Genesis 31:32
Genesis 31:32 in Multiple Translations
If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols.
With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, he shall not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
As for your gods, if anyone of us has them, let him be put to death: make search before us all for what is yours, and take it. For Jacob had no knowledge that Rachel had taken them.
As for your idols, anyone you find who has them will die. You can search everything in the presence of our relatives, and if you find I have anything that belongs to you, you can take it.” (Jacob didn't know that Rachel had stolen the household idols.)
But with whome thou findest thy gods, let him not liue. Search thou before our brethre what I haue of thine, and take it to thee, (but Iaakob wist not that Rahel had stolen them)
with whomsoever thou findest thy gods — he doth not live; before our brethren discern for thyself what [is] with me, and take to thyself:' and Jacob hath not known that Rachel hath stolen them.
Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For Jacob didn’t know that Rachel had stolen them.
With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee: for Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
But whereas thou chargest me with theft: with whomsoever thou shalt find thy gods, let him be slain before our brethren. Search, and if thou find any of thy things with me, take them away. Now when he said this, he knew not that Rachel had stolen the idols.
But if you find anyone here who has your wooden idols, we will execute that person. While our relatives are watching, search for yourself to see if there is anything that belongs to you that is here with me. If you find anything, you can take it!” When Jacob said that, he did not know that Rachel had stolen the wooden idols.
After that, Jacob talked about those little statues that belonged to Laban. Jacob didn’t know that his wife Rachel stole those statues, so he said to Laban, “We didn’t take your little statues. You can look in our tents, and you can look at all our things. If you find those statues, then you can kill the person that stole them. And if you find anything else that belongs to you, then tell me, and show our relatives here, and you can have it back.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:32
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 31:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עִ֠ם
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
תִּמְצָ֣א
אֶת
אֱלֹהֶי/ךָ֮
לֹ֣א
יִֽחְיֶה֒
נֶ֣גֶד
אַחֵ֧י/נוּ
הַֽכֶּר
לְ/ךָ֛
מָ֥ה
עִמָּדִ֖/י
וְ/קַֽח
לָ֑/ךְ
וְ/לֹֽא
יָדַ֣ע
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
כִּ֥י
רָחֵ֖ל
גְּנָבָֽתַ/ם
עִ֠ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תִּמְצָ֣א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֱלֹהֶי/ךָ֮
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִֽחְיֶה֒
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep
אַחֵ֧י/נוּ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
הַֽכֶּר
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֛
Prep | Suff
מָ֥ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
עִמָּדִ֖/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
with me
Prep | Suff
וְ/קַֽח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רָחֵ֖ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
N-proper
גְּנָבָֽתַ/ם
gânab
H1589
to steal
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:32
עִ֠ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תִּמְצָ֣א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
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.
אֱלֹהֶי/ךָ֮
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
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.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִֽחְיֶה֒
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
אַחֵ֧י/נוּ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
הַֽכֶּר
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
לְ/ךָ֛
""
Prep | Suff
מָ֥ה
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.
עִמָּדִ֖/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
"with me"
Prep | Suff
Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.
Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.
וְ/קַֽח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
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.
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.
רָחֵ֖ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
N-proper
Rachel was a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name means ewe, and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in detail.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.6; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Leah (H3812); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) Also named: Rhachēl (Ῥαχήλ "Rachel" G4478) § Rachel = "ewe" daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Rachel. See also: Genesis 29:6; Genesis 30:25; Jeremiah 31:15.
גְּנָבָֽתַ/ם
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:32
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:32
- Sermons on Genesis 31:32
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
30Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?”
31“I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.
32If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols.
33So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent, and then the tents of the two maidservants, but he found nothing. Then he left Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. 34Now Rachel had taken Laban’s household idols, put them in the saddlebag of her camel, and was sitting on them. And Laban searched everything in the tent but found nothing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 12:3–5 | Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” “You have not wronged us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied. |
| 2 | Genesis 31:30 | Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?” |
| 3 | Genesis 31:19 | Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. |
| 4 | Genesis 31:23 | So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. |
| 5 | Genesis 44:9–12 | If any of your servants is found to have it, he must die, and the rest will become slaves of my lord.” “As you say,” replied the steward. “But only the one who is found with the cup will be my slave, and the rest of you shall be free of blame.” So each one quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it. The steward searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest—and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 14:24–29 | Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food. Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened. Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the troops with a solemn oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today.’ That is why the people are faint.” “My father has brought trouble to the land,” Jonathan replied. “Just look at how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. |
| 7 | Genesis 19:7 | “Please, my brothers,” he pleaded, “don’t do such a wicked thing! |
| 8 | Genesis 30:33 | So my honesty will testify for me when you come to check on my wages in the future. If I have any goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not dark-colored, they will be considered stolen.” |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 8:20–21 | We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 12:17–19 | Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you? I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps? Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up. |
Genesis 31:32 Summary
In Genesis 31:32, Jacob tells Laban to search for his stolen idols, saying that whoever has them will be put to death. This shows how seriously Jacob takes the situation and how much Laban values his idols. Just like Laban's idols, we may have things in our lives that we prioritize over God, but as seen in Exodus 20:3-4, God wants to be our number one priority. By surrendering our 'idols' to God, we can trust in His sovereignty, just like Jacob did, and grow in our faith, as encouraged in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when Jacob says 'he shall not live' if the idols are found with someone?
