Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 31בְּרֵאשִׁית ל״א

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Jacob's long sojourn under Laban reaches its decisive severance here. Suspicion, divine command, remembered promise, household solidarity, secret flight, pursuit, accusation, self-defence, and covenantal boundary-making are bound together in a single movement that turns Jacob from dependent son-in-law into a protected returning patriarch. Human hostility opens the action as Laban's sons resent Jacob's prosperity and Laban's face hardens, but the real turning point is divine speech: YHWH commands Jacob to return to the land of his fathers and renews the promise of accompanying presence. Jacob's retelling to Rachel and Leah interprets the whole Aramean episode through that lens. Laban has exploited, mocked, and altered wages, yet God has seen the wrong and transferred increase to Jacob. The wives' united answer is itself significant: the divided household of Genesis 29-30 now stands together against the father who sold them and consumed what should have been theirs. From there the movement proceeds through secrecy and complication, since Rachel's theft of the teraphim introduces a hidden fault into an otherwise divinely authorized departure. Laban's pursuit, however, is decisively curtailed by God's night warning, and the long central dispute exposes the deeper issue: Jacob has served at great cost, while Laban has cloaked predation in kinship claims. The heap-and-pillar covenant at the close is therefore no warm reconciliation. It is a guarded treaty of separation, a boundary marked under divine witness because trust has failed. Return, providential vindication, domestic fracture, and covenantal boundary are thus bound into one pivotal movement in which God releases Jacob from Aram, rebukes the oppressor, and turns flight into the first real stage of homeward restoration.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. A major turn in the Jacob cycle stands here, where the prosperity conflict of Genesis 30 becomes an authorized departure, a dangerous pursuit, a legal self-defence, and finally a guarded treaty of separation. Verse 1's כל הכבד הזה is literally all this glory or weight, but in context it is the resentful language of wealth and visible status attributed to Jacob by Laban's sons. Verse 2's idiom that Laban's face was not with Jacob as before should be preserved as a change of disposition rather than flattened into a purely visual notice. Verse 3 is the narrative's theological hinge: Jacob does not leave by private calculation alone, but under YHWH's explicit command to return, accompanied by the promise, I will be with you. Verse 7's עשרת מנים is commonly rendered ten times, though the phrase likely signals repeated manipulative recalculation rather than a strictly counted total. The flock-marking terms in verses 8, 10, and 12, especially עקדים, נקדים, and ברדים, should not be over-precisionized; streaked, speckled, and mottled preserve the visible contrast while acknowledging some lexical overlap. Verse 9's ויצל is stronger than a neutral took: God has snatched away or stripped from Laban the livestock and given them to Jacob. Verses 10-13 reinterpret the breeding episode of the previous chapter through dream revelation, and verse 13's אני האל בית־אל is best heard as I am the God of Bethel, deliberately recalling Jacob's pillar, vow, and promised return from Genesis 28. Rachel and Leah's response in verses 14-16 is unusually blunt: they say their father has sold them and indeed consumed their money, with the infinitive absolute intensifying the charge. Verse 19 introduces the teraphim, a long-discussed crux that may concern household gods, inheritance claims, or both; the narrative itself foregrounds the theft without yet explaining Rachel's motive. Verse 20's stole the heart of Laban is an idiom for deceiving him or slipping away without disclosure, not an emotional theft, and verse 21's the River is most naturally the Euphrates. In verse 24 the warning not to speak with Jacob from good to bad is a stock totalizing idiom meaning anything at all, whether conciliatory or hostile. Laban's rhetoric in verses 26-30 should retain its irony: the man who has repeatedly manipulated Jacob now claims he would have sent him away with music and joy, while pivoting quickly to the theft of my gods. Verse 32 is dramatically charged because Jacob pronounces a death sentence on the thief without knowing Rachel's guilt. Verse 34's כר הגמל likely refers to the camel's saddle-basket or baggage, and verse 35's דרך נשים לי is the standard euphemism for menstruation, which explains Rachel's successful concealment. Jacob's protest speech in verses 36-42 forms one of the narrative's great forensic defences. Verse 39's אנכי אחטנה is best taken as I myself bore the loss of it, not I sinned for it, and verse 40's heat by day and frost by night gives memorable bodily form to the cost of his service. Particularly important is the title פחד יצחק in verses 42 and 53, the Fear of Isaac, a striking and unique patriarchal divine designation that Jacob uses to narrow the field of oath and allegiance. The close of the narrative is not sentimental. Verse 47's bilingual names, Jegar-sahadutha and Galeed, underline the ethnic-linguistic texture of the encounter, and verse 49's Mizpah saying is a mutual-surveillance oath in a setting of distrust, not a warm blessing of continued intimacy. The heap and pillar in verses 52-53 are boundary witnesses enforcing non-aggression, and the shared meal of verse 54 seals separation under divine observation rather than full reconciled fellowship. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע אֶת דִּבְרֵ֤י בְנֵֽי לָבָן֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לָקַ֣ח יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֵ֖ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאָבִ֑ינוּ וּמֵאֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאָבִ֔ינוּ עָשָׂ֕ה אֵ֥ת כָּל הַכָּבֹ֖ד הַזֶּֽה

And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, 'Jacob has taken all that belonged to our father, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.'

inciting report: Jacob hears the hostile interpretation of his prosperityוַיִּשְׁמַע
The movement opens with reported accusation from Laban's sons; their reading reframes Jacob's gain as theft.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֗עand he heardQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo hear, listen, obey, perceive by ear.
אֶת(object)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerDefinite direct-object marker, untranslated.
דִּבְרֵ֤יthe words ofN m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (genitival)Word, matter, thing, report, affair.
בְנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)Son, child, descendant, member of group.
לָבָן֙Labanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Genitive in constructLaban, Aramean kinsman of Jacob.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Inf constr (complement)→ Inf constr: verbal noun, purposeTo say; introduces direct quoted speech.
לָקַ֣חhas takenQal perf 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo take, seize, grasp, fetch, acquire.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, patriarch, son of Isaac.
אֵ֖ת(object)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerDefinite direct-object marker, untranslated.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)All, whole, every, totality.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthat whichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause headRelative particle: who, which, that.
לְאָבִ֑ינוּto our fatherprep + N m sg constr + 1cp sfx · אָב (H1)Object of prepositionFather, ancestor, here possessive of Laban.
וּמֵאֲשֶׁ֣רand from whatconj + prep + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Object of prepositionRelative particle with conjunction and source preposition.
לְאָבִ֔ינוּto our fatherprep + N m sg constr + 1cp sfx · אָב (H1)Object of prepositionFather, ancestor, here possessive of Laban.
עָשָׂ֕הhe has madeQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo do, make, produce, accomplish, acquire.
אֵ֥ת(object)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerDefinite direct-object marker, untranslated.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)All, whole, every, totality.
הַכָּבֹ֖דthe wealthart + N sg abs · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Direct objectGlory, honor, abundance, wealth, weight.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifierThis, near demonstrative pronoun/adjective.
2

וַיַּ֥רְא יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת פְּנֵ֣י לָבָ֑ן וְהִנֵּ֥ה אֵינֶ֛נּוּ עִמּ֖וֹ כִּתְמ֥וֹל שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם

And Jacob saw Laban's face, and behold, it was not toward him as it had been before.

confirming sign: Jacob reads Laban's altered dispositionוַיַּרְא
The changed face of Laban corroborates the danger signaled in verse 1.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיַּ֥רְאand sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo see, look, perceive, observe, regard.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, patriarch, son of Isaac.
אֶת(object)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerDefinite direct-object marker, untranslated.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain (genitival)Face, presence, countenance, disposition toward.
לָבָ֑ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Genitive in constructLaban, Aramean kinsman of Jacob.
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particleBehold, lo; marks vivid perception.
אֵינֶ֛נּוּit was notnegative existential + 3ms sfx · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential predicateThere is not; nonexistence or absence.
עִמּ֖וֹwith himprep + 3ms sfx · עִם (H5973)Object of prepositionWith, together with, beside, toward.
כִּתְמ֥וֹלas yesterdayprep + adverb · תְּמוֹל (H8543)Adverbial comparisonYesterday, formerly; in idiom 'as before'.
שִׁלְשֽׁוֹםday beforeN m sg abs · שִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032)Adverbial comparisonDay before yesterday; idiom 'as before'.
3

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֔ב שׁ֛וּב אֶל אֶ֥רֶץ אֲבוֹתֶ֖יךָ וּלְמוֹלַדְתֶּ֑ךָ וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה עִמָּֽךְ

Then YHWH said to Jacob, 'Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.'

divine commission: YHWH authorizes and commands the returnוַיֹּאמֶר
The narrative turns decisively when divine speech interprets the situation and supplies promise.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo say, speak, declare, command.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)SubjectYHWH, the covenant name of God.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Object of prepositionTo, toward, unto, with regard to.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Object of prepositionJacob, patriarch, son of Isaac.
שׁ֛וּבreturnQal impv 2ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Imperative command→ Volitional: direct commandTo return, turn back, go back, restore.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Object of prepositionTo, toward, unto, with regard to.
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival)Land, earth, ground, country, territory.
אֲבוֹתֶ֖יךָyour fathersN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אָב (H1)Genitive in constructFather, ancestor, forefather; here ancestral homeland.
וּלְמוֹלַדְתֶּ֑ךָand to your kindredconj + prep + N f sg constr + 2ms sfx · מוֹלֶדֶת (H4138)Object of prepositionKindred, relatives, birth, native place, offspring.
וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖הand I will beconj + Qal impf 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Promise clause verb→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo be, become, come to pass, exist.
עִמָּֽךְwith youprep + 2fs sfx · עִם (H5973)Object of prepositionWith, together with, beside, accompanying.
4

וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח יַעֲקֹ֔ב וַיִּקְרָ֖א לְרָחֵ֣ל וּלְלֵאָ֑ה הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה אֶל צֹאנֽוֹ

So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field, to his flock,

private consultation openingוַיִּשְׁלַח
Jacob moves discreetly, summoning Rachel and Leah away from the house into the field.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣חand he sentQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo send, send away, stretch out.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobNp · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, patriarch and son of Isaac.
וַיִּקְרָ֖אand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo call, summon, proclaim.
לְרָחֵ֣לto Rachelprep + Np · רָחֵל (H7354)Object of prepositionRachel, wife of Jacob.
וּלְלֵאָ֑הand to Leahconj + prep + Np · לֵאָה (H3812)Object of prepositionLeah, wife of Jacob.
הַשָּׂדֶ֖הthe fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phraseField, open country, land.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phraseTo, toward, unto.
צֹאנֽוֹhis flockN b sg constr + 3ms sfx · צֹאן (H6629)Object of prepositionFlock, small cattle, sheep and goats.
5

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֗ן רֹאֶ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ אֶת פְּנֵ֣י אֲבִיכֶ֔ן כִּֽי אֵינֶ֥נּוּ אֵלַ֖י כִּתְמֹ֣ל שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם וֵֽאלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֔י הָיָ֖ה עִמָּדִֽי

and said to them, 'I see your father's face, that it is not toward me as it was before; but the God of my father has been with me.

explanation: Jacob states the changed human situation and divine supportוַיֹּאמֶר
Laban's hostility is balanced against the constancy of the God of Jacob's father.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo say, speak, declare.
לָהֶ֗ןto themprep + 3fp sfx · לְ (H0)Object of prepositionTo, for them (feminine).
רֹאֶ֤הseeingQal ptc m sg abs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Participle: ongoing or stativeTo see, perceive, observe.
אָנֹכִי֙I1cs pronoun · אָנֹכִי (H595)SubjectI (first person singular pronoun).
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerSign of the definite direct object.
פְּנֵ֣יface ofN b pl constr · פָּנֶה (H6440)Construct chain (genitival)Face, presence, countenance.
אֲבִיכֶ֔ןyour fatherN m sg constr + 2fp sfx · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival)Father, ancestor.
כִּֽיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complement of verbThat, because, for, when.
אֵינֶ֥נּוּit is notnegation + 3ms sfx · אַיִן (H369)Predicate verb (reported speech)Nonexistence, there is not, absence.
אֵלַ֖יtoward meprep + 1cs sfx · אֶל (H413)Object of prepositionTo, toward, unto me.
כִּתְמֹ֣לas yesterdayprep + adverb · תְּמוֹל (H8543)Locative prepositional phraseYesterday, formerly, recently.
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑םday beforeN m sg abs · שִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032)Locative prepositional phraseThree days ago, day before yesterday.
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֣יbut the God ofconj + N m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)SubjectGod, gods, deity.
אָבִ֔יmy fatherN m sg constr + 1cs sfx · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival)Father, ancestor.
הָיָ֖הhas beenQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo be, become, come to pass.
עִמָּדִֽיwith meprep + 1cs sfx · עִמָּד (H5978)Object of prepositionWith, beside me.
6

וְאַתֵּ֖נָה יְדַעְתֶּ֑ן כִּ֚י בְּכָל כֹּחִ֔י עָבַ֖דְתִּי אֶת אֲבִיכֶֽן

You yourselves know that with all my strength I have served your father,

appeal to shared knowledgeוְאַתֵּנָה
Jacob invokes the wives' firsthand knowledge of his faithful labor.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאַתֵּ֖נָהand youconj + 2fp pronoun · אַתֵּנָה (H859)SubjectYou (feminine plural pronoun).
יְדַעְתֶּ֑ןyou knowQal perf 2fp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo know, perceive, acknowledge.
כִּ֚יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complement of verbThat, because, for, when.
בְּכָלwith allprep + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Object of prepositionAll, whole, every.
כֹּחִ֔יmy strengthN m sg constr + 1cs sfx · כֹּחַ (H3581)Construct chain (genitival)Strength, power, might.
עָבַ֖דְתִּיI have servedQal perf 1cs · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo work, serve, labor.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerSign of the definite direct object.
אֲבִיכֶֽןyour fatherN m sg constr + 2fp sfx · אָב (H1)Direct objectFather, ancestor.
7

וַאֲבִיכֶן֙ הֵ֣תֶל בִּ֔י וְהֶחֱלִ֥ף אֶת מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖י עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת מֹנִ֑ים וְלֹֽא נְתָנ֣וֹ אֱלֹהִ֔ים לְהָרַ֖ע עִמָּדִֽי

yet your father has mocked me and changed my wages ten times; but God did not allow him to do me harm.

