Genesis 31:40
Genesis 31:40 in Multiple Translations
As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.
Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from mine eyes.
This was my condition, wasted by heat in the day and by the bitter cold at night; and sleep went from my eyes.
Whether it was sweating in the heat of the day, or freezing in the cold of the night when I couldn't sleep, I went on working for you for twenty years in your home.
I was in the day consumed with heate, and with frost in the night, and my sleepe departed from mine eyes.
I have been [thus]: in the day consumed me hath drought, and frost by night, and wander doth my sleep from mine eyes.
This was my situation: in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from my eyes.
Thus I was; in the day the drouth consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from my eyes.
Day and night was I parched with heat, and with frost, and sleep departed from my eyes.
I suffered from the heat during the day and from the cold at night. I was often not even able to sleep [PRS]!
And I had a really hard time when I worked for you. In the day time, it was really hot. And in the night time, it was really cold. It was so cold that I couldn’t sleep.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:40
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 31:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָיִ֧יתִי
בַ/יּ֛וֹם
אֲכָלַ֥/נִי
חֹ֖רֶב
וְ/קֶ֣רַח
בַּ/לָּ֑יְלָה
וַ/תִּדַּ֥ד
שְׁנָתִ֖/י
מֵֽ/עֵינָֽ/י
הָיִ֧יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בַ/יּ֛וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
אֲכָלַ֥/נִי
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
חֹ֖רֶב
chôreb
H2721
drought
N-ms
וְ/קֶ֣רַח
qerach
H7140
ice
Conj | N-ms
בַּ/לָּ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
וַ/תִּדַּ֥ד
nâdad
H5074
to wander
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
שְׁנָתִ֖/י
shênâh
H8142
sleep
N-fs | Suff
מֵֽ/עֵינָֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:40
הָיִ֧יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בַ/יּ֛וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | 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.
אֲכָלַ֥/נִי
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
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.
חֹ֖רֶב
chôreb
H2721
"drought"
N-ms
The Bible uses this word to describe a state of drought or desolation, often as a result of sin. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses warned the Israelites of desolation if they disobeyed God. It is also used in the book of Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) dryness, drought, heat 1a) dryness 1b) drought 1c) parching heat
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: desolation, drought, dry, heat, [idiom] utterly, waste. See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 25:5; Isaiah 4:6.
וְ/קֶ֣רַח
qerach
H7140
"ice"
Conj | N-ms
Ice or frost, used to describe cold temperatures, like the frost that covered the ground in Exodus, and also rock crystal, a shiny mineral.
Definition: 1) frost, ice, ice crystal 1a) frost (of night) 1b) ice
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: crystal, frost, ice. See also: Genesis 31:40; Job 38:29; Psalms 147:17.
בַּ/לָּ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | 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.
וַ/תִּדַּ֥ד
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
שְׁנָתִ֖/י
shênâh
H8142
"sleep"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sleep or be asleep, like when God put Adam to sleep in Genesis 2:21. It is also used to describe a state of unconsciousness. This word is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: sleep Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "sleep" H8139)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: sleep. See also: Genesis 28:16; Proverbs 6:4; Psalms 76:6.
מֵֽ/עֵינָֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:40
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:40
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:40
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:40
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:40
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:40
- Sermons on Genesis 31:40
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
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! 42If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 2:8 | And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. |
| 2 | Exodus 2:19–22 | “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.” “So where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.” Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.” |
| 3 | 1 Peter 5:2–4 | Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. |
| 4 | Hosea 12:12 | Jacob fled to the land of Aram and Israel worked for a wife— for a wife he tended sheep. |
| 5 | John 21:15–17 | When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. |
| 6 | Psalms 78:70–71 | He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. |
| 7 | Hebrews 13:7 | Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. |
| 8 | Exodus 3:1 | Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. |
Genesis 31:40 Summary
[Genesis 31:40 describes the harsh conditions Jacob faced while serving Laban, with extreme heat and cold making it hard for him to rest. This verse shows how Jacob's labor and service to Laban took a toll on his physical and emotional well-being. Despite these challenges, Jacob's faith in God remained strong, as seen in Genesis 31:42, where he acknowledges God's presence and providence in his life. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of hardships was Jacob facing as described in Genesis 31:40?
Jacob was facing extreme temperatures, with heat by day and frost by night, which made it difficult for him to rest, as noted in Genesis 31:40, and this was a result of his labor and service to Laban, as seen in Genesis 29:15-30 and Genesis 30:25-43.
How did Jacob's experiences relate to his faith in God?
Despite the hardships, Jacob's faith in God remained strong, as he later acknowledges God's presence and providence in his life, as seen in Genesis 31:42, which reflects his trust in the God of his father Abraham, as mentioned in Genesis 28:13-15 and Genesis 32:9-12.
What can we learn from Jacob's perseverance in the face of adversity?
Jacob's perseverance, as described in Genesis 31:40, teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Romans 8:28-30.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Jacob's story in the book of Genesis?
Genesis 31:40 is part of Jacob's narrative, which highlights his journey of faith, obedience, and trust in God, as seen in Genesis 25:19-34, Genesis 28:10-22, and Genesis 32:1-33:17, demonstrating God's faithfulness and promise-keeping nature, as emphasized in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:1-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply Jacob's perseverance in my own life when facing challenging circumstances?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, like Jacob, when I feel overwhelmed by my struggles?
- What are some practical ways I can prioritize rest and self-care, despite the demands and pressures of life, as Jacob's experience in Genesis 31:40 highlights the importance of rest?
- In what ways can I, like Jacob, acknowledge and trust in God's presence and providence in my life, especially during difficult times?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:40
[Thus] I was,.... In such a situation, as well as in the following uncomfortable plight and condition: in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night: the violent heat in the daytime
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:40
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 31:40
Through my extraordinary thoughtfulness and care about thy cattle, especially in cases of danger.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:40
Genesis 31:40 [Thus] I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.Ver. 40. Thus I was; in the day, &c.] Nonresidents do none of all this, those idol, and idle shepherds: they cry out, as he, Pan curet oves, oviumque magistros; being herein not only worse than this good shepherd in the text, but also than Ulysses’ swineherd, in Homer, who would not lie from his charge, Virg. Oυδεσυβωτη Hνδανεναυτοθικοιτοςυωναποκοιμηθηναι. - Odyss., xiv. 525.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:40
(40) The frost by night.—From September to May the nights in the East are usually cold, and the change from great heat by day to a freezing temperature as soon as the sun sets is very trying to health.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:40
Verse 40. In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night] The being exposed to the heat by day, and frost by night, is made part of the heaviest punishment of Promethus by AEschylus. Σταθευτοςδ' ἡλιουφοιβῃφλογι, Χροιαςαμευψεις·ασμενῳδεσοι Ἡποικιλεμωννυξαποκρυψειφαος· Παχνηνθ' ἑῳανἡλιοςσκεδᾳπαλιν. AEschyl. Prom. Vinc., v. 22. Opposed to the sun's most fervid beam, The hue of beauty changed; till parch'd by heat The night with spangled stole shall hide its light From thee rejoicing, but again the sun Chases the hoar frost from thy harass'd form. J. B. B. C.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:40
40. drought … frost] The extremes of midday heat and midnight frost. For the variations of temperature, cf. Jeremiah 36:30.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:40
40. Drought… frost — Comp. Psalms 121:6; Jeremiah 36:30. The extremes of heat and cold between day and night in the East are evidenced by all travellers.
Sermons on Genesis 31:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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God’s Awesome Sovereignty Coinciding With Our Obedience by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. The heavenly hosts rejoiced and praised God when they announced the birth of His son. The pre |