Definition: And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What [is] my trespass? what [is] my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 31:36. It's a really important story about Jacob’s reaction when an angel tried to trick him! Here’s the simple explanation: Basically, Jacob is furious because an angel – who is essentially a messenger of God – is trying to make him lose his favorite cow, Esau. Let’s unpack it further: “And Jacob was wroth…” : This means Jacob felt extremely angry and upset. “Wroth” is a strong word for anger. “…and chode with Laban:” "Chode" means to argue or protest. Jacob says, “I argued with Laban.” Laban is a man who was trying to trick him. “And Jacob answered and said to Laban…” : Jacob didn’t just yell; he spoke directly to Laban. He asked, "What is my trespass? What is my sin…?" So, what does this mean? It's a moment of intense frustration and questioning. Jacob is feeling like he’s being unfairly targeted and that Laban is trying to make him do something wrong. He's asking for an explanation, as if he doesn't understand why Laban is pursuing him so aggressively. The key takeaway: This verse shows Jacob’s initial reaction when faced with a difficult situation. He's not just reacting; he's expressing his feelings and trying to understand what's happening. It sets the stage for a larger story of conflict and challenges in Jacob’s life! Does this verse have any deeper meaning? Yes, it speaks to human nature – our tendency to react strongly when we feel wronged or threatened. It also highlights Jacob’s character - his resilience and determination to overcome adversity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story from Genesis 31? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse (e.g., it's about testing faith)?