Because I was afraid, &c.— To the first part of Laban's charge Jacob answers, that he fled privately, because he feared him; to the latter part he answers, by giving him free leave to search for his goods, and exposing to death whoever should be found guilty of the theft; whence it seems to follow, that theft in those days was frequently punished with death; see ch. Genesis 44:9.
Related Commentaries of Genesis 31:31
Genesis 31:31
31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.