Genesis 31:26
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war!
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
"Like sword-booty;" i.e., like prisoners of war (Kg2 6:22) carried away unwillingly and by force.
Open source ↗Jacob was a very honest good man, a man of great devotion and integrity, yet he had more trouble and vexation than any of the patriarchs. He left his father's house in a fright, went to his uncle's in distress, very hard usage he met with there, and now is going back surrounded with fears. Here is, I. His resolution to return (v. 1-16). II. His clandestine departure, (Gen 31:17-21). III. Laban's pursuit of him in displeasure (Gen 31:22-25). IV. The hot words that passed between them (v. 26-42). V. Their amicable agreement at last (Gen 31:43, etc.).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.
“What is this you have done to us?” asked Abimelech. “One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.”
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?
So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?”
They carried off all their possessions and women and children, and they plundered everything in their houses.
“What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?”
Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me?
Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”