And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?

GENESIS 31:26KJV
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Genesis 31:26 (KJV)

What does Genesis 31:26 mean?

Genesis 31:26 records Laban confronting Jacob, accusing him of secretly leaving and taking Laban’s daughters (Jacob’s wives) as if they were prisoners captured by force. Laban’s words show his anger and sense of betrayal over Jacob’s sudden departure with his family.

In this verse, Laban is speaking directly to Jacob after catching up with him. Laban is upset because Jacob left without telling him, taking his daughters and grandchildren away. Laban uses strong language, comparing their departure to an act of war, to express how hurt and wronged he feels by Jacob’s actions.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 31:26

  • "stolen away" — גָּנַב (ganav): This word often means to steal or take secretly. Laban accuses Jacob of acting like a thief, emphasizing the secrecy and perceived dishonesty of Jacob’s departure.
  • "unawares" — לֵבָב (levav): Literally meaning "heart" or "mind," here it points to being unaware or unsuspecting. Laban is saying Jacob left without Laban’s knowledge or consent, adding to the sense of betrayal.
  • "carried away" — נָשָׂא (nasa): This word means to carry off or take away. Laban accuses Jacob of physically removing his daughters, heightening the sense of loss.
  • "captives" — שָׁבָה (shavah): This word means to take captive, usually in the context of war. Laban’s use of it is dramatic, suggesting he feels his daughters were taken as prisoners, not just family members leaving.
  • "sword" — חֶרֶב (cherev): Refers to a sword, symbolizing violence or force. Laban’s accusation paints Jacob’s actions as aggressive, even though no actual violence occurred.

Why Genesis 31:26 matters

  • This verse shows the depth of Laban’s emotional response and how he interprets Jacob’s actions as both a personal and family offense, not just a logistical decision.
  • The strong language highlights the strained relationship between Laban and Jacob, setting the stage for their confrontation and eventual agreement.
  • Understanding Laban’s words helps clarify the seriousness with which family ties and departures were viewed in ancient times, where leaving without permission could be seen as a grave insult.

Where else these words appear

“away” Hebrew H5090 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 31:18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.
  • 2 Samuel 6:3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
  • Psalms 80:1 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

“away” Hebrew H1589 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Exodus 22:1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest,(for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.

“captives” Hebrew H7617 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • 1 Kings 8:48 And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name:
  • 2 Chronicles 28:17 For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.

“Laban” Hebrew H3837 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 24:29 And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.
  • Genesis 29:24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.
  • Genesis 31:22 And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.