Genesis 31:35

Genesis 31:35 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Rachel 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.

King James Version KJV

And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.

American Standard Version ASV

And she said to her father, Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise up before thee; for the manner of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the teraphim.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And she said to her father, Let not my lord be angry because I do not get up before you, for I am in the common condition of women. And with all his searching, he did not come across the images.

Free Bible Version FBV

She said to her father, “Sir, please don't get upset with me for not standing up in your presence, but I have my period.” He looked everywhere but didn't find the idols.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then said she to her father, My Lord, be not angrie that I cannot rise vp before thee: for the custome of women is vpon me: so he searched, but found not the idoles.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and she saith unto her father, 'Let it not be displeasing in the eyes of my lord that I am not able to rise at thy presence, for the way of women [is] on me;' and he searcheth, and hath not found the teraphim.

World English Bible WEB

She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He searched, but didn’t find the teraphim.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

She said: Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise up before thee, because it has now happened to me, according to the custom of women, So his careful search was in vain.

Translation for Translators T4T

Rachel said to her father, “Do not be angry with me, sir, but I cannot get up in your presence to show respect for you, because I am having my monthly menstrual period. [EUP]” So when Laban searched some more, he did not find the wooden idols.

Plain English Version PEV

When Rachel’s father Laban came into the tent, Rachel said to him, “Sir, I’m sorry, I can’t stand up to show you respect, because I am bleeding, like a woman does every month. Please don’t be angry with me.” So Laban looked all around Rachel’s tent, but he didn’t find those statues.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:35

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 31:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל אָבִ֗י/הָ אַל יִ֨חַר֙ בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔/י כִּ֣י ל֤וֹא אוּכַל֙ לָ/ק֣וּם מִ/פָּנֶ֔י/ךָ כִּי דֶ֥רֶךְ נָשִׁ֖ים לִ֑/י וַ/יְחַפֵּ֕שׂ וְ/לֹ֥א מָצָ֖א אֶת הַ/תְּרָפִֽים

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אָבִ֗י/הָ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

יִ֨חַר֙ chârâh H2734 to be incensed V-Qal-Juss-3ms

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

אֲדֹנִ֔/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

ל֤וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

אוּכַל֙ yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

לָ/ק֣וּם qûwm H6965 -kamai Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִ/פָּנֶ֔י/ךָ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

דֶ֥רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs

נָשִׁ֖ים ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fp

לִ֑/י Prep | Suff

וַ/יְחַפֵּ֕שׂ châphas H2664 to search Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

מָצָ֖א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/תְּרָפִֽים tᵉrâphîym H8655 teraphim Art | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:35

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אָבִ֗י/הָ 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.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

יִ֨חַר֙ chârâh H2734 "to be incensed" V-Qal-Juss-3ms

To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation

Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

אֲדֹנִ֔/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

כִּ֣י 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.

ל֤וֹא 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.

אוּכַל֙ yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.

לָ/ק֣וּם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

מִ/פָּנֶ֔י/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

דֶ֥רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

נָשִׁ֖ים ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fp

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

לִ֑/י "" Prep | Suff

וַ/יְחַפֵּ֕שׂ châphas H2664 "to search" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for search means to look for something or someone, and can also mean to disguise oneself or hide. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 119:2, where it means to seek God's commands.

Definition: 1) to search, search for, to search out, disguise oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search for 1a2) to think out, devise 1a3) to search, test 1b) (Niphal) to be searched out, be exposed 1c) (Piel) to search, search through, search for 1d) (Pual) to be searched for, be sought out 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to disguise oneself 1e2) to let oneself be searched for

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: change, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out). See also: Genesis 31:35; Job 30:18; Psalms 64:7.

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.

מָצָ֖א 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.

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/תְּרָפִֽים 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.

Study Notes — Genesis 31:35

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Context
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Genesis 31:35 Summary
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Context — Laban Pursues Jacob

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? 37You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 19:32	You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.
2	Exodus 20:12	Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
3	1 Peter 2:18	Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable.
4	1 Peter 3:6	just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear.
5	Ephesians 6:1	Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
6	1 Kings 2:19	So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.
7	Leviticus 15:19	When a woman has a discharge consisting of blood from her body, she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening.
8	Genesis 18:11–12	And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
9	Leviticus 19:3	Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.

Genesis 31:35 Summary

In Genesis 31:35, Rachel tells her father, Laban, that she is having her period so that she won't have to stand up and reveal that she has taken the household idols. This act of deception shows that Rachel is trying to hide her actions and avoid getting in trouble. However, as Christians, we are called to be honest and truthful, just like God is honest and truthful with us (Psalm 119:160, John 14:6). We can learn from Rachel's mistake and strive to be people of integrity and honesty, trusting in God's goodness and provision for our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Rachel claim to be having her period in Genesis 31:35?

