Genesis 31:29-31
Amplified Bible
29 It is in my power to harm you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak to Jacob, either good or bad.’ 30 Now [I suppose] you felt you must go because you [a]were homesick for your father’s house and family; but why did you steal my [household] [b]gods?” 31 Jacob answered Laban, “[I left secretly] because I was afraid, for I thought you would take your daughters away from me by force.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Genesis 31:30 Lit longed greatly.
- Genesis 31:30 Laban was upset because possession of the father’s household gods played an important role in inheritance. In the region where Laban lived, a son-in-law who possessed the family gods could appear before a judge and make a claim to the estate of his father-in-law. Since Jacob’s possession of the household gods implied the right to inherit Laban’s wealth, one can understand why he followed Jacob to recover the idols.
Genesis 31:29-31
New International Version
29 I have the power to harm you;(A) but last night the God of your father(B) said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’(C) 30 Now you have gone off because you longed to return to your father’s household.(D) But why did you steal(E) my gods?(F)”
31 Jacob answered Laban, “I was afraid, because I thought you would take your daughters away from me by force.(G)
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