Genesis 30:29
Genesis 30:29 in Multiple Translations
Then Jacob answered, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock have thrived under my care.
And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me.
And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle have fared with me.
Then Jacob said, You have seen what I have done for you, and how your cattle have done well under my care.
“You certainly know how much work I've done for you, and how well your flocks have done under my care.
But he sayd vnto him, Thou knowest, what seruice I haue done thee, and in what taking thy cattell hath bene vnder me.
And he saith unto him, 'Thou — thou hast known that which I have served thee [in], and that which thy substance was with me;
Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you, and how your livestock have fared with me.
And he said to him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle were with me.
But he answered: Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how great thy possession hath been in my hands.
Jacob replied, “You know how I have worked for you, and you know that your livestock have increased greatly as I have taken care of them.
Jacob said to Laban, “Look, you know that I worked really hard for you. When I came here, you only had a few animals. I looked after those animals for you, and they kept on having lots of babies, so now you have lots and lots of animals. Yes, Yahweh my God was good to you all the time that I worked for you. But I don’t have any animals myself. So now it’s time for me to look after myself and my own family.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:29
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 30:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֵלָ֔י/ו
אַתָּ֣ה
יָדַ֔עְתָּ
אֵ֖ת
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עֲבַדְתִּ֑י/ךָ
וְ/אֵ֛ת
אֲשֶׁר
הָיָ֥ה
מִקְנְ/ךָ֖
אִתִּֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יָדַ֔עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עֲבַדְתִּ֑י/ךָ
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
וְ/אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִקְנְ/ךָ֖
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-ms | Suff
אִתִּֽ/י
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:29
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יָדַ֔עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עֲבַדְתִּ֑י/ךָ
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
וְ/אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִקְנְ/ךָ֖
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-ms | Suff
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
אִתִּֽ/י
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 30:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:29
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:29
- Sermons on Genesis 30:29
Context — Jacob Prospers
27But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”
28And he added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.”
29Then Jacob answered, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock have thrived under my care.
30Indeed, you had very little before my arrival, but now your wealth has increased many times over. The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot. But now, when may I also provide for my own household?” 31“What can I give you?” Laban asked. “You do not need to give me anything,” Jacob replied. “If you do this one thing for me, I will keep on shepherding and keeping your flocks.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:6 | You know that I have served your father with all my strength. |
| 2 | Genesis 31:38–40 | I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:18 | Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. |
| 4 | Colossians 3:22–25 | Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 2:15 | For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. |
| 6 | Titus 2:9–10 | Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior. |
| 7 | Ephesians 6:5–8 | Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. |
| 8 | Matthew 24:45 | Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? |
| 9 | Genesis 30:5 | and Bilhah conceived and bore him a son. |
Genesis 30:29 Summary
[In this verse, Jacob is reminding Laban of all the hard work he has done for him and how well the animals have done under his care, as a way of showing his value and faithfulness. This is similar to what the Bible teaches in Genesis 1:28, where God gives humans the responsibility to care for and manage the earth. Jacob's statement is also a testament to the biblical principle of being a good steward, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30. By being faithful and diligent, Jacob is showing that he is a trustworthy and responsible person, and this is an important part of his relationship with Laban.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jacob's statement about serving Laban?
Jacob's statement highlights his faithfulness and diligence in serving Laban, which is a testament to his character, as seen in Genesis 30:29, and is reminiscent of the biblical principle of being a good steward, as taught in Genesis 1:28.
How does Jacob's response relate to his relationship with Laban?
Jacob's response shows that he values his relationship with Laban and is seeking to maintain a positive and honest dynamic, as Laban had previously acknowledged the Lord's blessing on him because of Jacob, in Genesis 30:27.
What can we learn from Jacob's attitude towards his work?
We can learn the importance of having a strong work ethic and being faithful in our responsibilities, just like Jacob, as the Bible teaches in Colossians 3:23-24, and being mindful of how our work reflects on our character and relationship with others.
How does this verse fit into the broader narrative of Jacob's story?
This verse is part of the ongoing story of Jacob's time with Laban, and it sets the stage for the negotiations that will follow, as Jacob seeks to provide for his own household, in Genesis 30:30-31, and ultimately, to fulfill his own destiny, as promised by God in Genesis 28:13-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate faithfulness and diligence in my own work or responsibilities, just like Jacob?
- How can I maintain a positive and honest dynamic in my relationships, even when there are challenges or difficulties?
- What are some ways I can trust God to provide for my needs, just as Jacob trusted God to bless Laban's household?
- What can I learn from Jacob's example about the importance of perseverance and patience in the face of adversity?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:29
And he said unto him,.... Jacob to Laban, thou knowest that I have served thee; not only diligently and faithfully, without any salary, excepting for his wives; otherwise he had no wages for his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:29
And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:29
How carefully it was managed, and how greatly improved by my care and industry.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:29
Genesis 30:29 And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me.Ver. 29. Thou knowest how I have served thee,] sc., With all my might, and to thy singular advantage: if therefore I stay longer, reason requireth that there should be some respect had to my benefit also, since he that "provideth not for his own is worse than an infidel".
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:29
25–43 (J, E). Jacob’s Wages In this passage and in the following chapter Laban is depicted in the Israelite narrative as the typical Aramaean, a crafty, selfish, grasping man of business. Jacob, however, in spite of Laban’s duplicity, prospers exceedingly. By greater cunning he outwits Laban himself, and God gives him protection and prosperity.
Sermons on Genesis 30:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Crisis in Abraham's Life 02 by Rick Bovey | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man named Jacob and his attitude towards work and relationships. The preacher acknowledges that Jacob is often seen in a negative light, |
|
How to Live With Difficult People by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of suffering for the sake of Christ. He explains that even if someone is innocent, if they endure suffering without complaini |
|
Studies in 1 Peter-09 1 Peter 2:18-25 by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of submission to authority, specifically in the context of the business world. The speaker emphasizes that believers who work |
|
|
Studies in 1 Peter-10 1 Peter 2:18-25 by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the scripture from 1 Peter 2:18-25, which talks about the importance of servants being subject to their masters with fear and patience, even |
|
Suffering and the Kingdom of God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the concept of the Kingdom of God as highlighted in the New Testament. It delves into the significance of suffe |
|
Persecution and Trials - 1 Peter by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of arming oneself with the mindset of Christ, especially in the face of suffering and trials. Christians should be prepared an |
|
The Power of Obedience by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon transcript, Basilia Schlink discusses the power of obedience in our lives. She acknowledges that obedience is often seen as unpopular, especially among young people |