Jacob Flees from Laban

Genesis 31

Warned by the Lord to return to his own country, Jacob quietly departs from Laban with his wives, children, and possessions, unaware that Rachel has taken her father's household idols. Laban pursues and overtakes him in the mountain of Galaad, and after searching in vain for the idols and disputing with Jacob over his years of service, the two men make a covenant and set up a heap of stones as a witness between them.

About these editions

The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.

Thomson 1808Septuagint

Brenton 1851Septuagint

Greek · BrentonSeptuagint

KJV 1769Masoretic

JPS 1917Masoretic

ThomsonAND Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons saying, Jacob hath taken all that belonged to our father, and with our father’s substance he hath acquired all this glory.

BrentonAnd Jacob heard the words of the sons of Laban, saying, Jacob has taken all that was our father's, and of our father's property has he gotten all this glory.

GreekἬκουσε δὲ Ἰακὼβ τὰ ῥήματα τῶν υἱῶν Λάβαν, λεγόντων, εἴληφεν Ἰακὼβ πάντα τὰ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, καὶ ἐκ τῶν τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν πεποίηκε πᾶσαν τὴν δόξαν ταύτην.

KJVAnd he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory.

JPSAnd he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying: ‘Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this wealth.’

ThomsonAnd Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and lo! it was not towards him as heretofore.

BrentonAnd Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and behold it was not toward him as before.

GreekΚαὶ εἶδεν Ἰακὼβ τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ Λάβαν, καὶ ἰδοὺ οὐκ ἦν πρὸς αὐτὸν ὡσεὶ χθὲς καὶ τρίτην ἡμέραν.

KJVAnd Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

JPSAnd Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime.

ThomsonThen the Lord said to Jacob, Return to thy father’s land and to thy kindred and I will be with thee.

BrentonAnd the Lord said to Jacob, Return to the land of thy father, and to thy family, and I will be with thee.

GreekΕἶπε δὲ Κύριος πρὸς Ἰακὼβ, ἀποστρέφου εἰς τὴν γῆν τοῦ πατρός σου, καὶ εἰς τὴν γενεάν σου, καὶ ἔσομαι μετὰ σοῦ.

KJVAnd the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

JPSAnd the LORD said unto Jacob: ‘Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.’

ThomsonThereupon Jacob sent for Leia and Rachel to the field where the flocks were

BrentonAnd Jacob sent and called Lea and Rachel to the plain where the flocks were.

GreekἈποστείλας δὲ Ἰακὼβ ἐκάλεσε Λείαν καὶ Ῥαχὴλ εἰς τὸ πεδίον, οὗ ἦν τὰ ποίμνια.

KJVAnd Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,

JPSAnd Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,

Thomsonand said to them, I see that the countenance of your father is not towards me as heretofore. Though the God of my father was with me;

BrentonAnd he said to them, I see the face of your father, that it is not toward me as before, but the God of my father was with me.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν αὐταῖς, ὁρῶ ἐγὼ τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν, ὅτι οὐκ ἔστι πρὸς ἐμοῦ, ὡς ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην ἡμέραν· ὁ δὲ Θεὸς τοῦ πατρός μου ἦν μετʼ ἐμοῦ.

KJVAnd said unto them, I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.

JPSand said unto them: ‘I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as beforetime; but the God of my father hath been with me.

Thomsonand you also know that with all my ability I have served your father;

BrentonAnd ye too know that with all my might I have served your father.

GreekΚαὶ αὐταὶ δὲ οἴδατε, ὅτι ἐν πάσῃ τῇ ἰσχύϊ μου δεδούλευκα τῷ πατρὶ ὑμῶν.

KJVAnd ye know that with all my power I have served your father.

JPSAnd ye know that with all my power I have served your father.

Thomsonyet your father hath dealt deceitfully with me, and at the ten lambings hath changed my wages. But God suffered him not to hurt me.

BrentonBut your father deceived me, and changed my wages for the ten lambs, yet God gave him not power to hurt me.

GreekὉ δὲ πατὴρ ὑμῶν παρεκρούσατό με, καὶ ἤλλαξε τὸν μισθόν μου τῶν δέκα ἀμνῶν· καὶ οὐκ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ Θεὸς κακοποιῆσαί με.

KJVAnd your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

JPSAnd your father hath mocked me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

ThomsonWhen he said the speckled shall be thy wages, then all the cattle brought forth speckled. And when he said, The white shall be thy wages. Then all the cattle brought forth white.

