King James Version

What Does Genesis 31:14 Mean?

Genesis 31:14 in the King James Version says “And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?”

Genesis 31:14 · KJV

Context

12

And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.

13

I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

14

And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

15

Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.

16

For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

Read Genesis 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in ou... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Jacob's Flight from Laban emerge from this passage?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַתַּ֤עַן1 of 11

“answered”

H6030

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,

רָחֵל֙2 of 11

“And Rachel”

H7354

rachel, a wife of jacob

וְלֵאָ֔ה3 of 11

“and Leah”

H3812

leah, a wife of jacob

וַתֹּאמַ֖רְנָה4 of 11

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֑וֹ5 of 11
H0
הַע֥וֹד6 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לָ֛נוּ7 of 11
H0
חֵ֥לֶק8 of 11

“unto him Is there yet any portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

וְנַֽחֲלָ֖ה9 of 11

“or inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

בְּבֵ֥ית10 of 11

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִֽינוּ׃11 of 11

“for us in our father's”

H1

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 31:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 31:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 2:24Ruth 4:11Genesis 29:29Genesis 29:24

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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