Genesis 31:31

And Iacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peraduenture thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

Then Jacob replied to Laban, "Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Lest thou shouldest take thy daughters from me by force.
- American Standard Version (1901)

And Jacob, in answer, said to Laban, My fear was that you might take your daughters from me by force.
- Basic English Bible

And Jacob answered and said to Laban, I was afraid; for I said, Lest thou shouldest take by force thy daughters from me.
- Darby Bible

And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, It may be thou wouldest take thy daughters from me by force.
- Webster's Bible

Jacob answered Laban, "Because I was afraid, for I said, 'Lest you should take your daughters from me by force.'
- World English Bible

And Jacob answereth and saith to Laban, `Because I was afraid, for I said, Lest thou take violently away thy daughters from me;
- Youngs Literal Bible

And Jacob answered and said to Laban: 'Because I was afraid; for I said: Lest thou shouldest take thy daughters from me by force.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for Genesis 31:31

31:31 Jacob clears himself by giving the true reason why he went away unknown to Laban; he feared lest Laban would by force take away his daughters and so oblige him to continue in his service. As to the charge of stealing Laban's gods, he pleads not guilty. He not only did not take them himself, but he did not know that they were taken.