Genesis 30:42

Verse

But 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.

American Standard Version (1901)

but when the flock were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s.

Bible in Basic English

But when the flocks were feeble, he did not put the sticks before them; so that the feebler flocks were Laban's and the stronger were Jacob's.

Douay-Rheims 1899

But when the latter coming was, and the last conceiving, he did not put them. And those that were lateward, became Laban’s: and they of the first time, Jacob’s.

Free Bible Version

He didn't do this for the weaker females. The weaker ones went to Laban, and the strong ones went to Jacob.

Geneva Bible 1599

But when the sheepe were feeble, hee put them not in: and so the feebler were Labans, and the stronger Iaakobs.

King James (Authorized) Version

But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s.

One Unity Resource Bible

but when the flock were feeble, he didn’t put them in. So the more feeble were Laban [White]’s, and the stronger Jacob [Supplanter]’s.

Translation for Translators

But when weak animals were ready to mate, he did not put the branches in their troughs. So the weak ones became part of Laban’s flock, and the strong ones became part of Jacob’s flock.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But when the feebler animals in the flock came, he did not put the sticks in front of them. So the feebler animals were Laban's, and the stronger were Jacob's.

Noah Webster Bible

But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's.

World English Bible

but when the flock were feeble, he didn’t put them in. So the feebler were Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s.

Young's Literal Translation

and when the flock is feeble, he doth not set [them]; and the feeble ones have been Laban's, and the strong ones Jacob's.

Context

Jacob Prospers

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.

Summary

In this verse, we see Jacob's prosperity and blessing from God as he increases his flocks through a clever breeding technique with striped and speckled goats. Despite Laban's attempts to deceive Jacob, God's favor remains with him, fulfilling the promise of prosperity made to Abraham. This passage showcases God's faithfulness in providing for His people and demonstrates that even in challenging circumstances, God's blessings can prevail when we trust in Him.

Commentary

Tyndale

Tyndale Open Study Notes

30:42 Laban now received due recompense for his treatment of Jacob. Laban’s attempt to defraud Jacob resulted in Jacob’s coming out ahead, because God was at work in his life.