Genesis 31:9
Genesis 31:9 in Multiple Translations
Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me.
Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.
Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.
So God has taken away your father's cattle and has given them to me.
This is how God took your father's livestock and gave them to me.
Thus hath God taken away your fathers substance, and giuen it me.
and God taketh away the substance of your father, and doth give to me.
Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock, and given them to me.
Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.
And God hath taken your father’s substance, and given it to me.
In that way, God has taken away the livestock that belonged to your father and has given them to me.
You know, God was the one that made those things happen. It’s like God took away your father’s animals and gave them to me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:9
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 31:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּצֵּ֧ל
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
אֶת
מִקְנֵ֥ה
אֲבִי/כֶ֖ם
וַ/יִּתֶּן
לִֽ/י
וַ/יַּצֵּ֧ל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִקְנֵ֥ה
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-ms
אֲבִי/כֶ֖ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:9
וַ/יַּצֵּ֧ל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
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.
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.
מִקְנֵ֥ה
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-ms
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
אֲבִי/כֶ֖ם
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.
וַ/יִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 31:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Flees from Laban
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.
9Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me.
10When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females. 11In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ And I replied, ‘Here I am.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:1 | Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.” |
| 2 | Genesis 31:16 | Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 13:22 | A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. |
| 4 | Esther 8:1–2 | That same day King Xerxes awarded Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai entered the king’s presence because Esther had revealed his relation to her. The king removed the signet ring he had recovered from Haman and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the estate of Haman. |
| 5 | Matthew 20:15 | Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ |
| 6 | Psalms 50:10 | for every beast of the forest is Mine— the cattle on a thousand hills. |
Genesis 31:9 Summary
[In Genesis 31:9, Jacob is saying that God has taken the livestock from his father-in-law, Laban, and given them to him. This shows that God is in control of everything, including the things that happen in our lives (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11). Jacob is acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision, and we can learn from his example to trust God in our own lives. By trusting God, we can experience His protection and provision, just like Jacob did (Psalm 23:1-4).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Jacob's statement in Genesis 31:9?
Jacob is acknowledging that God has intervened in his life, taking away his father-in-law's livestock and giving them to him, as seen in the context of Genesis 31:7-8 where God protected Jacob from harm despite Laban's cheating.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty over all things, including the lives of humans and animals, as stated in Psalm 24:1, 'The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.'
What can we learn from Jacob's experience about trusting God?
We can learn that God is faithful and will provide for us, even in difficult circumstances, as Jacob experienced in Genesis 28:15 where God promised to be with him and watch over him.
How does this verse fit into the broader story of Jacob's life?
This verse is part of the story of Jacob's journey with God, where he learns to trust and obey Him, ultimately leading to his transformation and the fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in Genesis 32:28 and Romans 11:26.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has provided for me in my life, and how can I acknowledge and thank Him for His provision?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain?
- What are some areas where I need to surrender to God's will and trust in His goodness, just like Jacob did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of God's protection and provision in my own life, as seen in Jacob's experience?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:9
Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father,.... Not all of them, see Genesis 31:19; but a great part of them; his flock was much lessened by those means, and more were taken away, and came to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:9
If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:9
Genesis 31:9 Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given [them] to me.Ver. 9. Thus God hath taken away, &c.] He is the true proprietary, and gives and takes away these outward things at pleasure; as Hannah hath it. And, "promotion cometh neither from the east nor west," saith David; "nor yet from the south," where the warm sunshine is: much less from the north (for, Ab Aquilone nihil boni); "but God is the judge; he puts down" Laban "and sets up" Jacob; he spoiled the Egyptians, and enriched the Israelites with their jewels; which yet proved a snare to them, perhaps, in the matter of the golden calf; as riches always do, when sent to men by God’ s providence only, and not out of his favour, as here to Jacob, and by virtue of the promise.
Sermons on Genesis 31:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 30:31-39 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with his uncle Laban. Jacob, known for his trickery, meets his match in Laban, who is an even better tri |
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(Genesis) - Part 25 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going through a period of breaking and discipline in order to be used by God. He uses the example of Jacob in the book of G |
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Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 3 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his encounter with his brother Esau. Jacob is filled with fear and distress upon hearing that Esau is coming to meet |
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How Revival Comes: The Desperation of the Saints by Ronald Glass | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four steps to experiencing revival. The first step is acknowledging neglected priorities, as seen in the story of Jacob encountering the |
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Living for Generations to Come by Scott Volk | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his failure to address certain topics during his recent services. He shares his personal challenges and confesses that he will change his be |
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This Heart Is Too Small - Part 5 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual legacy and the eternal perspective of life. It challenges individuals to consider the spiritual inheritance they are passing on t |
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11 - Education and the Future of Nations by Ben Torrey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of education and its impact on the future of a nation. He highlights how young people play a crucial role in shaping society an |