Genesis 31:38

38 "In the twenty years I've worked for you, ewes and she-goats never miscarried. I never feasted on the rams from your flock.

Genesis 31:38 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 31:38

This twenty years [have] I been [with] thee
So that he now must have been ninety seven years of age: thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young:
or very few of them: it was a rare case for any to be abortive, if ever: this, though owing to the blessing of God, was for Jacob's sake, and, under God, to be ascribed to his care and diligence in watching and keeping the flock, and doing everything needful for them: and the rams of the flock have I not eaten:
being content with meaner food, as lentil pottage and the like; see the contrary of this in shepherds, ( Ezekiel 34:3 ) .

Genesis 31:38 In-Context

36 Now it was Jacob's turn to get angry. He lit into Laban: "So what's my crime, what wrong have I done you that you badger me like this?
37 You've ransacked the place. Have you turned up a single thing that's yours? Let's see it - display the evidence. Our two families can be the jury and decide between us.
38 "In the twenty years I've worked for you, ewes and she-goats never miscarried. I never feasted on the rams from your flock.
39 I never brought you a torn carcass killed by wild animals but that I paid for it out of my own pocket - actually, you made me pay whether it was my fault or not.
40 I was out in all kinds of weather, from torrid heat to freezing cold, putting in many a sleepless night.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.