Genesis 30:39 kjv

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

Genesis 30:39 nkjv

So the flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted.

Genesis 30:39 niv

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

Genesis 30:39 esv

the flocks bred in front of the sticks and so the flocks brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted.

Genesis 30:39 nlt

And when they mated in front of the white-streaked branches, they gave birth to young that were streaked, speckled, and spotted.

Genesis 30 verses

Genesis 30 39 Meaning

Genesis 30:39 describes the outcome of Jacob's breeding strategy for Laban's flocks. It states that the ewes conceived while observing the peeled rods, resulting in the birth of offspring that were streaked, speckled, and spotted, which were the desired characteristics for Jacob's wages. This outcome is presented as a direct result of the flocks mating in front of the variegated rods, implying a connection between what the animals saw and the appearance of their offspring.

Genesis 30 39 Context

Genesis chapter 30 concludes the long and often tense interactions between Jacob and Laban. Following Jacob's 14 years of service for Rachel and Leah, he expresses a desire to establish his own household and livelihood. Laban, recognizing Jacob's blessing on his flocks, seeks to retain him. They enter into a new agreement where Jacob's wages will be the uniquely colored offspring (streaked, speckled, and spotted) that are distinct from Laban's standard black and solid-colored sheep and goats. Jacob devises an unconventional breeding method, involving peeled rods placed near the watering troughs during conception. This particular verse, Genesis 30:39, describes the success of this strategy, highlighting that the outcome directly correlated with Jacob's visual manipulation. This success, however, is later revealed in Gen 31:10-12 not as a purely natural or magical phenomenon due to the rods, but as a result of divine intervention, demonstrating God's faithful hand in blessing Jacob despite Laban's repeated deceptions. The entire narrative showcases God's covenant loyalty to Jacob, fulfilling His promise to prosper him.

Genesis 30 39 Word analysis

• And the flocks (וְהַצֹּאן - və-hatz·tzōn): "Flocks" refers to both sheep and goats, which Jacob was tending (cf. Gen 30:32-33). The article "the" indicates the specific animals in Laban's care.
• conceived (חֻמּוּ - ḥummū): This is a Hophal stem of the verb ḥamam (חמם), meaning "to become hot," "to conceive," or "to become warm during sexual arousal." The Hophal indicates a passive, "they were made hot" or "they conceived." It highlights the intensity of the breeding period.
• before (אֶל-הַמַּקְלוֹת - el-ham·maq·lōwt): Literally "to" or "towards the rods." This implies they conceived in the presence of or facing the rods. The visual element is key to Jacob's strategy.
• the rods (הַמַּקְלוֹת - ham·maq·lōwt): Refers to the fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees that Jacob peeled in strips, exposing the white wood (Gen 30:37). These were placed in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink and mate.
• and brought forth (וַתֵּלַדְנָה - wat·tê·lad·nāh): The verb "to bear" or "to bring forth" (from yalad, ילד). This signifies the act of giving birth, producing offspring.
• lambs (צֹאן - tzōwn): While often translated "lambs" or "young," the word here is simply tzōn, the same word as "flocks," but often implying offspring in context, referring to the young born.
• streaked (עֻקָּדִים - 'uq·qā·ḏîm): From 'aqad (עקד), meaning "to bind" or "tie." In this context, it refers to animals with striped or banded markings, like rings around the legs.
• speckled (נְקֻדִּים - nə·qud·dîm): From naqad (נקד), meaning "spotted." Refers to animals with dots or spots.
• and spotted (וּטְלֻאִים - uṭ·lə·'u·'îm): From ṭālā' (טלא), meaning "to patch" or "to patch with variegated colors." Refers to animals with irregular patches of different colors. These three terms describe the specific desired color patterns that Jacob set as his wages.

Words-group analysis:

• "And the flocks conceived before the rods": This phrase sets up the "cause and effect" observed by Jacob. The assumption was that the visual stimulus during conception influenced the genetic outcome, a concept of sympathetic magic or pre-natal impression prevalent in ancient cultures.
• "and brought forth lambs streaked, speckled, and spotted": This specifies the exact outcome, confirming the "success" of Jacob's method and the birth of offspring matching the distinct criteria for his wages. The specific Hebrew terms underscore the precision of these unique markings.
• "streaked, speckled, and spotted": These three terms collectively define the characteristic markings that would identify the animals as Jacob's share. They are presented as distinct from Laban's common solid-colored flocks. The repeated mention of these specific patterns emphasizes their importance to the contractual agreement and the narrative's central point regarding Jacob's wealth accumulation.

Genesis 30 39 Bonus section

While Jacob's rod-peeling method might appear superstitious from a modern scientific perspective, it underscores a deeper spiritual truth. The narrative's emphasis is not on the validity of sympathetic magic, but on the sovereignty of God. In a culture heavily influenced by pagan fertility cults and notions of controlling nature through rituals, this account subtly champions the one true God who genuinely controls and blesses creation. Jacob, despite his own history of craftiness, ultimately experienced divine intervention. This story stands as a testament to God's commitment to His covenant with Jacob, ensuring his prosperity and proving Himself faithful amidst human deceit and struggle. It reminds us that God's power is not bound by our understanding of natural laws; He is capable of intervening in unexpected ways to fulfill His purposes and to right wrongs.

Genesis 30 39 Commentary

Genesis 30:39 is a pivotal verse, encapsulating the supposed effectiveness of Jacob's unusual breeding strategy, yet simultaneously pointing towards a deeper divine reality. Jacob's method of using peeled rods reflects ancient beliefs in "sympathetic magic" or "maternal impression," where visual stimuli during mating or pregnancy were thought to influence the physical traits of offspring. While this is not how genetics scientifically operates, the Bible records that the outcome was exactly as Jacob had arranged, defying natural odds. This outcome is not presented as a natural scientific marvel but as a divinely orchestrated miracle. The key theological interpretation comes from Genesis 31:10-12, where God reveals to Jacob in a dream that He had already observed Laban's deceit and Himself caused the flocks to bear streaked, speckled, and spotted offspring.

Therefore, Jacob's rod-peeling technique was likely more a manifestation of his faith (or perhaps initial cunning and later, trust in God as he saw results) rather than the actual cause of the genetic changes. God used Jacob's human effort and seemingly unorthodox approach as the visible channel through which He executed His divine plan to bless Jacob and restore what Laban had unjustly withheld. This highlights God's sovereignty over creation, His faithfulness to His covenant promises (to prosper Jacob), and His justice in confronting Laban's exploitation. It serves as a powerful biblical example that God often works through or around human plans, even imperfect ones, to accomplish His will and demonstrate His protective care for His people. It teaches that prosperity ultimately comes from the LORD, not from human ingenuity alone, though He may bless our diligence.