19 When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father's household gods.

Other Translations of Genesis 31:19

King James Version

19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images images: Heb. teraphim that were her father's.

English Standard Version

19 Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel stole her father's household gods.

The Message

19 Laban was off shearing sheep. Rachel stole her father's household gods.

New King James Version

19 Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father's.

New Living Translation

19 At the time they left, Laban was some distance away, shearing his sheep. Rachel stole her father's household idols and took them with her.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 31:19

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.