Genesis 31:26
Genesis 31:26 in Multiple Translations
Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war!
And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?
And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters as captives of the sword?
And Laban said to Jacob, Why did you go away secretly, taking my daughters away like prisoners of war?
“Why did you deceive me like this?” Laban asked Jacob. “You carried off my daughters as if they were some prisoners captured by the sword!
Then Laban sayde to Iaakob, What hast thou done? thou hast euen stolen away mine heart and caried away my daughters as though they had bene taken captiues with the sworde.
And Laban saith to Jacob, 'What hast thou done that thou dost deceive my heart, and lead away my daughters as captives of the sword?
Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the sword?
And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?
And he said to Jacob: Why hast thou done thus, to carry away, without my knowledge, my daughters, as captives taken with the sword.
Then Laban went to Jacob and said to him, “Why have you done this? You have deceived me by carrying away my daughters as though you had captured them in a war [MTY]!
Then Laban went and talked to Jacob. Laban said, “You did a bad thing to me. You tricked me, and you took my daughters away. It’s like I’m your enemy and you came and stole my daughters from me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:26
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 31:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
לָבָן֙
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֔ב
מֶ֣ה
עָשִׂ֔יתָ
וַ/תִּגְנֹ֖ב
אֶת
לְבָבִ֑/י
וַ/תְּנַהֵג֙
אֶת
בְּנֹתַ֔/י
כִּ/שְׁבֻי֖וֹת
חָֽרֶב
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָבָן֙
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
Prep | N-proper
מֶ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
עָשִׂ֔יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
וַ/תִּגְנֹ֖ב
gânab
H1589
to steal
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לְבָבִ֑/י
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
וַ/תְּנַהֵג֙
nâhag
H5090
to lead
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֹתַ֔/י
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp | Suff
כִּ/שְׁבֻי֖וֹת
shâbâh
H7617
to take captive
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:26
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָבָן֙
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
Prep | N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
מֶ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
עָשִׂ֔יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וַ/תִּגְנֹ֖ב
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
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.
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.
לְבָבִ֑/י
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
וַ/תְּנַהֵג֙
nâhag
H5090
"to lead"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms
To moan means to sigh or lament, like in Psalm 77:3 when the psalmist moaned in his sleepless night. It can also mean to lead or guide someone, like in 1 Samuel 25:42 when Abigail led her maids to follow David.
Definition: 1) to drive, lead, guide, conduct 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off 1a2) to behave itself (fig.) (of heart) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to drive away, lead off 1b2) to lead on, guide, guide on 1b3) to cause to drive
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: acquaint, bring (away), carry away, drive (away), lead (away, forth), (be) guide, lead (away, forth). See also: Genesis 31:18; 1 Chronicles 20:1; Psalms 48:15.
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.
בְּנֹתַ֔/י
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
כִּ/שְׁבֻי֖וֹת
shâbâh
H7617
"to take captive"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c
This verb means to take someone captive, like a prisoner of war. It involves transporting people away from their homes, often as a result of conflict or battle. The Bible uses it to describe the experiences of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to take captive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take captive 1a2) captive (participle) 1a3) to lead captive 1b) (Niphal) to be taken captive
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive(-s), drive (take) away. See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Chronicles 6:38; Psalms 68:19.
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:26
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:26
- Sermons on Genesis 31:26
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
24But 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.”
25Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well.
26Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war!
27Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps. 28But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 30:2 | They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. |
| 2 | Genesis 12:18 | So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? |
| 3 | Genesis 20:9–10 | Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.” Abimelech also asked Abraham, “What prompted you to do such a thing?” |
| 4 | Genesis 34:29 | They carried off all their possessions and women and children, and they plundered everything in their houses. |
| 5 | Genesis 4:10 | “What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 17:29 | “What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?” |
| 7 | 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.” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 14:43 | “Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?” |
| 9 | Joshua 7:19 | So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” |
| 10 | Genesis 31:36 | Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? |
Genesis 31:26 Summary
In Genesis 31:26, Laban is upset with Jacob because he took his daughters away without saying anything, which made Laban feel like Jacob had taken them by force. This shows how important it is to be honest and communicate with others, as we see in Ephesians 4:25, where it says we should speak the truth in love. Just like Laban, we can get hurt when people don't tell us the truth or don't include us in their plans, as seen in Proverbs 24:26. By being open and honest with each other, we can build stronger relationships and avoid hurting those we care about, as encouraged in Colossians 3:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Laban accuse Jacob of deceiving him?