grievance plus providential counterpointוַאֲבִיכֶן
Laban's deceit is real, but its effectiveness has been limited by God.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַאֲבִיכֶן֙and your fatherconj + N m sg constr + 2fp suffix · אָב (H1)SubjectFather, here Laban, plus 2fp suffix.
הֵ֣תֶלhas cheatedHiphil perf 3ms · תָּלַל (H2048)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective Hiphil: completed causative actionTo mock, deceive, trifle with.
בִּ֔יagainst meprep + 1cs suffix · בְּ (H871a)Object of prepositionPreposition with first-person suffix.
וְהֶחֱלִ֥ףand changedconj + Hiphil perf 3ms · חָלַף (H2498)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective Hiphil: completed causative actionTo change, alter, substitute.
אֶתobjdirect-object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks the definite direct object.
מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖יmy wagesN f sg constr + 1cs suffix · מַשְׂכֹּרֶת (H4909)Direct objectWages, hire, reward.
עֲשֶׂ֣רֶתtennumeral m sg constr · עֲשָׂרָה (H6235)Adverbial accusativeCardinal number ten, construct.
מֹנִ֑יםtimesN m pl abs · מֹנֶה (H4489)Adverbial accusativeTimes, instances of counting.
וְלֹֽאbut notconj + negative · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunctionNegative particle with conjunction.
נְתָנ֣וֹallowed himQal perf 3ms + 3ms suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo give, permit, allow him.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)SubjectGod, the divine subject.
לְהָרַ֖עto harmprep + Hiphil inf constr · רָעַע (H7489)Inf constr (purpose/result)→ Inf constr: purpose or resultTo do evil, harm, injure.
עִמָּדִֽיwith meprep + 1cs suffix · עִמָּד (H5978)Object of prepositionWith me, alongside me.
8

אִם כֹּ֣ה יֹאמַ֗ר נְקֻדִּים֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָ וְיָלְד֥וּ כָל הַצֹּ֖אן נְקֻדִּ֑ים וְאִם כֹּ֣ה יֹאמַ֗ר עֲקֻדִּים֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָ וְיָלְד֥וּ כָל הַצֹּ֖אן עֲקֻדִּֽים

If he said thus, 'The speckled shall be your wages,' then all the flock bore speckled; and if he said thus, 'The streaked shall be your wages,' then all the flock bore streaked.

illustrative elaborationאִם
Specific wage scenarios demonstrate that the outcome repeatedly favored Jacob.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunctionConditional particle, if.
כֹּ֣הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverbial accusativeThus, so, in this manner.
יֹאמַ֗רhe saidQal impf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate of conditional clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo say, speak, declare.
נְקֻדִּים֙speckledadj m pl abs · נָקֹד (H5348)PredicateSpeckled, spotted animals.
יִהְיֶ֣הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate of conditional clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo be, become, happen.
שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָyour wagesN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · שָׂכָר (H7939)SubjectWages, hire, reward.
וְיָלְד֥וּthen boreconj + Qal perf 3cp · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Weqatal: consequential or habitualTo bear, bring forth young.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)SubjectAll, whole, every.
הַצֹּ֖אןthe flockart + N sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)SubjectFlock of sheep and goats.
נְקֻדִּ֑יםspeckledadj m pl abs · נָקֹד (H5348)Direct objectSpeckled, spotted animals.
וְאִםand ifconj + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunctionAnd if, conditional particle.
כֹּ֣הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverbial accusativeThus, so, in this manner.
יֹאמַ֗רhe saidQal impf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate of conditional clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo say, speak, declare.
עֲקֻדִּים֙streakedadj m pl abs · עָקֹד (H6124)PredicateStreaked, striped animals.
יִהְיֶ֣הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate of conditional clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo be, become, happen.
שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָyour wagesN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · שָׂכָר (H7939)SubjectWages, hire, reward.
וְיָלְד֥וּthen boreconj + Qal perf 3cp · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Weqatal: consequential or habitualTo bear, bring forth young.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)SubjectAll, whole, every.
הַצֹּ֖אןthe flockart + N sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)SubjectFlock of sheep and goats.
עֲקֻדִּֽיםstreakedadj m pl abs · עָקֹד (H6124)Direct objectStreaked, striped animals.
9

וַיַּצֵּ֧ל אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶת מִקְנֵ֥ה אֲבִיכֶ֖ם וַיִּתֶּן לִֽי

So God has taken away your father's livestock and given it to me.

summary inferenceוַיַּצֵּל
Jacob concludes that the transfer of wealth is fundamentally God's act.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיַּצֵּ֧לand strippedconj + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָצַל (H5337)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol Hiphil: causative narrative advanceTo snatch away, deliver, strip.
אֱלֹהִ֛יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)SubjectGod, the divine subject.
אֶתobjdirect-object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks the definite direct object.
מִקְנֵ֥הlivestock ofN m sg constr · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Direct objectCattle, livestock, possessions.
אֲבִיכֶ֖םyour fatherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָב (H1)Object of prepositionFather, here Laban, plus 2mp suffix.
וַיִּתֶּןand gaveconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo give, grant, bestow.
לִֽיto meprep + 1cs suffix · לְ (H0)Object of prepositionTo me, for me.
10

וַיְהִ֗י בְּעֵת֙ יַחֵ֣ם הַצֹּ֔אן וָאֶשָּׂ֥א עֵינַ֛י וָאֵ֖רֶא בַּחֲל֑וֹם וְהִנֵּ֤ה הָֽעַתֻּדִים֙ הָעֹלִ֣ים עַל הַצֹּ֔אן עֲקֻדִּ֥ים נְקֻדִּ֖ים וּבְרֻדִּֽים

And it happened at the time when the flock was mating that I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the male goats mounting the flock were streaked, speckled, and mottled.

dream report openingוַיְהִי
The narrative shifts from public events to revelatory explanation.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceto be, become, happen, come to pass
בְּעֵת֙at the timeprep + N sg constr · עֵת (H6256)Object of prepositiontime, season, appointed occasion
יַחֵ֣םof matingPiel inf constr · יָחַם (H3179)Construct chain (genitival)to be hot, conceive, mate (of animals)
הַצֹּ֔אןthe flockart + N sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Subjectflock, sheep and goats, small cattle
וָאֶשָּׂ֥אand I liftedQal wayyiqtol 1cs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceto lift, carry, take, bear
עֵינַ֛יmy eyesN du constr + 1cs sfx · עַיִן (H5869)Direct objecteye, sight, appearance, spring
וָאֵ֖רֶאand I sawQal wayyiqtol 1cs · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceto see, look, perceive, behold
בַּחֲל֑וֹםin a dreamprep + N m sg abs · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Object of prepositiondream, dream-vision
וְהִנֵּ֤הand beholdconj + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Coordinating conjunctionbehold, lo, look, here is
הָֽעַתֻּדִים֙the he-goatsart + N m pl abs · עַתּוּד (H6260)Subjecthe-goat, ram, chief one, leader
הָעֹלִ֣יםmountingart + Qal ptc m pl abs · עָלָה (H5927)Subject→ Participle: ongoing or stativeto go up, ascend, mount, climb
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Object of prepositionupon, over, against, concerning
הַצֹּ֔אןthe flockart + N sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Object of prepositionflock, sheep and goats, small cattle
עֲקֻדִּ֥יםstreakedadj m pl abs · עָקֹד (H6124)Predicate nominativestriped, streaked, banded (of animals)
נְקֻדִּ֖יםspeckledadj m pl abs · נָקֹד (H5348)Predicate nominativespeckled, spotted, marked with points
וּבְרֻדִּֽיםand mottledconj + adj m pl abs · בָּרֹד (H1261)Predicate nominativespotted, mottled, dappled, marked
11

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֵלַ֜י מַלְאַ֧ךְ הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים בַּחֲל֖וֹם יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב וָאֹמַ֖ר הִנֵּֽנִי

Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, 'Jacob,' and I said, 'Here I am.'

divine address within the dreamוַיֹּאמֶר
The angelic call personalizes the revelation and marks Jacob's readiness to hear.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceto say, speak, declare, command
אֵלַ֜יto meprep + 1cs sfx · אֵל (H413)Object of prepositionto, toward, unto, into
מַלְאַ֧ךְangel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subjectmessenger, angel, envoy, representative
הָאֱלֹהִ֛יםGodart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain (genitival)God, gods, divine being, judges
בַּחֲל֖וֹםin the dreamprep + N m sg abs · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Object of prepositiondream, dream-vision
יַֽעֲקֹ֑בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Direct objectJacob, patriarch, son of Isaac
וָאֹמַ֖רand I saidQal wayyiqtol 1cs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceto say, speak, declare, command
הִנֵּֽנִיhere I aminterjection + 1cs sfx · הִנֵּה (H2009)Predicate nominativebehold me, here I am, ready
12

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר שָׂא נָ֨א עֵינֶ֤יךָ וּרְאֵה֙ כָּל הָֽעַתֻּדִים֙ הָעֹלִ֣ים עַל הַצֹּ֔אן עֲקֻדִּ֥ים נְקֻדִּ֖ים וּבְרֻדִּ֑ים כִּ֣י רָאִ֔יתִי אֵ֛ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָבָ֖ן עֹ֥שֶׂה לָּֽךְ

And he said, 'Lift up your eyes, please, and see: all the male goats mounting the flock are streaked, speckled, and mottled, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you.

revelatory explanationוַיֹּאמֶר
The dream interprets the flock's breeding pattern as God's response to Laban's oppression.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceto say, speak, declare, command
שָׂאlift upQal impv 2ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandto lift, carry, take, bear
נָ֨אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Coordinating conjunctionnow, please, I pray, entreaty particle
עֵינֶ֤יךָyour eyesN du constr + 2ms sfx · עַיִן (H5869)Direct objecteye, sight, appearance, spring
וּרְאֵה֙and seeconj + Qal impv 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandto see, look, perceive, behold
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)all, whole, every, totality
הָֽעַתֻּדִים֙the he-goatsart + N m pl abs · עַתּוּד (H6260)Direct objecthe-goat, ram, chief one, leader
הָעֹלִ֣יםmountingart + Qal ptc m pl abs · עָלָה (H5927)Subject→ Participle: ongoing or stativeto go up, ascend, mount, climb
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Object of prepositionupon, over, against, concerning
הַצֹּ֔אןthe flockart + N sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Object of prepositionflock, sheep and goats, small cattle
עֲקֻדִּ֥יםstreakedadj m pl abs · עָקֹד (H6124)Predicate nominativestriped, streaked, banded (of animals)
נְקֻדִּ֖יםspeckledadj m pl abs · נָקֹד (H5348)Predicate nominativespeckled, spotted, marked with points
וּבְרֻדִּ֑יםand mottledconj + adj m pl abs · בָּרֹד (H1261)Predicate nominativespotted, mottled, dappled, marked
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Coordinating conjunctionfor, because, that, when, indeed
רָאִ֔יתִיI have seenQal perf 1cs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionto see, look, perceive, behold
אֵ֛ת(obj)direct-object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markeruntranslated marker of definite direct object
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)all, whole, every, totality
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Construct chain (genitival)who, which, that, where
לָבָ֖ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)SubjectLaban, brother of Rebekah, Jacob's uncle
עֹ֥שֶׂהis doingQal ptc m sg abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Participle: ongoing or stativeto do, make, accomplish, work
לָּֽךְto youprep + 2fs sfx · לְ (H0)Object of prepositionto, for, belonging to
13

אָנֹכִ֤י הָאֵל֙ בֵּֽית אֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר מָשַׁ֤חְתָּ שָּׁם֙ מַצֵּבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָדַ֥רְתָּ לִּ֛י שָׁ֖ם נֶ֑דֶר עַתָּ֗ה ק֥וּם צֵא֙ מִן הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את וְשׁ֖וּב אֶל אֶ֥רֶץ מוֹלַדְתֶּֽךָ

I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you vowed a vow to me. Now rise, go out from this land, and return to the land of your birth.'

self-identification plus renewed commandאָנֹכִי
The God of Bethel links the present departure to Jacob's earlier vow and destiny.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
אָנֹכִ֤יI1cs pronoun · אָנֹכִי (H595)SubjectFirst-person independent pronoun; divine self-identification.
הָאֵל֙the Godart + N m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Predicate nominativeTitle 'the God', construct with Bethel.
בֵּֽיתBethelproper noun · בֵּית אֵל (H1008)Construct chain (genitival)Place-name Bethel; first element.
אֵ֔לBethelproper noun · בֵּית אֵל (H1008)Construct chain (genitival)Place-name Bethel; second element.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhererelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleRelative particle introducing locative clause.
מָשַׁ֤חְתָּyou anointedQal perf 2ms · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionQal: anoint with oil; ritual consecration.
שָּׁם֙thereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverb of placeAdverb of place 'there'.
מַצֵּבָ֔הa pillarN f sg abs · מַצֵּבָה (H4676)Direct objectStanding stone pillar; sacred memorial.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhererelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleRelative particle introducing locative clause.
נָדַ֥רְתָּyou vowedQal perf 2ms · נָדַר (H5087)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionQal: make a vow to God.
לִּ֛יto meprep + 1cs sfx · לְObject of prepositionIndirect object 'to me'.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverb of placeAdverb of place 'there'.
נֶ֑דֶרa vowN m sg abs · נֶדֶר (H5088)Direct objectCognate accusative; a vow.
עַתָּ֗הnowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverbTemporal adverb introducing command.
ק֥וּםariseQal impv 2ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandQal: rise, get up; inceptive.
צֵא֙go outQal impv 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandQal: go out, depart.
מִןfrompreposition · מִן (H4480)Preposition (source)Preposition of source and separation.
הָאָ֣רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prepositionLand, territory; here Paddan-aram.
הַזֹּ֔אתthisart + dem f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative modifierDemonstrative modifying 'the land'.
וְשׁ֖וּבand returnconj + Qal impv 2ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandQal: return, go back.
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionPreposition of direction toward.
אֶ֥רֶץland ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival)Construct 'land of'.
מוֹלַדְתֶּֽךָyour kindredN f sg constr + 2ms sfx · מוֹלֶדֶת (H4138)Construct chain (genitival)Birthplace, kindred, native land.
14

וַתַּ֤עַן רָחֵל֙ וְלֵאָ֔ה וַתֹּאמַ֖רְנָה ל֑וֹ הַע֥וֹד לָ֛נוּ חֵ֥לֶק וְנַחֲלָ֖ה בְּבֵ֥ית אָבִֽינוּ

Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, 'Is there still for us any share or inheritance in our father's house?

