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Genesis 30:39

Genesis 30:39 in Multiple Translations

they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted.

And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.

And the flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth ringstreaked, speckled, and spotted.

And because of this, the flock gave birth to young which were marked with bands of colour.

The flocks mated in front of the sticks and gave birth to young that were streaked, speckled, and spotted.

And the sheepe were in heate before the rods, and afterward brought forth yong of partie colour, and with small and great spots.

and the flocks conceive at the rods, and the flock beareth ring-streaked, speckled, and spotted ones.

The flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks produced streaked, speckled, and spotted.

And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ring-streaked, speckled, and spotted.

And it came to pass that in the very heat of coition, the sheep beheld the rods, and brought forth spotted, and of divers colours, and speckled.

The animals also mated in front of the branches, and eventually they gave birth to animals that were speckled, or to animals that were spotted, or to animals that had black and white stripes on them.

So whenever the males and females did that, those spotty branches were there in front of them. Later on, when their baby animals were born, they had spots and stripes on their wool.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:39

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 30:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֶּחֱמ֥וּ הַ/צֹּ֖אן אֶל הַ/מַּקְל֑וֹת וַ/תֵּלַ֣דְןָ הַ/צֹּ֔אן עֲקֻדִּ֥ים נְקֻדִּ֖ים וּ/טְלֻאִֽים
וַ/יֶּחֱמ֥וּ yâcham H3179 to conceive Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/צֹּ֖אן tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) Art | N-cs
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/מַּקְל֑וֹת maqqêl H4731 rod Art | N-mp
וַ/תֵּלַ֣דְןָ yâlad H3205 to beget Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הַ/צֹּ֔אן tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) Art | N-cs
עֲקֻדִּ֥ים ʻâqôd H6124 striped Adj
נְקֻדִּ֖ים nâqôd H5348 speckled Adj
וּ/טְלֻאִֽים ṭâlâʼ H2921 to spot Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
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 30:39

וַ/יֶּחֱמ֥וּ yâcham H3179 "to conceive" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to conceive or become hot, often used to describe animals mating or people feeling angry. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the natural world and human emotions. This word is also used to describe God's anger.
Definition: 1) to be hot, conceive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hot, become hot 1a2) to mate (of animals) 1a3) to be or become hot (fig. of anger) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to conceive (sexually) 1b2) to be in heat (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: get heat, be hot, conceive, be warm. See also: Genesis 30:38; Deuteronomy 19:6; Psalms 51:7.
הַ/צֹּ֖אן tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" Art | 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.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
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.
הַ/מַּקְל֑וֹת maqqêl H4731 "rod" Art | N-mp
A rod or staff, like a walking stick, is used for support or guidance in the Bible, as seen in Exodus with Moses' staff. It can also be a symbol of authority. The word appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) rod, staff 1a) rod, stick 1b) staff (in travel) 1c) wand (of diviner)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: rod, (hand-)staff. See also: Genesis 30:37; 1 Samuel 17:43; Jeremiah 1:11.
וַ/תֵּלַ֣דְןָ yâlad H3205 "to beget" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
הַ/צֹּ֔אן tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" Art | 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.
עֲקֻדִּ֥ים ʻâqôd H6124 "striped" Adj
Something that is striped has marks or bands on it, like a streaked or striped animal, often used in the Bible to describe physical characteristics. This concept is seen in the book of Genesis, describing the appearance of certain animals. It can also be used to describe patterns or designs.
Definition: streaked, striped
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: ring straked. See also: Genesis 30:35; Genesis 31:8; Genesis 31:12.
נְקֻדִּ֖ים 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.
וּ/טְלֻאִֽים 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.

Study Notes — Genesis 30:39

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 12:35–36 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.
2 Genesis 31:9–12 Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me. When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females. In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ And I replied, ‘Here I am.’ ‘Look up,’ he said, ‘and see that all the males that are mating with the flock are streaked, spotted, or speckled; for I have seen all that Laban has done to you.
3 Genesis 31:40 As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.
4 Genesis 31:42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”
5 Genesis 31:38 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.

