Genesis 30:27 kjv

And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favor in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

Genesis 30:27 nkjv

And Laban said to him, "Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the LORD has blessed me for your sake."

Genesis 30:27 niv

But Laban said to him, "If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you."

Genesis 30:27 esv

But Laban said to him, "If I have found favor in your sight, I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.

Genesis 30:27 nlt

"Please listen to me," Laban replied. "I have become wealthy, for the LORD has blessed me because of you.

Genesis 30 verses

Genesis 30 27 Meaning (as heading h2)

Genesis 30:27 describes Laban's request for Jacob to remain in his service, recognizing that the LORD (Yahweh) had abundantly blessed Laban's household and prosperity specifically because of Jacob's presence. Laban expresses this realization through observation and experience, rather than theological understanding. It highlights God's faithful working through Jacob, even amidst human deceit and self-interest.

Genesis 30 27 Cross References (as heading h2)

Genesis 30 27 Context (as heading h2)

Genesis 30:27 occurs during Jacob's second period of service to Laban. After fulfilling his initial 14 years of labor for Rachel and Leah, Jacob desired to return to his own land (Gen 30:25). However, Laban, having significantly benefited from Jacob's diligent work and the evident blessing on his flocks, was reluctant to let him go. Laban proposes a new arrangement, asking Jacob to name his wages. This verse serves as Laban's rationale for wanting Jacob to stay, attributing his wealth directly to Jacob's presence under the blessing of "the LORD." The broader narrative highlights Laban's manipulative and opportunistic nature, his eventual agreement to specific terms for Jacob's wages, and Jacob's cunning methods (guided by God) to build his own wealth, leading to the eventual separation of the two men. This phase marks Jacob's transition from Laban's servant to a wealthy patriarch in his own right.

Genesis 30 27 Word analysis (as heading h2)

• "And Laban said unto him,": Laban initiates the conversation, reflecting his perceived authority and self-interest.

• "I pray thee,": A polite, formal, but potentially manipulative opening. It sets a tone of earnest appeal.

• "if I have found favour in thine eyes,": Hebrew 'im-maṣaʾtî ḥēn bəʿêyneḵā. This is a common formula in the ancient Near East expressing deference or a request for grace. While seemingly humble, in Laban's mouth, it cloaks his shrewd desire to retain Jacob for his own continued profit.

• "tarry:": Hebrew šāvâ, meaning "stay" or "remain." Laban wishes for Jacob to continue working for him, clearly indicating the value Jacob brings.

• "for I have learned by experience": Hebrew kî-naḥaštî. This is the most crucial phrase. The root naḥaš is linked to "serpent" (naḥaš as a noun), and typically means "to practice divination," "to augur," or "to learn by omens/observation." Laban, as an Aramean from Mesopotamia (a hub of pagan practices), uses a word connected to pagan forms of discernment, rather than true revelation or faith in YHWH. He perceives a pattern or connection through his own means of observation or calculation, recognizing cause and effect materially, not spiritually in a covenant sense.

• "that the LORD": Hebrew YHWH (Yahweh). This is the covenant name of God revealed to Israel. Laban, though pagan, acknowledges this specific deity as the source of blessing. His recognition is pragmatic, not necessarily born of conversion. He identifies the power working through Jacob by Jacob's God, illustrating that God's blessings can be so evident they are perceived even by unbelievers. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over all.

• "hath blessed me": Hebrew bēraḵ, meaning "to bless." The blessing is material and visible: an increase in flocks and wealth for Laban.

• "for thy sake.": Hebrew baʿăbûreḵā. Directly attributes the blessing to Jacob's presence and efforts. This is a profound echo of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:3), where Abraham and his descendants are to be a blessing to others. God’s promise is evidently active through Jacob, even benefitting those who are self-serving.

• "Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry": Laban uses polite, conventional language to secure Jacob's continued labor, reflecting his self-interest rather than genuine benevolence.

• "for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake": This clause provides Laban's true motivation. His "learning by experience" (using the word for divination/omen) signifies a pragmatic, non-spiritual observation of cause and effect, where he identifies YHWH as the effective agent behind his prosperity because of Jacob. It implicitly contrasts his pagan background with the tangible reality of the God of Abraham.

Genesis 30 27 Commentary (as heading h2)

Genesis 30:27 encapsulates the tension and dynamic between Jacob and Laban, while prominently displaying the active hand of God. Laban, despite his devious character, cannot deny the overwhelming material prosperity he has experienced since Jacob's arrival. His declaration, "I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake," is a stark admission of God's tangible intervention. The key phrase, "I have learned by experience" (kî-naḥaštî), is particularly telling. It carries the connotation of divination or discerning omens. This implies Laban didn't come to this conclusion through faith or direct revelation from YHWH, but rather through pagan observation or by noticing consistent, unexplainable prosperity—a superstitious form of "connecting the dots." He acknowledged the specific God of Jacob (YHWH), not out of worship, but because he perceived YHWH to be a potent, blessing-giving deity whose power flowed through Jacob. This confirms that God's covenant blessing extended beyond Jacob personally, bringing benefit to those around him, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that Jacob would be a blessing to others (Gen 12:3). Laban's acknowledgement, however pragmatic and even pagan-influenced, testifies to God's powerful providence that works even through unrighteous individuals and circumstances to advance His plan. This verse underscores God's ability to bless His chosen even amidst hostile environments and through the self-interest of others.

Genesis 30 27 Bonus section (as heading h2)

• Indirect Polemic: Laban's choice of naḥaš for "learned by experience" subtly sets up a contrast between pagan discernment (like divination) and true divine revelation known by the Israelites. Laban relies on omens for his conviction, whereas Jacob often receives direct communication and guidance from God. This highlights the superior knowledge and truth offered by YHWH.
• Utilitarian View of God: Laban's statement suggests he views YHWH primarily as a source of material wealth, not as a relational covenant God who demands worship or ethical living. His "faith" is entirely transactional and based on visible results.
• God's Sovereignty Over Ungodly: This verse showcases God's sovereignty and faithfulness even when His chosen one is among the ungodly. The blessing of YHWH extends even to the dishonest Laban for Jacob's sake, demonstrating that God's plan and blessing are not dependent on the piety of everyone involved, but on His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
• Precursor to Joseph: This scenario with Jacob and Laban perfectly foreshadows Joseph's later experience where Potiphar and then the prison warden also witness significant blessing and prosperity because of Joseph's presence, attributed to the LORD (Gen 39:2-5, 23). This reiterates a key biblical theme: God blesses those connected to His faithful servants.