Genesis 30:36
Genesis 30:36 in Multiple Translations
Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks.
And he set three days’ journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.
and he set three days’ journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.
And sent them three days' journey away: and Jacob took care of the rest of Laban's flock.
a three day journey between them and Jacob, while Jacob was looking after the rest of Laban's flocks.
And hee set three dayes iourney betweene himselfe and Iaakob. And Iaakob kept the rest of Labans sheepe.
and setteth a journey of three days between himself and Jacob; and Jacob is feeding the rest of the flock of Laban.
He set three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.
And he set three days' journey between himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
And he set the space of three days’ journey betwixt himself and his son in law, who fed the rest of his flock.
Then he took these flocks and walked a distance of three days, in order that he could be that far from Jacob. Jacob continued to take care of the rest of Laban’s flocks.
So his sons walked with those sheep and goats for 3 days, and then they stopped and camped. But Jacob stayed at Laban’s camp, and he looked after Laban’s other sheep and goats. All those sheep were white, and all those goats were black, and they belonged to Laban, just like he agreed with Jacob. So Jacob didn’t have any sheep or goats for himself.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:36
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 30:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֗שֶׂם
דֶּ֚רֶךְ
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
יָמִ֔ים
בֵּינ֖/וֹ
וּ/בֵ֣ין
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
וְ/יַעֲקֹ֗ב
רֹעֶ֛ה
אֶת
צֹ֥אן
לָבָ֖ן
הַ/נּוֹתָרֹֽת
וַ/יָּ֗שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דֶּ֚רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
יָמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
בֵּינ֖/וֹ
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וְ/יַעֲקֹ֗ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
Conj | N-proper
רֹעֶ֛ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
לָבָ֖ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
הַ/נּוֹתָרֹֽת
yâthar
H3498
to remain
Art | V-Niphal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:36
וַ/יָּ֗שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
דֶּ֚רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
יָמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
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.
בֵּינ֖/וֹ
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וְ/יַעֲקֹ֗ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
Conj | N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
רֹעֶ֛ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
אֶת
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.
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
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.
הַ/נּוֹתָרֹֽת
yâthar
H3498
"to remain"
Art | V-Niphal
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:36
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Genesis 30:36 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:36
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:36
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:36
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:36
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:36
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:36
Context — Jacob Prospers
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.
37Jacob, however, took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches. 38Then he set the peeled branches in the watering troughs in front of the flocks coming in to drink. So when the flocks were in heat and came to drink,Genesis 30:36 Summary
[Genesis 30:36 tells us that Laban put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, which means he created a significant distance between them. This was likely because Laban wanted to maintain control over his flocks and separate himself from Jacob. As we reflect on this verse, we can see that it reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, just like Jacob did, and to wait patiently for His timing, as seen in Psalm 37:7. By doing so, we can learn to let go of our need for control and instead, trust in God's plan for our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Laban put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob?
Laban likely did this to create distance and separation between himself and Jacob, possibly due to their recent agreement and Laban's desire to maintain control over his flocks, as seen in Genesis 30:35 where he removed the streaked or spotted goats and placed them under the care of his sons.
What was Jacob's role in shepherding the rest of Laban's flocks?
According to Genesis 30:36, Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban's flocks, indicating that he was still responsible for their care, even after Laban had removed some of the animals, similar to his role in Genesis 29:20 where he worked for Laban to marry Rachel.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 30?
This verse is a turning point in the story, as it sets the stage for Jacob's clever plan to increase his own flocks, as seen in Genesis 30:37-38 where he uses peeled branches to influence the coloring of the lambs, and ultimately, it contributes to the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob in Genesis 28:15.
What can we learn from Laban's actions in this verse?
Laban's actions demonstrate his cunning and desire for control, but they also highlight the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:7, which reminds us to 'be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to create distance or separation between myself and others, and what motivations drive these actions?
- How can I, like Jacob, trust in God's provision and care, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to wait patiently for God's timing and trust in His sovereignty, rather than trying to take control or manipulate outcomes?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 30:36, to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:36
And he set three days' journey between himself and Jacob,.... Not three days' journey for a man, but for cattle; this distance there was between the place where Laban and his sons kept the spotted,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:36
And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. He set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:36
Three days’ journey; understand it of the journeying or travelling of sheep, not of men. He did this lest either Jacob should mingle and exchange the sheep, or the sheep, by the contemplation of the diverse coloured ones, should bring forth others like to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:36
Genesis 30:36 And he set three days’ journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’ s flocks. Ver. 36. And he set three days’ journey.] Hoping so to disappoint Jacob of having anything, and to make his own party good with him. For, naturally, the cattle would bring forth others like themselves; and so Jacob’ s part should be little enough. Sed et hic fallitur sordidus impostor , saith Pareus. Laban was utterly out in his count, and crossed in his design.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:36
(36) He set three days’ journey betwixt himself and Jacob.—This means that Laban required that there should be an interval of between thirty and forty miles between “himself,” that is, his flocks, and those of Jacob. His wealth in sheep and goats must have been enormous to require so large a separate feeding-ground; and this we learn from Genesis 30:30 had been the result of Jacob’s care. The words “and Jacob fed,” &c., are added to correct the natural supposition that he would at least give some part of his time and care to his own flocks, whereas it was his personal duty to attend only to those of Laban. The verse, nevertheless, is awkward, and the Syriac has probably preserved the right-reading: “And he set three days’ journey between himself and Laban: and Jacob fed the flock of Laban that was left.” The Samaritan and LXX. read, “between them and Jacob.”
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:36
36. three days’ journey] In order to prevent the least possibility of confusion or of intermingling, Laban separates his sons’ flocks by a great distance from those which Jacob is to tend.