BrentonIf he should say thus, The speckled shall be thy reward, then all the cattle would bear speckled; and if he should say, The white shall be thy reward, then would all the cattle bear white.

GreekἘὰν οὕτως εἴπῃ, τὰ ποικίλα ἔσται σου μισθὸς, καὶ τέξεται πάντα τὰ πρόβατα ποικίλα· ἐὰν δὲ εἴπῃ, τὰ λευκὰ ἔσται σου μισθὸς, καὶ τέξεται πάντα τὰ πρόβατα λευκά.

KJVIf he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked.

JPSIf he said thus: The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the flock bore speckled; and if he said thus: The streaked shall be thy wages; then bore all the flock streaked.

ThomsonSo the Lord hath taken all the cattle of your father and given them to me.

BrentonSo God has taken away all the cattle of your father, and given them to me.

GreekΚαὶ ἀφείλετο ὁ Θεὸς πάντα τὰ κτήνη τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν, καὶ ἔδωκέ μοι αὐτά.

KJVThus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.

JPSThus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.

ThomsonIndeed when the flocks engendered I beheld with my eyes in a dream, and lo! the he-goats and the rams, which leaped upon the sheep and the goats were ring-streaked, spotted and ash-coloured.

BrentonAnd it came to pass when the cattle conceived and were with young, that I beheld with mine eyes in sleep, and behold the he-goats and the rams leaping on the sheep and the she-goats, speckled and variegated and spotted with ash-coloured spots.

GreekΚαὶ ἐγένετο ἡνίκα ἐνεκίσσων τὰ πρόβατα ἐν γαστρὶ λαμβάνοντα, καὶ εἶδον τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς μου ἐν τῷ ὕπνῳ· καὶ ἰδοὺ οἱ τράγοι καὶ οἱ κριοὶ ἀναβαίνοντες ἐπὶ τὰ πρόβατα καὶ τὰς αἶγας, διάλευκοι καὶ ποικίλοι καὶ σποδοειδεῖς ῥαντοί.

KJVAnd it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.

JPSAnd it came to pass at the time that the flock conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the he-goats which leaped upon the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled.

ThomsonMoreover the angel of God said to me in a dream, Jacob! And I said, What is the matter.

BrentonAnd the angel of God said to me in a dream, Jacob; and I said, What is it?

GreekΚαὶ εἶπέ μοι ὁ Ἄγγελος τοῦ Θεοῦ καθʼ ὕπνον, Ἰακώβ· ἐγὼ δὲ εἶπα, τί ἐστι;

KJVAnd the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.

JPSAnd the angel of God said unto me in the dream: Jacob; and I said: Here am I.

ThomsonAnd he said, Lift up thy eyes and behold the he-goats and the rams which are leaping on the sheep and the goats! They are ring-streaked, speckled and ash-coloured; for I have seen what Laban is doing to thee.

BrentonAnd he said, Look up with thine eyes, and behold the he-goats and the rams leaping on the sheep and the she-goats, speckled and variegated and spotted with ash-coloured spots; for I have seen all things that Laban does to thee.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν, ἀνάβλεψον τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς σου, καὶ ἴδε τοὺς τράγους καὶ τοὺς κριοὺς ἀναβαίνοντας ἐπὶ τὰ πρόβατα καὶ τὰς αἶγας διαλεύκους καὶ ποικίλους καὶ σποδοειδεῖς ῥαντούς· ἑώρακα γὰρ ὅσα σοι Λάβαν ποιεῖ.

KJVAnd he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.

JPSAnd he said: Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the he-goats which leap upon the flock are streaked, speckled, and grizzled; for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.

ThomsonI am the God who appeared to thee at the Place of God, where thou didst anoint for me a pillar and where thou didst make a vow. Now therefore arise and depart from this land and go to the land of thy nativity, and I will be with thee.

BrentonI am God that appeared to thee in the place of God, where thou anointedst a pillar to me, and vowedst to me there a vow; now then arise and depart out of this land, depart into the land of thy nativity, and I will be with thee.

GreekἘγώ εἰμι ὁ Θεὸς ὁ ὀφθείς σοι ἐν τόπῳ Θεοῦ, οὗ ἤλειψάς μοι ἐκεῖ στήλην, καὶ ηὔξω μοι ἐκεῖ εὐχήν· νῦν οὖν ἀνάστηθι, καὶ ἔξελθε ἐκ τῆς γῆς ταύτης, καὶ ἄπελθε εἰς τὴν γῆν τῆς γενέσεώς σου, καὶ ἔσομαι μετὰ σοῦ.