Jacob is saying that if the idols are found with someone, that person will be put to death, as seen in Genesis 31:32, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the importance of the idols to Laban.
Why did Jacob not know that Rachel had stolen the idols?
The Bible does not explicitly state why Jacob was unaware, but it can be inferred that Rachel acted secretly, as mentioned in Genesis 31:32, and Jacob trusted her, as seen in their relationship in Genesis 29:18.
What is the significance of Laban's idols in this verse?
The idols represented Laban's false gods and his trust in them, as opposed to the one true God worshiped by Jacob, highlighting the spiritual differences between them, as seen in Genesis 31:30 and supported by the commandment in Exodus 20:3-4.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Genesis?
This verse contributes to the theme of God's sovereignty and the struggle between faith and idolatry, as seen in Genesis 31:32 and elsewhere in the book, such as in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 28:13-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'idols' in my life that I may be holding onto, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I, like Jacob, trust in God's sovereignty even in uncertain situations, as seen in Genesis 31:32 and Romans 8:28?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships, as seen in the interaction between Jacob and Laban?
- How can I apply the principle of 'searching' my own heart, as Laban searched for his idols, to identify areas where I need to grow in my faith, as encouraged in Psalm 139:23-24?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:32
With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live,.... This is the answer to his last question, as what goes before is to his first: Jacob knew nothing of their being taken away by any, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:32
And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:32
Let him not live; I give my consent that he shall die by the hands of justice. A rash and inconsiderate sentence.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:32
Genesis 31:32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what [is] thine with me, and take [it] to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.Ver. 32. Let him not live.] This was a rash sentence. Hasty speech may work much woe. How sorry would Jacob have been if Laban had found the images under Rachel, and taken him at his word! What a snare befell Jephthah by his rash speaking! It is a proverb among the Arabians, Cave ne feriat lingua tua collum tuum . "He is a perfect man that offends not in word," saith St James; for "the tongue is an unruly evil". Sooner may a man teach a camel to dance upon a rope, than bridle his tongue from evil speaking. Pareus reckons up five virtues of the tongue that perfect a man: but Peraldus recounts twenty-four various vices of it, that, if not restrained, will work his ruth (distress) and ruin.
It should seem by that of our Saviour that a man’ s most and worst sins are his words. And St Paul, making the anatomy of a natural man, stands more upon the organ of speaking than on all the other members: Let therefore thy words be few, true, and ponderous. An open mouth is a purgatory to the master. Carry a pair of balances betwixt thy lips. Nescit poenitenda loqui, qui proferenda prius suo tradidit examini , saith Cassiodone. Jacob might have learned of the heathen Romans, to speak warily in passing sentence on, or giving testimony of, another. Romani semper Videri in sententiis, in testimoniis Arbitrari, dicebant, saith Cicero. Scal., Prov. Arab., cent. i. Proverbs 75.
Veracitas, constantia, docilitas, taciturnitas, urbanitas . - Pareus on James iii. 5. Perald., tom. i., p. 264. Cassiod., lib. x., Ephesians 4:1-32.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:32
(31, 32) Jacob answered.—Jacob gives the true reason for his flight; after which, indignant at the charge of theft, he returns, in his anger, as rash an answer about the teraphim as Joseph’s brethren subsequently did about the stolen cup (Genesis 44:9). Let him not live.—The Rabbins regard this as a prophecy, fulfilled in Rachel’s premature death. Its more simple meaning is, I yield him up to thee even to be put to death.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:32
Verse 32. Let him not live] It appears that anciently theft was punished by death; and we know that the patriarchs had the power of life and death in their hands. But previously to the law, the punishment of death was scarcely ever inflicted but for murder. The rabbins consider that this was an imprecation used by Jacob, as if he had said, Let God take away the life of the person who has stolen them! And that this was answered shortly after in the death of Rachel, Genesis 35:16-19.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:32
32. our brethren] Cf. Genesis 31:23.
Sermons on Genesis 31:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:32-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Laban from the book of Genesis. Jacob confronts Laban, questioning why he is pursuing him so aggressively. Jacob is c |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 34 | the Miracle Called Giving by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of giving and helping the weak. He compares the spiritual law of giving to the physical law of gravity, stating that when we gi |
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Xxxii to John Gordon of Cardoness, the Elder by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford addresses a difficult parishioner, urging him to focus on his salvation and not be distracted by earthly matters. He emphasizes the importance of casting burdens |
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2 Corinthians 11:13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about false apostles who deceive by pretending to be true messengers of Christ, warning against those who seek to manipulate and exploit others for persona |
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Going Back to the Altar by John Hames | John Hames preaches on the importance of returning to our spiritual 'Bethel' when we find ourselves straying away from God's path. Using Jacob's experience as an example, he highli |
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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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Reclaiming the Sweetness of the Cross by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the sweetness of the cross, highlighting the need for honesty, abandonment to God, and righteousness. It calls for a choice to w |