Genesis 31:34
Genesis 31:34 in Multiple Translations
Now 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.
Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel’s furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.
Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, and put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat upon them. And Laban felt about all the tent, but found them not.
Now Rachel had taken the images, and had put them in the camels' basket, and was seated on them. And Laban, searching through all the tent, did not come across them.
Rachel had put the household idols in a camel's saddlebag and was sitting on it. Laban carefully searched the whole tent but couldn't find them.
(Nowe Rahel had taken the idoles, and put them in the camels litter and sate downe vpon them) and Laban searched al the tent, but found them not.
And Rachel hath taken the teraphim, and putteth them in the furniture of the camel, and sitteth upon them; and Laban feeleth all the tent, and hath not found;
Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt around all the tent, but didn’t find them.
Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.
She in haste hid the idols under the camel’s furniture, and sat upon them: and when he had searched all the tent, and found nothing,
But Rachel had previously taken the idols and put them in the saddle of a camel, and she was sitting on the saddle. So when Laban searched all over for them inside Rachel’s tent, he did not find them.
He looked through everything in her tent, but he didn’t find those statues. You see, Rachel already hid those statues. She put them inside a soft seat, called a saddle, that she used to sit on when she rode her camel. Then she put that saddle on the ground, and she sat on it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:34
BAB
Word Study
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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 31:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָחֵ֞ל
לָקְחָ֣ה
אֶת
הַ/תְּרָפִ֗ים
וַ/תְּשִׂמֵ֛/ם
בְּ/כַ֥ר
הַ/גָּמָ֖ל
וַ/תֵּ֣שֶׁב
עֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יְמַשֵּׁ֥שׁ
לָבָ֛ן
אֶת
כָּל
הָ/אֹ֖הֶל
וְ/לֹ֥א
מָצָֽא
וְ/רָחֵ֞ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
Conj | N-proper
לָקְחָ֣ה
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/תְּרָפִ֗ים
tᵉrâphîym
H8655
teraphim
Art | N-mp
וַ/תְּשִׂמֵ֛/ם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
בְּ/כַ֥ר
kar
H3733
saddle
Prep | N-ms
הַ/גָּמָ֖ל
gâmâl
H1581
camel
Art | N-ms
וַ/תֵּ֣שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
עֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וַ/יְמַשֵּׁ֥שׁ
mâshash
H4959
to feel
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָבָ֛ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/אֹ֖הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Art | N-ms
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
מָצָֽא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:34
וְ/רָחֵ֞ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
Conj | 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.
לָקְחָ֣ה
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
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.
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.
הַ/תְּרָפִ֗ים
tᵉrâphîym
H8655
"teraphim"
Art | N-mp
Teraphim were idols or images used in worship, often in a household shrine. This Hebrew word refers to a family idol, and is used in the Bible to describe idolatry or false worship. The KJV translates it as idols or images.
Definition: § 1) idolatry, idols, image(s), teraphim, family idol 1a) a kind of idol used in household shrine or worship
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: idols(-atry), images, teraphim. See also: Genesis 31:19; Judges 18:20; Zechariah 10:2.
וַ/תְּשִׂמֵ֛/ם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
בְּ/כַ֥ר
kar
H3733
"saddle"
Prep | N-ms
A kar is a full-grown ram, often used for sacrifice or as a symbol of strength. It can also refer to a battering-ram used in battle or a type of furniture. In the Bible, it is sometimes translated as 'lamb' or 'captain'.
Definition: 1) howdah, palanquin, basket saddle 1a) an enclosed riding space erected on a camel's saddle
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: captain, furniture, lamb, (large) pasture, ram. See also H1033 (בֵּית כַּר), H3746 (כָּרִי). See also: Genesis 31:34; Isaiah 30:23; Psalms 37:20.
