Genesis 31:38
This 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.
Genesis 31:38 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from Genesis 31:38, Jacob is speaking to his father-in-law Laban, recounting his twenty years of service to him. Jacob is reminding Laban of his dedication and honesty by pointing out that during his time with Laban, none of the animals in his care have experienced any miscarriages or been eaten by predators. This demonstrates Jacob's diligence in caring for Laban's livestock and his commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being. By highlighting this fact, Jacob is making a case for himself and his integrity in the face of Laban's accusations and betrayals. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work, responsibility, and faithfulness in our relationships and commitments, showing that even in difficult circumstances, we can choose to maintain our integrity and dedication.
Theological Overview
From a theological standpoint, this verse from Genesis 31:38 highlights the faithfulness of Jacob during his time working for his father-in-law, Laban. Jacob recounts to Laban how for twenty years he has diligently cared for Laban's flocks without any losses. The words "thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten" demonstrate Jacob's integrity and commitment to his work despite facing numerous challenges. This passage also reveals the mutual trust and accountability between Jacob and Laban. By studying the original Hebrew words used in this verse, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance of Jacob's actions and the impact of his faithfulness on Laban's household. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful example of the importance of honesty, hard work, and trustworthiness in fulfilling one's responsibilities.
Genesis 31:38 in other translations
American Standard Version
These 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.
World English Bible
“These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not cast their young, and I haven’t eaten the rams of your flocks.
Douay-Rheims
Have I, therefore, been with thee twenty years? thy ewes and goats were not barren, the rams of thy flocks I did not eat:
Geneva Bible (1599)
This twenty yere I haue bin with thee: thine ewes and thy goates haue not cast their yong, and the rammes of thy flocke haue I not eaten.