Genesis 31:36

36 Then Jacob lost his temper. "What crime have I committed?" he asked angrily. "What law have I broken that gives you the right to hunt me down?

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 Rachel had taken the household gods and put them in a camel's saddlebag and was sitting on them. Laban searched through the whole tent, but did not find them.

35 Rachel said to her father, "Do not be angry with me, sir, but I am not able to stand up in your presence; I am having my monthly period." Laban searched but did not find his household gods.

36 Then Jacob lost his temper. "What crime have I committed?" he asked angrily. "What law have I broken that gives you the right to hunt me down?

37 Now that you have searched through all my belongings, what household article have you found that belongs to you? Put it out here where your men and mine can see it, and let them decide which one of us is right.

38 I have been with you now for twenty years; your sheep and your goats have not failed to reproduce, and I have not eaten any rams from your flocks.