Definition: And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives [taken] with the sword?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 31:26. It’s a really interesting story about a trick and a bit of mischief! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob, a young man, is visiting his uncle Laban in a foreign land. Laban is incredibly annoyed because Jacob is taking his daughters – Leah, Rachel, Reuben, and Judith – with him. He’s essentially trying to trick Jacob into giving them up. What Laban Says: Laban says, “You’ve done something terrible! You’ve stolen away my daughters unawares, and you’ve carried them away with the sword!” He's accusing Jacob of stealing his daughters. The Meaning - It’s About a Trick & Pride: This verse is about more than just taking girls. It highlights a few key things: Pride: Laban is showing off his anger and power by accusing Jacob of something he didn't do. He wants to make it look like he's the one who wronged her. Manipulation: Laban is using words to create a situation where he can control Jacob. He’s trying to provoke a reaction and gain an advantage. It’s a cautionary tale about: Don’t be fooled by anger: Laban's anger is directed at Jacob, not at the girls themselves. The dangers of pride: Laban's pride leads him to act in a way that harms others (by accusing Jacob). In short, it’s a story about a moment of trickery and how it can escalate into a conflict. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this story? Discuss what this verse might teach us about human nature?