thy she-goats have not cast their young, which thou owest in a great measure to my care and diligence in ordering them, and principally to God’ s blessing given to thee for my sake, by thy own confession, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:38
Genesis 31:38 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.Ver. 38. The rams of thy flock have I not eaten.] A lively picture of a careful pastor. He fats not himself, but feeds the flock; he seeks not theirs, neither fleece nor flesh, but them and their welfare. He takes not to him "the instruments of a foolish shepherd"; that is, forcipes et mulctram, that he may carry away lac et lanam; but feeds the flock of God, and takes care of the cure, as Peter bids; "not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind," &c. About the year of Christ 1260, the people and clergy of England, the Pope’ s ass, as it was called, opposed themselves to the legate’ s exactions. And when Rustandus, the legate, alleged that all churches were the Pope’ s, Leonard, a learned man of those times, answered, Tuitione, non fruitione; defensione, non dissipatione. Jac. Revius, De Vitis Pontif., p. 178.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:38
38. This twenty years] Jacob’s indignant protest proclaims (1) his length of service, (2) his perfect honesty, (3) his uncomplaining endurance of hardship, in spite of capricious changes in his wage. And now that he has left Haran, it was only because of God’s mercy, and not through Laban’s kindness, that he did not go empty-handed.
Sermons on Genesis 31:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 30:25-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses Jacob's complaint to Laban about his lack of prosperity despite serving him faithfully. Jacob expresses his frustration, stating that all he |
|
Experiencing God by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the misconception of 'experiencing God' and how it is not based on the Bible but rather on ancient occultic practices and modern entertainment culture. H |
|
Hannah - an Epoch Making Vessel by Stephen Kaung | This sermon focuses on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, highlighting the power of travailing prayer and the importance of being a vessel for God's purposes. It emphasizes the nee |
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Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac |
|
Mid South Conference 1981-12 Ezekiel 34: by Lew Clarkson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of giving while still alive. He shares a personal story of a trip to Las Vegas and witnessing |
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Emmanuel by Thaddeus Barnum | In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners to focus their attention on Jesus, the shepherd, rather than being consumed by fear and negativity. The speaker emphasizes the impo |
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The Heavy Responsibility of Sheep-Feeding by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the heavy responsibility of preaching, highlighting that true shepherds must address the specific needs of their congregation rather than delivering generic m |