KJVI am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

JPSI am the God of Beth-el, where thou didst anoint a pillar, where thou didst vow a vow unto Me. Now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy nativity.’

ThomsonIn reply to which Rachel and Leia said to him, Have we any more a portion or an inheritance in our father’s house?

BrentonAnd Rachel and Lea answered and said to him, Have we yet a part or inheritance in the house of our father?

GreekΚαὶ ἀποκριθεῖσαι Ῥαχὴλ καὶ Λεία εἶπαν αὐτῷ, μὴ ἔστιν ἡμῖν ἔτι μερὶς ἢ κληρονομία ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν;

KJVAnd Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house?

JPSAnd Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him: ‘Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house?

ThomsonAre we not accounted by him as strangers? For he hath sold us and spent the money he got for us.

BrentonAre we not considered strangers by him? for he has sold us, and quite devoured our money.

GreekΟὐχ ὡς αἱ ἀλλότριαι λελογίσμεθα αὐτῷ; πέπρακε γὰρ ἡμᾶς, καὶ καταβρώσει κατέφαγε τὸ ἀργύριον ἡμῶν.

KJVAre we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.

JPSAre we not accounted by him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath also quite devoured our price.

ThomsonNow since all the riches and glory which God hath taken from our father shall be ours and our children’s, do then what God hath commanded thee.

BrentonAll the wealth and the glory which God has taken from our father, it shall be our's and our children's; now then do whatsoever God has said to thee.

GreekΠάντα τὸν πλοῦτον καὶ τὴν δόξαν, ἣν ἀφείλετο ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, ἡμῖν ἔσται καὶ τοῖς τέκνοις ἡμῶν· νῦν οὖν ὅσα σοι εἴρηκεν ὁ Θεὸς, ποίει.

KJVFor all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children’s: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

JPSFor all the riches which God hath taken away from our father, that is ours and our children’s. Now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.’

ThomsonSo Jacob arose and put his wives and his children on camels,

BrentonAnd Jacob arose and took his wives and his children up on the camels;

GreekἈναστὰς δὲ Ἰακὼβ ἔλαβε τὰς γυναῖκας αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ παιδία αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὰς καμήλους·

KJVThen Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

JPSThen Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon the camels;

Thomsonand carried off all his substance, and all the goods which he had gotten in Mesopotamia, and all that belonged to him, to go to his father Iaaak in the land of Chanaan.

Brentonand he took away all his possessions and all his store, which he had gotten in Mesopotamia, and all that belonged to him, to depart to Isaac his father in the land of Chanaan.

GreekΚαὶ ἀπήγαγε πάντα τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτῷ, καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν ἀποσκευὴν αὐτοῦ, ἣν περιεποιήσατο ἐν τῇ Μεσοποταμίᾳ, καὶ πάντα τὰ αὐτοῦ, ἀπελθεῖν πρὸς Ἰσαὰκ τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ εἰς γῆν Χαναάν.

KJVAnd he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.

JPSand he carried away all his cattle, and all his substance which he had gathered, the cattle of his getting, which he had gathered in Paddan-aram, to go to Isaac his father unto the land of Canaan.

ThomsonNow Laban being gone to sheer his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s idols.

BrentonAnd Laban went to shear his sheep; and Rachel stole her father's images.

GreekΛάβαν δὲ ᾤχετο κεῖραι τὰ πρόβατα αὐτοῦ· ἔκλεψε δὲ Ῥαχὴλ τὰ εἴδωλα τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτῆς.

KJVAnd Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father’s.

JPSNow Laban was gone to shear his sheep. And Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s.

ThomsonAnd Jacob concealed his design from Laban the Syrian by not telling him that he was going away.

BrentonAnd Jacob hid the matter from Laban the Syrian, so as not to tell him that he ran away.

GreekἜκρυψε δὲ Ἰακὼβ Λάβαν τὸν Σύρον, τοῦ μὴ ἀναγγεῖλαι αὐτῷ, ὅτι ἀποδιδράσκει.

KJVAnd Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.

JPSAnd Jacob outwitted Laban the Aramean, in that he told him not that he fled.

ThomsonAnd he departed with all that belonged to him and crossed the river and bent his course to mount Galaad.

BrentonAnd he departed himself and all that belonged to him, and passed over the river, and went into the mountain Galaad.

GreekΚαὶ ἀπέδρα αὐτὸς, καὶ τὰ αὐτοῦ πάντα, καὶ διέβη τὸν ποταμὸν, καὶ ὥρμησεν εἰς τὸ ὄρος Γαλαάδ.

