Genesis 31:38

38 These twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy shegoats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

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 And Jacob was wroth, and chided Laban; and Jacob answered and said to Laban, "What is my trespass? What is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?

37 Whereas thou hast searched all my goods, what hast thou found of all thy household things? Set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge between us both.

38 These twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy shegoats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

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

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