wives respond in solidarityוַתַּעַן
Rachel and Leah answer as a united front rather than divided rivals.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַתַּ֤עַןand answeredconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol predicate→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceQal: answer, respond.
רָחֵל֙Rachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)SubjectRachel, Jacob's wife.
וְלֵאָ֔הand Leahconj + proper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)SubjectLeah, Jacob's wife.
וַתֹּאמַ֖רְנָהand saidconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3fp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceQal: say, speak; introduces speech.
ל֑וֹto himprep + 3ms sfx · לְObject of prepositionIndirect object 'to him'.
הַע֥וֹדis there stillinterrog + adverb · עוֹד (H5750)InterrogativeInterrogative he plus 'still, yet'.
לָ֛נוּto usprep + 1cp sfx · לְObject of prepositionPossessive 'belonging to us'.
חֵ֥לֶקportionN m sg abs · חֵלֶק (H2506)SubjectShare, portion of inheritance.
וְנַחֲלָ֖הand inheritanceconj + N f sg abs · נַחֲלָה (H5159)SubjectHereditary property, inheritance.
בְּבֵ֥יתin house ofprep + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative prepositional phraseHouse, household of the father.
אָבִֽינוּour fatherN m sg constr + 1cp sfx · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival)Father; here Laban.
15

הֲל֧וֹא נָכְרִיּ֛וֹת נֶחְשַׁ֥בְנוּ ל֖וֹ כִּ֣י מְכָרָ֑נוּ וַיֹּ֥אכַל גַּם אָכ֖וֹל אֶת כַּסְפֵּֽנוּ

Are we not reckoned by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and has indeed consumed our money.

rhetorical indictment of Labanהֲלוֹא
Their father has treated them as outsiders, commodified them, and consumed their due.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
הֲל֧וֹאare we notinterrog + negative · לֹא (H3808)InterrogativeRhetorical interrogative plus negation.
נָכְרִיּ֛וֹתforeignersadj f pl abs · נָכְרִי (H5237)Predicate nominativeForeign, alien women; outsiders.
נֶחְשַׁ֥בְנוּwe are reckonedNiphal perf 1cp · חָשַׁב (H2803)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective Niphal: passive completedNiphal: be reckoned, regarded, counted.
ל֖וֹby himprep + 3ms sfx · לְObject of prepositionAgent 'by him', i.e. by Laban.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionCausal conjunction 'because, for'.
מְכָרָ֑נוּhe sold usQal perf 3ms + 1cp sfx · מָכַר (H4376)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionQal: sell; sold the daughters.
וַיֹּ֥אכַלand consumedconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceQal: eat, devour, consume.
גַּםalsoparticle · גַּם (H1571)Emphatic particleAdditive particle 'even, also'.
אָכ֖וֹלconsumingQal inf abs · אָכַל (H398)Infinitive absolute (intensifying)→ Infinitive absolute: intensifyingInfinitive absolute intensifying the verb.
אֶת(obj)direct-object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks the definite direct object.
כַּסְפֵּֽנוּour moneyN m sg constr + 1cp sfx · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct objectSilver, money; their bride-price.
16

כִּ֣י כָל הָעֹ֗שֶׁר אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִצִּ֤יל אֱלֹהִים֙ מֵֽאָבִ֔ינוּ לָ֥נוּ ה֖וּא וּלְבָנֵ֑ינוּ וְעַתָּ֗ה כֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָמַ֧ר אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֵלֶ֖יךָ עֲשֵֽׂה

For all the wealth that God has snatched away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So now, all that God has said to you, do.'

conclusion and endorsementכִּי
They ratify Jacob's interpretation and urge obedience to God's command.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionCausal/explanatory particle introducing reason.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)Totality noun in construct.
הָעֹ֗שֶׁרthe wealthart + N m sg abs · עֹשֶׁר (H6239)Construct chain (genitival)Riches, wealth, accumulated property.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronounIndeclinable relative marker.
הִצִּ֤ילstripped awayHiphil perf 3ms · נָצַל (H5337)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective Hiphil: completed causative actionHiphil: deliver, snatch, strip away.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)SubjectGod; plural form, singular sense.
מֵֽאָבִ֔ינוּfrom our fatherprep + N m sg constr + 1cp sfx · אָב (H1)Object of prepositionFather, with min- and our suffix.
לָ֥נוּto usprep + 1cp sfx · לְObject of prepositionPreposition lamed with first plural suffix.
ה֖וּאit ispronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Predicate pronounIndependent third masculine singular pronoun.
וּלְבָנֵ֑ינוּand to our childrenconj + prep + N m pl constr + 1cp sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Object of prepositionSons/children with lamed and our suffix.
וְעַתָּ֗הand nowconj + adverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal discourse markerNow; transition to exhortation.
כֹּל֩allN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (fronted)Totality noun, here absolute.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronounIndeclinable relative marker.
אָמַ֧רhas saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo say, speak, command.
אֱלֹהִ֛יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)SubjectGod; plural form, singular sense.
אֵלֶ֖יךָto youprep + 2ms sfx · אֶל (H413)Object of prepositionPreposition to/unto with 2ms suffix.
עֲשֵֽׂהdoQal impv 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (command)→ Volitional: direct commandTo do, make, perform.
17

וַיָּ֖קָם יַעֲקֹ֑ב וַיִּשָּׂ֛א אֶת בָּנָ֥יו וְאֶת נָשָׁ֖יו עַל הַגְּמַלִּֽים

Then Jacob rose and put his children and his wives on the camels,

execution: departure beginsוַיָּקָם
Deliberation gives way to action as the household is set in motion.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיָּ֖קָםand aroseQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo arise, stand, set out.
יַעֲקֹ֑בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, the patriarch.
וַיִּשָּׂ֛אand liftedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo lift, carry, set upon.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerDefinite direct object marker.
בָּנָ֥יוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectSons/children with his suffix.
וְאֶתand (obj)conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerConjunction plus object marker.
נָשָׁ֖יוhis wivesN f pl constr + 3ms sfx · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct objectWomen/wives, irregular plural, his suffix.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseUpon, over, on.
הַגְּמַלִּֽיםthe camelsart + N m pl abs · גָּמָל (H1581)Object of prepositionCamels, beasts of burden.
18

וַיִּנְהַ֣ג אֶת כָּל מִקְנֵ֗הוּ וְאֶת כָּל רְכֻשׁוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָכָ֔שׁ מִקְנֵה֙ קִנְיָנ֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָכַ֖שׁ בְּפַדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם לָב֛וֹא אֶל יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן

and drove off all his livestock and all his property that he had acquired, the livestock of his own acquisition that he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.

inventory-like continuation of departureוַיִּנְהַג
The verse stresses the legitimacy and scale of Jacob's acquired property.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיִּנְהַ֣גand droveQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָהַג (H5090)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo drive, lead away (livestock).
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerDefinite direct object marker.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)Totality noun in construct.
מִקְנֵ֗הוּhis livestockN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Direct objectLivestock, cattle, with his suffix.
וְאֶתand (obj)conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerConjunction plus object marker.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)Totality noun in construct.
רְכֻשׁוֹ֙his possessionsN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · רְכוּשׁ (H7399)Direct objectProperty, goods, possessions, his suffix.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronounIndeclinable relative marker.
רָכָ֔שׁhe had gainedQal perf 3ms · רָכַשׁ (H7408)Relative clause verb→ Perfective: completed past actionTo acquire, gather property.
מִקְנֵה֙livestock ofN m sg constr · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Construct chain (genitival)Livestock in construct, appositional.
קִנְיָנ֔וֹhis acquisitionN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · קִנְיָן (H7075)Construct chain (genitival)Acquired property, possession, his suffix.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronounIndeclinable relative marker.
רָכַ֖שׁhe gainedQal perf 3ms · רָכַשׁ (H7408)Relative clause verb→ Perfective: completed past actionTo acquire, gather property.
בְּפַדַּ֣ןin Paddanprep + proper noun · פַּדָּן (H6307)Locative prepositional phrasePaddan(-Aram), region of Mesopotamia.
אֲרָ֑םAramproper noun · אֲרָם (H6307)Place name (compound)Aram; with Paddan forms Paddan-Aram.
לָב֛וֹאto goprep + Qal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Purpose infinitive→ Inf constr: purpose or mannerTo come, go, enter.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phraseTo, unto, toward.
יִצְחָ֥קIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Object of prepositionIsaac, Jacob's father.
אָבִ֖יוhis fatherN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · אָב (H1)AppositionFather with his suffix; appositional.
אַ֥רְצָהto the land ofN c sg constr + directional he · אֶרֶץ (H776)Directional accusativeLand/earth with directional he-locale.
כְּנָֽעַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive of placeCanaan, the promised land.
19

וְלָבָ֣ן הָלַ֔ךְ לִגְזֹ֖ז אֶת צֹאנ֑וֹ וַתִּגְנֹ֣ב רָחֵ֔ל אֶת הַתְּרָפִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְאָבִֽיהָ

Now Laban had gone to shear his flock, and Rachel stole the teraphim that belonged to her father.

circumstantial note with hidden complicationוְלָבָן
Laban's absence enables the flight, while Rachel's theft introduces a latent crisis.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְלָבָ֣ןand Labanconj + proper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subject (circumstantial clause)Laban, Jacob's father-in-law, uncle
הָלַ֔ךְhad goneQal perf 3ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate (circumstantial)→ Perfective: completed past actiongo, walk, travel, proceed
לִגְזֹ֖זto shearQal inf constr · גָּזַז (H1494)Inf constr (purpose/result)→ Inf constr: verbal noun purpose or mannershear sheep, cut fleece
אֶתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
צֹאנ֑וֹhis flockN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · צֹאן (H6629)Direct objectflock, sheep and goats, livestock
וַתִּגְנֹ֣בand stoleQal wayyiqtol 3fs · גָּנַב (H1589)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancesteal, take secretly, pilfer
רָחֵ֔לRachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)SubjectRachel, Jacob's wife, Laban's daughter
אֶתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
הַתְּרָפִ֖יםthe household godsart + N m pl abs · תְּרָפִים (H8655)Direct objecthousehold gods, teraphim, cultic figurines
אֲשֶׁ֥רthat, whichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronounrelative particle introducing attributive clause
לְאָבִֽיהָto her fatherprep + N m sg constr + 3fs sfx · אָב (H1)Predicate of relative clausefather; belongs to her father
20

וַיִּגְנֹ֣ב יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֶת לֵ֥ב לָבָ֖ן הָאֲרַמִּ֑י עַל בְּלִי֙ הִגִּ֣יד ל֔וֹ כִּ֥י בֹרֵ֖חַ הֽוּא

And Jacob stole the heart of Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was fleeing.

manner of flight: secret departureוַיִּגְנֹב
Jacob's escape is characterized as stealth, stealing the heart of Laban.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּגְנֹ֣בand he stoleQal wayyiqtol 3ms · גָּנַב (H1589)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancesteal, deceive, act covertly
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, patriarch, son of Isaac
אֶתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
לֵ֥בheart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Construct chain (genitival)heart, mind, will; idiom: deceive
לָבָ֖ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Object of construct chainLaban, Jacob's uncle and father-in-law
הָאֲרַמִּ֑יthe Arameanart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֲרַמִּי (H761)Demonstrative modifierAramean, from Aram/Syria, ethnonym
עַלbecause ofprep · עַל (H5921)Causal conjunctionupon, over, because of; causal use
בְּלִי֙withoutneg particle · בְּלִי (H1097)Negative particle phrasewithout, not; negates following inf
הִגִּ֣ידthat he toldHiphil perf 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Complement of verb→ Perfective: completed past actiontell, declare, report, make known
ל֔וֹto himprep + 3ms sfx · לְ (H)Indirect objectdative pronoun, to him
כִּ֥יthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionthat, because; content clause marker
בֹרֵ֖חַwas fleeingQal ptc ms abs · בָּרַח (H1272)Predicate of relative clause→ Participle: ongoing or stativeflee, escape, run away from
הֽוּאhe3ms pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Subject3ms personal pronoun, he, that one
21

וַיִּבְרַ֥ח הוּא֙ וְכָל אֲשֶׁר ל֔וֹ וַיָּ֖קָם וַיַּעֲבֹ֣ר אֶת הַנָּהָ֑ר וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת פָּנָ֖יו הַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד

So he fled with all that he had, and he rose and crossed the River and set his face toward the hill country of Gilead.

main flight lineוַיִּבְרַח
The family's movement is rapid and directional, away from Aram toward Gilead.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּבְרַ֥חand he fledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּרַח (H1272)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceflee, escape, run away urgently
הוּא֙he3ms pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Subject3ms personal pronoun, emphatic subject
וְכָלand allconj + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subjectall, every, whole; totality marker
אֲשֶׁרthat, whichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronounrelative particle, all that is his
ל֔וֹhis, to himprep + 3ms sfx · לְ (H)Predicate of relative clausehis possessions, all belonging to him
וַיָּ֖קָםand he aroseQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancearise, stand up, set out
וַיַּעֲבֹ֣רand he crossedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancecross over, pass through, ford
אֶתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
הַנָּהָ֑רthe riverart + N m sg abs · נָהָר (H5104)Direct objectriver, the Euphrates; boundary marker
וַיָּ֥שֶׂםand he setQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceset, place, direct; idiom with face
אֶתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
פָּנָ֖יוhis faceN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct objectface, front; idiom: set face toward
הַ֥רhill country ofN m sg constr · הַר (H2022)Adverbial accusativemountain, hill country, range
הַגִּלְעָֽדGileadart + proper noun · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Object of construct chainGilead, Transjordanian highland region
22

וַיֻּגַּ֥ד לְלָבָ֖ן בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י כִּ֥י בָרַ֖ח יַעֲקֹֽב

On the third day it was told to Laban that Jacob had fled.

delayed discoveryוַיֻּגַּד
The three-day delay gives Jacob a head start before pursuit begins.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֻּגַּ֥דand it was toldHophal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancebe reported, declared; passive telling
לְלָבָ֖ןto Labanprep + proper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Indirect objectLaban, recipient of reported news
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseday; on the third day, temporal
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑יthe thirdart + ordinal adj m sg abs · שְׁלִישִׁי (H7992)Demonstrative modifierthird, ordinal; three-day delay
כִּ֥יthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionthat, content clause of report
בָרַ֖חhad fledQal perf 3ms · בָּרַח (H1272)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionflee, run away; Jacob's departure
יַעֲקֹֽבJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, subject of the flight report
23

וַיִּקַּ֤ח אֶת אֶחָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ וַיִּרְדֹּ֣ף אַחֲרָ֔יו דֶּ֖רֶךְ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים וַיַּדְבֵּ֥ק אֹת֖וֹ בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד

Then he took his kinsmen with him and pursued him for a journey of seven days, and he caught up with him in the hill country of Gilead.

pursuit and interceptionוַיִּקַּח
Laban mobilizes kinship support and closes the distance.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּקַּ֤חand he tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancetake, bring, gather for pursuit
אֶתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
אֶחָיו֙his kinsmenN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · אָח (H251)Direct objectbrothers, kinsmen, tribal allies
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep + 3ms sfx · עִם (H5973)Complement of verbwith him; accompaniment in pursuit
וַיִּרְדֹּ֣ףand he pursuedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָדַף (H7291)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancepursue, chase, hunt down
אַחֲרָ֔יוafter himprep + 3ms sfx · אַחַר (H310)Complement of verbafter, behind him; direction of pursuit
דֶּ֖רֶךְa journey ofN m sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusativeway, road, journey; distance covered
שִׁבְעַ֣תsevencardinal adj m sg constr · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Construct chain (genitival)seven; seven-day journey of pursuit
יָמִ֑יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of construct chaindays; span of the pursuit
וַיַּדְבֵּ֥קand overtookHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַק (H1692)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol Hiphil: causative narrative advanceovertake, catch up, draw close
אֹת֖וֹhimobj marker + 3ms sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerhim, direct object of overtaking
בְּהַ֥רin the hill countryprep + N m sg constr · הַר (H2022)Locative prepositional phrasein the mountain of, locative
הַגִּלְעָֽדof Gileadart + proper noun · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Object of prepositionGilead, site of the confrontation
24

וַיָּבֹ֧א אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶל לָבָ֥ן הָאֲרַמִּ֖י בַּחֲלֹ֣ם הַלָּ֑יְלָה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ הִשָּׁ֧מֶר לְךָ֛ פֶּן תְּדַבֵּ֥ר עִֽם יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִטּ֥וֹב עַד רָֽע

But God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream by night and said to him, 'Take care lest you speak with Jacob either good or bad.'

divine restraint on the pursuerוַיָּבֹא
Before the confrontation, God intervenes to limit Laban's speech and power.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיָּבֹ֧אand cameQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בֹּוא (H935)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancecome, arrive; divine visitation
אֱלֹהִ֛יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)SubjectGod, divine being, Elohim
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phraseto, toward; direction of coming
לָבָ֥ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Object of prepositionLaban, recipient of divine warning
הָאֲרַמִּ֖יthe Arameanart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֲרַמִּי (H761)Demonstrative modifierAramean, marks Laban's ethnic identity
בַּחֲלֹ֣םin a dreamprep + N m sg abs · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Locative prepositional phrasedream; medium of divine communication
הַלָּ֑יְלָהof the nightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal prepositional phrasenight, nighttime; night vision dream
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancesay, speak; introduces divine speech
ל֗וֹto himprep + 3ms sfx · לְ (H)Indirect objectto him, dative of address
הִשָּׁ֧מֶרtake heed, bewareNiphal impv 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandguard yourself, beware; reflexive command
לְךָ֛yourselfprep + 2ms sfx · לְ (H)Complement of verbreflexive dative, for yourself
פֶּןlestconjunction · פֶּן (H6435)Conditional conjunctionlest, beware lest; negative purpose
תְּדַבֵּ֥רyou speakPiel impf 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futurespeak, say; governed by lest
עִֽםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Complement of verbwith, alongside; object of speaking
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Object of prepositionJacob, object of forbidden speech
מִטּ֥וֹבfrom goodprep + adj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Adverbial accusativefrom good; polar merism idiom
עַדto, untilprep · עַד (H5704)Complement of verbunto, as far as; polar merism
רָֽעbad, eviladj m sg abs · רַע (H7451)Adverbial accusativebad, evil; merism: anything at all
25

וַיַּשֵּׂ֥ג לָבָ֖ן אֶֽת יַעֲקֹ֑ב וְיַעֲקֹ֗ב תָּקַ֤ע אֶֽת אָהֳלוֹ֙ בָּהָ֔ר וְלָבָ֛ן תָּקַ֥ע אֶת אֶחָ֖יו בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד

And Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen pitched theirs in the hill country of Gilead.

staging of the confrontation sceneוַיַּשֵּׂג
Both parties are now encamped in Gilead, and the encounter is spatially fixed.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיַּשֵּׂ֥גand overtookHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשַׂג (H5381)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol Hiphil: causative narrative advanceovertake, reach, catch up to
לָבָ֖ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)SubjectLaban, the pursuer who caught Jacob
אֶֽתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
יַעֲקֹ֑בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Direct objectJacob, the one overtaken by Laban
וְיַעֲקֹ֗בand Jacobconj + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, contrastive circumstantial subject
תָּקַ֤עhad pitchedQal perf 3ms · תָּקַע (H8628)Circumstantial clause verb→ Perfective: completed past actionpitch, drive stakes; set up tent
אֶֽתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
אָהֳלוֹ֙his tentN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · אֹהֶל (H168)Direct objecttent, dwelling; Jacob's camp
בָּהָ֔רin the hill countryprep + art + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Locative prepositional phrasein the mountain; Jacob's camp location
וְלָבָ֛ןand Labanconj + proper noun · לָבָן (H3837)SubjectLaban, contrastive subject encamped
תָּקַ֥עhad pitchedQal perf 3ms · תָּקַע (H8628)Circumstantial clause verb→ Perfective: completed past actionpitch tent, drive stakes; encampment
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Complement of verbwith, together with; H854 preposition
אֶחָ֖יוhis kinsmenN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · אָח (H251)Object of prepositionbrothers, kinsmen; Laban's companions
בְּהַ֥רin the hill countryprep + N m sg constr · הַר (H2022)Locative prepositional phrasein the mountain of; Laban's encampment
הַגִּלְעָֽדof Gileadart + proper noun · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Object of prepositionGilead, site of face-off between parties
26

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָבָן֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב מֶ֣ה עָשִׂ֔יתָ וַתִּגְנֹ֖ב אֶת לְבָבִ֑י וַתְּנַהֵג֙ אֶת בְּנֹתַ֔י כִּשְׁבֻי֖וֹת חָֽרֶב

Then Laban said to Jacob, 'What have you done, that you have stolen my heart and driven away my daughters like captives of the sword?

accusatory opening speechוַיֹּאמֶר
Laban frames Jacob's act as deception and violent abduction.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancesay, speak; introduces accusation
לָבָן֙Labanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)SubjectLaban, the accusing father-in-law
לְיַעֲקֹ֔בto Jacobprep + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect objectto Jacob, addressee of Laban's speech
מֶ֣הwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Direct objectwhat; rhetorical question of reproach
עָשִׂ֔יתָhave you doneQal perf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actiondo, make, act; rhetorical accusation
וַתִּגְנֹ֖בand you stoleQal wayyiqtol 2ms · גָּנַב (H1589)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancesteal, deceive; steal heart idiom
אֶתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
לְבָבִ֑יmy heartN m sg constr + 1cs sfx · לֵבָב (H3824)Direct objectheart, mind; stolen heart = deceived
וַתְּנַהֵג֙and you drovePiel wayyiqtol 2ms · נָהַג (H5090)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancedrive, lead away; conduct as herder
אֶתobj markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerdirect object particle, accusative marker
בְּנֹתַ֔יmy daughtersN f pl constr + 1cs sfx · בַּת (H1323)Direct objectdaughters; Leah and Rachel
כִּשְׁבֻי֖וֹתlike captivesprep + Qal ptc pass f pl constr · שָׁבָה (H7617)Adverbial accusative→ Participle: ongoing or stativecaptives of war; simile of abduction
חָֽרֶבof the swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Construct chain (genitival)sword; war captives taken by sword
27

לָ֤מָּה נַחְבֵּ֨אתָ֙ לִבְרֹ֔חַ וַתִּגְנֹ֖ב אֹתִ֑י וְלֹא הִגַּ֣דְתָּ לִּ֔י וָֽאֲשַׁלֵּחֲךָ֛ בְּשִׂמְחָ֥ה וּבְשִׁרִ֖ים בְּתֹ֥ף וּבְכִנּֽוֹר

Why did you hide yourself to flee, and deceive me, and not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with joy and with songs, with tambourine and lyre?

expanded reproach and self-justifying counterfactualלָמָּה
Laban claims he would have sent Jacob away honorably, heightening the irony of his complaint.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
לָ֤מָּהwhyprep + interrogative · לָמָּה (H4100)Adverbial accusativewhy, for what reason; rhetorical
נַחְבֵּ֨אתָ֙did you hide yourselfNiphal perf 2ms · חָבָא (H2244)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionhide oneself, conceal; reflexive
לִבְרֹ֔חַto fleeQal inf constr · בָּרַח (H1272)Inf constr (purpose/result)→ Inf constr: verbal noun purpose or mannerto flee, escape; purpose of hiding
וַתִּגְנֹ֖בand you deceivedQal wayyiqtol 2ms · גָּנַב (H1589)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advancesteal, deceive; steal away secretly
אֹתִ֑יmeobj marker + 1cs sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerme, direct object of deception
וְלֹאand notconj + neg · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunctionand not, negative; negates telling
הִגַּ֣דְתָּyou toldHiphil perf 2ms · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actiontell, report; failure to inform
לִּ֔יto meprep + 1cs sfx · לְ (H)Indirect objectto me; Laban's non-disclosure complaint
וָֽאֲשַׁלֵּחֲךָ֛might have sent youPiel impf 1cs + 2ms sfx · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futuresend away, dismiss; counterfactual claim
בְּשִׂמְחָ֥הwith joyprep + N f sg abs · שִׂמְחָה (H8057)Complement of verbjoy, gladness; festive sendoff
וּבְשִׁרִ֖יםand with songsconj + prep + N m pl abs · שִׁיר (H7892)Complement of verbsongs, music; festive send-off
בְּתֹ֥ףwith tambourineprep + N m sg abs · תֹּף (H8596)Complement of verbdrum, tambourine; percussion instrument
וּבְכִנּֽוֹרand with lyreconj + prep + N m sg abs · כִּנּוֹר (H3658)Complement of verblyre, harp; stringed instrument
28

וְלֹ֣א נְטַשְׁתַּ֔נִי לְנַשֵּׁ֥ק לְבָנַ֖י וְלִבְנֹתָ֑י עַתָּ֖ה הִסְכַּ֥לְתָּֽ עֲשֽׂוֹ

And you did not even let me kiss my sons and my daughters. Now you have acted foolishly.

additive accusationוְלֹא
Laban continues his complaint with a further grievance: Jacob denied him a farewell.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְלֹ֣אand notconj + negative · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleNegation introducing fresh grievance.
נְטַשְׁתַּ֔נִיyou let meQal perf 2ms + 1cs sfx · נָטַשׁ (H5203)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionForsake, permit, leave alone.
לְנַשֵּׁ֥קto kissprep + Piel inf constr · נָשַׁק (H5401)Adverbial infinitive→ Inf constr: purpose or mannerKiss in farewell.
לְבָנַ֖יmy sonsprep + N m pl constr + 1cs sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Object of prepositionSons, grandsons.
וְלִבְנֹתָ֑יand my daughtersconj + prep + N f pl constr + 1cs sfx · בַּת (H1323)Object of prepositionDaughters.
עַתָּ֖הnowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverbNow, at this point.
הִסְכַּ֥לְתָּֽyou acted foolishlyHiphil perf 2ms · סָכַל (H5528)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionAct foolishly, do folly.
עֲשֽׂוֹin doingQal inf abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Adverbial infinitive→ Infinitive absolute: intensifyingDo, act; reinforces the verb.
29

יֶשׁ לְאֵ֣ל יָדִ֔י לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת עִמָּכֶ֖ם רָ֑ע וֵֽאלֹהֵ֨י אֲבִיכֶ֜ם אֶ֣מֶשׁ אָמַ֧ר אֵלַ֣י לֵאמֹ֗ר הִשָּׁ֧מֶר לְךָ֛ מִדַּבֵּ֥ר עִֽם יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִטּ֥וֹב עַד רָֽע

It is in the power of my hand to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, 'Take care not to speak with Jacob either good or bad.'

adversative qualificationיֶשׁ
Laban asserts power to harm, then immediately qualifies it by last night's divine prohibition.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
יֶשׁthere isexistential particle · יֵשׁ (H3426)Existential predicateThere is, exists.
לְאֵ֣לpower inprep + N m sg constr · אֵל (H410)Object of prepositionPower, might of hand.
יָדִ֔יmy handN c sg constr + 1cs sfx · יָד (H3027)SubjectHand as seat of power.
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹתto doprep + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Adverbial infinitive→ Inf constr: purpose or mannerDo, inflict.
עִמָּכֶ֖םwith youprep + 2mp sfx · עִם (H5973)Object of prepositionWith, to (plural addressees).
רָ֑עharmadj m sg abs · רַע (H7451)Direct objectEvil, harm.
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֨יbut the God ofconj + N m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)SubjectGod, deity; adversative waw.
אֲבִיכֶ֜םyour fatherN m sg constr + 2mp sfx · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival)Father.
אֶ֣מֶשׁlast nightadverb · אֶמֶשׁ (H570)Temporal adverbYesternight, last night.
אָמַ֧רspokeQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionSay, speak.
אֵלַ֣יto meprep + 1cs sfx · אֶל (H413)Object of prepositionTo, toward.
לֵאמֹ֗רsayingprep + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Adverbial infinitive→ Inf constr: purpose or mannerSaying; introduces speech.
הִשָּׁ֧מֶרbewareNiphal impv 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandGuard yourself, take care.
לְךָ֛yourselfprep + 2ms sfx · לְObject of prepositionEthical dative, for yourself.
מִדַּבֵּ֥רfrom speakingprep + Piel inf constr · דָּבַר (H1696)Adverbial infinitive→ Inf constr: purpose or mannerSpeak; with min = lest you speak.
עִֽםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Object of prepositionWith, alongside.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Object of prepositionJacob, the patriarch.
מִטּ֥וֹבfrom goodprep + adj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Object of prepositionGood; merism with evil.
עַדtoprep · עַד (H5704)Object of prepositionUp to, as far as.
רָֽעbadadj m sg abs · רַע (H7451)Object of prepositionEvil, bad.
30

וְעַתָּה֙ הָלֹ֣ךְ הָלַ֔כְתָּ כִּֽי נִכְסֹ֥ף נִכְסַ֖פְתָּה לְבֵ֣ית אָבִ֑יךָ לָ֥מָּה גָנַ֖בְתָּ אֶת אֱלֹהָֽי