KJVSo he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.

JPSSo he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the River, and set his face toward the mountain of Gilead.

ThomsonBut on the third day news was brought to Laban the Syrian, that Jacob was fled.

BrentonBut it was told Laban the Syrian on the third day, that Jacob was fled.

GreekἈνηγγέλη δὲ Λάβαν τῷ Σύρῳ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ, ὅτι ἀπέδρα Ἰακώβ.

KJVAnd it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.

JPSAnd it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.

ThomsonWhereupon taking with him his brethren he pursued him seven days journey and overtook him at mount Galaad.

BrentonAnd having taken his brethren with him, he pursued after him seven days' journey, and overtook him on Mount Galaad.

GreekΚαὶ παραλαβὼν τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ μεθʼ ἑαντοῦ, ἐδίωξεν ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ ὁδὸν ἡμερῶν ἑπτά· καὶ κατέλαβεν αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ ὄρει Γαλαάδ.

KJVAnd he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days’ journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.

JPSAnd he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days’journey; and he overtook him in the mountain of Gilead.

ThomsonBut God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night and said to him, Take care that thou speak not evil to Jacob.

BrentonAnd God came to Laban the Syrian in sleep by night, and said to him, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not at any time to Jacob evil things.

GreekἮλθε δὲ ὁ Θεὸς πρὸς Λάβαν τὸν Σύρον καθʼ ὕπνον τὴν νύκτα, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, Φύλαξαι σεαυτὸν μή ποτε λαλήσῃς μετὰ Ἰακὼβ πονηρά.

KJVAnd God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

JPSAnd God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream of the night, and said unto him: ‘Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.’

ThomsonNow when Laban overtook Jacob, Jacob had pitched his tent on the mount. So Laban halted his brethren at mount Galaad.

BrentonAnd Laban overtook Jacob; and Jacob pitched his tent in the mountain; and Laban stationed his brothers in the mount Galaad.

GreekΚαὶ κατέλαβε Λάβαν τὸν Ἰακώβ· Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἔπηξεν τὴν σκηνὴν αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ ὄρει· Λάβαν δὲ ἔστησε τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ ὄρει Γαλαάδ.

KJVThen Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.

JPSAnd Laban came up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain; and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountain of Gilead.

ThomsonAnd Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done?

BrentonAnd Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done? wherefore didst thou run away secretly, and pillage me, and lead away my daughters as captives taken with the sword?

GreekΕἶπε δὲ Λάβαν τῷ Ἰακὼβ, τί ἐποίησας; ἱνατί κρυφῇ ἀπέδρας, καὶ ἐκλοποφόρησάς με, καὶ ἀπήγαγες τὰς θυγατέρας μου, ὡς αἰχμαλώτιδας μαχαίρᾳ;

KJVAnd Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?

JPSAnd Laban said to Jacob: ‘What hast thou done, that thou hast outwitted me, and carried away my daughters as though captives of the sword?

ThomsonWhy didst thou flee away secretly, and steal off without my knowledge, and carry away my daughters as if captivated by the sword? Hadst thou told me I might have sent thee away with joy and music, with timbrels and the kithara.

BrentonWhereas if thou hadst told me, I would have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, and timbrels, and harp.

GreekΚαὶ εἰ ἀνήγγειλάς μοι, ἐξαπέστειλα ἄν σε μετʼ εὐφροσύνης, καὶ μετὰ μουσικῶν, καὶ τυμπάνων, καὶ κιθάρας.

KJVWherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?

JPSWherefore didst thou flee secretly, and outwit me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth and with songs, with tabret and with harp;

ThomsonBut I have not been thought worthy to kiss my children and my daughters. Now therefore thou hast acted foolishly;

BrentonAnd I was not counted worthy to embrace my children and my daughters; now then thou hast wrought foolishly.

GreekΚαὶ οὐκ ἠξιώθην καταφιλῆσαι τὰ παιδία μου, καὶ τὰς θυγατέρας μου· νῦν δὲ ἀφρόνως ἔπραξας.

KJVAnd hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.

JPSand didst not suffer me to kiss my sons and my daughters? now hast thou done foolishly.

Thomsonand it is now in my power to punish thee. But the God of thy father spoke to me last night saying, Take care that thou speak not evil to Jacob.

BrentonAnd now my hand has power to hurt thee; but the God of thy father spoke to me yesterday, saying, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not evil words to Jacob.

