Genesis 31:16

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 31:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For all the riches which God hath taken away from our father, that is ours and our children`s: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For all the riches which God hath taken away from our father, that is ours and our children`s: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
Genesis 31:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 31

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16For all the riches which God hath taken away from our father, that is ours and our children`s: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, etc.] And given to Jacob for his labour: that [is] ours, and our children’s; it belonged to us by the law of nature, before it came into thine hands; and our right unto it is still more manifest, and is confirmed by the service thou hast done for it, by which means it came into thy possession; and therefore it is no point of conscience with us, nor need it be any with thee especially, to go off with it: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do; for that must needs be right: this was well spoken indeed; they mean, that he should leave their father’s house, and go into the land of Canaan, as God had directed him; and they…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification