And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?

GENESIS 31:36KJV
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Genesis 31:36 (KJV)

What does Genesis 31:36 mean?

Genesis 31:36 describes Jacob confronting Laban in anger, demanding to know what wrong or sin he has committed that would cause Laban to chase after him so fiercely. Jacob is defending himself, insisting he has done nothing to deserve such harsh treatment.

In this scene, Jacob is speaking directly to Laban after Laban has pursued him and his family for fleeing secretly. The verse shows a turning point where Jacob, usually more reserved, openly challenges Laban’s accusations. Jacob’s questions highlight his sense of injustice and set the stage for a deeper conversation about trust and wrongdoing between the two men.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 31:36

  • "wroth" (חָרָה, charah): This word means to burn with anger. The verse emphasizes that Jacob’s anger is intense and not just mild irritation.
  • "chode" (רִיב, riv): This word means to contend or argue. It shows that Jacob is not just upset but is actively confronting and disputing with Laban.
  • "trespass" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word refers to a serious offense or rebellion. Jacob is asking if he has committed a grave wrong, not just a minor mistake.
  • "sin" (חַטָּאָה, chatta’ah): This word often means missing the mark or wrongdoing. Jacob uses both words to cover any possible accusation, showing he feels completely innocent.

Why Genesis 31:36 matters

  • This verse clears up that Jacob is not running away out of guilt but out of fear and frustration with Laban’s treatment, which helps the reader understand Jacob’s motives.
  • The strong language and double questioning show how deeply Jacob feels wronged, highlighting the strained relationship and mistrust between Jacob and Laban.
  • Genesis 31:36 sets up the rest of the conversation, where Jacob lays out his grievances and the reasons for his actions, giving insight into both men’s characters and the broader family conflict.

Where else these words appear

“pursued” Hebrew H1814 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.
  • Psalms 10:2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
  • Lamentations 4:19 Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.

“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.

“chode” Hebrew H7378 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
  • Nehemiah 13:17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
  • Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

“wroth” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 7:4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.