הַ/גָּמָ֖ל
gâmâl
H1581
"camel"
Art | N-ms
A camel, used for riding or carrying loads, is mentioned in the Bible as a valuable animal. In the KJV, it is translated simply as 'camel'.
Definition: 1) camel 1a) as property, as beast of burden, for riding, forbidden for food
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: camel. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:5; Isaiah 21:7.
וַ/תֵּ֣שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ/יְמַשֵּׁ֥שׁ
mâshash
H4959
"to feel"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To mashash means to feel or grope, often used to describe searching for something in the dark or unfamiliar surroundings.
Definition: 1) to feel, grope 1a) (Qal) to feel, grope 1b) (Piel) to feel over or through, grope 1b1) to feel through 1b2) to grope 1c)(Hiphil) to feel
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: feel, grope, search. See also: Genesis 27:12; Exodus 10:21; Job 12:25.
לָבָ֛ן
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.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
הָ/אֹ֖הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
וְ/לֹ֥א
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.
מָצָֽא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:34
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:34
- Sermons on Genesis 31:34
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
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.
35Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched but could not find the household idols. 36Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:19 | Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. |
| 2 | Genesis 31:17 | Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels, |
Genesis 31:34 Summary
[In Genesis 31:34, we see Rachel taking her father's household idols and hiding them, which shows us that even people who love God can sometimes make choices that are not pleasing to Him. This reminds us of the importance of being honest and truthful, as seen in Psalm 51:6, where David says 'Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being'. We should strive to be like David, who was a man after God's own heart, as described in Acts 13:22.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rachel take Laban's household idols?
Rachel took Laban's household idols, as seen in Genesis 31:34, likely because she wanted to ensure the family's spiritual heritage and possibly to use them for her own spiritual practices, as was common in that time, similar to the actions of Micah in Judges 17:5.
Was Rachel's action of taking the idols a form of theft?
Yes, Rachel's action can be considered a form of theft, as she took something that belonged to her father Laban without his knowledge or permission, which goes against the commandment in Exodus 20:15, 'You shall not steal'
Why did Laban not find the idols when he searched Rachel's tent?
Laban did not find the idols because Rachel had cleverly hidden them in the saddlebag of her camel and was sitting on them, as stated in Genesis 31:34, which prevented Laban from discovering them during his search
What can we learn from Rachel's deception in this verse?
We can learn that deception and hiding the truth, as seen in Rachel's actions in Genesis 31:34, can lead to more complications and problems, as seen in the confrontation between Jacob and Laban in Genesis 31:36, and that honesty and integrity are essential virtues, as emphasized in Proverbs 10:9
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I may be 'sitting on' or hiding, and how can I be more honest and open with others?
- How can I apply the lesson of Rachel's deception to my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some idols or false gods that I may be holding onto in my life, and how can I let go of them and turn to the one true God?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of honesty and integrity in my daily life, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:34
Now Rachel had taken the images,.... Hearing her father inquire about them, and her husband having given leave to search for them, and to put to death whoever should be found to have them, took them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:34
Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. And put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:34
Genesis 31:34 Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel’ s furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found [them] not. Ver. 34. Put them in the camel’ s furniture, and sat upon them.] Presumptuous sinners deal as homely with the dear mercies of Almighty God, pleading and pretending them to their wicked courses; and so kicking against his heart; which are therefore fast closed against them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:34
(34) The camel’s furniture.—That is, the camel’s saddle. It is now made of wicker-work, and is protected by curtains and a canopy. Probably Rachel’s was far simpler; and as the teraphim seem to have had heads shaped like those of a man, and dwarf bodies, they would easily be crammed under it.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:34
34. the camel’s furniture] By this is probably meant the wicker framework of the camel’s saddle, with its trappings and hangings, LXX τὰσάγματα, Lat. stramenta.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:34
34. Camel’s furniture — The car, ëø, or palanquin of the camel, “a covered vehicle which is secured on the back of the camel, and answers the purpose of a small house.
Sermons on Genesis 31:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |