King James Version
Genesis 31:40 in the King James Version says “Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.”
Genesis 31:40 · KJV
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.
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.
Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
KJV Study — Public Domain
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“Thus I was in the day”
H3117a 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
“me and the frost”
H7140ice (as if bald, i.e., smooth); hence, hail; by resemblance, rock crystal
“by night”
H3915properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
“departed”
H5074properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
“from mine eyes”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
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 31:40 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 31:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge