Genesis 30:34
Genesis 30:34 in Multiple Translations
“Agreed,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.”
And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word.
And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word.
And Laban said, Let it be as you say.
“Very good,” Laban agreed. “We'll do as you say.”
Then Laban sayde, Goe to, woulde God it might be according to thy saying.
And Laban saith, 'Lo, O that it were according to thy word;'
Laban said, “Behold, let it be according to your word.”
And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word.
And Laban said: I like well what thou demandest.
Laban agreed and said, “Okay, we will do as you have said.”
Then Laban said, “All right, I agree. You can take all the funny coloured sheep and goats, and they will belong to you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:34
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 30:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
לָבָ֖ן
הֵ֑ן
ל֖וּ
יְהִ֥י
כִ/דְבָרֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָבָ֖ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
הֵ֑ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
ל֖וּ
lûwʼ
H3863
if
Conj
יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כִ/דְבָרֶֽ/ךָ
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:34
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
לָבָ֖ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
הֵ֑ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
ל֖וּ
lûwʼ
H3863
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word means if or wish, used in phrases like if only or would that, expressing a desire or unlikely condition, as seen in Jeremiah and Daniel.
Definition: 1) if, oh that!, if only! 1a) if (unlikely condition) 1b) if only!, oh that!, would that!
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: if (haply), peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God (that). See also: Genesis 17:18; 1 Samuel 14:30; Psalms 81:14.
יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
כִ/דְבָרֶֽ/ךָ
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 30:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:34
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:34
- Sermons on Genesis 30:34
Context — Jacob Prospers
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. 36Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 7:7 | I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. |
| 2 | Numbers 22:29 | Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!” |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 14:5 | I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. |
| 4 | Galatians 5:12 | As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves! |
Genesis 30:34 Summary
In Genesis 30:34, Laban agrees to Jacob's proposal to separate the speckled or spotted sheep and goats from the rest of the flock as his wages. This agreement is part of a larger story of Jacob and Laban's complex relationship, marked by deception and a struggle for power and control. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn about the importance of honesty and integrity, as seen in Jacob's proposal (Genesis 30:32-33), and trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in difficult circumstances (Genesis 28:13-15). By studying this verse, we can gain insight into how to navigate our own relationships and challenges with faith and integrity, and trust in God's plan for our lives, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Laban's agreement with Jacob in Genesis 30:34?
Laban agrees to Jacob's proposal to separate the speckled or spotted sheep and goats from the rest of the flock as his wages, as outlined in Genesis 30:32-33, with the understanding that Jacob's honesty will be evident in the future when Laban checks on his wages, as stated in Genesis 30:33.
Why does Laban agree to Jacob's terms in Genesis 30:34?
Laban agrees to Jacob's terms, as seen in Genesis 30:34, likely because he believes it is a favorable deal for himself, similar to his previous actions in Genesis 29:15-30 where he deceived Jacob into marrying Leah instead of Rachel.
What does Laban's response reveal about his character in Genesis 30:34?
Laban's response, 'Let it be as you have said,' in Genesis 30:34, shows that he is willing to agree to Jacob's terms, but his subsequent actions in Genesis 30:35-36, where he removes the speckled or spotted goats and lambs and puts them under the care of his sons, reveal his cunning and desire to maintain control over his flocks, similar to his actions in Genesis 31:1-16 where he pursues Jacob after he leaves with his family and flocks.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Jacob and Laban in the book of Genesis?
This verse, Genesis 30:34, is part of the ongoing narrative of Jacob and Laban's complex relationship, which is marked by deception, cunning, and a struggle for power and control, as seen in Genesis 29-31, and ultimately reflects the sovereign plan of God, as stated in Genesis 28:13-15 and Genesis 31:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can apply the principle of honesty and integrity, as seen in Jacob's proposal in Genesis 30:32-33, to my own life and relationships?
- How can I, like Jacob, trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances, as reflected in Genesis 28:13-15 and Genesis 30:34?
- What are some potential pitfalls or dangers of seeking to manipulate or control others, as Laban does in Genesis 30:35-36, and how can I avoid these in my own relationships?
- In what ways can I, like Jacob, persevere and remain faithful in the face of adversity or opposition, as seen in Genesis 30:25-43 and Genesis 31:1-55?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:34
And Laban said,.... Being well pleased with the proposal Jacob made, as knowing that, generally speaking, cattle of a colour produced those that were of the same; and whereas Jacob proposed to have a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:34
And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:34
Laban trusted to the course of nature, whereby cattle usually bring forth their young of their own colour; and Jacob relied upon the providence of an Almighty God, and his gracious Father.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:34
Genesis 30:34 And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word.Ver. 34. Behold, I would it might be.] He was glad to have him on the hip for a bad bargain, but is fairly deceived himself. God will see to his servants, that they shall not lose all: though the world think it neither sin nor pity to defraud them of their due.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:34
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 30:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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First Step for Young People (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's forgiveness, assurance of salvation, and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It shares personal testimonies of overcoming trials, |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the importance of understanding and applying the teachings from 1 Corinthians, emphasizing the need to overcome temptations, maintain purity in relationship |
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Die Feinde Des Evangeliums Sollen Abgeschnitten Werden (German) by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, a young man shares his personal testimony of being freed from prison and his desire for forgiveness from his father. He believes that if he sees white bags hanging |
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Of Church Discipline. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that church discipline is rooted in divine authority rather than human laws, asserting that Christ is the sole head and lawgiver of the church. He clarifies th |
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Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 5.-- Thursday--(Continued) by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches on the importance of Church discipline, emphasizing the authority given by Jesus Christ to His ministers to judge and discipline according to His Word. Excommu |