Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

GENESIS 31:42KJV
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Genesis 31:42 (KJV)

What does Genesis 31:42 mean?

Genesis 31:42 means that Jacob is telling Laban that if God—the God of Abraham and the one whom Isaac deeply respected—had not been with him, Laban would have sent him away with nothing. Jacob says that God saw his hardship and hard work, and that is why God confronted Laban the previous night.

Jacob is speaking directly to his father-in-law Laban after secretly leaving with his family and flocks. Laban had chased after Jacob, upset about their departure. Here, Jacob explains that his success and protection were only because of God’s presence, not Laban’s kindness, and that God had judged between them because of Jacob’s suffering and honest labor.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 31:42

  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This word is used several times in the verse, emphasizing that Jacob credits his protection and blessing to the true God, not to luck or human effort.
  • "Fear" (פַּחַד, pachad): This phrase, “the fear of Isaac,” is unusual. It means the One whom Isaac deeply revered or feared, highlighting a relationship of awe and respect rather than just terror.
  • "Affliction" (עֳנִי, oni): This word points to Jacob’s suffering or hardship, underlining that God was aware of the difficulties Jacob endured while working for Laban.
  • "Rebuked" (יָכַח, yakach): This word means to correct or set right. Jacob says God “rebuked” Laban, referring to God’s warning to Laban in a dream the night before, showing God’s active role in protecting Jacob.

Why Genesis 31:42 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jacob’s prosperity and survival were not due to Laban’s generosity, but because of God’s faithful involvement and justice.
  • The mention of “the fear of Isaac” shows a personal and reverent relationship with God, not just a family tradition or distant belief.
  • Genesis 31:42 connects to the larger story of God watching over Jacob despite unfair treatment, and it marks a turning point where Jacob openly credits God for his deliverance and well-being.

Where else these words appear

“yesternight” Hebrew H570 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 19:34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
  • Genesis 31:29 It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
  • 2 Kings 9:26 Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of the LORD.

“Except” Hebrew H3884 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 43:10 For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time.
  • 2 Samuel 2:27 And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.
  • Psalms 106:23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.

“empty” Hebrew H7387 · used in 16 verses

  • Exodus 3:21 And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:
  • Ruth 1:21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?
  • Psalms 7:4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;(yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

“labour” Hebrew H3018 · used in 16 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:33 The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:
  • Psalms 78:46 He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.
  • Jeremiah 3:24 For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.