King James Version
Genesis 31:38 in the King James Version says “This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.”
Genesis 31:38 · KJV
And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both. searched: Heb. felt
This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.
That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
KJV Study — Public Domain
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
“have I been with thee thy ewes”
H7353a ewe [the females being the predominant element of a flock] (as a good traveller)
“and thy she goats”
H5795a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“have not cast their young”
H7921properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)
“and the rams”
H352properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
“of thy flock”
H6629a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
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.
Genesis 31:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 31:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge