31:19 While Laban had gone to shear his sheep, 1 Rachel stole the household idols 2 that belonged to her father.
1 tn This disjunctive clause (note the pattern conjunction + subject + verb) introduces a new scene. In the English translation it may be subordinated to the following clause.
2 tn Or “household gods.” Some translations merely transliterate the Hebrew term תְּרָפִים (tÿrafim) as “teraphim,” which apparently refers to household idols. Some contend that possession of these idols guaranteed the right of inheritance, but it is more likely that they were viewed simply as protective deities. See M. Greenberg, “Another Look at Rachel’s Theft of the Teraphim,” JBL 81 (1962): 239-48.
3 tn Heb “and now.” The words “I understand that” have been supplied in the translation for clarity and for stylistic reasons.
4 tn The infinitive absolute appears before the perfect verbal form to emphasize the certainty of the action.
5 tn The infinitive absolute appears before the perfect verbal form to emphasize the degree of emotion involved.
6 sn Yet why did you steal my gods? This last sentence is dropped into the speech rather suddenly. See C. Mabee, “Jacob and Laban: The Structure of Judicial Proceedings,” VT 30 (1980): 192-207, and G. W. Coats, “Self-Abasement and Insult Formulas,” JBL 91 (1972): 90-92.
7 tn Heb “sons of Israel” (so NASB); KJV “children of Israel”; NAB “people of Israel” (likewise in the following verse).