Genesis 30:34

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Lavan replied, "As you have said, so be it."

Berean Standard Bible:

“Agreed,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.”

American Standard Version:

And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Laban^{H3837} said^{H559}, Behold, I would it might be^{H3863} according to thy word^{H1697}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 30:34

Genesis 30:34 is part of the narrative involving Jacob, his uncle Laban, and their agreement regarding Jacob's wages and the breeding of Laban's flock. The broader context is the story of Jacob's time in Haran, where he worked for his uncle Laban after fleeing from his brother Esau's anger.

**Themes:**
1. **Divine Providence and Blessing:** Jacob's success in breeding Laban's flock to increase his own wealth is often seen as a result of God's favor towards him, reflecting the theme of divine providence that runs throughout the patriarchal narratives.
2. **Cleverness and Negotiation:** The verse reflects the cleverness and negotiation skills of Jacob, who proposed a deal to Laban that would allow him to take only the streaked, speckled, and spotted goats and the dark-colored sheep as his wages. This was a shrewd proposal, as such animals were fewer in number, yet Jacob managed to increase his flock significantly through selective breeding methods.
3. **Family Dynamics and Tension:** The relationship between Laban and Jacob is complex, involving elements of trust, exploitation, and mutual benefit. This verse highlights a moment of agreement, but the overall narrative shows the tensions and deceptions that can arise within family relationships, especially when it comes to matters of wealth and inheritance.

**Historical Context:**
The events described in Genesis 30 are set in the early 2nd millennium BCE, during the patriarchal age, according to biblical chronology. This period is characterized by nomadic lifestyles, with wealth being measured in livestock. The narrative reflects ancient Near Eastern practices of herding and breeding, as well as the social customs of negotiating marriages and wages. The story also illustrates the importance of oral agreements and the potential for conflict when such agreements are open to interpretation or manipulation.

In summary, Genesis 30:34 is part of a larger narrative that showcases themes of divine providence, human cleverness, and complex family relationships, set against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern pastoral life and customs.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3837
   There are 47 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָבָן
   Transliteration: Lâbân
   Pronunciation: law-bawn'
   Description: the same as לָבָן; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert; Laban.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3863
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לוּא
   Transliteration: lûwʼ
   Pronunciation: loo
   Description: or לֻא; or לוּ; a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!; if (haply), peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God (that).
   
4. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.