Genesis 31:19-35 ▼

19 Now Laban went to shear his sheep; and Rachel stole the images that belonged to her father.

20 And Jacob deceived Laban, the Aramean, in that he did not tell him that he was going.

21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and crossed the river, and set his face toward mount Gilead.

22 And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob had fled.

23 And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days journey; and they overtook him on mount Gilead.

24 And God came to Laban, the Aramean, in a dream by night, and said to him, Take heed that you speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent on the mount; and Laban with his brethren encamped on mount Gilead.

26 And Laban said to Jacob, What have I done to you, that you have deceived me and carried away my daughters as though they were captives taken with the sword?

27 Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me; and did not tell me, for I would have sent you away with joy and songs, and with harp and tambourine?

28 And you did not permit me to give a farewell kiss to my sons and my daughters? Now you have done foolishly in so doing.

29 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.

30 And now you are on your way, because you longed for your father's house; yet why did you steal my gods?

31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban. Because I was afraid; for I said, Perhaps you would take your daughters from me by force.

32 With whomsoever you find your gods, he shall not live; moreover, in the presence of our brethren point out whatever I have that belongs to you, and take it for yourself. For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.

33 And Laban went into Jacob's tent and into Leah's tent and into the tent of the two maidservants; but he did not find the gods. So he went out of Leah's tent into Rachel's tent.

34 Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's saddle bag, and sat upon them. And Laban had searched all the tent, but did not find them.

35 And Rachel said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before you; for I am with child. Nevertheless he searched, but did not find the images.