Genesis 31:36
Genesis 31:36 in Multiple Translations
Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me?
¶ And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast hotly pursued after me?
Then Jacob was angry with Laban, and said, What crime or sin have I done that you have come after me with such passion?
Jacob got angry with Laban and confronted him, saying, “What crime am I guilty of? What wrong have I done to you that you've come hunting me down?
The Iaakob was wroth, and chode with Laban: Iaakob also answered and sayd to Laban, What haue I trespassed? what haue I offended, that thou hast pursued after me?
And it is displeasing to Jacob, and he striveth with Laban; and Jacob answereth and saith to Laban, 'What [is] my transgression? what my sin, that thou hast burned after me?
Jacob was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me?
And Jacob was wroth, and chid with Laban: and Jacob answered, and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so eagerly pursued after me?
And Jacob being angry, said in a chiding manner: For what fault of mine, and for what offence on my part hast thou so hotly pursued me,
Then Jacob became angry. He rebuked Laban, saying, “What crime did I commit? For what sin that I committed have you pursued me?
Then Jacob got very angry, and he talked strongly to Laban. Jacob said, “Listen, I didn’t do anything wrong to you. I didn’t do any bad thing. You came after me for no reason.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 31:36
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 31:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּ֥חַר
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֖ב
וַ/יָּ֣רֶב
בְּ/לָבָ֑ן
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
יַעֲקֹב֙
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לְ/לָבָ֔ן
מַה
פִּשְׁעִ/י֙
מַ֣ה
חַטָּאתִ֔/י
כִּ֥י
דָלַ֖קְתָּ
אַחֲרָֽ/י
וַ/יִּ֥חַר
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יָּ֣רֶב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/לָבָ֑ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹב֙
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/לָבָ֔ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
Prep | N-proper
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
פִּשְׁעִ/י֙
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-ms | Suff
מַ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
חַטָּאתִ֔/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
N-fs | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
דָלַ֖קְתָּ
dâlaq
H1814
to burn/pursue
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אַחֲרָֽ/י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 31:36
וַ/יִּ֥חַר
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֖ב
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.
וַ/יָּ֣רֶב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
בְּ/לָבָ֑ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
יַעֲקֹב֙
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.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
לְ/לָבָ֔ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
Prep | 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.
מַה
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.
פִּשְׁעִ/י֙
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-ms | Suff
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
מַ֣ה
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.
חַטָּאתִ֔/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
N-fs | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
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.
דָלַ֖קְתָּ
dâlaq
H1814
"to burn/pursue"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To burn or pursue means to flame or chase after something. This word is used in the Bible to describe burning fires or hot pursuit. It can also mean to kindle or inflame something, and is often translated as burning or chase.
Definition: 1) to burn, hotly pursue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to burn 1a2) to hotly pursue 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to kindle 1b2) to inflame Aramaic equivalent: de.laq (דְּלַק "to burn" H1815)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: burning, chase, inflame, kindle, persecute(-or), pursue hotly. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 26:23; Psalms 7:14.
אַחֲרָֽ/י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 31:36
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 31:36 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:36
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:36
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:36
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
- Sermons on Genesis 31:36
Context — Laban Pursues Jacob
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. 38I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 4:26 | “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, |
| 2 | Genesis 49:7 | Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. |
| 3 | Numbers 16:15 | Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 28:1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
| 5 | James 1:19–20 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. |
| 6 | Genesis 30:2 | Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 13:19 | But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.” |
| 8 | Genesis 34:7 | When Jacob’s sons heard what had happened, they returned from the field. They were filled with grief and fury, because Shechem had committed an outrage in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done. |
| 9 | Mark 3:5 | Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 5:11 | But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. |
Genesis 31:36 Summary
[Genesis 31:36 shows Jacob standing up for himself and asking Laban what he had done wrong, which is a great example of being confident in our integrity and trusting in God's defense, as seen in Psalm 37:5-6. Jacob was angry because he felt wrongly accused, but he still trusted in God's sovereignty. We can learn from Jacob's example to remain calm and trust in God when we are faced with difficult situations or false accusations, just like Jesus did in Matthew 27:11-12. By trusting in God, we can have confidence in our integrity and defend ourselves in a way that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob become incensed and challenge Laban in Genesis 31:36?
Jacob became angry because he felt wrongly accused and pursued by Laban, as seen in Genesis 31:36, and he wanted to know what crime he had committed to deserve such treatment, similar to the way David felt in Psalm 7:3-5 when he was pursued by Saul.
What sin was Jacob referring to in Genesis 31:36 when he asked Laban what his sin was?