GreekΚαὶ νῦν ἰσχύει ἡ χείρ μου κακοποιῆσαί σε· ὁ δὲ Θεὸς τοῦ πατρός σου χθὲς εἶπε πρός με, λέγων, Φύλαξαι σεαυτὸν μή ποτε λαλήσῃς μετὰ Ἰακὼβ πονηρά.

KJVIt is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

JPSIt is in the power of my hand to do you hurt; but the God of your father spoke unto me yesternight, saying: Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

ThomsonNow grant that thou hast gone because thou hadst a longing desire to return to thy father’s house, yet why hast thou stolen my Gods?

BrentonNow then go on thy way, for thou hast earnestly desired to depart to the house of thy father; wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?

GreekΝῦν οὖν πεπόρευσαι· ἐπιθυμίᾳ γὰρ ἐπεθύμησας ἀπελθεῖν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός σου· ἱνατί ἔκλεψας τοὺς θεούς μου;

KJVAnd now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father’s house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?

JPSAnd now that thou art surely gone, because thou sore longest after thy father’s house, wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?’

ThomsonIn reply to this Jacob said to Laban, I was afraid; for I thought that thou perhaps wouldst take from me thy daughters and all that are mine: but said Jacob,

BrentonAnd Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid; for I said, Lest at any time thou shouldest take away thy daughters from me, and all my possessions.

GreekἈποκριθεὶς δὲ Ἰακὼβ εἶπε τῷ Λάβαν, ὅτι ἐφοβήθην· εἶπα γὰρ, μή ποτε ἀφέλῃ τὰς θυγατέρας σου ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ, καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐμά.

KJVAnd Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.

JPSAnd Jacob answered and said to Laban: ‘Because I was afraid; for I said: Lest thou shouldest take thy daughters from me by force.

Thomsonwith whomsoever thou findest thy Gods, let him not live. In the presence of our brethren, examine what there is of thine with me and take it. He knew of nothing with him. Now Jacob did not know that his wife Rachel had stolen them.

BrentonAnd Jacob said, With whomsoever thou shalt find thy gods, he shall not live in the presence of our brethren; take notice of what I have of thy property, and take it; and he observed nothing with him, but Jacob knew not that his wife Rachel had stolen them.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν Ἰακὼβ, παρʼ ᾧ ἂν εὕρῃς τοὺς θεούς σου, οὐ ζήσεται ἐναντίον τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν· ἐπίγνωθι τί ἐστι παρʼ ἐμοὶ τῶν σῶν, καὶ λάβε· καὶ οὐκ ἐπέγνω παρʼ αὐτῷ οὐθέν· οὐκ ᾔδει δὲ Ἰακὼβ, ὅτι Ῥαχὴλ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἔκλεψεν αὐτούς.

KJVWith whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.

JPSWith whomsoever thou findest thy gods, he shall not live; before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee.’—For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.—

ThomsonSo when Laban had gone in and searched Leia’s tent and found them not; and from Leia’s tent had gone and searched the tent of Jacob and in the tent of the two handmaids but did not find them. Then he went in also to Rachel’s tent.

BrentonAnd Laban went in and searched in the house of Lea, and found them not; and he went out of the house of Lea, and searched in the house of Jacob, and in the house of the two maid-servants, and found them not; and he went also into the house of Rachel.

GreekΕἰσελθὼν δὲ Λάβαν ἠρεύνησεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον Λείας, καὶ οὐχ εὗρεν· καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου Λείας, καὶ ἠρεύνησε τὸν οἶκον Ἰακὼβ, καὶ ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ τῶν δύο παιδισκῶν, καὶ οὐχ εὗρεν· εἰσῆλθε δὲ καὶ εἰς τὸν οἶκον Ῥαχήλ.

KJVAnd Laban went into Jacob’s tent, and into Leah’s tent, and into the two maidservants’ tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s tent.

JPSAnd Laban went into Jacob’s tent, and into Leah’s tent, and into the tent of the two maid-servants; but he found them not. And he went out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s tent.

ThomsonNow Rachel had taken the idols and put them in the camel’s furniture and sat upon them,

BrentonAnd Rachel took the idols, and cast them among the camels' packs, and sat upon them.

GreekῬαχὴλ δὲ ἔλαβε τὰ εἴδωλα, καὶ ἐνέβαλεν αὐτὰ εἰς τὰ σάγματα τῆς καμήλου, καὶ ἐπεκάθισεν αὐτοῖς.

KJVNow 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.

JPSNow Rachel had taken the teraphim, and put them in the saddle of the camel, and sat upon them. And Laban felt about all the tent, but found them not.

