King James Version

What Does Genesis 31:39 Mean?

Genesis 31:39 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 31:39 · KJV

Context

37

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

38

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.

39

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.

40

Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.

41

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Read Genesis 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou ... 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 does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How should this truth about Covenant at Mizpah shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
טְרֵפָה֙1 of 12

“That which was torn”

H2966

prey, i.e., flocks devoured by animals

לֹֽא2 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֵבֵ֣אתִי3 of 12

“of beasts I brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֔יךָ4 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָֽנֹכִ֣י5 of 12
H595

i

אֲחַטֶּ֔נָּה6 of 12

“not unto thee I bare the loss”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

מִיָּדִ֖י7 of 12

“of it of my hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑נָּה8 of 12

“didst thou require”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וּגְנֻֽבְתִ֖י9 of 12

“it whether stolen”

H1589

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

י֔וֹם10 of 12

“by day”

H3117

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

וּגְנֻֽבְתִ֖י11 of 12

“it whether stolen”

H1589

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

לָֽיְלָה׃12 of 12

“by night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

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 31:39 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 31:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:10-13Leviticus 22:8Luke 2:8Exodus 22:311 Samuel 17:34-35John 10:12-13

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

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