Genesis 30:40
Genesis 30:40 in Multiple Translations
Jacob set apart the young, but made the rest face the streaked dark-colored sheep in Laban’s flocks. Then he set his own stock apart and did not put them with Laban’s animals.
And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban’s cattle.
And Jacob separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstreaked and all the black in the flock of Laban: and he put his own droves apart, and put them not unto Laban’s flock.
These lambs Jacob kept separate; and he put his flock in a place by themselves and not with Laban's flock.
Jacob separated all these ones out. Then he made his flock face towards those in Laban's flock that were streaked and dark. This is the way he kept his flocks apart from Laban's flock.
And Iaakob parted these lambes, and turned the faces of the flocke towardes these lambes partie coloured and all maner of blacke, among the sheepe of Laban: so hee put his owne flockes by themselues, and put them not with Labans flocke.
And the lambs hath Jacob parted, and he putteth the face of the flock towards the ring-streaked, also all the brown in the flock of Laban, and he setteth his own droves by themselves, and hath not set them near Laban's flock.
Jacob separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the streaked and all the black in Laban’s flock. He put his own droves apart, and didn’t put them into Laban’s flock.
And Jacob separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks towards the ring-streaked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban: and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not with Laban's cattle.
And Jacob separated the flock, and put the rods in the troughs before the eyes of the rams: and all the white and the black were Laban’s: and the rest were Jacob’s, when the flocks were separated one from the other.
Furthermore, Jacob separated the female sheep in his flock from the other sheep and goats in Laban’s flock. And when his female sheep mated, he made them look toward the animals that belonged to Laban that had black and white stripes on them, and the dark-colored animals. He did that so that the female sheep would give birth to animals that were striped or dark-colored. By doing that, he made bigger flocks for himself, and he kept them separate from Laban’s flocks.
Jacob did another thing with Laban’s animals too. He took the white sheep, and he got those sheep to look at the stripy animals and the black animals. After the babies were born, Jacob split up the animals. He took all the funny coloured animals for himself, just like he agreed with Laban. But all the white sheep and black goats belonged to Laban. And Jacob didn’t mix them together.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:40
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 30:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/כְּשָׂבִים֮
הִפְרִ֣יד
יַעֲקֹב֒
וַ֠/יִּתֵּן
פְּנֵ֨י
הַ/צֹּ֧אן
אֶל
עָקֹ֛ד
וְ/כָל
ח֖וּם
בְּ/צֹ֣אן
לָבָ֑ן
וַ/יָּֽשֶׁת
ל֤/וֹ
עֲדָרִים֙
לְ/בַדּ֔/וֹ
וְ/לֹ֥א
שָׁתָ֖/ם
עַל
צֹ֥אן
לָבָֽן
וְ/הַ/כְּשָׂבִים֮
keseb
H3775
sheep
Conj | Art | N-mp
הִפְרִ֣יד
pârad
H6504
to separate
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
יַעֲקֹב֒
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וַ֠/יִּתֵּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פְּנֵ֨י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הַ/צֹּ֧אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עָקֹ֛ד
ʻâqôd
H6124
striped
Adj
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
ח֖וּם
chûwm
H2345
darkened
Adj
בְּ/צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Prep | N-cs
לָבָ֑ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
וַ/יָּֽשֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֤/וֹ
Prep | Suff
עֲדָרִים֙
ʻêder
H5739
flock
N-mp
לְ/בַדּ֔/וֹ
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
שָׁתָ֖/ם
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
לָבָֽן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:40
וְ/הַ/כְּשָׂבִים֮
keseb
H3775
"sheep"
Conj | Art | 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.
הִפְרִ֣יד
pârad
H6504
"to separate"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.
יַעֲקֹב֒
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.
וַ֠/יִּתֵּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
פְּנֵ֨י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
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.
הַ/צֹּ֧אן
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.
עָקֹ֛ד
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.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | 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.
ח֖וּם
chûwm
H2345
"darkened"
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.
בְּ/צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Prep | 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.
לָבָ֑ן
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.
וַ/יָּֽשֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
ל֤/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
עֲדָרִים֙
ʻêder
H5739
"flock"
N-mp
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flock, herd 1a) flock 1b) herds, flocks and herds
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: drove, flock, herd. See also: Genesis 29:2; Isaiah 17:2; Psalms 78:52.
לְ/בַדּ֔/וֹ
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁתָ֖/ם
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
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.
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.
לָבָֽן
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Genesis 30:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:40
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
Context — Jacob Prospers
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,
39they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted.
40Jacob set apart the young, but made the rest face the streaked dark-colored sheep in Laban’s flocks. Then he set his own stock apart and did not put them with Laban’s animals.
