And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father’s house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?
And now, even though you had to leave because you desperately missed your father's house, why did you steal my gods?
Laban is confronting Jacob, asking why he stole his household gods even though he understands Jacob's longing to return home.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Genesis, this verse occurs during Jacob's escape from his father-in-law Laban after years of conflict and deception in their relationship, as Jacob sought to return to his ancestral homeland. Laban's household gods, mentioned here, were small idols that represented family inheritance, legal rights, and cultural traditions in ancient Near Eastern societies, reflecting the prevalent polytheism of that era. This confrontation highlights the tension between Jacob's faith in the one true God and Laban's attachment to these idols.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.