Genesis 31:39
Genesis 31:39 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
Anything which was wounded by beasts I did not take to you, but myself made up for the loss of it; you made me responsible for whatever was taken by thieves, by day or by night.
If any of them were killed by wild animals, I never even brought you the carcass to prove the loss—I bore the loss myself. But you on the other hand always made me compensate you for any animals that were stolen, whether at night or in broad daylight.
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.
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;
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.
That which was torn by beasts, I brought not to thee; I bore the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
Neither did I show thee that which the beast had torn, I made good all the damage: whatsoever was lost by theft, thou didst exact it of me:
When one of your animals was attacked and mauled/killed by a wild animal, I did not bring it to you. I replaced the dead animal with a living one of my own animals. Whenever one of your animals was stolen, during the day or during the night, you demanded that I replace it with one of my own animals.
And whenever a wild animal killed one of your sheep or goats, I always paid for it. I never showed you that dead sheep or goat, I never asked you to pay for it. You made me pay for every sheep or goat that somebody stole, even if that happened at night time. That’s not fair.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:39
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 31:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טְרֵפָה֙
לֹא
הֵבֵ֣אתִי
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
אָנֹכִ֣י
אֲחַטֶּ֔/נָּה
מִ/יָּדִ֖/י
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑/נָּה
גְּנֻֽבְתִ֣י
י֔וֹם
וּ/גְנֻֽבְתִ֖י
לָֽיְלָה
טְרֵפָה֙
ṭᵉrêphâh
H2966
torn animal
N-fs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הֵבֵ֣אתִי
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אָנֹכִ֣י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
אֲחַטֶּ֔/נָּה
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
מִ/יָּדִ֖/י
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑/נָּה
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
גְּנֻֽבְתִ֣י
gânab
H1589
to steal
V-Qal-Inf-c
י֔וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
וּ/גְנֻֽבְתִ֖י
gânab
H1589
to steal
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
לָֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:39
טְרֵפָה֙
ṭᵉrêphâh
H2966
"torn animal"
N-fs
This word refers to an animal that has been torn apart by another animal. In Exodus 22:13 and Leviticus 7:24, it describes the remains of an animal that has been attacked by a predator.
Definition: that which is torn, animal torn (by beasts)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: ravin, (that which was) torn (of beasts, in pieces). See also: Genesis 31:39; Leviticus 17:15; Nahum 2:13.
לֹא
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.
הֵבֵ֣אתִי
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אָנֹכִ֣י
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.
אֲחַטֶּ֔/נָּה
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
מִ/יָּדִ֖/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑/נָּה
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
גְּנֻֽבְתִ֣י
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To steal means to take something secretly, whether physically or by deceiving someone. This can happen in various ways, as described in different Bible stories.
Definition: 1) to steal, steal away, carry away 1a) (Qal) to steal 1b) (Niphal) to be stolen 1c) (Piel) to steal away 1d)(Pual) to be stolen away, be brought by stealth 1e) (Hithpael) to go by stealth, steal away
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. See also: Genesis 30:33; Joshua 7:11; Proverbs 6:30.
י֔וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וּ/גְנֻֽבְתִ֖י
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
To steal means to take something secretly, whether physically or by deceiving someone. This can happen in various ways, as described in different Bible stories.
Definition: 1) to steal, steal away, carry away 1a) (Qal) to steal 1b) (Niphal) to be stolen 1c) (Piel) to steal away 1d)(Pual) to be stolen away, be brought by stealth 1e) (Hithpael) to go by stealth, steal away
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. See also: Genesis 30:33; Joshua 7:11; Proverbs 6:30.
לָֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:39 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:39
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:39
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:39
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:39
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:39
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:39
- Sermons on Genesis 31:39
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
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. 41Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 22:31 | You are to be My holy people. You must not eat the meat of a mauled animal found in the field; you are to throw it to the dogs. |
| 2 | Exodus 22:10–13 | If a man gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any other animal to be cared for by his neighbor, but it dies or is injured or stolen while no one is watching, an oath before the LORD shall be made between the parties to determine whether or not the man has taken his neighbor’s property. The owner must accept the oath and require no restitution. But if the animal was actually stolen from the neighbor, he must make restitution to the owner. If the animal was torn to pieces, he shall bring it as evidence; he need not make restitution for the torn carcass. |
| 3 | Leviticus 22:8 | He must not eat anything found dead or torn by wild animals, which would make him unclean. I am the LORD. |
| 4 | Luke 2:8 | And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 17:34–35 | David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. |
| 6 | John 10:12–13 | The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. |
Genesis 31:39 Summary
In Genesis 31:39, Jacob is telling Laban that he did not bring him any animals that had been hurt by wild beasts, and that he took care of any losses himself. This shows that Jacob was a responsible and honest person, who took care of Laban's flocks like they were his own, similar to the principles found in Proverbs 27:23-27. Jacob's actions demonstrate the importance of being a good steward of the things God has given us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30. By taking responsibility for our actions and being fair in our dealings with others, we can reflect God's character and bring glory to Him, as seen in Colossians 3:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jacob saying about his treatment of Laban's flocks in Genesis 31:39?
Jacob is stating that he took full responsibility for any losses due to wild beasts and did not ask Laban to compensate him, as seen in Genesis 31:39. This shows Jacob's integrity and fairness in his care for Laban's flocks, similar to the principles found in Exodus 22:10-13.
Why did Laban demand payment from Jacob for stolen animals?
Laban demanded payment from Jacob for stolen animals because he did not trust Jacob and wanted to ensure that he was not taking advantage of him, as indicated in Genesis 31:39. This lack of trust is also evident in Genesis 31:1-2, where Laban's sons accuse Jacob of taking their father's possessions.
How does Jacob's statement in Genesis 31:39 relate to his overall character?
Jacob's statement in Genesis 31:39 highlights his honesty and responsibility, which are key aspects of his character, as also seen in Genesis 28:20-22 where he makes a vow to God.
What can we learn from Jacob's experience about being a good steward?
From Jacob's experience, we can learn the importance of being a good steward of the resources God has given us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Corinthians 4:2, and taking responsibility for our actions, as Jacob did in Genesis 31:39.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply Jacob's example of taking responsibility for my actions in my own life?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my integrity and fairness in my relationships with others, just like Jacob did with Laban?
- How can I trust God to provide for me, even in difficult circumstances, like Jacob did in Genesis 28:20-22?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to take ownership of my mistakes and make things right, as Jacob did in Genesis 31:39?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:39
That which was torn [of beasts] I brought not unto thee,.... To show what had befallen it; that so it might appear he had one the less to account for to him: I bore the loss of it; took it upon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:39
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 31:39
Which was unjust and unreasonable, except where it fell out through the shepherd’ s default. See . Quest. How could Jacob pay these losses, seeing he came empty from his father’ s house, and got nothing by his service, for the first fourteen years, but his wives? Answ. Either, 1. He had some supplies sent from his father, though it be not mentioned in this history. Or, 2. He might have some inconsiderable allowances or privileges from Laban, out of which he could easily defray these charges, which because of his great care and watchfulness did but seldom happen. Or, 3.
These losses were put to his account, to be satisfied by him as soon as he should be able to do it.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:39
Genesis 31:39 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.Ver. 39. Of my hand didst thou require it.] Which was against all right and reason; but that weighed little with this covetous cormorant. God "smites his fists" at such "dishonest gain," as Balak did at Balaam, in token of extreme indignation. And lest Laban, or any like, should object, that these were but great words; - The Lord would not do it; They would deal well enough with the Lord for that matter; - he adds, in the next verse, "Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it".
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:39
Verse 39. That which was torn - of my hand didst thou require it] This more particularly marks the covetous and rigorous disposition of Laban; for the law of God required that what had been torn by beasts the shepherd should not be obliged to make good, Exodus 22:10; Exodus 22:13. And it is very likely that this law was in force from the earliest times.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:39
39. I brought not unto thee] Jacob allowed himself to be the loser by the animals that were killed by wild beasts. Instead of bringing the mangled remains so that their value might not be deducted, he cheerfully bore the full loss: see Exodus 22:12-13; Amos 3:12. Jacob had exceeded the standard of fairness which was required by custom: “I bare the loss of it,” i.e. “I used to make myself responsible for the loss.”
Sermons on Genesis 31:39
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Guidelines to Freedom Part 7 - I Was Only Borrowing It by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal." He explains that stealing is wrong and explores different ways in which people can steal. The |
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Birthing the Authentic by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting for the consolation of Israel, as demonstrated by Simeon and Anna. The consolation referred to is the authentic gif |
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The Birth of the Infant Lord by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three disasters that have engulfed the human race: total, moral, and spiritual disaster. He emphasizes the importance of understanding th |
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The Fire of God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. He highlights the contrast between the prophets of Baal and Elijah, who was a man of God. The p |
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Are You Afraid of Revival? by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformative power of God's visitation and revival. He shares anecdotes of individuals who experienced profound changes and deliveranc |
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What Child Is This? Good News of Great Joy by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the announcement made by a solitary angel to the shepherds. The angel reassures them not to be afraid, emphasizing the significance of this |
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Getting Ready to Light Your Lamp and Dance by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of being able to see Christ in this generation. He emphasizes the role of the faithful pastor or minister who cares for the flo |