Rachel said this to her father, Laban, to avoid standing up and revealing that she had taken the household idols and hidden them in her saddlebag, as seen in Genesis 31:34. This act of deception allowed her to keep the idols from being discovered.

What were the household idols that Rachel took?

The household idols, also known as teraphim, were likely statues or images that Laban's family worshiped, similar to those mentioned in Genesis 31:19. These idols were significant to Laban, and Rachel took them, possibly to use for her own worship or to prevent Laban from using them.

Was Rachel's action of taking the household idols wrong?

Yes, Rachel's action was wrong because she was essentially stealing from her father and taking idols that were used for idolatrous worship, which is forbidden in the Bible, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 5:7-9.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Jacob and Laban?

This verse is part of the larger story of Jacob and Laban's complex and often contentious relationship, as seen in Genesis 29-31. The incident with the household idols contributes to the tension and conflict between the two men, ultimately leading to Jacob's departure from Laban's household.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I, like Rachel, might be tempted to deceive or manipulate others to get what I want?
How can I, like Jacob, stand up for what is right and just in the face of opposition or conflict?
What are some 'idols' in my life that I need to let go of, and how can I trust in God's provision and guidance instead?
In what ways can I, like the biblical characters, learn to rely on God's sovereignty and trust in His plan, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:35

And she said to her father,.... As he approached nearer to her, having searched her tent all over: let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee: she addresses him with great honour

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:35

And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images. Let it not displease my lord.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:35

Quest. How could that occasion hinder her from rising up to her father? Answ. 1. It might be attended in her, as it was and is in some other women, especially in those hot countries, with a great flux of blood, or with more than ordinary infirmity and sickness; and this Laban might know to be usual with her by former observation or information. 2. She offers this as a reason, not why she could not rise up to show a civility to him, but why she could not rise up from his face, or from before him, as the words in the Hebrew sound, i.e. so as to give way to him that he might come and search there for the images; because menstruous women were anciently esteemed polluted, and to pollute the things which they touched or sat upon, as you may see by ; which law, though it were not yet given and written, yet that, as well as divers other ceremonial rites, might be enjoined by God, and observed by sober heathens at that time, especially by such as were akin to Abraham, as Laban and his family were, who by that means might easily come to the knowledge of such matters. Add to this, one of the seven precepts given to the sons of Noah, was that of uncovering nakedness; which both Jewish and Christian writers take to be a very comprehensive expression, and to include all such things as have a natural turpitude in them, among which this is confessed to be one. And the words thus understood contain a solid and satisfactory reason why Laban should not now come near her, nor search the things which she sat upon, which had been an uncivil and immodest thing.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:35

Genesis 31:35 And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women [is] upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.Ver. 35. For the custom of women is upon me.] A subtle, but sinful excuse, to shift a shame. Women’ s wits, we say, are best at a pinch: but they must take heed they be not as C. Curio the Roman, ingeniose nequam , wittily wicked, Wit will not bear out sin. Velleius, lib. ii. c. xlviii.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:35

Verse 35. The custom of women is upon me.] This she knew must be a satisfactory reason to her father; for if the teraphim were used to any religious purpose, and they seem to have been used in this way, as Laban calls them his gods, he therefore could not suspect that a woman in such a situation, whose touch was considered as defiling, would have sat upon articles that were either the objects of his adoration, or used for any sacred purpose. The stratagem succeeded to her wish, and Laban departed without suspicion. It seems very natural to suppose that Rachel did believe that by the use of these teraphim Laban could find out their flight, and the direction they took, and therefore she stole them; and having stolen them she was afraid to acknowledge the theft, and probably might think that they might be of some use to herself. Therefore, for these reasons, she brought them away.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:35

35. rise] i.e. in honour to her father. For the custom of rising to do honour to age, see Leviticus 19:32.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:35

35. My Lord — Rachel addresses her father in terms of cold but dignified respect.

Sermons on Genesis 31:35

	Sermon	Description
	Leviticus - Truth and Evangelism by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal evangelism and shares practical tips on how to engage with others about the Gospel. He encourages believers to be
	Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 1 by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes four key lessons learned over 50 years as a believer: 1. Understanding God's immense love for us, equal to His love for Jesus, provides security and eradicat
	Who Can Stand Against Us (Tamil) by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of building God's church, drawing parallels between Noah building the ark and believers building the church today. It encourages believers to
	Guidelines to Freedom Part 5 - Family Life - God's Way by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of respect and honor. He shares personal experiences of being taught to stand up as a mark of respect for teachers, visitors, an
	Taking Sin Seriously by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the example of missionaries and early Christians who sacrificed greatly to spread the Gospel. It highlights the need for genuine
	What We Should Teach Our Children by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of teaching children and grandchildren to fear and respect God, drawing lessons from the Old Testament teachings to honor older people as a si
	Cost of Discipleship - Part 10 by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he realized he was lost and disobedient to his parents. Despite being involved in church activities and memorizing script