Definition: And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 31:31. It’s a really significant story about Jacob’s cleverness and a bit of a tricky situation with Laban the leader. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob is traveling with his brother Esau, and they stumble upon Laban’s storehouse. Laban, being greedy, decides to keep the daughters he wants – including Leah, Rachel, and Bethuel – locked up in a room. Jacob, trying to get them out, uses his wits and some trickery. He swaps Laban's animals with sheep, and then he convinces Laban that he’s lost all his livestock. What the Verse Says: “And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.” "And Jacob answered..." : This means Jacob spoke out, likely in response to something Laban did. "...Because I was afraid..." : This is the core of the verse. Jacob wasn't just being polite; he felt scared. He recognized that Laban might try to take the daughters by force. "...for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me." : This is a bit more complex. He said this to Laban as a warning – a way of saying, "If you try to take my daughters by force, I'll fight against it!" What It Means (Interpretations): This verse is often seen as an early example of Jacob’s bravery and his willingness to defend what he values. It shows: Jacob’s Courage: He didn’t back down easily when faced with a challenge. His Protective Instincts: He recognized the potential danger and took action to protect his family. A Moment of Vulnerability: It hints at a moment where Jacob was feeling vulnerable, which is a key element in the story. Overall Significance: This verse establishes a pivotal point in the story – it’s when Jacob starts to test Laban's resolve and sets up a conflict that would ultimately lead to some of the most dramatic events in the Bible! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Genesis 31? Discuss the symbolism of this verse (e.g., it’s about overcoming adversity)?