Genesis 31:6
Genesis 31:6 in Multiple Translations
You know that I have served your father with all my strength.
And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.
And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.
And you have seen how I have done all in my power for your father,
You both know very well how hard I worked for your father.
And yee knowe that I haue serued your father with all my might.
and ye — ye have known that with all my power I have served your father,
You know that I have served your father with all of my strength.
And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.
And you know that I have served your father to the uttermost of my power.
You two know that I have worked very hard for your father,
You both know that I worked really hard for your father.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:6
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 31:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתֵּ֖נָה
יְדַעְתֶּ֑ן
כִּ֚י
בְּ/כָל
כֹּחִ֔/י
עָבַ֖דְתִּי
אֶת
אֲבִי/כֶֽן
וְ/אַתֵּ֖נָה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
יְדַעְתֶּ֑ן
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2fp
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
כֹּחִ֔/י
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms | Suff
עָבַ֖דְתִּי
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲבִי/כֶֽן
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:6
וְ/אַתֵּ֖נָה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יְדַעְתֶּ֑ן
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2fp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֚י
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.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כֹּחִ֔/י
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms | Suff
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
עָבַ֖דְתִּי
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
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.
אֲבִי/כֶֽן
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Flees from Laban
4So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,
5and he told them, “I can see from your father’s countenance that his attitude toward me has changed; but the God of my father has been with me.
6You know that I have served your father with all my strength.
7And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me. 8If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore speckled offspring. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore streaked offspring.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 30:29 | Then Jacob answered, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock have thrived under my care. |
| 2 | Ephesians 6:5–8 | Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. |
| 3 | Titus 2:9–10 | Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior. |
| 4 | Colossians 3:22–25 | Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. |
| 5 | Genesis 31:38–42 | 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. 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. As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. Thus 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! 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.” |
| 6 | 1 Peter 2:18 | Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. |
Genesis 31:6 Summary
[Genesis 31:6 means that Jacob worked very hard for his father-in-law Laban, using all his energy and abilities. He is simply stating a fact about his hard work and dedication. This verse reminds us that we should work hard and be faithful in our relationships and responsibilities, just like Jacob did, and trust in God's guidance and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4. By doing so, we can experience God's presence and provision in our lives, just like Jacob did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to serve someone with all your strength?
In Genesis 31:6, Jacob is saying that he has worked very hard for his father-in-law, Laban, using all his energy and abilities, similar to how we are called to serve the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind in Deuteronomy 6:5.
Is Jacob boasting about his service to Laban?
No, Jacob is simply stating a fact about his hard work and dedication, as seen in Genesis 31:6, and he is also acknowledging that despite his efforts, Laban has not treated him fairly, as mentioned in Genesis 31:7.
How does Jacob's statement relate to his relationship with God?
Jacob's statement in Genesis 31:6 shows that he is aware of God's presence and guidance in his life, as mentioned in Genesis 31:5, and he is trusting in God's faithfulness, even when faced with difficult circumstances, similar to what is written in Psalm 37:3-4.
What can we learn from Jacob's example of serving with all his strength?
We can learn the importance of diligence and faithfulness in our work and relationships, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, and trust that God is with us and will guide us, even in challenging situations, as promised in Isaiah 41:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can serve others with all my strength, just like Jacob did, and how can I trust God to guide me in those efforts?
- How do I respond when I feel like my efforts are not being recognized or appreciated, and what can I learn from Jacob's experience in Genesis 31:6-7?
- In what ways can I trust in God's faithfulness and provision, even when faced with difficult circumstances, and how can I apply Jacob's example to my own life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's guidance and faithfulness, and how can I take steps to surrender those areas to Him, just like Jacob did in Genesis 31:5?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:6
And ye know, that with all my power I have served your father.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:6
And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. Ye know that ... I have served.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:6
With all my power, both of my mind and body, as I would have done for myself, as became a faithful servant to do.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:6
Genesis 31:6 And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.Ver. 6. With all my power I have served.] The word translated power signifieth that natural moisture of the body that maketh it lively and lusty, vigorous and valorous to do service. So it is used, Genesis 49:3 Psalms 22:15. Now if Jacob served Laban with all his might, should not we the Lord, a far better Master? Baruch "repaired earnestly". Caleb "fulfilled after God". Nehemiah traded every talent with which divine providence had trusted him: he worketh, warreth, watcheth, commandeth, encourageth, threateneth, punisheth, &c. "David danced with all his might," and did all the wills of God to his dying day; painfully serving out his time to the last. Happy is he that can say, in a spiritual sense, as it was said of Moses, that, after a long profession of religion, he remits not of his zeal; "his sight is not waxed dim, nor his natural" heat or "force abated"; that he is "not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord".
Sermons on Genesis 31:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Crisis in Abraham's Life 02 by Rick Bovey | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man named Jacob and his attitude towards work and relationships. The preacher acknowledges that Jacob is often seen in a negative light, |
|
The Fear of God - Part 2 by Jerry Bridges | In this sermon, the preacher begins by telling a parable about a young man in basic training who is in awe of his commanding general. The preacher then explains that he is laying t |
|
Living by Christian Values at Work by Sanjay Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living out biblical principles in the workplace, focusing on being a witness for the Lord, standing for values, and being a servant leader. |
|
(Ephesians) Worship Revolutionizes the Workplace by Jeff Noblit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience in the workplace. He encourages believers to obey their earthly masters sincerely and without hypocrisy. The spea |
|
Psalm 32:9 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories to emphasize the importance of controlling one's temper and using words wisely. The first story involves the famous atheist |
|
Motivation of Spiritual Ministry by Stephen Kaung | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of serving God's will from the heart and with good will. It highlights the idea that our service will be judged at the judgment seat |
|
Human Authorities-God's Servants by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and submitting to authority in our lives. He shares a personal story of his own experience of being lazy and re |