Thomsonand she said to her father, Be not offended my lord, I cannot rise before thee, for the custom of women is upon me. So when Laban had searched the whole tent but did not find the idols,

BrentonAnd she said to her father, Be not indignant, Sir; I cannot rise up before thee, for it is with me according to the manner of women. Laban searched in all the house, and found not the images.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε τῷ πατρὶ αὐτῆς, μὴ βαρέως φέρε, κύριε· οὐ δυνάμαι ἀναστῆναι ἐνώπιόν σου, ὅτι τὰ κατʼ ἐθισμὸν τῶν γυναικῶν μοι ἐστίν· ἠρεύνησε Λάβαν ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ, καὶ οὐχ εὗρε τὰ εἴδωλα.

KJVAnd 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.

JPSAnd 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.

ThomsonJacob was inflamed with resentment and remonstrated against Laban.

BrentonAnd Jacob was angry, and strove with Laban; and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my injustice, and what my sin, that thou hast pursued after me,

GreekὨργίσθη δὲ Ἰακὼβ, καὶ ἐμαχέσατο τῷ Λάβαν· ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ Ἰακὼβ εἶπε τῷ Λάβαν, τί τὸ ἀδίκημά μου; καὶ τί τὸ ἁμάρτημά μου, ὅτι κατεδίωξας ὀπίσω μου,

KJVAnd 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?

JPSAnd Jacob was wroth, and strove with Laban. And Jacob answered and said to Laban: ‘What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast hotly pursued after me?

ThomsonAnd Jacob addressing Laban said, What is my crime, and what my offence that thou hast pursued me? And that thou hast searched all the goods of my house? What hast thou found of all the goods of thy house? Set it here before thy brethren and my brethren and let them judge between us both.

Brentonand that thou hast searched all the furniture of my house? what hast thou found of all the furniture of thine house? set it here between thy relations and my relations, and let them decide between us two.

Greekκαὶ ὅτι ἠρεύνησας πάντα τὰ σκεύη τοῦ οἴκου μου; τί εὗρες ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν σκευῶν τοῦ οἴκου σου; θὲς ὧδε ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀδελφῶν σου καὶ τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου, καὶ ἐλεγξάτωσαν ἀνὰ μέσον τῶν δύο ἡμῶν.

KJVWhereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.

JPSWhereas thou hast felt about all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? Set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us two.

ThomsonThese twenty years that I have been with thee, thy sheep and thy goats have not cast their young; nor have I devoured the rams of thy flock.

BrentonThese twenty years have I been with thee; thy sheep, and thy she-goats have not failed in bearing; I devoured not the rams of thy cattle.

GreekΤαῦτά μοι εἴκοσι ἔτη ἐγώ εἰμι μετὰ σοῦ· τὰ πρόβατά σου καὶ αἱ αἶγές σου οὐκ ἠτεκνώθησαν· κριοὺς τῶν προβάτων σου οὐ κατέφαγον.

KJVThis twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

JPSThese twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she-goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flocks have I not eaten.

ThomsonWhat was torn by wild beasts I brought not to thee. I made up at my own expence the loss of what was stolen by day or by night.

BrentonThat which was taken of beasts I brought not to thee; I made good of myself the thefts of the day, and the thefts of the night.

GreekΘηριάλωτον οὐκ ἐνήνοχά σοι· ἐγὼ ἀπετίννυον παρʼ ἐμαυτοῦ κλέμματα ἡμέρας, καὶ κλέμματα νυκτός.

KJVThat which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.

JPSThat which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bore the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night.

ThomsonI have borne the sultry heat of the day and the frost of the night, and sleep departed from my eyes.

BrentonI was parched with heat by day, and chilled with frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes.

GreekἘγενόμην τῆς ἡμέρας συγκαιόμενος τῷ καύματι, καὶ τῷ παγετῷ τῆς νυκτός· καὶ ἀφίστατο ὁ ὕπνος μου ἀπὸ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν μου.

KJVThus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.

JPSThus I was: in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from mine eyes.

ThomsonI have been in thy family these twenty years. I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters; and six years for thy flocks; though thou didst change my wages at the ten lambings.

BrentonThese twenty years have I been in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years among thy sheep, and thou didst falsely rate my wages for ten lambs.

GreekΤαῦτά μοι εἴκοσι ἔτη ἐγώ εἰμι ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ σου· ἐδούλευσά σοι δεκατέσσαρα ἔτη ἀντὶ τῶν δύο θυγατέρων σου, καὶ ἓξ ἔτη ἐν τοῖς προβάτοις σου, καὶ παρελογίσω τὸν μισθόν μου δέκα ἀμνάσιν.

