Genesis 31:39
Arabic SAB (الكتاب الشريف)
وَلَا أَحْضَرْتُ لَكَ فَرِيسَةً مَزَّقَتْهَا الْوُحُوشُ. أَنَا كُنْتُ أَتَحَمَّلُ الْخَسَارَةَ. وَكُنْتَ دَائِمًا تَطْلُبُ مِنِّي تَعْوِيضًا عَنْ أَيِّ شَيْءٍ يُسْرَقُ بِالنَّهَارِ أَوْ يُسْرَقُ بِاللَّيْلِ.
What Does This Mean?
Jacob is explaining to Laban that he is responsible for the losses of the flock, whether from theft or from wild animals. He took the loss himself if it was stolen, and he brought the remains if it was torn by beasts.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a piggy bank, and sometimes coins go missing or get lost. Jacob is saying that if coins were stolen, he would make sure to replace them, but if the coins got lost or broken, he would show the broken parts to Laban to prove it wasn't his fault.
Historical Background
This passage is part of the book of Genesis, which was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting reflects the nomadic and agricultural life of the time.
Living It Out Today
Today, this verse can be applied to how we handle responsibilities in our jobs or personal lives. Just like Jacob, we can take ownership of our mistakes and be transparent about what we can't control.
Topics
responsibilityhonestyownershipaccountabilitylossshepherding
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Jacob bear the loss himself?
Jacob takes the loss himself to show his integrity and responsibility, proving he is trustworthy and not trying to avoid accountability for his actions.
Does Laban require Jacob to pay for all losses?
Laban expects Jacob to be responsible for any losses, whether stolen or damaged, demonstrating the trust between them and Jacob's commitment to his duties.
What can we learn about honesty from this verse?
This verse teaches us to be honest and transparent in our dealings, especially when it comes to accountability and responsibility for our actions or losses.
How does this relate to modern workplace ethics?
In today's workplaces, this verse can be applied to how employees handle responsibilities and accountability, ensuring they are honest and take ownership of their actions or losses.