And now, you have indeed gone away because you longed greatly for your father's house; but why did you steal my gods?

resumed accusation and pivotוְעַתָּה
Laban concedes Jacob's longing for home but pivots to the teraphim charge as the live issue.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְעַתָּה֙and nowconj + adverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverbAnd now; rhetorical pivot.
הָלֹ֣ךְgoing indeedQal inf abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Adverbial infinitive→ Infinitive absolute: intensifyingGo, walk; reinforces finite verb.
הָלַ֔כְתָּyou have goneQal perf 2ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionGo, depart.
כִּֽיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionBecause, for.
נִכְסֹ֥ףgreatly longingNiphal inf abs · כָּסַף (H3700)Adverbial infinitive→ Infinitive absolute: intensifyingLong for, yearn; reinforces verb.
נִכְסַ֖פְתָּהyou longedNiphal perf 2ms · כָּסַף (H3700)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionLong for, yearn.
לְבֵ֣יתfor house ofprep + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of prepositionHouse, household.
אָבִ֑יךָyour fatherN m sg constr + 2ms sfx · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival)Father.
לָ֥מָּהwhyprep + interrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbWhy, for what reason.
גָנַ֖בְתָּdid you stealQal perf 2ms · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionSteal, take secretly.
אֶת(obj)direct-object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks definite direct object.
אֱלֹהָֽיmy godsN m pl constr + 1cs sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct objectGods; here the teraphim.
31

וַיַּ֥עַן יַעֲקֹ֖ב וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְלָבָ֑ן כִּ֣י יָרֵ֔אתִי כִּ֣י אָמַ֔רְתִּי פֶּן תִּגְזֹ֥ל אֶת בְּנוֹתֶ֖יךָ מֵעִמִּֽי

Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, 'Because I was afraid, for I said, lest you tear your daughters away from me.'

grounds and explanationכִּי
Jacob explains the secret flight in terms of fear that Laban would seize back his daughters.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיַּ֥עַןand answeredQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo answer, respond, reply to speech.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, patriarch, son of Isaac.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo say, speak, introduce direct discourse.
לְלָבָ֑ןto Labanprep + proper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Object of prepositionLaban, brother of Rebekah, Jacob's father-in-law.
כִּ֣יbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionBecause, for, that; causal particle.
יָרֵ֔אתִיI was afraidQal perf 1cs · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo fear, be afraid, dread.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionBecause, for, that; causal particle.
אָמַ֔רְתִּיI thoughtQal perf 1cs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo say, think, say to oneself.
פֶּןlestconjunction · פֶּן (H6435)Conditional conjunctionLest, that not; introduces apprehension.
תִּגְזֹ֥לyou would takeQal impf 2ms · גָּזַל (H1497)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo seize, tear away, rob by force.
אֶתobjdirect-object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks definite direct object; untranslated.
בְּנוֹתֶ֖יךָyour daughtersN f pl constr + 2ms sfx · בַּת (H1323)Direct objectDaughter, female descendant.
מֵעִמִּֽיfrom meprep + prep + 1cs sfx · עִם (H5973)Object of prepositionFrom with me; separation from beside.
32

עִ֠ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּמְצָ֣א אֶת אֱלֹהֶיךָ֮ לֹ֣א יִֽחְיֶה֒ נֶ֣גֶד אַחֵ֧ינוּ הַֽכֶּר לְךָ֛ מָ֥ה עִמָּדִ֖י וְקַֽח לָ֑ךְ וְלֹֽא יָדַ֣ע יַעֲקֹ֔ב כִּ֥י רָחֵ֖ל גְּנָבָֽתַם

With whomever you find your gods, he shall not live. In the presence of our kinsmen, identify what of yours is with me, and take it for yourself. Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.

conditional challengeעִם
Jacob answers the theft charge with a self-imprecating search challenge, ignorant of Rachel's act.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
עִ֠םwithpreposition · עִם (H5973)Object of prepositionWith, beside, in company of.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhomeverrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronounWho, which, that; relative marker.
תִּמְצָ֣אyou findQal impf 2ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo find, discover, encounter.
אֶתobjdirect-object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks definite direct object; untranslated.
אֱלֹהֶיךָ֮your godsN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct objectGod, gods; here household idols.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunctionNot; standard negation particle.
יִֽחְיֶה֒shall liveQal impf 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo live, remain alive, be preserved.
נֶ֣גֶדbeforepreposition · נֶגֶד (H5048)Object of prepositionBefore, in front of, opposite.
אַחֵ֧ינוּour kinsmenN m pl constr + 1cp sfx · אָח (H251)Object of prepositionBrother, kinsman, relative.
הַֽכֶּרidentifyHiphil impv 2ms · נָכַר (H5234)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandTo recognize, identify, acknowledge.
לְךָ֛for yourselfprep + 2ms sfx · לְ (l)Object of prepositionTo, for; ethical dative here.
מָ֥הwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Direct objectWhat, whatever; interrogative pronoun.
עִמָּדִ֖יwith meprep + 1cs sfx · עִמָּד (H5978)Object of prepositionWith me, beside me.
וְקַֽחand takeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandTo take, grasp, take for oneself.
לָ֑ךְfor yourselfprep + 2fs sfx · לְ (l)Object of prepositionTo, for; ethical dative here.
וְלֹֽאbut notconj + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunctionAnd not, but not; negation.
יָדַ֣עknewQal perf 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Perfective: completed past actionTo know, perceive, be aware.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, patriarch, son of Isaac.
כִּ֥יthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Coordinating conjunctionThat, for; content conjunction.
רָחֵ֖לRachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)SubjectRachel, Jacob's wife, daughter of Laban.
גְּנָבָֽתַםhad stolen themQal perf 3fs + 3mp sfx · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo steal, take secretly.
33

וַיָּבֹ֨א לָבָ֜ן בְּאֹ֥הֶל יַעֲקֹ֣ב וּבְאֹ֣הֶל לֵאָ֗ה וּבְאֹ֛הֶל שְׁתֵּ֥י הָאֲמָהֹ֖ת וְלֹ֣א מָצָ֑א וַיֵּצֵא֙ מֵאֹ֣הֶל לֵאָ֔ה וַיָּבֹ֖א בְּאֹ֥הֶל רָחֵֽל

So Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the tent of the two maidservants, but he did not find them. Then he came out of Leah's tent and went into Rachel's tent.

search scene advancesוַיָּבֹא
The search moves tent by tent toward Rachel, heightening suspense.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיָּבֹ֨אand enteredQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo come, go, enter.
לָבָ֜ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)SubjectLaban, Jacob's father-in-law.
בְּאֹ֥הֶלinto tent ofprep + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of prepositionTent, dwelling, tabernacle.
יַעֲקֹ֣בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Construct chain (genitival)Jacob, patriarch, son of Isaac.
וּבְאֹ֣הֶלand into tent ofconj + prep + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of prepositionTent, dwelling, tabernacle.
לֵאָ֗הLeahproper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Construct chain (genitival)Leah, Jacob's first wife.
וּבְאֹ֛הֶלand into tent ofconj + prep + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of prepositionTent, dwelling, tabernacle.
שְׁתֵּ֥יtwo ofnumeral f dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Construct chain (genitival)Two; cardinal number.
הָאֲמָהֹ֖תthe maidservantsart + N f pl abs · אָמָה (H519)Construct chain (genitival)Maidservant, female slave, handmaid.
וְלֹ֣אbut notconj + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunctionAnd not, but not; negation.
מָצָ֑אhe foundQal perf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb→ Perfective: completed past actionTo find, discover, encounter.
וַיֵּצֵא֙and went outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo go out, come out, depart.
מֵאֹ֣הֶלfrom tent ofprep + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of prepositionTent, dwelling, tabernacle.
לֵאָ֔הLeahproper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Construct chain (genitival)Leah, Jacob's first wife.
וַיָּבֹ֖אand enteredQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo come, go, enter.
בְּאֹ֥הֶלinto tent ofprep + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of prepositionTent, dwelling, tabernacle.
רָחֵֽלRachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Construct chain (genitival)Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife.
34

וְרָחֵ֞ל לָקְחָ֣ה אֶת הַתְּרָפִ֗ים וַתְּשִׂמֵ֛ם בְּכַ֥ר הַגָּמָ֖ל וַתֵּ֣שֶׁב עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם וַיְמַשֵּׁ֥שׁ לָבָ֛ן אֶת כָּל הָאֹ֖הֶל וְלֹ֥א מָצָֽא

Now Rachel had taken the teraphim and put them in the camel's saddle-bag, and she sat on them. And Laban felt through the whole tent, but he did not find them.

backgrounded countermoveוְרָחֵל
The reader is told what Laban does not know: Rachel hid the teraphim and sat on them.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְרָחֵ֞לnow Rachelconj + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)SubjectRachel, Jacob's wife; fronted disjunctive subject.
לָקְחָ֣הhad takenQal perf 3fs · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo take, seize; pluperfect backgrounding Rachel's theft.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerDefinite direct-object marker.
הַתְּרָפִ֗יםthe teraphimart + N m pl abs · תְּרָפִים (H8655)Direct objectHousehold idols, divinatory images.
וַתְּשִׂמֵ֛םand put themconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs + 3mp sfx · שׂוּם (H7760)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo put, place, set; with object suffix.
בְּכַ֥רin saddle ofprep + N m sg constr · כַּר (H3733)Construct chain (genitival)Saddle-basket, camel's pannier.
הַגָּמָ֖לthe camelart + N m sg abs · גָּמָל (H1581)Construct chain (genitival)Camel; genitive of the saddle.
וַתֵּ֣שֶׁבand satconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo sit, dwell, remain.
עֲלֵיהֶ֑םupon themprep + 3mp sfx · עַל (H5921)Object of prepositionUpon, over; with pronominal suffix.
וַיְמַשֵּׁ֥שׁand felt/searchedconj + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · מָשַׁשׁ (H4959)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo feel, grope, search by touch.
לָבָ֛ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)SubjectLaban, Rachel's father.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerDefinite direct-object marker.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)All, whole, entirety.
הָאֹ֖הֶלthe tentart + N m sg abs · אֹהֶל (H168)Direct objectTent, dwelling.
וְלֹ֥אbut notconj + negative · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleNegation of the verb that follows.
מָצָֽאhe foundQal perf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo find, attain, discover.
35

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל אָבִ֗יהָ אַל יִ֨חַר֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י כִּ֣י ל֤וֹא אוּכַל֙ לָק֣וּם מִפָּנֶ֔יךָ כִּי דֶ֥רֶךְ נָשִׁ֖ים לִ֑י וַיְחַפֵּ֕שׂ וְלֹ֥א מָצָ֖א אֶת הַתְּרָפִֽים

And she said to her father, 'Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the way of women is upon me.' So he searched, but did not find the teraphim.

explanatory defenceוַתֹּאמֶר
Rachel's menstrual pretext blocks inspection and resolves the immediate search.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶרand she saidconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo say, speak; introduces direct speech.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Object of prepositionTo, toward, unto.
אָבִ֗יהָher fatherN m sg constr + 3fs sfx · אָב (H1)Object of prepositionFather; with pronominal suffix.
אַלlet notnegative · אַל (H408)Negative particleNegation with jussive, prohibition.
יִ֨חַר֙be angryQal jussive 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Jussive: indirect volitionalTo burn, be kindled with anger.
בְּעֵינֵ֣יin eyes ofprep + N both dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Construct chain (genitival)Eyes; idiom for estimation, sight.
אֲדֹנִ֔יmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs sfx · אָדוֹן (H113)Construct chain (genitival)Lord, master; deferential address.
כִּ֣יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionThat, because, for.
ל֤וֹאnotnegative · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleNegation of the verb that follows.
אוּכַל֙I am ableQal impf 1cs · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo be able, can, prevail.
לָק֣וּםto riseprep + Qal inf constr · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Inf constr: purpose or mannerTo rise, stand up, arise.
מִפָּנֶ֔יךָbefore youprep + N both pl constr + 2ms sfx · פָּנֶה (H6440)Object of prepositionFace, presence; idiom 'from before'.
כִּיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionThat, because, for.
דֶ֥רֶךְway ofN both sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Construct chain (genitival)Way, manner; here menstrual custom.
נָשִׁ֖יםwomenN f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Construct chain (genitival)Women, wives.
לִ֑יis upon meprep + 1cs sfx · לְ (H0)Object of prepositionTo, for me; possessive idiom.
וַיְחַפֵּ֕שׂand he searchedconj + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · חָפַשׂ (H2664)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo search out, examine thoroughly.
וְלֹ֥אbut notconj + negative · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleNegation of the verb that follows.
מָצָ֖אhe foundQal perf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo find, attain, discover.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerDefinite direct-object marker.
הַתְּרָפִֽיםthe teraphimart + N m pl abs · תְּרָפִים (H8655)Direct objectHousehold idols, divinatory images.
36

וַיִּ֥חַר לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב וַיָּ֣רֶב בְּלָבָ֑ן וַיַּ֤עַן יַעֲקֹב֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְלָבָ֔ן מַה פִּשְׁעִי֙ מַ֣ה חַטָּאתִ֔י כִּ֥י דָלַ֖קְתָּ אַחֲרָֽי

Then Jacob became angry and took up his complaint against Laban. Jacob answered and said to Laban, 'What is my transgression? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me?

major turn into rebuttalוַיִּחַר
After the failed search, the initiative shifts decisively to Jacob's angry legal self-defence.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּ֥חַרand was angryconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo burn, be kindled with anger.
לְיַעֲקֹ֖בfor Jacobprep + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Object of prepositionJacob; logical subject of impersonal anger.
וַיָּ֣רֶבand he quarreledconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רִיב (H7378)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo strive, contend, bring suit.
בְּלָבָ֑ןwith Labanprep + proper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Object of prepositionLaban; party contended against.
וַיַּ֤עַןand answeredconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo answer, respond, reply.
יַעֲקֹב֙Jacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, the patriarch.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo say, speak; introduces direct speech.
לְלָבָ֔ןto Labanprep + proper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Object of prepositionLaban; addressee of speech.
מַהwhat isinterrog particle · מָה (H4100)Direct objectWhat?; interrogative pronoun.
פִּשְׁעִי֙my transgressionN m sg constr + 1cs sfx · פֶּשַׁע (H6588)Predicate verb (reported speech)Rebellion, transgression, offence.
מַ֣הwhatinterrog particle · מָה (H4100)Direct objectWhat?; interrogative pronoun.
חַטָּאתִ֔יmy sinN f sg constr + 1cs sfx · חַטָּאת (H2403)Predicate verb (reported speech)Sin, sin-offence, failure.
כִּ֥יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionThat, because, for.
דָלַ֖קְתָּyou have pursuedQal perf 2ms · דָּלַק (H1814)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo burn, hotly pursue, chase.
אַחֲרָֽיafter meprep + 1cs sfx · אַחַר (H310)Object of prepositionBehind, after; with suffix.
37

כִּֽי מִשַּׁ֣שְׁתָּ אֶת כָּל כֵּלַ֗י מַה מָּצָ֨אתָ֙ מִכֹּ֣ל כְּלֵי בֵיתֶ֔ךָ שִׂ֣ים כֹּ֔ה נֶ֥גֶד אַחַ֖י וְאַחֶ֑יךָ וְיוֹכִ֖יחוּ בֵּ֥ין שְׁנֵֽינוּ

Since you have felt through all my goods, what have you found from all the goods of your house? Set it here before my kinsmen and your kinsmen, and let them decide between us two.

evidential challengeכִּי
Jacob appeals to the completed search as evidence and calls for public adjudication.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
כִּֽיsince / forconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי causal-evidential; introduces Jacob's challenge appeal
מִשַּׁ֣שְׁתָּyou felt throughPiel perf 2ms · מָשַׁשׁ (H4959)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionPiel מָשַׁשׁ: thorough tactile search of all belongings
אֶתmarkerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks כָּל כֵּלַי as definite direct object
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct objectכֹּל in construct governing כֵּלַי: 'all my goods'
כֵּלַ֗יmy goodsN m pl constr + 1cs sfx · כְּלִי (H3627)Construct chain (genitival)כְּלִי: vessel, implement; pl = belongings Jacob brought from Laban
מַהwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Fronted topicמָה rhetorical interrogative: 'what did you find?' — expects nil answer
מָּצָ֨אתָ֙you foundQal perf 2ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionמָצָא: find, discover; outcome of exhaustive search is nothing
מִכֹּ֣לfrom allprep + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Object of prepositionPartitive מִן + כֹּל: 'from among all the goods of your house'
כְּלֵיgoods ofN m pl constr · כְּלִי (H3627)Construct chain (genitival)Second כְּלִי contrasts with Jacob's goods; Laban's household goods searched
בֵיתֶ֔ךָyour houseN m sg constr + 2ms sfx · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּית + 2ms sfx: 'your household'; scope of the authorized search
שִׂ֣יםset / place itQal impv 2ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandשִׂים: place, lay out publicly; imperative for open adjudication display
כֹּ֔הhereadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverbial accusativeכֹּה demonstrative adverb of place: 'right here before witnesses'
נֶ֥גֶדbefore / oppositeprep · נֶגֶד (H5048)Locative prepositional phraseנֶגֶד: in front of, before; public visibility demanded for fair adjudication
אַחַ֖יmy kinsmenN m pl constr + 1cs sfx · אָח (H251)Object of prepositionאָח pl + 1cs sfx: Jacob's relatives summoned as witnesses
וְאַחֶ֑יךָand your kinsmenN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אָח (H251)Coordinating conjunctionLaban's relatives also summoned; bilateral witness assembly for arbitration
וְיוֹכִ֖יחוּlet them decideHiphil juss 3mp · יָכַח (H3198)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Jussive: indirect volitionalHiphil יָכַח: arbitrate, adjudicate; Jacob calls for impartial verdict
בֵּ֥יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Locative prepositional phraseבֵּין: between; sets bilateral scope of the adjudication
שְׁנֵֽינוּus twonumeral m du constr + 1cp sfx · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Object of prepositionשְׁנַיִם + 1cp sfx: 'the two of us'; closes the legal challenge formula
38

זֶה֩ עֶשְׂרִ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ רְחֵלֶ֥יךָ וְעִזֶּ֖יךָ לֹ֣א שִׁכֵּ֑לוּ וְאֵילֵ֥י צֹאנְךָ֖ לֹ֥א אָכָֽלְתִּי

These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your she-goats have not miscarried, and I have not eaten the rams of your flock.

elaboration and proofזֶה
The first proof block recounts long faithful service and proper flock care.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
זֶה֩these / thisdemonstrative pronoun ms · זֶה (H2088)Fronted topicזֶה temporal accusative: 'these twenty years'; begins Jacob's proof speech
עֶשְׂרִ֨יםtwentynumeral common pl abs · עֶשְׂרִים (H6242)Adverbial accusativeעֶשְׂרִים: twenty; round number marking the full span of service
שָׁנָ֤הyearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Adverbial accusativeשָׁנָה singular after numeral twenty; standard Hebrew numeral syntax
אָנֹכִי֙Ipersonal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subjectאָנֹכִי emphatic 1cs pronoun; Jacob asserts personal presence and fidelity
עִמָּ֔ךְwith youprep + 2ms sfx · עִם (H5973)Locative prepositional phraseעִם + 2ms sfx: Jacob's unbroken presence with Laban for twenty years
רְחֵלֶ֥יךָyour ewesN f pl constr + 2ms sfx · רָחֵל (H7353)Subjectרָחֵל (animal): ewe; pl = Laban's breeding ewes entrusted to Jacob
וְעִזֶּ֖יךָand your she-goatsN f pl constr + 2ms sfx · עֵז (H5795)Coordinating conjunctionעֵז: female goat; paired with ewes as the productive flock females
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Adverbial accusativeלֹא negates שִׁכֵּלוּ: no miscarriages — perfect flock stewardship claimed
שִׁכֵּ֑לוּmiscarriedPiel perf 3cp · שָׁכַל (H7921)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionPiel שָׁכַל: miscarry, be bereaved; ewes and goats bore young under Jacob
וְאֵילֵ֥יand the rams ofN m pl constr · אַיִל (H352)Coordinating conjunctionאַיִל: ram; pl construct before צֹאנְךָ — none consumed by Jacob
צֹאנְךָ֖your flockN common sg constr + 2ms sfx · צֹאן (H6629)Construct chain (genitival)צֹאן collective + 2ms sfx: Laban's small livestock entrusted to Jacob
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Adverbial accusativeSecond לֹא negates אָכַלְתִּי: Jacob didn't eat Laban's rams for food
אָכָֽלְתִּיI ate / consumedQal perf 1cs · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionאָכַל: eat; denial of using Laban's rams for personal sustenance
39

טְרֵפָה֙ לֹא הֵבֵ֣אתִי אֵלֶ֔יךָ אָנֹכִ֣י אֲחַטֶּ֔נָּה מִיָּדִ֖י תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑נָּה גְּנֻֽבְתִ֣י י֔וֹם וּגְנֻֽבְתִ֖י לָֽיְלָה

What was torn by beasts I did not bring to you; I myself bore the loss of it. From my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night.

elaboration and proofטְרֵפָה
Jacob specifies the personal cost he absorbed under Laban's regime.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
טְרֵפָה֙torn animalN f sg abs · טְרֵפָה (H2966)Fronted topicטְרֵפָה: prey of wild beasts; legally owner's risk per Exod 22:12
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Adverbial accusativeלֹא negates הֵבֵאתִי: Jacob didn't bring the torn animal to Laban
הֵבֵ֣אתִיI broughtHiphil perf 1cs · בֹּוא (H935)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective Hiphil: completed causative actionHiphil בֹּוא: bring; Jacob absorbed loss rather than shift burden to Laban
אֵלֶ֔יךָto youprep + 2ms sfx · אֶל (H413)Complement of verbאֶל + 2ms sfx: direction toward Laban; he was not burdened by Jacob
אָנֹכִ֣יI myselfpersonal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subjectאָנֹכִי emphatic pronoun: Jacob personally bore the financial liability
אֲחַטֶּ֔נָּהI bore the lossPiel impf 1cs + 3fs sfx · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futurePiel חָטָא: bear penalty for loss; technical shepherd-liability term
מִיָּדִ֖יfrom my handprep + N m sg constr + 1cs sfx · יָד (H3027)Object of prepositionיָד + מִן: 'from my hand' = held personally accountable for each loss
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑נָּהyou required itPiel impf 2ms + 3fs sfx · בָּקַשׁ (H1245)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futurePiel בָּקַשׁ: demand restitution; Laban's exacting standard exceeded the law
גְּנֻֽבְתִ֣יstolenQal ptc pass f sg constr · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate of relative clause→ Participle: ongoing or stativeגָּנַב ptc pass: 'what was stolen'; parallel to טְרֵפָה as loss type
י֔וֹםby dayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם: daytime; adverbial accusative marking when the theft occurred
וּגְנֻֽבְתִ֖יand stolenQal ptc pass f sg constr · גָּנַב (H1589)Coordinating conjunction→ Participle: ongoing or stativeגָּנַב ptc pass repeated: waw + ptc covers both day and night theft
לָֽיְלָהby nightN m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal prepositional phraseלַיְלָה: night; paired with יוֹם — Jacob bore risk at all hours
40

הָיִ֧יתִי בַיּ֛וֹם אֲכָלַ֥נִי חֹ֖רֶב וְקֶ֣רַח בַּלָּ֑יְלָה וַתִּדַּ֥ד שְׁנָתִ֖י מֵֽעֵינָֽי

By day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep fled from my eyes.

experiential proofהָיִיתִי
Heat, frost, and sleeplessness give bodily form to Jacob's faithful service.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
הָיִ֧יתִיI was / livedQal perf 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionהָיָה: be/become; frames ongoing hardship as Jacob's existential state
בַיּ֛וֹםby dayprep + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseבַּיּוֹם: in the daytime; temporal frame for the scorching-heat clause
אֲכָלַ֥נִיconsumed meQal perf 3ms + 1cs sfx · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionאָכַל + 1cs sfx: 'it devoured me'; scorching heat personified as consumer
חֹ֖רֶבthe heatN m sg abs · חֹרֶב (H2721)Subjectחֹרֶב: scorching heat, drought; Syro-Palestinian summer intensity
וְקֶ֣רַחand the frostN m sg abs · קֶרַח (H7140)Coordinating conjunctionקֶרַח: frost, ice; highland cold at night contrasted with day heat
בַּלָּ֑יְלָהby nightprep + art + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal prepositional phraseבַּלַּיְלָה: at night; temporal complement to בַּיּוֹם in the pair
וַתִּדַּ֥דand fledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · נָדַד (H5074)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָדַד: flee, wander; sleep personified as fleeing from Jacob's eyes
שְׁנָתִ֖יmy sleepN f sg constr + 1cs sfx · שֵׁנָה (H8142)Subjectשֵׁנָה: sleep; 'my sleep' as subject of נָדַד — insomnia from vigilance
מֵֽעֵינָֽיfrom my eyesprep + N f du constr + 1cs sfx · עַיִן (H5869)Locative prepositional phraseעַיִן dual + מִן: 'from my eyes'; idiom for sleeplessness under duress
41

זֶה לִּ֞י עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָה֮ בְּבֵיתֶךָ֒ עֲבַדְתִּ֜יךָ אַרְבַּֽע עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה שָׁנָה֙ בִּשְׁתֵּ֣י בְנֹתֶ֔יךָ וְשֵׁ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים בְּצֹאנֶ֑ךָ וַתַּחֲלֵ֥ף אֶת מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖י עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת מֹנִֽים

These twenty years I have spent in your house: I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you changed my wages ten times.

summary elaborationזֶה
Jacob totals the twenty years and highlights the repeated wage changes.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
זֶהthisdemonstrative pronoun ms · זֶה (H2088)Fronted topicזֶה temporal: 'this twenty years'; resumes and totals the whole tenure
לִּ֞יfor meprep + 1cs sfx · לְComplement of verbלְ + 1cs sfx advantage dative: twenty years were Jacob's own experience
עֶשְׂרִ֣יםtwentynumeral common pl abs · עֶשְׂרִים (H6242)Adverbial accusativeעֶשְׂרִים repeated from v.38; reiterated to frame the full total
שָׁנָה֮yearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Adverbial accusativeשָׁנָה singular after numeral twenty; total period confirmed again
בְּבֵיתֶךָ֒in your houseprep + N m sg constr + 2ms sfx · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative prepositional phraseבֵּית + 2ms sfx: Jacob's service was within Laban's household estate
עֲבַדְתִּ֜יךָI served youQal perf 1cs + 2ms sfx · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionעָבַד + 2ms sfx: 'I served you'; direct assertion of loyal dedicated labor
אַרְבַּֽעfournumeral f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Adverbial accusativeאַרְבַּע: four; first component of fourteen — years for Leah and Rachel
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה-teennumeral f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Adverbial accusativeעֶשְׂרֵה: teen element; 'fourteen years' as bride-price labor for two wives
שָׁנָה֙yearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Adverbial accusativeשָׁנָה: fourteen years for Leah (7) and Rachel (7) respectively
בִּשְׁתֵּ֣יfor twoprep + numeral f du constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Object of prepositionשְׁתַּיִם construct: 'for the two daughters of yours' — Leah and Rachel
בְנֹתֶ֔יךָyour daughtersN f pl constr + 2ms sfx · בַּת (H1323)Construct chain (genitival)בַּת pl + 2ms sfx: Leah and Rachel; the bride-price rendered as fourteen years labor
וְשֵׁ֥שׁand sixN f sg abs · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Coordinating conjunctionשֵׁשׁ: six; six additional years for the spotted/streaked flock (14+6=20)
שָׁנִ֖יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Adverbial accusativeשָׁנִים plural; after six the noun shifts to plural vs. singular with twenty
בְּצֹאנֶ֑ךָfor your flockprep + N common sg constr + 2ms sfx · צֹאן (H6629)Locative prepositional phraseצֹאן + 2ms sfx: the six-year wage-for-flock arrangement (Gen 30:31–32)
וַתַּחֲלֵ֥ףand you changedHiphil wayyiqtol 2ms · חָלַף (H2498)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceHiphil חָלַף: change, replace; Laban's repeated alteration of wage terms
אֶתmarkerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּי as definite direct object of וַתַּחֲלֵף
מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖יmy wagesN f sg constr + 1cs sfx · מַשְׂכֹּרֶת (H4909)Direct objectמַשְׂכֹּרֶת: wage, salary; changed ten times = Laban's exploitative pattern
עֲשֶׂ֥רֶתtennumeral m sg constr · עֶשֶׂר (H6235)Adverbial accusativeעֲשֶׂרֶת in construct before מֹנִים: ten counts/times — rhetorical round number
מֹנִֽיםtimes / countsN m pl abs · מֹנֶה (H4489)Construct chain (genitival)מֹנֶה: number, count; 'ten times' = idiom for many repeated wage changes
42

לוּלֵ֡י אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִי֩ אֱלֹהֵ֨י אַבְרָהָ֜ם וּפַ֤חַד יִצְחָק֙ הָ֣יָה לִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה רֵיקָ֣ם שִׁלַּחְתָּ֑נִי אֶת עָנְיִ֞י וְאֶת יְגִ֧יעַ כַּפַּ֛י רָאָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַיּ֥וֹכַח אָֽמֶשׁ

Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac had been for me, surely now you would have sent me away empty. God saw my affliction and the toil of my hands, and he rebuked you last night.'

counterfactual theological climaxלוּלֵי
The speech peaks theologically: only God's intervention kept Jacob from being dismissed empty.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
לוּלֵ֡יwere it not thatconjunction · לוּלֵי (H3884)Conditional conjunctionלוּלֵי: counterfactual 'unless'; introduces unreal protasis — climax of speech
אֱלֹהֵ֣יGod ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים construct: 'God of my father' — Jacob's covenantal divine patron
אָבִי֩my fatherN m sg constr + 1cs sfx · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival)אָב + 1cs sfx: Isaac; the God passed down through patriarchal covenant line
אֱלֹהֵ֨יGod ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Appositive nounSecond אֱלֹהֵי in apposition: extends the divine title back to Abraham
אַבְרָהָ֜םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Construct chain (genitival)אַבְרָהָם: progenitor; God's original covenant with him grounds Jacob's claim
וּפַ֤חַדand the Fear ofN m sg constr · פַּחַד (H6343)Coordinating conjunctionפַּחַד יִצְחָק: 'Fear of Isaac' — unique divine epithet in this passage
יִצְחָק֙Isaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Construct chain (genitival)יִצְחָק: Jacob's father; 'Fear of Isaac' = the God whom Isaac reverenced
הָ֣יָהhad beenQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionהָיָה in counterfactual protasis: 'had he not been for me' — the pivot
לִ֔יfor meprep + 1cs sfx · לְComplement of verbלְ + 1cs sfx advantage dative: God taking Jacob's side as divine protector
כִּ֥יsurelyconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי asseverative: introduces apodosis of counterfactual — 'surely now'
עַתָּ֖הnowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Adverbial accusativeעַתָּה: now; the present moment as the outcome Laban would have achieved
רֵיקָ֣םempty-handedadverb · רֵיקָם (H7387)Adverbial accusativeרֵיקָם: empty; the state in which Laban would have dismissed Jacob
שִׁלַּחְתָּ֑נִיyou would have sent mePiel perf 2ms + 1cs sfx · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionPiel שָׁלַח: send away; dismissal without compensation that God prevented
אֶתmarkerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks עָנְיִי as the first definite direct object of רָאָה
עָנְיִ֞יmy afflictionN m sg constr + 1cs sfx · עֹנִי (H6040)Direct objectעֹנִי: affliction, misery; God witnessed Jacob's suffering under Laban
וְאֶתand markerobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerSecond object marker coordinating יְגִיעַ כַּפַּי as parallel direct object
יְגִ֧יעַtoil ofN m sg constr · יָגִיעַ (H3018)Direct objectיָגִיעַ: product of labor; the fruit of Jacob's hands as evidence before God
כַּפַּ֛יmy palmsN f du constr + 1cs sfx · כַּף (H3709)Construct chain (genitival)כַּף dual + 1cs sfx: 'palms of my hands' — embodied labor as divine exhibit
רָאָ֥הsaw / witnessedQal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionרָאָה: see, perceive; God's seeing implies active vindication of Jacob
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים: God as cosmic witness and judge who saw Jacob's entire tenure
וַיּ֥וֹכַחand he rebukedHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָכַח (H3198)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceHiphil יָכַח: rebuke, reprove; God's night vision rebuking Laban (31:24)
אָֽמֶשׁlast nightadverb · אֶמֶשׁ (H570)Temporal prepositional phraseאֶמֶשׁ: last night; specific reference to God's dream-warning to Laban
43

וַיַּ֨עַן לָבָ֜ן וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֗ב הַבָּנ֨וֹת בְּנֹתַ֜י וְהַבָּנִ֤ים בָּנַי֙ וְהַצֹּ֣אן צֹאנִ֔י וְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר אַתָּ֥ה רֹאֶ֖ה לִי ה֑וּא וְלִבְנֹתַ֞י מָֽה אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֤ה לָאֵ֨לֶּה֙ הַיּ֔וֹם א֥וֹ לִבְנֵיהֶ֖ן אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָלָֽדוּ

Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, 'The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flock is my flock, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do today for these my daughters, or for their children whom they have borne?

concession-resistant responseוַיַּעַן
Laban answers by asserting patriarchal ownership but cannot refute Jacob's case.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וַיַּ֨עַןand he answeredQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה: answer, respond; Laban cannot refute so shifts to ownership claims
לָבָ֜ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subjectלָבָן: Laban; subject of wayyiqtol answer; protagonist now asserting rights
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר: say; double wayyiqtol (answer + say) is standard speech-intro formula
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Complement of verbאֶל: directional preposition marking Jacob as addressee of Laban's speech
יַעֲקֹ֗בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Object of prepositionיַעֲקֹב: addressee of Laban's counter-speech asserting ownership
הַבָּנ֨וֹתthe daughtersart + N f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Fronted topicהַבָּנוֹת: the daughters — Rachel and Leah; first of Laban's ownership claims
בְּנֹתַ֜יmy daughtersN f pl constr + 1cs sfx · בַּת (H1323)Predicate adjectiveבַּת pl + 1cs sfx: Laban asserts ongoing ownership of Rachel and Leah
וְהַבָּנִ֤יםand the childrenart + N m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinating conjunctionבֵּן pl: Jacob's sons; Laban extends claim to the grandchildren also
בָּנַי֙my childrenN m pl constr + 1cs sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate adjectiveבֵּן + 1cs sfx: Laban claims grandchildren as 'my children' — tribal patriarchy
וְהַצֹּ֣אןand the flockart + N common sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Coordinating conjunctionצֹאן: small livestock; third ownership claim encompassing Jacob's wealth
צֹאנִ֔יmy flockN common sg constr + 1cs sfx · צֹאן (H6629)Predicate adjectiveצֹאן + 1cs sfx: climax of Laban's triple claim — daughters, children, flock
וְכֹ֛לand allN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinating conjunctionכֹּל: all; sweeping final claim encompassing everything Jacob can see
אֲשֶׁרwhich / thatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Predicate of relative clauseאֲשֶׁר: relative particle introducing the relative clause on כֹּל
אַתָּ֥הyoupersonal pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subjectאַתָּה: you (Jacob); subject of the relative clause — your sight confirms my ownership
רֹאֶ֖הsee / are seeingQal ptc m sg abs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate of relative clause→ Participle: ongoing or stativeרָאָה ptc: 'that you see'; present perception — whatever you see is mine
לִיis mineprep + 1cs sfx · לְPredicate adjectiveלְ + 1cs sfx: possession — 'it belongs to me'; climactic ownership assertion
ה֑וּאit ispersonal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Predicate adjectiveהוּא pronoun as copula reinforcing לִי: 'all is mine' — total claim stated
וְלִבְנֹתַ֞יbut for my daughtersprep + N f pl constr + 1cs sfx · בַּת (H1323)Coordinating conjunctionTurn in Laban's speech; 'but for my daughters' signals concessive pivot
מָֽהwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Fronted topicמָה: 'what can I do?' — rhetorical question admitting practical helplessness
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֤הcan I doQal impf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureעָשָׂה: do, make; Laban concedes he cannot act against what God has done
לָאֵ֨לֶּה֙for theseprep + demonstrative pronoun cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Complement of verbאֵלֶּה: these (his daughters); complement of אֶעֱשֶׂה — helpless gesture
הַיּ֔וֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseהַיּוֹם: today; emphasizes the immediacy and finality of the present moment
א֥וֹorconjunction · אוֹ (H176)Coordinating conjunctionאוֹ: disjunctive 'or'; second option in Laban's helpless rhetorical question
לִבְנֵיהֶ֖ןfor their childrenprep + N m pl constr + 3fp sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Complement of verbבֵּן pl + 3fp sfx: Jacob's children by Leah and Rachel; also claimed earlier
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhomrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Predicate of relative clauseאֲשֶׁר: relative introducing 'whom they bore' — the daughters as mothers
יָלָֽדוּthey boreQal perf 3cp · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed past actionיָלַד: bear children; 3cp = the daughters; births already accomplished in Laban's house
44

וְעַתָּ֗ה לְכָ֛ה נִכְרְתָ֥ה בְרִ֖ית אֲנִ֣י וָאָ֑תָּה וְהָיָ֥ה לְעֵ֖ד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֶֽךָ

So now, come, let us cut a covenant, I and you, and let it stand as a witness between me and you.'

resolution proposalוְעַתָּה
Since the dispute cannot be won, Laban proposes covenantal settlement.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְעַתָּ֗הand nowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Coordinating conjunctionוְעַתָּה: transitional 'and now'; pivots from dispute to covenant resolution
לְכָ֛הcomeQal impv 2ms · יָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandיָלַךְ impv: idiomatic 'come' inviting Jacob into the covenant-making act
נִכְרְתָ֥הlet us cutQal cohort 1cp · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Cohortative: first-person resolveכָּרַת בְּרִית: idiom 'cut a covenant'; formal treaty-making by animal rite
בְרִ֖יתcovenantN f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct objectבְּרִית: covenant, treaty; the formal legal instrument resolving the dispute
אֲנִ֣יIpersonal pronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subjectאֲנִי: first-person pronoun; Laban names himself as party to the covenant
וָאָ֑תָּהand youpersonal pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Coordinating conjunctionאַתָּה: Jacob as second party; bilateral covenant between the two principals
וְהָיָ֥הand let it beQal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionהָיָה weqatal sequential: 'and it shall stand/be' — resultative purpose clause
לְעֵ֖דas a witnessprep + N m sg abs · עֵד (H5707)Predicate adjectiveעֵד: witness; the covenant itself to serve as ongoing legal testimony
בֵּינִ֥יbetween meprep + 1cs sfx · בֵּין (H996)Locative prepositional phraseבֵּין + 1cs sfx: 'between me'; first half of the standard treaty-witness formula
וּבֵינֶֽךָand between youprep + 2ms sfx · בֵּין (H996)Locative prepositional phraseבֵּין + 2ms sfx: completes the bilateral witness formula; covenant seals the border
45

וַיִּקַּ֥ח יַעֲקֹ֖ב אָ֑בֶן וַיְרִימֶ֖הָ מַצֵּבָֽה

Then Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar.

covenant enactmentוַיִּקַּח
Jacob initiates the treaty sign by erecting the pillar.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיִּקַּ֥חand he tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח: take; Jacob acts first to begin the covenantal stone-erection rite
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב: subject of both wayyiqtol verbs; Jacob initiates the monument
אָ֑בֶןa stoneN f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct objectאֶבֶן: stone; a single stone set upright as the covenant memorial stele
וַיְרִימֶ֖הָand he raised itHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs sfx · רוּם (H7311)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceHiphil רוּם: lift up, erect; Jacob raises the stone into a standing pillar
מַצֵּבָֽהas a pillarN f sg abs · מַצֵּבָה (H4676)Predicate adjectiveמַצֵּבָה: standing stone, stele; covenant monument and territorial boundary marker
46

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֤ב לְאֶחָיו֙ לִקְט֣וּ אֲבָנִ֔ים וַיִּקְח֥וּ אֲבָנִ֖ים וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ גָ֑ל וַיֹּ֥אכְלוּ שָׁ֖ם עַל הַגָּֽל

And Jacob said to his kinsmen, 'Gather stones,' and they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap.

covenant enactmentוַיֹּאמֶר
Communal stone-gathering forms the heap and the meal begins sealing the pact.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo say, speak; introduces direct speech.
יַעֲקֹ֤בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob, patriarch and covenant partner here.
לְאֶחָיו֙to his kinsmenprep + N m pl constr + 3ms sfx · אָח (H251)Object of prepositionBrother, kinsman; here Jacob's clansmen.
לִקְט֣וּgatherQal impv 2mp · לָקַט (H3950)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandTo gather, pick up, collect.
אֲבָנִ֔יםstonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct objectStone; here gathered to form a heap.
וַיִּקְח֥וּand they tookQal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo take, fetch, lay hold of.
אֲבָנִ֖יםstonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct objectStone; material of the witness heap.
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּand they madeQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo do, make, construct, fashion.
גָ֑לa heapN m sg abs · גַּל (H1530)Direct objectHeap, mound of stones; covenant marker.
וַיֹּ֥אכְלוּand they ateQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָכַל (H398)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo eat; covenant meal sealing pact.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbThere, in that place; locative adverb.
עַלby, uponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseUpon, by, beside; spatial preposition.
הַגָּֽלthe heapart + N m sg abs · גַּל (H1530)Object of prepositionHeap, mound; site of covenant meal.
47

וַיִּקְרָא ל֣וֹ לָבָ֔ן יְגַ֖ר שָׂהֲדוּתָ֑א וְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב קָ֥רָא ל֖וֹ גַּלְעֵֽד

Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed.

naming and bilingual witnessוַיִּקְרָא
Dual naming marks shared recognition but distinct linguistic identity.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּקְרָאand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo call, name, proclaim; here naming.
ל֣וֹitprep + 3ms sfx · לְObject of prepositionTo, for it; refers to the heap.
לָבָ֔ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)SubjectLaban, Jacob's Aramean father-in-law.
יְגַ֖רJegarproper noun · יְגַר (H3026)Appositive (naming)Aramaic for heap; part of 'heap of witness'.
שָׂהֲדוּתָ֑אsahaduthaproper noun · שָׂהֲדוּתָא (H3026)Appositive (naming)Aramaic for witness; 'heap of witness' name.
וְיַֽעֲקֹ֔בbut Jacobconj + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectJacob; contrasting Hebrew naming partner.
קָ֥רָאcalledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo call, name; Jacob's Hebrew naming.
ל֖וֹitprep + 3ms sfx · לְObject of prepositionTo, for it; refers to the heap.
גַּלְעֵֽדGaleedproper noun · גַּלְעֵד (H1567)Appositive (naming)Hebrew 'heap of witness', punning on Gilead.
48