KJVThus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

JPSThese twenty years have I been in thy house: I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy flock; and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

ThomsonHad not the God of my father Abraham and the fear of Isaak been with me, thou wouldst now have sent me away empty. God hath seen my affliction and the labour of my hands, therefore he rebuked thee last night.

BrentonUnless I had the God of my father Abraam, and the fear of Isaac, now thou wouldest have sent me away empty; God saw my humiliation, and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesterday.

GreekΕἰ μὴ ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ πατρός μου Ἁβραὰμ, καὶ ὁ φόβος Ἰσαὰκ, ἦν μοι, νῦν ἂν κενόν με ἐξαπέστειλας· τὴν ταπείνωσίν μου, καὶ τὸν κόπον τῶν χειρῶν μου, εἶδεν ὁ Θεός· καὶ ἤλεγξέ σε χθές.

KJVExcept the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

JPSExcept the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac, had been on my side, surely now hadst thou sent me away empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and gave judgment yesternight.’

ThomsonIn reply to this Laban said to Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the cattle are my cattle. Even all that thou seest are mine and my daughters. What now can I do to them and their children whom they have born?

BrentonAnd Laban answered and said to Jacob, The daughters are my daughters, and the sons my sons, and the cattle are my cattle, and all things which thou seest are mine, and the property of my daughters; what shall I do to them to-day, or their children which they bore?

GreekἈποκριθεὶς δὲ Λάβαν εἶπε τῷ Ἰακὼβ, αἱ θυγατέρες, θυγατέρες μου, καὶ υἱοὶ, υἱοί μου, καὶ τὰ κτήνη, κτήνη μου· καὶ πάντα ὅσα σὺ ὁρᾷς, ἐμά ἐστι, καὶ τῶν θυγατέρων μου· τί ποιήσω ταύταις σήμερον ἢ τοῖς τέκνοις αὐτῶν, οἷς ἔτεκον;

KJVAnd Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born?

JPSAnd Laban answered and said unto Jacob: ‘The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that thou seest is mine; and what can I do this day for these my daughters, or for their children whom they have borne?

ThomsonNow therefore come and let us make a covenant, both I and thou. And let it be for a memorial between me and thee. And he said to him, Behold there is none with us; God a witness between me and thee hath seen.

BrentonNow then come, let me make a covenant, both I and thou, and it shall be for a witness between me and thee; and he said to him, Behold, there is no one with us; behold, God is witness between me and thee.

GreekΝῦν οὖν δεῦρο διαθῶμαι διαθήκην ἐγώ τε καὶ σύ· καὶ ἔσται εἰς μαρτύριον ἀνὰ μέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ· εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ, ἰδοὺ οὐθεὶς μεθʼ ἡμῶν ἐστιν· ἴδε ὁ Θεὸς μάρτυς ἀνὰ μέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ.

KJVNow therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.

JPSAnd now come, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.’

ThomsonThen Jacob took a stone and set it up for a pillar.

BrentonAnd Jacob having taken a stone, set it up for a pillar.

GreekΛαβὼν δὲ Ἰακὼβ λίθον, ἔστησεν αὐτὸν στήλην.

KJVAnd Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

JPSAnd Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

ThomsonAnd Jacob said to his brethren, Collect stones. And when they had collected stones and made a heap, they eat thereon.

BrentonAnd Jacob said to his brethren, Gather stones; and they gathered stones and made a heap, and ate there upon the heap; and Laban said to him, This heap witnesses between me and thee to-day.

GreekΕἶπε δὲ Ἰακὼβ τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς αὐτοῦ, συλλέγετε λίθους· καὶ συνέλεξαν λίθους, καὶ ἐποίησαν βουνόν· καὶ ἔφαγον ἐκεῖ ἐπὶ τοῦ βουνοῦ· καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Λάβαν, ὁ βουνὸς οὗτος μαρτυρεῖ ἀνὰ μέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ σήμερον.

KJVAnd Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.

JPSAnd Jacob said unto his brethren: ‘Gather stones’; and they took stones, and made a heap. And they did eat there by the heap.

ThomsonThen Laban said to him, This heap is this day a witness between me and thee; so Laban called it, The heap of witness; but Jacob called it Heap witness.

BrentonAnd Laban called it, the Heap of Testimony; and Jacob called it, the Witness Heap.

