Genesis 31:42
Genesis 31:42 in Multiple Translations
If 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.”
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.
Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now hadst thou sent me away empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would have sent me away with nothing in my hands. But God has seen my troubles and the work of my hands, and this night he kept you back.
If it weren't for the God of my father, the God of Abraham, the awesome God of Isaac, who took care of me, you would have dismissed me with nothing. But God saw my suffering, how hard I worked, and he condemned you last night.”
Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the feare of Izhak had bene with me, surely thou haddest sent me away nowe emptie: but God behelde my tribulation, and the labour of mine hads, and rebuked thee yester night.
unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac, had been for me, surely now empty thou hadst sent me away; mine affliction and the labour of my hands hath God seen, and reproveth yesternight.'
Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.”
Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac had been with me, surely thou hadst now sent me away empty. God hath seen my affliction, and the labor of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
Unless the God of my father Abraham, and the fear of Isaac had stood by me, peradventure now thou hadst sent me away naked: God beheld my affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesterday.
If God, the one whom my grandfather Abraham worshiped and before whom my father Isaac trembled in fear, had not been with me and helped me, you would have sent me away ◄with nothing in my hands/owning nothing►! But God saw how much I was suffering and how hard I was working, so last night he told you that what you have done to me was wrong.”
Then Jacob said to Laban, “I know that you wanted to send me away with nothing. But God was with me, and he helped me. He is the one that looked after my grand-father Abraham. And my father Isaac respected him properly too. Yes, God helped me. He saw that I worked very hard for you, and he saw that you gave me trouble. So last night, he talked strongly to you, and he showed you that you did the wrong thing.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:42
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 31:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לוּלֵ֡י
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
אָבִ/י֩
אֱלֹהֵ֨י
אַבְרָהָ֜ם
וּ/פַ֤חַד
יִצְחָק֙
הָ֣יָה
לִ֔/י
כִּ֥י
עַתָּ֖ה
רֵיקָ֣ם
שִׁלַּחְתָּ֑/נִי
אֶת
עָנְיִ֞/י
וְ/אֶת
יְגִ֧יעַ
כַּפַּ֛/י
רָאָ֥ה
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
וַ/יּ֥וֹכַח
אָֽמֶשׁ
לוּלֵ֡י
lûwlêʼ
H3884
unless
Conj
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אָבִ/י֩
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
אֱלֹהֵ֨י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אַבְרָהָ֜ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
וּ/פַ֤חַד
pachad
H6343
dread
Conj | N-ms
יִצְחָק֙
Yitschâq
H3327
Isaac
N-proper
הָ֣יָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
רֵיקָ֣ם
rêyqâm
H7387
emptily
Adv
שִׁלַּחְתָּ֑/נִי
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עָנְיִ֞/י
ʻŏnîy
H6040
affliction
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
יְגִ֧יעַ
yᵉgîyaʻ
H3018
toil
N-ms
כַּפַּ֛/י
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
רָאָ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וַ/יּ֥וֹכַח
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָֽמֶשׁ
ʼemesh
H570
last night
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:42
לוּלֵ֡י
lûwlêʼ
H3884
"unless"
Conj
Unless or if not, this word is used to show an exception or a condition. It is often translated as except or unless in English Bibles.
Definition: unless, if not, except
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: except, had not, if (...not), unless, were it not that. See also: Genesis 31:42; Psalms 27:13; Psalms 94:17.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אָבִ/י֩
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אֱלֹהֵ֨י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אַבְרָהָ֜ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
וּ/פַ֤חַד
pachad
H6343
"dread"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a feeling of terror or dread, often caused by something sudden or frightening. In the Bible, it describes the fear of God or the dread of His judgment. The prophet Isaiah used it to describe the terror of God's wrath.
Definition: 1) terror, dread 1a) dread 1b) object of dread
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. See also: Genesis 31:42; Job 39:22; Psalms 14:5.
יִצְחָק֙
Yitschâq
H3327
"Isaac"
N-proper
Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.
