Genesis 30:33
Genesis 30:33 in Multiple Translations
So my honesty will testify for me when you come to check on my wages in the future. If I have any goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not dark-colored, they will be considered stolen.”
So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
So shall my righteousness answer for me hereafter, when thou shalt come concerning my hire that is before thee: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.
And so you will be able to put my honour to the test in time to come; if you see among my flocks any goats which are not marked or coloured, or any sheep which is not black, you may take me for a thief.
In the future you'll be able to prove that I've been honest. When you check my flock, any goats that don't have speckles or spots, or any sheep that aren't dark will be considered stolen from you.”
So shall my righteousnesse answere for me hereafter, when it shall come for my rewarde before thy face, and euery one that hath not litle or great spots among the goates, and blacke among the sheepe, the same shalbe theft with me.
and my righteousness hath answered for me in the day to come, when it cometh in for my hire before thy face; — every one which is not speckled and spotted among [my] goats, and brown among [my] lambs — it is stolen with me.'
So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen.”
So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be accounted stolen with me.
And my justice shall answer for me tomorrow before thee when the time of the bargain shall come: and all that is not of divers colours, and spotted, and brown, as well among the sheep as among the goats, shall accuse me of theft.
In that way, in the future, you will be able to know whether I have been honest regarding what you have paid me. If any of my goats are neither speckled or spotted, or if any of my lambs are not dark-colored, you will know that I have stolen them from you.”
Later on, those sheep and goats will have babies, and those babies will have funny coloured wool too. So they will belong to me. I promise I will never steal any white sheep or any black goats from you. Whenever you come and look at my sheep and goats, you will see that I only have spotty goats and black sheep. Then you will know that I kept my promise.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:33
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 30:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עָֽנְתָה
בִּ֤/י
צִדְקָתִ/י֙
בְּ/י֣וֹם
מָחָ֔ר
כִּֽי
תָב֥וֹא
עַל
שְׂכָרִ֖/י
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
כֹּ֣ל
אֲשֶׁר
אֵינֶ/נּוּ֩
נָקֹ֨ד
וְ/טָל֜וּא
בָּֽ/עִזִּ֗ים
וְ/חוּם֙
בַּ/כְּשָׂבִ֔ים
גָּנ֥וּב
ה֖וּא
אִתִּֽ/י
וְ/עָֽנְתָה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
בִּ֤/י
Prep | Suff
צִדְקָתִ/י֙
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs | Suff
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
מָחָ֔ר
mâchâr
H4279
tomorrow
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׂכָרִ֖/י
sâkâr
H7939
wages
N-ms | Suff
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
כֹּ֣ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֵינֶ/נּוּ֩
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
נָקֹ֨ד
nâqôd
H5348
speckled
Adj
וְ/טָל֜וּא
ṭâlâʼ
H2921
to spot
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
בָּֽ/עִזִּ֗ים
ʻêz
H5795
goat
Prep | N-fp
וְ/חוּם֙
chûwm
H2345
darkened
Conj | Adj
בַּ/כְּשָׂבִ֔ים
keseb
H3775
sheep
Prep | N-mp
גָּנ֥וּב
gânab
H1589
to steal
V-Qal-Inf-c
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
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 30:33
וְ/עָֽנְתָה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בִּ֤/י
""
Prep | Suff
צִדְקָתִ/י֙
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
מָחָ֔ר
mâchâr
H4279
"tomorrow"
N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׂכָרִ֖/י
sâkâr
H7939
"wages"
N-ms | Suff
Payment for work or services, like the wages paid to the laborers in Matthew 20:8. This word encompasses various forms of compensation, including salary, fare, or maintenance. It is about receiving payment for something.
Definition: 1) hire, wages 1a) wages 1b) reward, pay 1c) fare, fee, passage-money
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: hire, price, reward(-ed), wages, worth. See also: Genesis 15:1; 2 Chronicles 15:7; Psalms 127:3.
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כֹּ֣ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
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.
