Genesis 31:42 Meaning and Explanation
“Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob credits God's protection for preventing Laban from cheating him into poverty; God saw his affliction and rebuked Laban.
The Context of Genesis 31:42
Jacob credits God's protection and the divine rebuke of Laban for his survival.
What Does Genesis 31:42 Mean?
Jacob's climactic statement pivots from his own grievance to God's justice. Without divine intervention—'the God of Abraham, the fear of Isaac'—Jacob would have departed empty-handed, destroyed by Laban's exploitation. But God saw and acted.
The phrase 'rebuked thee yesternight' directly references God's warning to Laban in the dream. Jacob is declaring that Laban's own God has sided with Jacob, witnessed the injustice, and demanded that Laban refrain from further harm. This is the ultimate validation of Jacob's cause.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 31:42
What does Genesis 31:42 mean?
Jacob credits God's protection for preventing Laban from cheating him into poverty; God saw his affliction and rebuked Laban.
What is the context of Genesis 31:42?
Jacob credits God's protection and the divine rebuke of Laban for his survival.