Genesis 31:30: Meaning Explained

And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast...

Genesis 31:30

“I understand that you left because you longed for your father's house. But why did you steal my gods?"”

What Does This Verse Mean?

Laban understands why Jacob wanted to go home, but he's asking about the idols Rachel stole. He wants to know why Jacob took his gods.

What’s Happening Here

Laban is now asking about the specific issue - the stolen idols. He's confused why Jacob would take his religious objects.

longed forreally wanted to go to

Jacob didn't steal the idols - Rachel did. But Jacob is about to take responsibility.

Laban thought Jacob stole the idols, but it was actually Rachel - and she's hidden them!

H1980

And now though thou wouldest needsהָלַ֔כְתָּ

H3700

because thou soreנִכְסַ֖פְתָּה

H1004

houseלְבֵ֣ית

after thy father'sאָבִ֑יךָ

H1589

yet wherefore hast thou stolenגָנַ֖בְתָּ

H430

my godsאֱלֹהָֽי׃

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