Genesis 31:29 kjv

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.

Genesis 31:29 nkjv

It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, 'Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.'

Genesis 31:29 niv

I have the power to harm you; but last night the God of your father said to me, 'Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.'

Genesis 31:29 esv

It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, 'Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.'

Genesis 31:29 nlt

I could destroy you, but the God of your father appeared to me last night and warned me, 'Leave Jacob alone!'

Genesis 31 verses

Genesis 31 29 Meaning

Genesis 31:29 reveals Laban's acknowledgment of a direct divine intervention. He states his inherent human power and intention to cause Jacob harm but confesses that the "God of your father" appeared to him "last night" and strictly commanded him to refrain from speaking anything at all to Jacob, whether for good or ill, effectively imposing a complete silence on matters pertaining to their conflict. This highlights God's sovereignty and His unwavering protection over His covenant servant.

Genesis 31 29 Context

Genesis chapter 31 describes Jacob's departure from Laban after twenty years of service. Feeling mistreated, unjustly rewarded, and directed by God, Jacob secretly leaves Haran with his family and possessions. Laban, upon discovering their flight and the disappearance of his household idols (teraphim), becomes enraged and pursues Jacob with a contingent of his kinsmen for seven days. This verse (31:29) occurs immediately as Laban finally overtakes Jacob at Mount Gilead. It is Laban's explanation, before Jacob even defends himself, for why he has come but cannot inflict the harm he clearly intended. The dramatic tension is thus resolved not by human conflict, but by divine intervention that protects Jacob and orchestrates the covenant's path.

Genesis 31 29 Word analysis

• לְאֵל יָדִי (lᵉ’ēl yādî) – "It is in the power of my hand"

  • Word Level: The phrase 'lᵉ’ēl yādî' literally translates to "to the strength/might of my hand." 'ʾēl' (אֵל) often refers to "God" or "God Most High," but it also means "power" or "might." Here, it signifies the full extent of Laban's physical and personal capability, indicating he possessed the raw power, authority, and means to inflict harm. It underscores his perceived dominion and intent without divine restriction.
  • Significance: Laban's opening declaration asserts his earthly authority and perceived ability to retaliate or punish Jacob. It reflects human arrogance and the desire for control. This human power, however, is immediately juxtaposed and ultimately overridden by a higher divine power.

• לַעֲשׂוֹת עִמָּכֶם רָע (laʻasōwth ʻimmāḵem raʻ) – "to do you harm"

  • Word Level: 'Raʻ' (רָע) is a broad Hebrew term for "evil," "bad," "calamity," "harm," or "misfortune." Coupled with 'laʻasōwth' (to do/make) and 'ʻimmāḵem' (with you/to you), it clearly indicates malicious intent to inflict injury or distress.
  • Significance: This confirms Laban's purpose in the pursuit was not mere negotiation but aggressive retribution. The nature of the "harm" could range from seizing Jacob's possessions, punishing his wives (Laban's daughters), or physically assaulting Jacob himself. This specific phrase highlights the imminent danger from which God rescued Jacob.

• וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבִיכֶם (wēʾĕlōhê ’aḇîḵem) – "but the God of your father"

  • Word Level: 'ʾĕlōhê' (אֱלֹהֵי) means "God of." 'ʾaḇîḵem' (אֲבִיכֶם) means "your father." Laban uses the plural 'your father' (though referring to Jacob's one father, Isaac) and, more broadly, to Abraham, Jacob's lineage through Isaac. Laban does not claim this God as his own. This implies he recognized the distinctive, personal, and powerful relationship this God had with Jacob and his forefathers.
  • Significance: This phrase is critical. Laban, a pagan, explicitly names and acknowledges the God of Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. This recognition, even by an outsider, validates the reality and authority of the God of the covenant. It signifies that Jacob's God is a potent force beyond human control or understanding, forcing even those outside the covenant to yield. It shows Laban's deep fear.

• דִּבֶּר (dibber) – "spoke"

  • Word Level: 'Dibber' (דִּבֶּר) comes from the root 'dalet-bet-resh', which means to speak, command, declare, or utter. It denotes direct, verbal, and authoritative communication, as opposed to a vague impression or intuition. In this context, it was a precise divine utterance.
  • Significance: The use of 'dibber' implies a clear, undeniable, and specific message from God, making Laban's excuse credible. It was not a general feeling but a direct command.

