Genesis 31:43 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born?

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Laban replied to Jacob, 'These daughters are my daughters, these children are my children, and these flocks are my flocks. Everything you see belongs to me. But what can I do today to hurt my own daughters or the children they have given birth to?'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Laban is claiming ownership over Jacob's family and possessions, but admits he can't harm them because they're his own daughters and grandchildren.

📚 Historical Context

This occurs during a tense confrontation between Laban and Jacob after Jacob secretly fled with his wives, children, and flocks. Laban had pursued Jacob for seven days and caught up with him. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, fathers had significant authority over their daughters even after marriage, which Laban is asserting here.

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