15 Does he not regard us as foreigners? Not only has he sold us, but he has used up what was paid for us. 16 Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you."

Jacob Flees from Laban

17 Then Jacob put his children and his wives on camels,

Other Translations of Genesis 31:15-17

King James Version

15 Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. 16 For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

Jacob Flees from Laban

17 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

English Standard Version

15 Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and he has indeed devoured our money. 16 All the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do."

Jacob Flees from Laban

17 So Jacob arose and set his sons and his wives on camels.

The Message

15 Aren't we treated worse than outsiders? All he wanted was the money he got from selling us, and he's spent all that. 16 Any wealth that God has seen fit to return to us from our father is justly ours and our children's. Go ahead. Do what God told you."

Jacob Flees from Laban

17 Jacob did it. He put his children and his wives on camels

New King James Version

15 Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. 16 For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children's; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it."

Jacob Flees from Laban

17 Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels.

New Living Translation

15 He has reduced our rights to those of foreign women. And after he sold us, he wasted the money you paid him for us. 16 All the wealth God has given you from our father legally belongs to us and our children. So go ahead and do whatever God has told you."

Jacob Flees from Laban

17 So Jacob put his wives and children on camels,

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 31:15-17

Commentary on Genesis 31:1-21

(Read Genesis 31:1-21)

The affairs of these families are related very minutely, while (what are called) the great events of states and kingdoms at that period, are not mentioned. The Bible teaches people the common duties of life, how to serve God, how to enjoy the blessings he bestows, and to do good in the various stations and duties of life. Selfish men consider themselves robbed of all that goes past them, and covetousness will even swallow up natural affection. Men's overvaluing worldly wealth is that error which is the root of covetousness, envy, and all evil. The men of the world stand in each other's way, and every one seems to be taking away from the rest; hence discontent, envy, and discord. But there are possessions that will suffice for all; happy they who seek them in the first place. In all our removals we should have respect to the command and promise of God. If He be with us, we need not fear. The perils which surround us are so many, that nothing else can really encourage our hearts. To remember favoured seasons of communion with God, is very refreshing when in difficulties; and we should often recollect our vows, that we fail not to fulfil them.