Genesis 30:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Laban {H3837} said {H559} unto him, I pray thee, if I have found {H4672} favour {H2580} in thine eyes {H5869}, tarry: for I have learned by experience {H5172} that the LORD {H3068} hath blessed {H1288} me for thy sake {H1558}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Lavan answered him, "If you regard me favorably, then please listen: I have observed the signs that ADONAI has blessed me on account of you.

Berean Standard Bible

But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”

American Standard Version

And Laban said unto him, If now I have found favor in thine eyes, tarry: for I have divined that Jehovah hath blessed me for thy sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 30:27 captures a pivotal moment in the strained relationship between Jacob and Laban, where Laban, having observed remarkable prosperity during Jacob's tenure, acknowledges that the LORD, the God of Jacob, has been the source of his increased wealth. This admission, born more out of pragmatic self-interest than genuine faith, serves as Laban's plea for Jacob to remain, setting the stage for further contentious negotiations over Jacob's wages and his eventual departure from Haran, all while subtly highlighting God's unwavering providence over His covenant servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jacob's declaration of his desire to return to his homeland, Canaan, after completing his [fourteen years of service](/genesis/29-20 "Jacob's Years of Service for Leah and Rachel") for Laban, during which he acquired his two wives, Leah and Rachel, and their maidservants, and fathered eleven sons and one daughter. Laban's response in [Genesis 30:27](/genesis/30-27 "Laban's Plea to Jacob") is a direct reaction to Jacob's expressed intention to leave, revealing Laban's reluctance to part with a servant whose presence has clearly brought him immense material benefit. The subsequent verses detail the complex and often deceptive negotiations over Jacob's wages, leading to the miraculous increase of Jacob's own flocks, orchestrated by divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the relationship between a master and a shepherd, particularly one as skilled as Jacob, was crucial for economic prosperity. Wealth was often measured in livestock, and a thriving flock indicated divine favor. Laban, a shrewd Aramean, operated within a patriarchal society where family ties were strong but could also be exploited, as evidenced by his repeated manipulation of Jacob. His acknowledgment of "the LORD" (Yahweh) is significant, as it suggests an awareness of Jacob's God, even if it doesn't imply conversion or true worship. This period also precedes the full establishment of the Israelite nation, with the patriarchs living as semi-nomadic herders in a land not yet fully their own, relying on divine promises for their future.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 30](/genesis/30 "Genesis 30 - Jacob's Family and Flocks") is rich with themes, including God's **sovereignty and faithfulness** to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Jacob at [Bethel](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel") concerning his descendants and prosperity. The verse also highlights the theme of **divine blessing by association**, where God's favor on His chosen servant spills over to those around them, even the ungodly, as seen later with Joseph and Potiphar in [Genesis 39:5](/genesis/39-5 "God Blessed Potiphar's House for Joseph's Sake"). Furthermore, it underscores the contrast between **pragmatic, self-serving recognition of God's power** (Laban) and **genuine, relational faith** (Jacob, despite his flaws), a distinction that runs throughout the biblical narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Laban (Hebrew, _Lâbân'_):** This refers to Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, a Mesopotamian from Haran. His name, meaning "white," ironically contrasts with his often deceptive and manipulative character throughout the narrative, where he repeatedly changes Jacob's wages and seeks to exploit him. His statement here, though acknowledging God's blessing, is still rooted in his self-interest.
* **favour (Hebrew, _chên'_):** This word denotes graciousness, kindness, or favor. When Laban says, "if I have found favour in thine eyes," he is using a common ancient Near Eastern idiom to express a polite request or plea. It indicates a desire for Jacob's goodwill and willingness to comply, even though Laban has consistently taken advantage of Jacob.
* **learned by experience (Hebrew, _nâchash'_):** This is a critical word, stemming from a primitive root meaning "to hiss," "whisper a magic spell," or "prognosticate." While it can mean "to observe carefully" or "to discern," its stronger connotations include "divination," "enchantment," or "seeking omens." Given Laban's pagan background, his "learning by experience" likely implies more than simple observation; it suggests he used some form of divinatory practice or superstitious discernment to conclude that Jacob's God was the source of his prosperity, rather than arriving at this knowledge through genuine faith or spiritual revelation.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh, the self-Existent or Eternal One. Laban's use of this specific name, rather than a generic term for "god," is highly significant. It indicates his awareness of Jacob's particular deity and the power associated with Him, even if his acknowledgment is purely utilitarian and lacks true devotion.
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This root means "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless." In this context, it signifies that God has bestowed benefits, prosperity, and increase upon Laban. The blessing is tangible and observable, directly linked to Jacob's presence and the LORD's favor upon Jacob.
* **for thy sake (Hebrew, _gâlâl'_):** This adverbial phrase means "on account of" or "because of." It clearly states the causal link Laban perceives: his prosperity is directly attributed to Jacob's presence and, by extension, to the God who blesses Jacob. This highlights the principle of blessing by association.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry:"** Laban initiates the conversation, not with an outright command, but with a plea couched in polite, albeit manipulative, language. His request for Jacob to "tarry" (stay) reveals his vested interest in retaining Jacob's services. The phrase "if I have found favour in thine eyes" is a standard idiom for making a humble request, even when the speaker (Laban) has historically been anything but humble or fair in his dealings.
* **"for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake."** This is the core of Laban's admission. The conjunction "for" explains his plea to Jacob. Laban explicitly states the reason for his desire for Jacob to remain: he has observed a direct, undeniable causal link between Jacob's presence and his own prosperity. He attributes this blessing to "the LORD" (Yahweh), Jacob's God, and crucially, states that this blessing came "for thy sake," meaning because of Jacob. This is a pragmatic, observational acknowledgment of divine influence, not a profession of faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony**, as Laban, who has consistently deceived and exploited Jacob, now appeals to Jacob's "favor" and acknowledges the very God he has implicitly opposed through his actions. His admission of the LORD's blessing "for thy sake" is a form of **Grudging Acknowledgment**, revealing his self-interest rather than genuine reverence. There is also **Foreshadowing**, as this statement sets the stage for the subsequent negotiations and the eventual, divinely orchestrated separation of Jacob's household from Laban's, highlighting God's continued work in Jacob's life despite human obstacles. The phrase "learned by experience" with its potential for **Double Entendre** (simple observation vs. divination) subtly hints at Laban's pagan worldview contrasting with Jacob's monotheistic faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's **sovereignty** in orchestrating circumstances, even through the actions of ungodly individuals like Laban, to fulfill His purposes for Jacob and His covenant people. It underscores the principle of **divine blessing by association**, where God's favor on His chosen servants often extends to those in their sphere of influence, demonstrating His pervasive goodness and power beyond the immediate covenant community. Laban's utilitarian "knowledge" of the LORD, based purely on observed prosperity rather than a relational commitment, highlights the critical distinction between intellectual acknowledgment of God's power and genuine, saving faith. This narrative also serves as a testament to God's unwavering **faithfulness to His covenant promises** to Jacob, ensuring his protection and prosperity even in a hostile and exploitative environment.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Promise to Abram to Be a Blessing")
* [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2-3 "The LORD Was With Joseph in Potiphar's House")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Blessings for Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 30:27 offers a profound lesson for believers today: our very presence, integrity, and the favor of God upon our lives can be a tangible source of blessing to those around us, even in secular or ungodly environments. Just as Laban benefited from Jacob's connection to the LORD, our workplaces, communities, and relationships can experience positive impact because of the divine presence within us. This narrative calls us to live as channels of God's grace, not for our own gain, but as a testimony to His goodness. Furthermore, it encourages us to trust in God's unwavering faithfulness, especially when navigating challenging or unfair circumstances. Even when human actors are self-interested or deceptive, God remains true to His promises, using every situation to refine our character and advance His purposes. We are prompted to examine our own motives in relationships, striving for genuine connection and mutual blessing rather than succumbing to the temptation of self-serving manipulation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my presence or work be a channel of God's blessing to those around me, even if they don't acknowledge God?**
* **How does Laban's "pragmatic" recognition of God's blessing challenge or affirm my understanding of genuine faith?**
* **How can I maintain trust in God's faithfulness when I feel I am in an unfair or exploitative situation, much like Jacob with Laban?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's ability to work through difficult relationships to achieve His purposes?**

