Genesis 31:36

Jacob's Covenant with Laban

36 Then Jacob became incensed and brought charges against Laban. "What is my crime?" he said to Laban. "What is my sin, that you have pursued me?

Genesis 31:36 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 31:36

And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban
Having answered Laban's questions to the silencing of him, and nothing of his upon search, being found with him, Jacob took heart, and was of good courage and in high spirits, and in his turn was heated also; and perhaps might carry his passion a little too far, and is not to be excused from some degree of sin and weakness; however, his reasoning is strong and nervous, and his expostulations very just and pathetic; whatever may be said for the temper he was in, and the wrath and resentment he showed: and Jacob answered and said to Laban;
that whereas he had suggested that he had done a very bad thing, he asks him, what [is] my trespass? what [is] my sin?
what heinous offence have I committed? what law of God or man have I broke? that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
with so much haste and swiftness, and with such a number of men, as if he came to take a thief, a robber, or a murderer.

Genesis 31:36 In-Context

34 Now Rachel had taken Laban's household idols, put them in the saddlebag of the camel, and sat on them. Laban searched the whole tent but found nothing.
35 She said to her father, "Sir, don't be angry that I cannot stand up in your presence; I am having my monthly period." So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols.
36 Then Jacob became incensed and brought charges against Laban. "What is my crime?" he said to Laban. "What is my sin, that you have pursued me?
37 You've searched all my possessions! Have you found anything of yours? Put it here before my relatives and yours, and let them decide between the two of us.
38 I've been with you these 20 years. Your ewes and female goats have not miscarried, and I have not eaten the rams from your flock.
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