הָ֣יָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
רֵיקָ֣ם
rêyqâm
H7387
"emptily"
Adv
This Hebrew word means doing something empty or without purpose, like acting in vain. It is used in the Bible to describe actions that have no real effect. In the KJV, it is translated as 'without cause' or 'in vain'.
Definition: 1) vainly, emptily 1a) in empty condition, empty, emptily 1b) in vain, without effect, vainly
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: without cause, empty, in vain, void. See also: Genesis 31:42; 1 Samuel 6:3; Psalms 7:5.
שִׁלַּחְתָּ֑/נִי
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עָנְיִ֞/י
ʻŏnîy
H6040
"affliction"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means affliction or misery, describing a state of trouble or hardship, as seen in the experiences of the Israelites in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) affliction, poverty, misery 1a) affliction 1b) poverty
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: afflicted(-ion), trouble. See also: Genesis 16:11; Job 36:21; Psalms 9:14.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְגִ֧יעַ
yᵉgîyaʻ
H3018
"toil"
N-ms
This word refers to hard work or labor, and the things we produce as a result of our efforts. It can also mean the property or wealth we acquire through our work. The KJV translates it as 'labour' or 'work'.
Definition: 1) toil, work 2) product, produce, acquired property (as a result of work)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: labour, work. See also: Genesis 31:42; Psalms 128:2; Psalms 78:46.
כַּפַּ֛/י
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
רָאָ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/יּ֥וֹכַח
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
אָֽמֶשׁ
ʼemesh
H570
"last night"
Adv
This word refers to yesterday or last night, and can also mean a recent time. It is used in the Bible to talk about past events. The KJV translates it as yesterday or former time.
Definition: 1) yesterday, last night 2) recently (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: former time, yesterday(-night) See also: Genesis 19:34; Genesis 31:42; Job 30:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:42
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:42 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:42
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:42
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:42
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:42
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:42
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:42
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:42
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:42
- Sermons on Genesis 31:42
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
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.”
43But Laban answered Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne? 44Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 31:7 | I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion, for You have seen my affliction; You have known the anguish of my soul. |
| 2 | Genesis 31:53 | May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. |
| 3 | Isaiah 8:13 | The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded. |
| 4 | Genesis 31:29 | I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ |
| 5 | Genesis 29:32 | And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” |
| 6 | Exodus 3:7 | The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. |
| 7 | Psalms 124:1–3 | If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel now declare— if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, |
| 8 | Genesis 31:24 | But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” |
| 9 | Jude 1:9 | But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 12:17 | And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” |
Genesis 31:42 Summary
This verse shows how Jacob trusted in God to take care of him, even when things seemed really tough. Jacob knew that if God hadn't been with him, he would have left Laban's household with nothing, but because of God's faithfulness, he was able to leave with the blessings he had received. This reminds us that, like Jacob, we can trust in God's presence and provision in our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:33. By trusting in God, we can have confidence that He will see us through difficult times and provide for our needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jacob mean by 'the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac'?
Jacob is referencing the God of his ancestors, emphasizing his connection to the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 26:24.
How did God render judgment for Jacob?
The exact nature of God's judgment is not specified in this verse, but it is clear that God intervened on Jacob's behalf, possibly through the dream Laban had, as Jacob notes it happened 'last night'.
What is the significance of Jacob's statement about being sent away empty-handed?
Jacob is highlighting the fact that, despite Laban's attempts to cheat him, God's presence and provision in his life have ensured that he has not been left empty-handed, a testament to God's faithfulness as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse illustrates God's sovereignty over the lives of His people, as He sees and responds to Jacob's affliction, demonstrating His active involvement in the world, as also seen in Psalm 121:4 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I, like Jacob, trust in God's presence and provision in the midst of challenging circumstances?
- How have I experienced God's judgment or intervention in my own life, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am being cheated or taken advantage of, and how can I trust God to see me through those difficulties?
