Genesis 31:43

Authorized King James Version

And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֨עַן

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

לָבָ֜ן

H3837

And Laban

laban, a place in the desert

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַעֲקֹ֗ב

H3290

unto Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְלִבְנֹתַ֞י

H1323

These daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וְלִבְנֹתַ֞י

H1323

These daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לִבְנֵיהֶ֖ן

H1121

and these children

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

לִבְנֵיהֶ֖ן

H1121

and these children

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

#10

צֹאנִ֔י

H6629

and these cattle

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#11

צֹאנִ֔י

H6629

and these cattle

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#12

וְכֹ֛ל

H3605

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

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#14

אַתָּ֥ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#15

רֹאֶ֖ה

H7200

and all that thou seest

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#16

לִי

#17

ה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#18

וְלִבְנֹתַ֞י

H1323

These daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#19

מָֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#20

אֶעֱשֶׂ֤ה

H6213

is mine and what can I do

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

#21

לָאֵ֙לֶּה֙

H428

these or those

#22

הַיּ֔וֹם

H3117

this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#23

א֥וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#24

לִבְנֵיהֶ֖ן

H1121

and these children

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

#25

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#26

יָלָֽדוּ׃

H3205

which they have born

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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