The sin Jacob was referring to was likely the accusation that he had stolen Laban's household idols, which was actually done by Rachel, as mentioned in Genesis 31:34-35, and Jacob was unaware of her actions, much like how Jesus was falsely accused in Matthew 27:11-12.
How does Jacob's response in Genesis 31:36 relate to his overall character and faith?
Jacob's response shows his growth in faith and trust in God, as he is no longer the deceiving Jacob of Genesis 27:1-40, but rather a man who is confident in his integrity and willing to defend himself, similar to how the apostle Paul defended himself in Acts 22:1-21.
What can we learn from Jacob's situation in Genesis 31:36 about dealing with false accusations?
We can learn to remain calm and trust in God's sovereignty, as Jacob did, and to ask for clarification and truth, as seen in Genesis 31:36-37, and to remember that God is our ultimate defender, as stated in Psalm 37:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when you are falsely accused or misunderstood, and what can you learn from Jacob's example in Genesis 31:36?
- In what ways can you apply Jacob's confidence in his integrity to your own life and relationships, especially when faced with challenges or criticisms?
- How can you trust in God's sovereignty and defense when you are faced with difficult situations or false accusations, as Jacob did in Genesis 31:36-37?
- What are some ways you can grow in your faith and trust in God, like Jacob did, and become more confident in your relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 31:36
And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban,.... Having answered Laban's questions to the silencing of him, and nothing of his upon search, being found with him, Jacob took heart, and was of good
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 31:36
And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me? Jacob answered and said to Laban.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
With so much fury and violence.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What [is] my trespass? what [is] my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?Ver. 36. And Jacob was wroth, and chode.] An angry expostulation; but not without some error, in the heat of altercation. "Be angry, and sin not," is, saith one, the easiest charge, under the hardest condition, that can be. It is difficult to kindle and keep quick the fire of zeal, which is the best kind of anger, without all smoke of sin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
(36) Jacob was wroth.—Naturally he regarded the accusation about the teraphim as a mere device for searching his goods, and when nothing was found gave free vent to his indignation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
Verse 36. And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban] The expostulation of Jacob with Laban, and their consequent agreement, are told in this place with great spirit and dignity. Jacob was conscious that though he had made use of cunning to increase his flocks, yet Laban had been on the whole a great gainer by his services. He had served him at least twenty years, fourteen for Rachel and Leah, and six for the cattle; and some suppose he had served him twenty years besides the above, which is not unlikely: see the remarks at the conclusion of this chapter. See Clarke on Genesis 31:55 Forty or even twenty years of a man's life, devoted to incessant labour and constantly exposed to all the inclemencies of the weather, (see Genesis 31:40,) deserve more than an ordinary reward. Laban's constitutional sin was covetousness, and it was an easily besetting sin; for it appears to have governed all his conduct, and to have rendered him regardless of the interests of his children, so long as he could secure his own. That he had frequently falsified his agreement with Jacob, though the particulars are not specified, we have already had reason to conjecture from Genesis 31:7, and with this Jacob charges his father-in-law, in the most positive manner, Genesis 31:41. Perhaps some previous unfair transactions of this kind were the cause why Jacob was led to adopt the expedient of outwitting Laban in the case of the spotted, spangled, ring-streaked, and grisled cattle. This if it did take place, though it cannot justify the measure, is some palliation of it; and almost the whole of Jacob's conduct, as far as relates to Laban, can be better excused than his injuring Laban's breed, by leaving him none but the weak, unhealthy, and degenerated cattle.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 31:36
36. trespass … sin] i.e. (a) the particular outrage against the rights of kinship, and (b) moral offence generally. Jacob regards the charge of the theft of the teraphim as a mere pretext, devised by Laban in order to ransack his goods. For the word rendered “trespass,” “transgression,” “rebellion,” cf. Genesis 50:17; 1 Samuel 24:12; 1 Kings 12:19; 2 Kings 8:20.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 31:36
36. Chode with Laban — Contended with him in wordy war. Jacob’s speech (Genesis 31:36-42) is still more pointed and vigorous than Laban’s. Render as follows:What my trespass, What my sin, That thou hast been burning after me?
Sermons on Genesis 31:36
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Freedom From the Spirit of Anger by S.M. Davis | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the influence of personal and impersonal spirits on our lives. He emphasizes the importance of discerning these spirits and ensuring that the |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Errors in Thinking by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a man who is struggling and feeling unable to be the person he wants to be. However, he realizes that through Jesus Christ, he can find freed |
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The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit t |
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(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve |
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The Healing of the Home by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using a soft answer to turn away wrath and bring healing to the home. He criticizes those who rely on loudness as a badge |
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(Fury of Fire) 04 - Shrinking Back to Destruction by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation in the Word of God and being willing to challenge old traditions and wrong teachings. The speaker enco |