• אֶמֶשׁ (ʾemes̲) – "last night"

  • Word Level: 'ʾemes̲' (אֶמֶשׁ) refers to the immediately preceding night, emphasizing the immediacy and freshness of the divine encounter.
  • Significance: This temporal indicator makes the divine intervention highly personal and undeniable to Laban. It indicates God's precise timing in Jacob's journey and His watchful care over His servant even during a crisis. It underscores that God was actively aware of Jacob's situation and Laban's pursuit.

• הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ (hisshāmer lᵉḵā) – "Beware" / "Be careful for yourself"

  • Word Level: This is a reflexive imperative from the root 'šāmar' (שָׁמַר), meaning "to keep, watch, guard, protect." The reflexive 'lᵉḵā' (for yourself) makes it a strong personal warning for Laban's own self-preservation. It is a severe caution, not a mere suggestion.
  • Significance: God warns Laban not only to protect Jacob but also for Laban's own safety and well-being. Disobeying such a divine command from a powerful God could bring severe consequences upon Laban himself.

• מִדַּבֵּר עִם-יַעֲקֹב מִטּוֹב עַד רָע (middabber ʻim-Yaʻaqōv mittōwḇ ʻad rāʻ) – "of speaking to Jacob either good or bad"

  • Word Level: 'Middabber' (from speaking) refers to any form of verbal interaction. 'Mittōwḇ ʻad rāʻ' (מִטּוֹב עַד רָע) is an idiomatic Hebrew expression meaning "from good to evil," signifying "anything at all" or "absolutely nothing." It covers the entire spectrum of human communication.
  • Significance: God's command was not limited to preventing physical harm; it also prevented any verbal manipulation, flattery ("good"), or threats ("bad") that could compromise Jacob's faith, undermine his divine calling, or steer him back towards Laban's influence. It means Laban was not allowed to attempt any persuasion, negotiation, or verbal trickery. God completely protected Jacob from Laban's craftiness and potentially binding verbal contracts or deceptive reassurances. It showed the depth of God's care, protecting not only the body but also the mind and spirit of His servant.

Genesis 31 29 Bonus section

The acknowledgment by Laban, a non-covenant person, of the "God of your father" indicates that the fame and power of the God of Abraham and Isaac were spreading, influencing even those outside the direct lineage. This provides an early instance of a gentile figure acknowledging the true God's authority, even if only under duress, and shows God working His plan through the interactions of different peoples. The scene also emphasizes the protective presence of the "fear of Isaac" (Gen 31:42), referring to the object of Isaac's worship—God Himself—highlighting God as the formidable force to be reckoned with by adversaries.

Genesis 31 29 Commentary

Genesis 31:29 stands as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty. Laban, a shrewd and manipulative figure, admits his frustrated intentions, explicitly curtailed by a direct encounter with God. This verse powerfully illustrates that while human malice and capability to harm may exist ("power of my hand to do you harm"), God's will is ultimately supreme and His protective hand over His covenant people is inviolable. The "God of your father" intervened decisively, appearing to Laban in a dream. This act underscored that Jacob's God was not merely a tribal deity but an active, living, and restraining force that pagan men had to reckon with.

The prohibition "of speaking to Jacob either good or bad" is particularly telling. It demonstrates God's comprehensive protection, not only from overt physical violence but also from subtle psychological manipulation. Laban was prevented from coaxing Jacob with deceptive "good" offers or intimidating him with "bad" threats, which were Laban's characteristic tactics. This absolute restriction ensured that Jacob's journey continued under divine leading, free from human interference that could jeopardize his commitment or direction. It signifies God's deep care for the emotional and spiritual well-being of His servant, not just his physical safety.

This event affirms God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His active role in the unfolding narrative of redemption. It also provides comfort to believers: when God has a purpose for someone, no human power, no matter how potent or well-intended their evil, can thwart that divine plan without His express permission. It is a foundational truth for understanding God's providential care in the lives of His people, that the hearts of kings and oppressors are in His hands.