Genesis 31:1

Authorized King James Version

And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע

H8085

And he heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דִּבְרֵ֤י

H1697

the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְנֵֽי

H1121

sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לָבָן֙

H3837

of Laban's

laban, a place in the desert

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

לָקַ֣ח

H3947

hath taken away

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

לְאָבִ֔ינוּ

all that was our father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#13

וּמֵֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

לְאָבִ֔ינוּ

all that was our father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#15

עָשָׂ֕ה

H6213

hath he gotten

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

אֵ֥ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

הַכָּבֹ֖ד

H3519

all this glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

#19

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of glory reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on glory address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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