Genesis 31:29
New International Version
I have the power to harm you; but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’

New Living Translation
I could destroy you, but the God of your father appeared to me last night and warned me, ‘Leave Jacob alone!’

English Standard Version
It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’

Berean Standard Bible
I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’

King James Bible
It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

New King James Version
It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.’

New American Standard Bible
It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak either good or bad to Jacob.’

NASB 1995
“It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak either good or bad to Jacob.’

NASB 1977
“It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak either good or bad to Jacob.’

Legacy Standard Bible
It is in my hand to do evil against you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Beware of speaking either good or evil to Jacob.’

Amplified Bible
It is in my power to harm you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak to Jacob, either good or bad.’

Christian Standard Bible
I could do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Watch yourself! Don’t say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I could do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me: ‘Watch yourself. Don’t say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’

American Standard Version
It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Contemporary English Version
I could easily hurt you, but the God your father worshiped has warned me not to make any threats or promises.

English Revised Version
It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have the power to harm you. Last night the God of your father said to me, 'Be careful not to say anything at all to Jacob.'

Good News Translation
I have the power to do you harm, but last night the God of your father warned me not to threaten you in any way.

International Standard Version
It's actually in my power to do some serious evil to you, but last night the God of your father told me, 'Be careful what you say to Jacob whether good or evil.'

Majority Standard Bible
I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ?Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.?

NET Bible
I have the power to do you harm, but the God of your father told me last night, 'Be careful that you neither bless nor curse Jacob.'

New Heart English Bible
It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, 'Be careful that you do not speak to Jacob either good or bad.'

Webster's Bible Translation
It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spoke to me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

World English Bible
It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
my hand is to God to do evil with you, but the God of your father last night has spoken to me, saying, Take heed to yourself from speaking with Jacob from good to evil.

Young's Literal Translation
my hand is to God to do evil with you, but the God of your father yesternight hath spoken unto me, saying, Take heed to thyself from speaking with Jacob from good unto evil.

Smith's Literal Translation
It is for the power of my hand mighty to do with you evil: and the God of your father yesterday spake to me, saying, Watch to thyself from speaking with Jacob from good to evil.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
It is in my power to return thee evil: but the God of your father said to me yesterday: Take heed thou speak not any things harshly against Jacob.

Catholic Public Domain Version
my hand has power to repay you with harm. But the God of your father said to me yesterday, ‘Beware that you not speak anything stern against Jacob.’

New American Bible
I have it in my power to harm all of you; but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Take care not to say anything to Jacob!’

New Revised Standard Version
It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Take heed that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I could have done you harm, but the God of your fathers said to me last evening, Take heed that you speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
It had come into my hands to do harm to you, and the God of your father said to me in the evening, ‘Beware, lest you speak with Yaquuv of good or for evil.’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt; but the God of your father spoke unto me yesternight, saying: Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now my hand has power to hurt thee; but the God of thy father spoke to me yesterday, saying, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not evil words to Jacob.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laban Pursues Jacob
28But you did not even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. Now you have done a foolish thing. 29 I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ 30Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?”…

Cross References
Exodus 14:17
And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. Then I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army and chariots and horsemen.

Deuteronomy 32:39
See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.

1 Samuel 24:12
May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.

1 Samuel 26:10
David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.

2 Kings 19:28
Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’

Job 1:12
“Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Job 2:6
“Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.”

Psalm 75:7
but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.

Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

Isaiah 10:15
Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood!

Isaiah 37:29
Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’

Daniel 4:35
All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”

John 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Acts 4:28
They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.

Acts 5:39
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”


Treasury of Scripture

It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Take you heed that you speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

the power.

Psalm 52:1
To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

John 19:10,11
Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? …

the God.

Genesis 31:42,53
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…

Genesis 28:13
And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

Joshua 24:2,3
And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods…

yesternight.

Genesis 31:24
And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Take.

Acts 5:38,39
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: …

Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

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Genesis 31
1. Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly.
19. Rachel steals her father's household gods.
22. Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong.
34. Rachel's plan to hide the images.
36. Jacob's complaint of Laban.
43. The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed.














I have power
The phrase "I have power" is derived from the Hebrew word "yad," which often signifies "hand" or "strength." In this context, it reflects Laban's acknowledgment of his authority and capability to inflict harm upon Jacob. Historically, this power dynamic underscores the patriarchal and tribal structures of ancient Near Eastern societies, where family heads wielded significant control over their kin and servants. Laban's assertion of power is a reminder of the worldly authority that often stands in contrast to divine intervention.

to do you harm
The Hebrew word for "harm" is "ra‘," which can mean evil, distress, or adversity. Laban's intention to harm Jacob highlights the tension and potential for conflict within familial relationships, especially when wealth and prosperity are involved. This phrase serves as a reminder of the human propensity towards vengeance and the need for divine guidance to overcome such impulses.

but last night
The phrase "but last night" indicates a specific divine intervention that occurred in a dream. Dreams were a common medium through which God communicated with individuals in the Old Testament, as seen in the lives of Joseph and Daniel. This temporal marker emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of God's message, suggesting that divine protection is both timely and personal.

the God of your father
This phrase identifies the deity as the God of Jacob's lineage, specifically referencing the covenantal relationship established with Abraham and Isaac. It underscores the continuity of God's promises and faithfulness across generations. The invocation of "the God of your father" serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's covenant and His active role in the lives of His chosen people.

said to me
The phrase "said to me" indicates direct communication from God to Laban, a non-Israelite. This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to influence the hearts and actions of all people, regardless of their covenant status. It serves as a testament to God's universal authority and His willingness to intervene in human affairs to fulfill His purposes.

‘Be careful not to say anything
The instruction "Be careful not to say anything" reflects a divine warning to Laban, urging caution in his interactions with Jacob. This command underscores the power of words and the potential for speech to cause harm or healing. It serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

to Jacob, either good or bad.’
The phrase "either good or bad" suggests a prohibition against influencing Jacob's journey or decisions, whether through blessing or curse. This divine mandate emphasizes God's protective hand over Jacob and His desire for Jacob to fulfill his destiny without external manipulation. It highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and the assurance that God's plans will prevail despite human intentions.

(29) It is in the power of my hand.--This is the rendering here of all the versions, and is confirmed by Deuteronomy 28:32; Nehemiah 5:5; Micah 2:1; but Keil and Knobel wish to translate, "My hand is for God." This comes to the same thing in an impious way, as the sense would be," My hand is an El, a god, for me," and enables me to do what I will.

The speech of Laban is half true and half false. He would have wished not to part with Jacob at all, but to have recovered from him as much as he could of his property. But if he was to go, he would have liked outward appearances maintained; and, probably, he had an affection for his daughters and their children, though not so strong as to counterbalance his selfishness. His character, like that of all men, is a mixture of good and evil.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I have power to do
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

you
עִמָּכֶ֖ם (‘im·mā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

great harm,
רָ֑ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

but last night
אֶ֣מֶשׁ ׀ (’e·meš)
Adverb
Strong's 570: Yesterday, last night

the God
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֨י (wê·lō·hê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of your father
אֲבִיכֶ֜ם (’ă·ḇî·ḵem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

said
אָמַ֧ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to me,
אֵלַ֣י (’ê·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

‘Be careful
הִשָּׁ֧מֶר (hiš·šā·mer)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

not to say
מִדַּבֵּ֥ר (mid·dab·bêr)
Preposition-m | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

anything to
עִֽם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Jacob,
יַעֲקֹ֖ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

either good
מִטּ֥וֹב (miṭ·ṭō·wḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

or
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

bad.’
רָֽע׃ (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil


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OT Law: Genesis 31:29 It is in the power of my (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 31:28
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