Genesis 31:34-36

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Genesis 31:34 tn The “camel’s saddle” was probably some sort of basket-saddle, a cushioned saddle with a basket bound on. Cf. NAB “inside a camel cushion.”
2. Genesis 31:34 tn The disjunctive clause (introduced by a vav [ו] conjunction) provides another parenthetical statement necessary to the storyline.
3. Genesis 31:34 tn The word “them” has been supplied in the translation for clarification.
4. Genesis 31:35 tn Heb “she”; the referent (Rachel) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
5. Genesis 31:35 tn Heb “let it not be hot in the eyes of my lord.” This idiom refers to anger, in this case as a result of Rachel’s failure to stand in the presence of her father as a sign of respect.
6. Genesis 31:35 tn Heb “I am unable to rise.”
7. Genesis 31:35 tn Heb “the way of women is to me.” This idiom refers to a woman’s menstrual period.
8. Genesis 31:35 tn The word “thoroughly” is not in the Hebrew text, but is implied.
9. Genesis 31:36 tn Heb “it was hot to Jacob.” This idiom refers to anger.
10. Genesis 31:36 tn Heb “and Jacob answered and said to Laban, ‘What is my sin?’” The proper name “Jacob” has been replaced by the pronoun (“he”) in the translation and the order of the introductory clause and direct discourse rearranged for stylistic reasons.
11. Genesis 31:36 tn Heb “What is my sin that you have hotly pursued after me.” The Hebrew verb translated “pursue hotly” is used elsewhere of soldiers chasing defeated enemies (1 Sam 17:53).