GreekΚαὶ ἐκάλεσεν αὐτὸν Λάβαν, βουνὸς τῆς μαρτυρίας· Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἐκάλεσεν αὐτὸν, βουνὸς μάρτυς.

KJVAnd Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.

JPSAnd Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha; but Jacob called it Galeed.

ThomsonAnd Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap and this pillar which I have set between me and thee! This heap witnesseth and this pillar witnesseth

BrentonAnd Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and the pillar, which I have set between me and thee; this heap witnesses, and this pillar witnesses; therefore its name was called, the Heap witnesses.

GreekΕἶπε δὲ Λάβαν τῷ Ἰακὼβ, ἰδοὺ ὁ βουνὸς οὗτος καὶ ἡ στήλη, ἣν ἔστησα ἀνὰ μέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ· μαρτυρεῖ ὁ βουνὸς οὗτος, καὶ μαρτυρεῖ ἡ στήλη αὕτη· διὰ τοῦτο ἐκλήθη τὸ ὄνομα, βουνὸς μαρτυρεῖ.

KJVAnd Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

JPSAnd Laban said: ‘This heap is witness between me and thee this day.’ Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

Thomson(for this cause its name was called Heap witnesseth and the sight, Which, said he, God would see between me and thee, because we shall be separated one from the other)

BrentonAnd the vision of which he said—Let God look to it between me and thee, because we are about to depart from each other,—

GreekΚαὶ ἡ ὅρασις, ἣν εἶπεν, ἐπίδοι ὁ Θεὸς ἀνὰ μέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ· ὅτι ἀποστησόμεθα ἕτερος ἀφʼ ἑτέρου.

KJVAnd Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

JPSand Mizpah, for he said: ‘The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

Thomsonif thou afflict my daughters, if thou take other wives besides my daughters, look! though there be none with us to see, God is a witness between me and thee.

BrentonIf thou shalt humble my daughters, if thou shouldest take wives in addition to my daughters, see, there is no one with us looking on. God is witness between me and thee.

GreekΕἰ ταπεινώσεις τὰς θυγατέρας μου, εἰ λάβῃς γυναῖκας πρὸς ταῖς θυγατράσι μου, ὅρα, οὐθεὶς μεθʼ ἡμῶν ἐστιν ὁρῶν· Θεὸς μάρτυς μεταξὺ ἐμοῦ καὶ μεταξὺ σοῦ.

KJVIf thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.

JPSIf thou shalt afflict my daughters, and if thou shalt take wives beside my daughters, no man being with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.’

50a

ThomsonMoreover Laban said to Jacob, Behold;

BrentonAnd Laban said to Jacob, Behold, this heap, and this pillar are a witness.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε Λάβαν τῷ Ἰακὼβ, ἰδοὺ ὁ βουνὸς οὗτος καὶ μάρτυς ἡ στήλη αὕτη.

KJVAnd Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee:

JPSAnd Laban said to Jacob: ‘Behold this heap, and behold the pillar, which I have set up betwixt me and thee.

Thomsonthis heap is a witness and this pillar also, that if I pass not to thee neither shalt thou pass to me beyond this heap and this pillar for harm.

BrentonFor if I should not cross over unto thee, neither shouldest thou cross over to me, for mischief beyond this heap and this pillar.

GreekἘάν τε γὰρ ἐγὼ μὴ διαβῶ πρός σε, μήτε σὺ διαβῇς πρός με τὸν βουνὸν τοῦτον καὶ τὴν στήλην ταύτην ἐπὶ κακίᾳ.

KJVThis heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.

JPSThis heap be witness, and the pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.

ThomsonThe God of Abraham and the God of Nachor judge between us. And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaak.

BrentonThe God of Abraam and the God of Nachor judge between us; and Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.

GreekὉ Θεὸς Ἁβραὰμ καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ναχὼρ κρίναι ἀνὰ μέσον ἡμῶν· καὶ ὤμοσεν Ἰακὼβ κατὰ τοῦ φόβου τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ἰσαάκ.

KJVThe God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.

JPSThe God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us.’ And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.

ThomsonThen he offered a sacrifice upon the mount and invited his brethren and they ate and darnk and slept on the mount.

BrentonAnd he offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his brethren, and they ate and drank, and slept in the mountain.

GreekΚαὶ ἔθυσεν θυσίαν ἐν τῷ ὄρει· καὶ ἐκάλεσε τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔφαγον καὶ ἔπιον, καὶ ἐκοιμήθησαν ἐν τῷ ὄρει.

KJVThen Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

JPSAnd Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his brethren to eat bread; and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mountain.