41Whenever the stronger females of the flock were in heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs, in full view of the animals, so that they would breed in front of the branches. 42But if the animals were weak, he did not set out the branches. So the weaker animals went to Laban and the stronger ones to Jacob.Genesis 30:40 Summary
Genesis 30:40 tells us that Jacob took the young sheep and separated them from the rest of the flock. He did this so that they would not breed with Laban's sheep, and he could keep his own stock separate. This shows that Jacob was careful and responsible with the animals in his care, just like we should be good stewards of the resources God gives us (as seen in Matthew 25:14-30). By separating his own stock, Jacob was able to manage his flock's growth and fulfill his agreement with Laban, demonstrating his trust in God's provision and promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob set apart the young sheep in Genesis 30:40?
Jacob set apart the young sheep to ensure they would not breed with Laban's flock, as he wanted to maintain control over his own stock, as seen in Genesis 30:40. This was part of his agreement with Laban, as mentioned in Genesis 29:18 and Genesis 30:31-34.
What does it mean for Jacob to make the rest face the streaked dark-colored sheep?
By making the rest face the streaked dark-colored sheep, Jacob was attempting to influence the breeding of Laban's flock, using the visual stimulation of the peeled branches, as described in Genesis 30:37-39. This clever strategy allowed Jacob to increase his own stock while working for Laban.
Why did Jacob separate his own stock from Laban's animals?
Jacob separated his own stock from Laban's animals to maintain ownership and control, as he had agreed with Laban in Genesis 30:31-34. This separation also allowed Jacob to manage his own flock's breeding and growth, as seen in Genesis 30:40-42.
Is Jacob's action in Genesis 30:40 an example of being a good steward?
Yes, Jacob's action in Genesis 30:40 demonstrates his resourcefulness and diligence as a steward of the flocks entrusted to him, similar to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. By taking initiative and using his knowledge, Jacob was able to increase his own stock and fulfill his responsibilities to Laban.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Jacob's diligence and resourcefulness in managing the flocks, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does Jacob's action in Genesis 30:40 reflect his trust in God's provision and promise, as seen in Genesis 28:13-15?
- In what ways can we, like Jacob, use our skills and knowledge to serve others and honor God, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24?
- What are some areas in our lives where we can separate ourselves from worldly influences, just as Jacob separated his own stock from Laban's animals, and how can we maintain our spiritual integrity, as taught in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:40
And Jacob did separate the lambs,.... The ringstraked, speckled, and spotted; and set the faces of the flocks, that were all white, towards the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:40
And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
Jacob did separate the lambs, such as were ring-straked and brown from the white, as it here follows. He caused the ring-straked and all the brown to go foremost, and the white to follow them, that by the continued beholding of them in the time of their conjunction, they might have their colour more imprinted upon their fancies, and thereby convey it to their young ones. He put them not unto Laban’ s cattle; which he did upon the same reason, lest the constant beholding of them should make them bring forth the like, i.e. single-coloured ones.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
Genesis 30:40 And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban’ s cattle.Ver. 40. And set the faces of the flocks, &c.] That by the sight of the speckled cattle they might bring forth lambs like them that were in their eye.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
(40) Jacob . . . set the faces of the flocks toward . . . —As the speckled lambs and kids would for some time remain with Labau’s flocks, this may perhaps mean that, when driving them to water, Jacob placed all the striped kids and dark lambs together, that, by being in a mass, they might work upon the imagination of the ewes and she-goats. Finally, after these had conceived he drove the parti-coloured young away to his own flocks.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
Verse 40. Jacob did separate the lambs, c.] When Jacob undertook the care of Laban's flock, according to the agreement already mentioned, there were no party-coloured sheep or goats among them, therefore the ring-streaked, &c., mentioned in this verse, must have been born since the agreement was made and Jacob makes use of them precisely as he used the pilled rods, that, having these before their eyes during conception, the impression might be made upon their imagination which would lead to the results already mentioned.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:40
40. set the faces … Laban] This is a very obscure sentence in the original. It probably describes a second device practised by Jacob. At the breeding time he caused the ewes which belonged to Laban to pasture within view of his own parti-coloured and black animals, in order to increase the tendency of Laban’s flock to produce spotted and parti-coloured lambs. The difficulty, however, of the language has made some scholars suppose that the words “and set … of Laban” are a gloss. As they stand, they seem to contradict Genesis 30:33; Genesis 30:36, according to which Laban had already removed to a distance the parti-coloured animals.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:40
40. Separate the lambs — That is, the lambs produced after the separation mentioned in Genesis 30:35. These ringstreaked lambs were, as a second artifice, made like the rods to serve his purpose.