Genesis 31:43 Study Bible: Laban answered Jacob, "The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine: and what can I do this day to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne?

◄ Genesis 31:43 ►

But Laban answered Jacob, "These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne?

Study Bible

But Laban answered Jacob
The phrase begins with Laban's response, indicating a confrontation. The Hebrew root for "answered" (עָנָה, 'anah) often implies a reply or a defense, suggesting Laban's attempt to assert his position. Historically, this reflects the patriarchal society where family heads like Laban wielded significant authority. Laban's response is defensive, highlighting the tension between him and Jacob, who has been blessed by God despite Laban's attempts to control him.

These daughters are my daughters
Laban's claim over his daughters, Leah and Rachel, underscores the cultural norms of the time, where daughters were often seen as property of their fathers until marriage. The possessive nature of Laban's statement reveals his reluctance to release control, even as his daughters have become integral to Jacob's household. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty overriding human claims and control.

these children are my children
Here, Laban extends his claim to his grandchildren, emphasizing his perceived rights over his family lineage. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on family and descendants, and Laban's assertion is an attempt to maintain influence over his progeny. This highlights the tension between human claims and divine providence, as God had promised to bless Jacob's descendants.

and this flocks are my flocks
Laban's claim over the flocks is significant, as livestock represented wealth and prosperity in ancient times. The Hebrew word for "flocks" (צֹאן, tson) indicates not just physical wealth but also God's blessing, as Jacob's prosperity was a direct result of divine favor. Laban's inability to recognize God's hand in Jacob's success reflects a spiritual blindness that contrasts with Jacob's growing faith.

Everything you see is mine
Laban's sweeping claim of ownership reveals his materialistic mindset. The phrase "everything you see" suggests a focus on the temporal and visible, contrasting with the biblical emphasis on faith and unseen spiritual realities. This statement serves as a reminder of the futility of human greed in the face of God's ultimate ownership and provision.

Yet what can I do today
Laban's rhetorical question acknowledges his powerlessness in the situation. The word "today" (הַיּוֹם, hayom) emphasizes the immediacy and inevitability of the change occurring. Despite his earlier attempts to manipulate circumstances, Laban is confronted with the reality that God's plans for Jacob cannot be thwarted.

about these daughters of mine or about the children they have borne?
Laban's final acknowledgment of his daughters and their children signifies a reluctant acceptance of the new family dynamics. The phrase "the children they have borne" highlights the continuation of God's promise to Abraham through Jacob's lineage. This serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant, despite human opposition and familial strife.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Laban
Laban is the father-in-law of Jacob, a man known for his cunning and manipulative behavior. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, having employed him for many years.

2. Jacob
Jacob is the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. He has worked for Laban for many years and is now seeking to return to his homeland with his family and possessions.

3. Daughters (Leah and Rachel)
The daughters of Laban, who are married to Jacob. They play a significant role in the account as the mothers of Jacob's children.

4. Children
Refers to the children of Jacob and Laban's daughters, who are part of the covenant lineage.

5. Flocks
The livestock that Jacob has acquired during his time working for Laban, which are a source of contention between the two men.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ownership and Stewardship
Laban's claim that everything is his reflects a misunderstanding of true ownership. As believers, we are called to recognize that all we have is ultimately God's, and we are stewards of His blessings.

Family Dynamics and Conflict Resolution
The tension between Laban and Jacob highlights the complexities of family relationships. It is important to seek peace and resolution through communication and, when necessary, setting healthy boundaries.

God's Faithfulness in Adversity
Despite Laban's attempts to control and manipulate, God remained faithful to Jacob, fulfilling His promises. This encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, even when facing opposition.

The Importance of Covenants
The eventual covenant between Jacob and Laban serves as a reminder of the importance of making and honoring commitments, both with God and with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Laban's claim of ownership in Genesis 31:43 reflect his character, and what can we learn about the dangers of a possessive attitude?

2. In what ways does the account of Jacob and Laban illustrate the importance of setting boundaries in relationships? Can you think of a New Testament teaching that supports this?

3. How does God's faithfulness to Jacob in the face of Laban's opposition encourage you in your own life challenges?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to resolve a conflict within your family. How can the principles from Jacob and Laban's account guide you in future situations?

5. How does the concept of stewardship, as seen in Jacob's handling of the flocks, apply to your own life and resources? What other scriptures can you find that discuss stewardship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 29-30
These chapters provide the background of Jacob's relationship with Laban, including his marriages to Leah and Rachel and the birth of his children.

Genesis 31:1-42
The preceding verses detail the growing tension between Jacob and Laban, leading to Jacob's decision to leave secretly.

Genesis 31:44-55
The subsequent verses describe the covenant made between Jacob and Laban, highlighting themes of reconciliation and boundary-setting.

Exodus 20:17
The commandment against coveting, which relates to Laban's attitude towards Jacob's possessions.

Sermons

Bethel to Mizpah; Or, Service in a Strange Land	W. S. Smith, B. D.	Genesis 31:43-48
Laban's Covenant with Jacob	T. H. Leale.	Genesis 31:43-48
Lessons	G. Hughes, B. D.	Genesis 31:43-48
Lessons	G. Hughes, B. D.	Genesis 31:43-48
The Pillar a Witness		Genesis 31:43-48

People

Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, Rachel

Places

Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aram

Topics

Answereth, Answering, Born, Borne, Cattle, Daughters, Flock, Flocks, Forth, Jacob, Laban, Replied, Seeing, Seest, Sons, To-day, Women, Yet

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Genesis 31:43-53

4366 stones

Library

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised,' Together with Some Notes on the Intercourse Between Jews and Jewish Christians in the First Centuries.
IT is not, of course, our purpose here to attempt an exhaustive account of the Jewish views on demons' and the demonised.' A few preliminary strictures were, however, necessary on a work upon which writers on this subject have too implictly relied. I refer to Gfrörer's Jahrhundert des Heils (especially vol. i. pp. 378-424). Gfrörer sets out by quoting a passage in the Book of Enoch on which he lays great stress, but which critical inquiries of Dillmann and other scholars have shown to be …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch .
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch [35] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. I received the letters of thy Fraternity, rightly holding fast the profession of the faith; and I returned great thanks to Almighty God, who, when the shepherds of His flock are changed, still, even after such change, guards the faith which He once delivered to the holy Fathers. Now the excellent preacher says, Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus (1 Cor. iii. 2). Whosoever, then, with love of …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Great Shepherd
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. I t is not easy for those, whose habits of life are insensibly formed by the customs of modern times, to conceive any adequate idea of the pastoral life, as obtained in the eastern countries, before that simplicity of manners, which characterized the early ages, was corrupted, by the artificial and false refinements of luxury. Wealth, in those …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links

Genesis 31:43 NIV
Genesis 31:43 NLT
Genesis 31:43 ESV
Genesis 31:43 NASB
Genesis 31:43 KJV

Genesis 31:43 Commentaries

Bible Hub