Laban accused Jacob of deceiving him because Jacob had taken his daughters, Rachel and Leah, away from him without his knowledge or consent, as seen in Genesis 31:26, which reminds us of the importance of honesty and transparency in our relationships, as taught in Ephesians 4:25.
What does it mean to carry someone off like captives of war?
In this context, it means to take someone away by force or without their consent, similar to how captives are taken in war, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:10-14, highlighting the severity of Laban's accusation against Jacob.
Is Laban's reaction justified?
While Laban's feelings of hurt and betrayal are understandable, his reaction is not entirely justified, as he had previously deceived Jacob himself, as seen in Genesis 29:21-30, showing that Laban's actions were not entirely innocent.
What can we learn from Laban's words?
We can learn the importance of communication and trust in our relationships, as Laban's words reveal the hurt and mistrust that can result from secretive and deceitful actions, as warned against in Proverbs 10:32 and emphasized in Genesis 31:26.
Reflection Questions
- How do I handle situations where I feel deceived or betrayed by someone, and what can I learn from Jacob's experience?
- In what ways can I prioritize honesty and transparency in my own relationships, as taught in Colossians 3:9-10?
- What are some potential consequences of secretive or deceitful actions, and how can I avoid them in my own life, as warned against in Galatians 6:7-8?
- How can I cultivate trust and open communication with those around me, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:26
And Laban said unto Jacob,.... Upon their meeting together; perhaps in some middle place between their two tents: what hast thou done? what evil hast thou committed? what folly art thou guilty of?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:26
And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? Laban said ... What hast thou done?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:26
By force and violence. A false accusation; for they freely consented, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:26
Genesis 31:26 And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives [taken] with the sword?Ver. 26. As captives taken with the sword.] No such matter; but that the old churl must have somewhat to say: for Jacob had their goodwills to go with him: and besides, they were now his more than Laban’ s. Jacob had them in marriage, and not in bondage: he carried them not as his captives, but companions.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:26
(26-30) Laban said . . . —Laban reproaches Jacob, first, for carrying away his daughters secretly, which was an affront to them (Genesis 31:26) and an injury to his own feelings (Genesis 31:28); secondly, he tells him that he should have punished him but for the Divine warning; lastly, he accuses him of stealing his teraphim. Captives . . . —Heb., captives of the sword, women carried off in war as spoil.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:26
26. What hast thou done?] Cf. Genesis 4:10. Laban’s reproach in Genesis 31:26-30 is expressed in terms of forbearance and injured innocence: why had Jacob fled secretly? why not suffer himself to be dismissed with dignity? For the sake of the God of Isaac Laban will say no more, but he must protest against the theft of his household gods.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:26
26. Laban said — Laban opens the controversy, and his speech, both here (Genesis 31:26-30) and afterwards, (Genesis 31:43-44; Genesis 31:48-53,) and Jacob’s also, (in Genesis 31:36-42,) read like the fragments of an ancient poem.
Sermons on Genesis 31:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:26-31 by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee discusses the confrontation between Jacob and Laban, highlighting Laban's diplomatic approach and emotional manipulation as he questions Jacob about his secret depa |
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(Genesis) Genesis 20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on chapter 20 of the book of Genesis. Abraham and Sarah are on a journey and they end up in a place called Gira. Abraham, out of fear, lies to |
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A Bit of the Old Nature by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer discusses the hidden sins that can linger in our hearts, drawing parallels to Abraham's past deceit regarding Sarah, which resurfaced in a moment of fear. He emphasizes |
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(Genesis) Genesis 34:18-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of standing for the truth and not compromising one's beliefs based on the opinions of others. He criticizes Christians who sha |
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The Voice of Jesus Blood by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript discusses various topics, including the consequences of breaking rules and the importance of having plans for the future. It also highlights the transformatio |
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Principles of the Most Holy War by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of refraining from engaging in harmful conversations. He highlights the need for holi |
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God Only by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being a slave to what we choose. He emphasizes that our ability to choose is our royalty, and we are fixed by the choices we ma |