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָבָ֔ן הַגַּ֨ל הַזֶּ֥ה עֵ֛ד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינְךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם עַל כֵּ֥ן קָרָֽא שְׁמ֖וֹ גַּלְעֵֽד

And Laban said, 'This heap is a witness between me and you today.' Therefore its name was called Galeed,

interpretation and witness formulaוַיֹּאמֶר
Laban states the heap's juridical function and explains the Galeed name.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTo say, speak; introduces direct speech.
לָבָ֔ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)SubjectLaban, the Aramean covenant partner.
הַגַּ֨לthis heapart + N m sg abs · גַּל (H1530)SubjectHeap; subject of the witness formula.
הַזֶּ֥הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrativeThis, demonstrative modifying the heap.
עֵ֛דis a witnessN m sg abs · עֵד (H5707)Predicate nominativeWitness; juridical testimony to the pact.
בֵּינִ֥יbetween meprep + 1cs sfx · בֵּין (H996)Locative prepositional phraseBetween; marks the two covenant parties.
וּבֵינְךָ֖and between youconj + prep + 2ms sfx · בֵּין (H996)Locative prepositional phraseBetween you; the second covenant party.
הַיּ֑וֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal adverbialDay; 'the day' meaning today.
עַלthereforeprep · עַל (H5921)Causal conjunctionUpon; with כֵּן forms 'therefore'.
כֵּ֥ןthusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial (so, thus)So, thus; with עַל yields 'therefore'.
קָרָֽאhe calledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo call, name; etiological naming verb.
שְׁמ֖וֹits nameN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct objectName; object of the naming verb.
גַּלְעֵֽדGaleedproper noun · גַּלְעֵד (H1567)Appositive (naming)Hebrew 'heap of witness', punning on Gilead.
49

וְהַמִּצְפָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָמַ֔ר יִ֥צֶף יְהוָ֖ה בֵּינִ֣י וּבֵינֶ֑ךָ כִּ֥י נִסָּתֵ֖ר אִ֥ישׁ מֵרֵעֵֽהוּ

and Mizpah, because he said, 'May YHWH keep watch between me and you, when we are hidden from one another.

appended naming and oath wishוְהַמִּצְפָּה
Mizpah becomes a second memorial name tied to divine surveillance at separation.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְהַמִּצְפָּה֙and Mizpahconj + art + proper noun · מִצְפָּה (H4709)SubjectPlace name 'watchpost'; second memorial designation.
אֲשֶׁ֣רof whichrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Coordinating conjunctionRelative particle introducing explanatory clause.
אָמַ֔רhe saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionSpeech verb introducing the oath wish.
יִ֥צֶףmay watchQal jussive 3ms · צָפָה (H6822)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Jussive: indirect volitionalVolitional wish for divine surveillance.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)SubjectDivine name; subject of the watching wish.
בֵּינִ֣יbetween meprep + 1cs sfx · בַּיִן (H996)Object of prepositionSpatial preposition marking one party.
וּבֵינֶ֑ךָand between youconj + prep + 2ms sfx · בַּיִן (H996)Object of prepositionSpatial preposition marking the other party.
כִּ֥יwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal clauseConjunction introducing temporal/causal clause.
נִסָּתֵ֖רwe are hiddenNiphal impf 1cp · סָתַר (H5641)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol Niphal: passive/reciprocalReciprocal: hidden from one another's sight.
אִ֥ישׁeachN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)SubjectDistributive 'each one' in reciprocal idiom.
מֵרֵעֵֽהוּfrom his neighborprep + N m sg constr + 3ms sfx · רֵעַ (H7453)Object of prepositionCompanion/neighbor; completes reciprocal phrase.
50

אִם תְּעַנֶּ֣ה אֶת בְּנֹתַ֗י וְאִם תִּקַּ֤ח נָשִׁים֙ עַל בְּנֹתַ֔י אֵ֥ין אִ֖ישׁ עִמָּ֑נוּ רְאֵ֕ה אֱלֹהִ֥ים עֵ֖ד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֶֽךָ

If you afflict my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, though no man is with us, see, God is witness between me and you.'

conditional stipulationאִם
Laban states the covenant's domestic terms regarding his daughters and Jacob's future marriages.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunctionParticle introducing conditional stipulation.
תְּעַנֶּ֣הyou afflictPiel impf 2ms · עָנָה (H6031)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futurePiel: to humble or mistreat.
אֶתobjobj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct objectDefinite direct object marker.
בְּנֹתַ֗יmy daughtersN f pl constr + 1cs sfx · בַּת (H1323)Direct objectLaban's daughters, object of mistreatment.
וְאִםand ifconj + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunctionParticle introducing second condition.
תִּקַּ֤חyou takeQal impf 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureTo take, here marry additional wives.
נָשִׁים֙wivesN f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct objectWomen/wives, object of taking.
עַלbesidesprep · עַל (H5921)Object of prepositionPreposition 'in addition to, besides'.
בְּנֹתַ֔יmy daughtersN f pl constr + 1cs sfx · בַּת (H1323)Object of prepositionLaban's daughters, object of preposition.
אֵ֥יןno onenegative particle · אַיִן (H369)Predicate nominativeParticle of nonexistence 'there is no'.
אִ֖ישׁmanN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)SubjectMan; subject of negated existence.
עִמָּ֑נוּwith usprep + 1cp sfx · עִם (H5973)Object of prepositionPreposition 'with' plus first-plural suffix.
רְאֵ֕הseeQal impv 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Volitional: direct commandImperative call to take notice.
אֱלֹהִ֥יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)SubjectGod; subject witnessing the covenant.
עֵ֖דis witnessN m sg abs · עֵד (H5707)Predicate nominativeWitness; predicate of God's role.
בֵּינִ֥יbetween meprep + 1cs sfx · בַּיִן (H996)Object of prepositionSpatial preposition marking one party.
וּבֵינֶֽךָand between youconj + prep + 2ms sfx · בַּיִן (H996)Object of prepositionSpatial preposition marking the other party.
51

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָבָ֖ן לְיַעֲקֹ֑ב הִנֵּ֣ה הַגַּ֣ל הַזֶּ֗ה וְהִנֵּה֙ הַמַצֵּבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָרִ֖יתִי בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֶֽךָ

Then Laban said to Jacob, 'See this heap, and see the pillar, which I have set between me and you.

renewed designation of treaty markersוַיֹּאמֶר
Laban formally points to heap and pillar as the covenant witnesses.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceNarrative speech verb advancing the account.
לָבָ֖ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)SubjectLaban, the speaker.
לְיַעֲקֹ֑בto Jacobprep + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Object of prepositionJacob, addressee of the speech.
הִנֵּ֣הbeholdinterjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Coordinating conjunctionPresentative particle drawing attention.
הַגַּ֣לthis heapart + N m sg abs · גַּל (H1530)Direct objectThe stone heap serving as witness.
הַזֶּ֗הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Direct objectDemonstrative modifying the heap.
וְהִנֵּה֙and beholdconj + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Coordinating conjunctionPresentative particle with conjunction.
הַמַצֵּבָ֔הthe pillarart + N f sg abs · מַצֵּבָה (H4676)Direct objectThe standing stone pillar marker.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Coordinating conjunctionRelative particle introducing clause.
יָרִ֖יתִיI have setQal perf 1cs · יָרָה (H3384)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Perfective: completed past actionTo cast/set up; erecting the pillar.
בֵּינִ֥יbetween meprep + 1cs sfx · בַּיִן (H996)Object of prepositionSpatial preposition marking one party.
וּבֵינֶֽךָand between youconj + prep + 2ms sfx · בַּיִן (H996)Object of prepositionSpatial preposition marking the other party.
52

עֵ֚ד הַגַּ֣ל הַזֶּ֔ה וְעֵדָ֖ה הַמַּצֵּבָ֑ה אִם אָ֗נִי לֹֽא אֶֽעֱבֹ֤ר אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ אֶת הַגַּ֣ל הַזֶּ֔ה וְאִם אַ֠תָּה לֹא תַעֲבֹ֨ר אֵלַ֜י אֶת הַגַּ֥ל הַזֶּ֛ה וְאֶת הַמַּצֵּבָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לְרָעָֽה

This heap is a witness, and the pillar is a witness, that I will not pass beyond this heap to you, and that you will not pass beyond this heap and this pillar to me, for harm.

non-aggression stipulationעֵד
The witness markers enforce the core boundary clause: no crossing for harm.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
עֵ֚דwitnessN m sg abs · עֵד (H5707)Predicate nominativeLegal witness; here a stone heap testifies.
הַגַּ֣לthe heapart + N m sg abs · גַּל (H1530)SubjectHeap of stones as boundary marker.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifierNear demonstrative modifying the heap.
וְעֵדָ֖הand witnessconj + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5713)Predicate nominativeFeminine witness term paired with pillar.
הַמַּצֵּבָ֑הthe pillarart + N f sg abs · מַצֵּבָה (H4676)SubjectStanding stone set up as marker.
אִםthat notconj · אִם (H518)Negative oath particleOath particle implying self-imprecation; here negation.
אָ֗נִיIpron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)SubjectFirst-person independent pronoun, emphatic.
לֹֽאnotnegative · לֹא (H3808)NegativeStandard negative particle.
אֶֽעֱבֹ֤רI will pass overQal impf 1cs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureCross a boundary with hostile intent.
אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙to youprep + 2ms sfx · אֶל (H413)Object of prepositionDirectional preposition with second-person suffix.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks the definite direct object.
הַגַּ֣לthe heapart + N m sg abs · גַּל (H1530)Direct objectSame boundary heap of stones.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifierNear demonstrative modifying the heap.
וְאִםand ifconj + conj · אִם (H518)Coordinating conjunctionConjunction plus conditional oath particle.
אַ֠תָּהyoupron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)SubjectSecond-person independent pronoun, emphatic.
לֹאnotnegative · לֹא (H3808)NegativeStandard negative particle.
תַעֲבֹ֨רyou will pass overQal impf 2ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureCross boundary toward Jacob with harm.
אֵלַ֜יto meprep + 1cs sfx · אֶל (H413)Object of prepositionDirectional preposition with first-person suffix.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks the definite direct object.
הַגַּ֥לthe heapart + N m sg abs · גַּל (H1530)Direct objectSame boundary heap of stones.
הַזֶּ֛הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifierNear demonstrative modifying the heap.
וְאֶתand (obj)conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerConjunction plus the object marker.
הַמַּצֵּבָ֥הthe pillarart + N f sg abs · מַצֵּבָה (H4676)Direct objectStanding memorial stone, second object.
הַזֹּ֖אתthisart + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative modifierFeminine near demonstrative modifying pillar.
לְרָעָֽהfor harmprep + N f sg abs · רָעָה (H7451)Object of prepositionEvil or harm; purpose of crossing.
53

אֱלֹהֵ֨י אַבְרָהָ֜ם וֵֽאלֹהֵ֤י נָחוֹר֙ יִשְׁפְּט֣וּ בֵינֵ֔ינוּ אֱלֹהֵ֖י אֲבִיהֶ֑ם וַיִּשָּׁבַ֣ע יַעֲקֹ֔ב בְּפַ֖חַד אָבִ֥יו יִצְחָֽק

May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.' So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.

oath ratificationאֱלֹהֵי
Laban invokes ancestral deities, while Jacob ratifies more narrowly by the Fear of Isaac.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
אֱלֹהֵ֨יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain (genitival)Plural form, construct; God of Abraham.
אַבְרָהָ֜םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Genitive of constructPatriarch, Jacob's grandfather.
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֤יand the God ofconj + N m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain (genitival)God of Nahor, paired ancestral deity.
נָחוֹר֙Nahorproper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Genitive of constructAbraham's brother, Laban's grandfather.
יִשְׁפְּט֣וּmay they judgeQal impf 3mp · שָׁפַט (H8199)Predicate verb (reported speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or futureJudge or arbitrate the covenant dispute.
בֵינֵ֔ינוּbetween usprep + 1cp sfx · בֵּין (H996)Object of prepositionBetween, with first-person plural suffix.
אֱלֹהֵ֖יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain (genitival)Appositional, God of their father.
אֲבִיהֶ֑םtheir fatherN m sg constr + 3mp sfx · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival)Their father; common ancestor Terah.
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֣עand sworeconj + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁבַע (H7650)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceTake an oath; Niphal reflexive sense.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectPatriarch swearing the oath.
בְּפַ֖חַדby the Fear ofprep + N m sg constr · פַּחַד (H6343)Object of preposition'Fear of Isaac', unique divine title.
אָבִ֥יוhis fatherN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival)His father; refers to Isaac.
יִצְחָֽקIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)AppositionIsaac, Jacob's father, in apposition.
54

וַיִּזְבַּ֨ח יַעֲקֹ֥ב זֶ֨בַח֙ בָּהָ֔ר וַיִּקְרָ֥א לְאֶחָ֖יו לֶאֱכָל לָ֑חֶם וַיֹּ֣אכְלוּ לֶ֔חֶם וַיָּלִ֖ינוּ בָּהָֽר

And Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and called his kinsmen to eat bread. And they ate bread and spent the night on the mountain.

covenant meal and closureוַיִּזְבַּח
Sacrifice, shared meal, and overnight stay close the scene in formal peace.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּזְבַּ֨חand offered sacrificeconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · זָבַח (H2076)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceSlaughter a sacrifice for covenant meal.
יַעֲקֹ֥בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)SubjectPatriarch offering the sacrifice.
זֶ֨בַח֙a sacrificeN m sg abs · זֶבַח (H2077)Direct objectSlaughtered offering for shared meal.
בָּהָ֔רon the mountainprep + art + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Object of prepositionThe mountain of Gilead, covenant site.
וַיִּקְרָ֥אand calledconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceSummon, call kinsmen to the meal.
לְאֶחָ֖יוhis kinsmenprep + N m pl constr + 3ms sfx · אָח (H251)Object of prepositionHis brothers/kinsmen invited to eat.
לֶאֱכָלto eatprep + Qal inf constr · אָכַל (H398)Purpose infinitive phrase→ Inf constr: purpose or mannerInfinitive of purpose; to eat.
לָ֑חֶםbreadN c sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Direct objectBread/food for the covenant meal.
וַיֹּ֣אכְלוּand they ateconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָכַל (H398)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceEat together, sealing the treaty.
לֶ֔חֶםbreadN c sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Direct objectBread/food shared at the meal.
וַיָּלִ֖ינוּand they lodgedconj + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לוּן (H3885)Wayyiqtol main narrative verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceLodge or spend the night.
בָּהָֽרon the mountainprep + art + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Object of prepositionThe mountain, place of overnight stay.