Genesis 31:38

38 "I've been with you for 20 years now. The little ones of your sheep and goats were not dead when they were born. I haven't eaten rams from your flocks.

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 Jacob was very angry with Laban. "What have I done wrong?" he asked. "What sin have I committed to make you hunt me down like this?

37 You have searched through all of my things. What have you found that belongs to your family? Put it here in front of your relatives and mine. Let them decide between the two of us.

38 "I've been with you for 20 years now. The little ones of your sheep and goats were not dead when they were born. I haven't eaten rams from your flocks.

39 I didn't bring you animals that were torn apart by wild beasts. I made up for the loss myself. Also, you made me pay for anything that was stolen by day or night.

40 "And what was my life like? The heat burned me in the daytime. And it was so cold at night that I froze. I couldn't sleep.