◄ Genesis 31:14 ►
And Rachel and Leah replied, "Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father's house?
Study Bible
Then Rachel and Leah replied
This phrase introduces the response of Rachel and Leah, the two wives of Jacob, to his proposal to leave their father Laban's household. The Hebrew root for "replied" is עָנָה (anah), which often implies a thoughtful or considered response. This indicates that Rachel and Leah are not merely reacting emotionally but are thoughtfully considering their situation. Historically, this moment is significant as it shows the unity between the sisters, who had previously been rivals, now coming together in agreement. This unity is crucial for the family’s transition and reflects a shift in their loyalty from their father to their husband, Jacob.

Do we have any portion
The word "portion" in Hebrew is חֵלֶק (chelek), which refers to a share or part of something, often used in the context of inheritance or land. In ancient Near Eastern culture, daughters typically did not receive a portion of the inheritance, which was reserved for sons. Rachel and Leah's question highlights their awareness of their precarious position in their father's household. This reflects a broader biblical theme of seeking one's rightful place and inheritance, which is ultimately found in God's promises rather than earthly possessions.

or inheritance
The term "inheritance" is נַחֲלָה (nachalah) in Hebrew, denoting a permanent possession or heritage. In the biblical context, inheritance is not just about material wealth but also about identity and belonging. Rachel and Leah's question underscores their realization that they have no lasting inheritance in their father's house, prompting them to consider their future with Jacob. This reflects the biblical principle that true inheritance is found in God's covenant promises, as seen throughout the narrative of the patriarchs.

in our father’s house?
The phrase "in our father’s house" refers to the household of Laban, their father. In the patriarchal society of the time, a father's house was the center of familial and economic life. However, Rachel and Leah's question reveals their sense of alienation and lack of security within their father's household. This moment is pivotal as it marks their decision to align themselves with Jacob and his God-given mission. It also foreshadows the broader biblical narrative of leaving behind the old life to embrace the new life promised by God, a theme echoed in the New Testament call to leave behind worldly ties to follow Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rachel
The younger daughter of Laban and the beloved wife of Jacob. She plays a significant role in the account of Jacob's family and is a central figure in this passage as she questions her inheritance.

2. Leah
The elder daughter of Laban and the first wife of Jacob. Leah, alongside Rachel, expresses concern about their inheritance and their father's treatment.

3. Laban
The father of Rachel and Leah, and Jacob's uncle and father-in-law. His actions and treatment of Jacob and his daughters are central to the events leading up to this verse.

4. Jacob
The patriarch who worked for Laban to marry his daughters. His decision to leave Laban's household prompts the discussion of inheritance.

5. Paddan-aram
The region where Laban's household is located and where Jacob has been living and working for many years.
Teaching Points
Understanding Inheritance in Biblical Times
Inheritance was a significant aspect of family life in ancient times, often determining one's future security and status. Rachel and Leah's question highlights their sense of loss and injustice.

Family Dynamics and God's Plan
Despite the dysfunction in Jacob's family, God's plan continues to unfold. This reminds us that God can work through imperfect situations and people.

Trusting God's Provision
Rachel and Leah's concern about their inheritance can lead us to reflect on where we place our trust. Do we rely on earthly possessions, or do we trust in God's provision?

The Role of Communication in Relationships
The open dialogue between Jacob, Rachel, and Leah demonstrates the importance of communication in addressing family issues and making decisions.

Responding to Injustice
Rachel and Leah's situation encourages us to consider how we respond to perceived injustices in our own lives. Do we seek God's guidance and wisdom in such situations?
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the cultural context of inheritance in biblical times help us understand Rachel and Leah's concerns in Genesis 31:14?

2. In what ways does the account of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah illustrate the importance of trusting God's plan despite family challenges?

3. How can we apply the principle of trusting God's provision in our own lives, especially when facing uncertainty about our future?

4. What lessons can we learn from the communication between Jacob, Rachel, and Leah about addressing family issues today?

5. How can we seek God's guidance when we feel wronged or face injustice, as Rachel and Leah did with their father, Laban?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 29-30
These chapters provide the background of Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel, his service to Laban, and the birth of his children, setting the stage for the events in Genesis 31.

Genesis 31:1-13
The preceding verses describe Jacob's realization that Laban's attitude has changed and God's command for him to return to his homeland, which leads to the conversation with Rachel and Leah.

Exodus 20:12
The commandment to honor one's father and mother can be contrasted with Rachel and Leah's feelings of being wronged by their father, Laban.

Ephesians 6:4
This verse speaks to the responsibility of fathers not to provoke their children to anger, which can be related to Laban's treatment of his daughters.
Sermons
A Worldly-Spirited ReplyA. Fuller.Genesis 31:14
Inheritance for UsW. M. Statham, M. A.Genesis 31:14
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 31:14
People
Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, Rachel
Places
Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aram
Topics
Answereth, Estate, Father's, Heritage, Inheritance, Leah, Portion, Rachel, Replied, Share, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 31:1-24

     5095   Jacob, life

Library
Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised,' Together with Some Notes on the Intercourse Between Jews and Jewish Christians in the First Centuries.
IT is not, of course, our purpose here to attempt an exhaustive account of the Jewish views on demons' and the demonised.' A few preliminary strictures were, however, necessary on a work upon which writers on this subject have too implictly relied. I refer to Gfrörer's Jahrhundert des Heils (especially vol. i. pp. 378-424). Gfrörer sets out by quoting a passage in the Book of Enoch on which he lays great stress, but which critical inquiries of Dillmann and other scholars have shown to be …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch .
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch [35] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. I received the letters of thy Fraternity, rightly holding fast the profession of the faith; and I returned great thanks to Almighty God, who, when the shepherds of His flock are changed, still, even after such change, guards the faith which He once delivered to the holy Fathers. Now the excellent preacher says, Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus (1 Cor. iii. 2). Whosoever, then, with love of …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Great Shepherd
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. I t is not easy for those, whose habits of life are insensibly formed by the customs of modern times, to conceive any adequate idea of the pastoral life, as obtained in the eastern countries, before that simplicity of manners, which characterized the early ages, was corrupted, by the artificial and false refinements of luxury. Wealth, in those …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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