אֵינֶ/נּוּ֩
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
נָקֹ֨ד
nâqôd
H5348
"speckled"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means speckled, often used to describe sheep and goats with spots. It appears in Genesis 30:32, where Jacob and Laban make a deal about spotted animals. This term is used to identify specific livestock.
Definition: 1) speckled, marked with points 1a) of sheep and goats
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: speckled. See also: Genesis 30:32; Genesis 30:39; Genesis 31:12.
וְ/טָל֜וּא
ṭâlâʼ
H2921
"to spot"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to spot or patch something, like a tapestry with many colors. It can also describe something that is multicolored or variegated, and is used in the Bible to describe clothing and other objects.
Definition: 1) to patch, spot, be spotted, be coloured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spot 1a2) spotted (participle) 1b) (Pual) to be patched
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: clouted, with divers colours, spotted. See also: Genesis 30:32; Genesis 30:39; Ezekiel 16:16.
בָּֽ/עִזִּ֗ים
ʻêz
H5795
"goat"
Prep | N-fp
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 27:27.
וְ/חוּם֙
chûwm
H2345
"darkened"
Conj | Adj
This word describes something as darkened or sunburnt, with a dark brown or black color. It is used in the Bible to talk about people's skin tone or the color of objects, and is often translated as 'brown'.
Definition: dark colour, darkened, dark brown or black
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: brown. See also: Genesis 30:32; Genesis 30:35; Genesis 30:40.
בַּ/כְּשָׂבִ֔ים
keseb
H3775
"sheep"
Prep | N-mp
A keseb is a young sheep, like a lamb or a young ram. It is often translated as lamb in the KJV Bible.
Definition: lamb, young ram, sheep
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lamb. See also: Genesis 30:32; Leviticus 4:35; Deuteronomy 14:4.
גָּנ֥וּב
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To steal means to take something secretly, whether physically or by deceiving someone. This can happen in various ways, as described in different Bible stories.
Definition: 1) to steal, steal away, carry away 1a) (Qal) to steal 1b) (Niphal) to be stolen 1c) (Piel) to steal away 1d)(Pual) to be stolen away, be brought by stealth 1e) (Hithpael) to go by stealth, steal away
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. See also: Genesis 30:33; Joshua 7:11; Proverbs 6:30.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
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 30:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 30:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:33
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:33
- Sermons on Genesis 30:33
Context — Jacob Prospers
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.
32Let me go through all your flocks today and remove from them every speckled or spotted sheep, every dark-colored lamb, and every spotted or speckled goat. These will be my wages.
33So my honesty will testify for me when you come to check on my wages in the future. If I have any goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not dark-colored, they will be considered stolen.”
34“Agreed,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.” 35That very day Laban removed all the streaked or spotted male goats and every speckled or spotted female goat—every one that had any white on it—and every dark-colored lamb, and he placed them under the care of his sons.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 13:14 | In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 22:21 | The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 26:23 | May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. |
| 4 | Psalms 37:6 | He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun. |
| 5 | Genesis 31:37 | You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us. |
| 6 | Isaiah 59:12 | For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. Our transgressions are indeed with us, and we know our iniquities: |
Genesis 30:33 Summary
Genesis 30:33 shows us that Jacob wants to be fair and honest in his deal with Laban, and he sets clear rules so that everyone knows what to expect. This is like when we make promises or agreements with others, and we need to be clear and truthful about what we intend to do, as seen in Matthew 5:33-37. By being honest and transparent, we can build trust and respect with others, and we can also trust that God will guide and provide for us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jacob trying to accomplish with his proposal to Laban in Genesis 30:33?
Jacob is trying to establish a fair and honest way to determine his wages, by setting a clear standard for what constitutes his earnings, as seen in Genesis 30:32-33, and this is reminiscent of the fairness and honesty demonstrated by Abraham in Genesis 23:1-20.
Why does Jacob specify that any non-speckled or non-spotted goats will be considered stolen in Genesis 30:33?
Jacob is trying to protect himself from false accusations and to demonstrate his integrity, as he wants to make it clear that he will not take anything that is not rightfully his, similar to the principles outlined in Exodus 20:15 and Leviticus 19:11.