- In what ways can I, like Jacob, acknowledge and give credit to God for His work in my life, rather than taking credit for myself?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:42
Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me,.... One and the same God is meant, who was the God of his father Isaac, and before him the God of Abraham,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:42
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 31:42
The fear of Isaac, i.e. the God whom my father Isaac worships with reverence and godly fear, as appears by comparing . The act is here put for the object, as it frequently is; and particularly God is called our fear, . And fear is one of God’ s names amongst the rabbins. He calls him not Isaac’ s God, but his fear, because Isaac was yet alive, and in the state of probation, and served God with fear and trembling: see . The Jews observe, that God is not called the God of any particular person, as of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, till after their death. God hath seen my affliction, with compassion and intention of good to me for it. God’ s seeing is oft used for his relieving and helping, as 29:32 ,9. Or, hath showed or proved it, to wit, that he hath seen, & c.: compare . Either way it is an ellipsis of the pronoun, which is usual, as appears by comparing , with and , with .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:42
Genesis 31:42 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.Ver. 42. The fear of Isaac.] God, the proper object of fear; whence he is absolutely called "The fear". "Bring presents to fear"; that is, to him, to whom all dread is due. The Chaldee Paraphrast rendereth Teraphim, Laban’ s fear. It was an atheistical speech of Statius, Primus in orbe deos fecit Timor. But it was a true saying of Varro, as Calvin cites his words, They that first brought in images of the gods, increased men’ s error, but took away their fear. Qui primi deorum simulachra induxerunt, errorem auxerunt, metum dempserunt. - Var.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:42
(42) The fear of Isaac—That is, the object of Isaac’s worship. The reason given by the Jewish Commentators for this remarkable way of describing the Deity whom Isaac served is that, as his father was still alive, Jacob would have been wanting in reverence, if he had spoken of God as “Isaac’s God,” even though Jehovah had condescended so to call Himself (Genesis 28:13).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:42
Verse 42. The fear of Isaac] It is strange that Jacob should say, the GOD of Abraham and the FEAR of Isaac, when both words are meant of the same Being. The reason perhaps was this; Abraham was long since dead, and God was his unalienable portion for ever. Isaac was yet alive in a state of probation, living in the fear of God, not exempt from the danger of falling; therefore God is said to be his fear, not only the object of his religious worship in a general way, but that holy and just God before whom he was still working out his salvation with fear and trembling, fear lest he should fall, and trembling lest he should offend.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:42
42. the God of my father] Cf. Genesis 31:5. the Fear of Isaac] Cf. Genesis 31:53. A remarkable phrase, denoting the personal God who was the object of Isaac’s worship. Cf. Isaiah 8:13, “Neither fear ye their fear. The Lord of Hosts … let him be your fear.” It clearly shews not that Isaac was regarded as a deity; but that He whom Isaac feared was the true God of Jacob. sent me away empty] A regular phrase for destitution; cf. Job 22:9; Luke 1:53. rebuked thee] Cf. Genesis 31:29.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:42
42. Fear of Isaac — He whom Isaac feared. Laban closed his speech with allusion to his gods, (Genesis 31:30,) and now Jacob, more nobly, appeals to the intervention of the God of his fathers, who had rebuked Laban as an adversary.
Sermons on Genesis 31:42
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:42-49 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contract made between Jacob and Laban. Laban claims ownership of everything, including Jacob's wives and children. Jacob, however, assert |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi |
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God Doesn't Give Up on Children Who Fall by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the bondage and fear that many people experience due to past traumas and sins. He emphasizes that God's hand is a hand of love and deliveranc |
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Thou Hast Set My Feet in a Large Place by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 4 and Psalms 42, focusing on the theme of finding hope and help in God's presence. He encourages the congregation to refle |
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Accusing God of Child Neglect! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the misconception of accusing God of child neglect, emphasizing that God communicates with His children through probing questions that reveal our innermos |
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A Very Present Help in Trouble by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that Christians often face overwhelming hardships, yet they must remember their worth and God's unwavering presence. He reassures believers that God is a |
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Our Daily Homily - Psalms Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of spiritual purity and the importance of approaching God with a clean heart, as illustrated in Psalms 26:6. He explains that true cleansing com |