Genesis 31:32

30 Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?”

31 “I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.

If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols.

33 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent, and then the tents of the two maidservants, but he found nothing. Then he left Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent.

34 Now Rachel had taken Laban’s household idols, put them in the saddlebag of her camel, and was sitting on them. And Laban searched everything in the tent but found nothing.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols.
KJV
With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
WEB
Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For Jacob didn’t know that Rachel had stolen them.
ASV
With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, he shall not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
DARBY
With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, he shall not live. Before our brethren discern what is thine with me, and take [it] to thee. But Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.
BLB
With whomever you find your gods, he shall not live; before our brothers discern what of yours [is] with me, and take [it] with you.” And Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.
ÅB
Men den som du finner dine guder hos, han skal ikke leve. Se nå etter i våre frenders nærvær, om du kjennes ved noe av det jeg har med meg, og ta det så! Men Jakob visste ikke at Rakel hadde stjålet dem.
OTB
Men hvis du finner noen som har dine guder, skal den personen ikke leve. I våre slektningers nærvær, se selv om det er noe av ditt her hos meg; og hvis så, ta det.» Nå visste ikke Jakob at Rakel hadde tatt gudene.
B1930
Men den som du finner dine guder hos, han skal ikke leve. Se nu efter i våre frenders nærvær, om du kjennes ved noget av det jeg har med mig, og ta det så! Men Jakob visste ikke at Rakel hadde stjålet dem.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Genesis 31:19

    Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols.

    Read in context
  • Genesis 31:23

    So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead.

    Read in context
  • 1 Samuel 12:3–5

    Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”

    Read in context
  • Genesis 44:9–12

    If any of your servants is found to have it, he must die, and the rest will become slaves of my lord.”

    Read in context
  • Genesis 31:30

    Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?”

    Read in context
  • Genesis 19:7

    “Please, my brothers,” he pleaded, “don’t do such a wicked thing!

    Read in context
  • Genesis 30:33

    So my honesty will testify for me when you come to check on my wages in the future. If I have any goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not dark-colored, they will be considered stolen.”

    Read in context
  • 1 Samuel 14:24–29

    Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food.

    Read in context