Genesis 30:39 Summary

[Genesis 30:39 shows how Jacob used a clever technique to increase his share of the flock, but it also demonstrates God's sovereignty and intervention in the natural world. The verse tells us that the flocks 'mated in front of the branches' and 'bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted.' This event is a reminder that God is always at work, even in the smallest details, as seen in Psalm 104:14-23. By trusting in God's plan, just like Jacob, we can experience His providence and guidance in our lives (Genesis 28:13-15, Proverbs 3:5-6).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the branches in Genesis 30:39?

The branches, which were peeled to expose the white inner wood, seemed to have played a role in the mating process of the flocks, resulting in streaked, speckled, or spotted young, as seen in Genesis 30:39. This can be seen as a clever technique by Jacob, possibly influenced by God, to increase his share of the flock (Genesis 30:37-38).

Is Genesis 30:39 suggesting that the physical appearance of the offspring is determined by the environment?

While the verse may seem to imply a connection between the environment and the physical appearance of the offspring, it is essential to consider the broader context of God's sovereignty and intervention in the natural world, as seen in Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 104:14-23.

How does this verse relate to the theme of God's providence in the book of Genesis?

Genesis 30:39 illustrates God's providence in the life of Jacob, as He guides the events to fulfill His promises, such as those found in Genesis 28:13-15. This theme is woven throughout the book of Genesis, demonstrating God's involvement in the lives of His people.

What can we learn from Jacob's actions in Genesis 30:39 about trusting in God's plan?

Jacob's actions, although clever, also demonstrate his trust in God's plan to prosper him, as seen in Genesis 28:13-15 and Genesis 31:3. This serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when faced with challenging circumstances (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I trust in God's plan when faced with uncertainty, just like Jacob in Genesis 30:39?
  2. What are some ways I can apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty in my own life, as seen in Genesis 30:39?
  3. In what ways can I recognize and acknowledge God's providence in my life, just as Jacob experienced in Genesis 30:39?
  4. How can I balance my actions and decisions with trust in God's plan, as illustrated in Genesis 30:39?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:39

And the flocks conceived before the rods,.... At them, and in sight of them; which had such influence upon them through thee force of imagination, and a divine power and providence so directing and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:39

And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted. And the flocks conceived - literally, were in heat.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:39

The flocks conceived; Heb. were heated, i.e. inflamed or excited, and disposed to conceive, and this in a more than ordinary manner by the Divine disposal. The event hath some foundation in nature, because of the great power of imagination; and there are divers instances in many authors, both of women and of beasts, who either by the strong fancying, or by the actual and frequent contemplation, of some certain objects, have brought forth young ones exactly of the same colour and complexion, as one did an Ethiopian, &c. But the providence of God was the principal cause of this effect, without which the productions of that kind would neither have been so many nor so certain. This policy of Jacob’ s could scarcely be excused from deceit and injustice, if it were not manifest that it was done by the direction and authority of the sovereign Lord of all estates, ,11, &c., who may take them from one, and give them to another, as it pleaseth him; who also observed Laban’ s injustice, and gave to Jacob no more than he abundantly deserved from Laban.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:39

Genesis 30:39 And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.Ver. 39. Ring-straked.] With a round streak, or ring, about their legs, as if they were gartered.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:39

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 30:39

SermonDescription
Stephen Kaung Redemption: Grace and Love by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meeting God's needs through love and grace. He uses the example of the Israelites building the Tabernacle to illustrate th
G.W. North The Reluctant God - Part 3 by G.W. North In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his initial reluctance to answer God's call. Despite Moses' objections, God became angry with him and Moses ultimatel
E.A. Adeboye Blessed for a Purpose by E.A. Adeboye E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's purpose in the blessings He bestows upon His children, highlighting that these blessings are not just for personal benef
David Wilkerson A Pastor’s Response to "An Urgent Warning" by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the role of a pastor in responding to prophetic warnings about impending dangers. He reassures his congregation of God's sovereignty and control over all
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 31:42-49 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contract made between Jacob and Laban. Laban claims ownership of everything, including Jacob's wives and children. Jacob, however, assert
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi

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