Genesis 31:35
French (BDS) 2015 (La Bible du Semeur 2015)
Elle dit à son père : Que mon seigneur ne se fâche pas si je ne peux pas me lever devant toi car j’ai ce qui arrive habituellement aux femmes. Il fouilla, mais ne trouva pas les idoles.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Rachel is speaking to her father Laban, explaining why she can't stand up when he asks to search her belongings. She says she can't because she's having her period. Laban searches but doesn't find the idols she had stolen.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your friend said they couldn't help with chores because they weren't feeling well. That's like what Rachel does here. She tells her dad she can't get up because she's not feeling good, and her dad doesn't find what he's looking for.
Historical Background
This passage is part of the Book of Genesis, which scholars believe was written by Moses around 1446-1406 B.C.E. The story is told from the perspective of the early Israelites and reflects the cultural norms and customs of that time.
Living It Out Today
Today, we might think of this as a situation where someone has to be honest but also protect something important to them. For example, if a friend is looking for something you accidentally took, you might have to think of a way to handle the situation without lying.
Topics
deceptionfamily dynamicsgender rolestrustloyaltyhonesty
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rachel lie to Laban?
Rachel lied to Laban to protect the idols she had stolen from him. She used her menstrual period as an excuse to avoid a search, showing both her creativity and her loyalty to her husband Jacob.
What are the idols mentioned in Genesis 31:35?
The idols, or teraphim, were likely small figurines that were considered sacred or had religious significance. In ancient times, they were used in household rituals and for divination.
How did Laban's search end?
Laban searched but did not find the idols, likely because Rachel had hidden them in the camel's saddle and sat on it during the search.
What does this passage tell us about gender roles in ancient times?
This passage reflects the gender roles of the time, where women were expected to be modest and not rise in the presence of men outside their family, and it highlights the cultural sensitivity around women's health issues.