How does Genesis 30:33 relate to the broader theme of faith and trust in God?
Genesis 30:33 shows Jacob's trust in God's providence and his desire to act with integrity, even in the face of uncertainty, which is a key aspect of the Christian faith, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
What can we learn from Jacob's approach to his agreement with Laban in Genesis 30:33?
We can learn the importance of clarity, fairness, and honesty in our interactions with others, and the value of establishing clear boundaries and expectations, as taught in Matthew 5:37 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of honesty and integrity in my own life, as seen in Jacob's actions in Genesis 30:33?
- What are some areas where I may be tempted to compromise my values or act dishonestly, and how can I seek God's guidance and strength in those situations, as in Psalm 119:1-8?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's providence and sovereignty, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances, as Jacob did in Genesis 30:33?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of fairness and justice in my relationships with others, as reflected in Jacob's agreement with Laban in Genesis 30:33?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:33
So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come,.... Either by the success I shall have, and the blessing of God upon me, making it prosperous; it will appear in time to come, and to all
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:33
So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:33
When the cattle shall, contrary to their natural and usual course, bring forth young ones of a contrary colour to their own, it will hereby be evident that this is the work of God, who hereby pleads my righteous cause against a cruel and unjust master. Or thus, When thou shall accuse me of doing thee injury, I shall have this manifest and undeniable evidence of my righteousness or innocency, that I have no cattle but of that colour which is by agreement appropriated to me. When it shall come for my hire before thy face. When it, i.e. my righteousness, shall come to, or upon my reward, i.e. when my righteousness shall appear in the very colour of that cattle which is allotted to me for my reward or hire; before thy face, i.e. thou being present and diligently observing whether I have any cattle of another colour. But the Hebrew word tabo is also of the second person, and so the sense seems to be this, When thou shalt come upon my hire or reward, to wit, to observe and see whether I have any other cattle than what belongs to me. And so these words come in by way of parenthesis; and the following words, before my face, are to be joined to the former words, thus, so shall righteousness answer for me in time to come (when thou shalt come upon my hire) before thy face. This I prefer before the other, because the phrase of coming upon his hire seems more properly to agree to a person than to his righteousness.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:33
Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that [is] not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.Ver. 33. So shall my righteousness, &c.] A good conscience fears no judge; no, not God himself, in some particulars. That which Jacob did here was of God. It was also a plain bargain between them, and Laban was handled in his kind. Besides, the means Jacob used was not fraudulent, but natural; not depending on man’ s skill, but God’ s blessing: and all to recover out of the wretch’ s hands that which was but due to him for his hard service, and for his wives’ dowry.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:33
33. my righteousness] i.e. my uprightness, honesty, and straightness of dealing. answer for me] i.e. “testify with regard to me”; or, better, as in 1 Samuel 12:3, 2 Samuel 1:16, “witness against me.” every one that is not] Jacob promises that, when Laban visits his flocks, if he shall find among them any quite black goats or white sheep, he is at liberty to regard them as having been stolen by Jacob. He might at once seize them. The compact was all in Laban’s favour; but neither of the men trusts the other.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:33
33. My righteousness — My uprightness in the whole business. In time to come — Hebrews, in the day of to-morrow; meaning, any and every to-morrow.
Sermons on Genesis 30:33
| 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, |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 12:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the Passover feast and the death of the firstborn. He emphasizes that redemption is achieved through the blood of Jesus a |
|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 13:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. The Israelites were not initially prepared for warfare, so G |
|
All Our Children Belong to the Lord by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the act of dedicating children to the Lord, drawing parallels between Old Testament practices like the dedication of the firstborn and the Passover feast to |
|
The Lord Render to Every Man by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in the Christian walk, using examples from the Bible to illustrate the need for trust in God's plans and the avoidance of jeal |
|
Four Pillars of Walking With God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having knowledge of the truth. He highlights the need to discern between truth and lies and emphasizes that faith is essen |
|
Intercession - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher discusses four important aspects of Jesus' sacrifice. Firstly, Jesus poured out his soul unto death by shedding every drop of his blood, as the scriptu |