### FAQ

**What does "I have learned by experience" imply about Laban's understanding of God?**

Answer: The Hebrew verb `נָחַשׁ` (_nâchash_), translated as "learned by experience," carries a nuanced meaning beyond simple observation. While it can mean "to observe carefully," its root also implies "divination," "enchantment," or "seeking omens." Given Laban's pagan background, this suggests his "learning by experience" was likely not a spiritual revelation or a genuine act of faith, but rather a pragmatic, possibly superstitious, discernment that the God of Jacob was the source of his prosperity. He recognized the power of the LORD because it tangibly benefited him, indicating a utilitarian acknowledgment rather than true worship or devotion to the God of Israel.

**How did the LORD bless Laban "for Jacob's sake"?**

Answer: The LORD blessed Laban "for Jacob's sake" by causing Laban's flocks, wealth, and overall household to dramatically increase during the years Jacob served him. This was a direct manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness to Jacob, ensuring His chosen servant's well-being and prosperity, which incidentally overflowed to benefit Laban's household. This principle, where God's blessing on an individual extends to those connected with them, is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen also with Abraham (who blessed those around him) and Joseph, whose presence brought great prosperity to [Potiphar's house](/genesis/39-5 "God Blessed Potiphar's House for Joseph's Sake") and later to all of Egypt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of blessing extended "for thy sake" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Laban was blessed because of Jacob's presence and the LORD's favor upon him, so too is humanity blessed, not merely temporally but eternally, because of Christ. He is the true and greater Israel, the ultimate Son of Abraham, through whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ secured not just material prosperity, but spiritual riches, eternal life, and reconciliation with God for all who are "in Him" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Believers, united with Christ by faith, become partakers of these immeasurable blessings and are themselves called to be channels of God's grace, truth, and light to a world in desperate need, embodying the aroma of Christ in every sphere of life ([2 Corinthians 2:14-16](/2_corinthians/2-14-16 "2 Corinthians 2:14-16 - The Aroma of Christ")). He is the source of all blessing, and through Him, we are blessed to be a blessing to others ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - The Blessing of Abraham Comes Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ruth 2:13

Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

Acts 7:10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Isaiah 61:9

And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they [are] the seed [which] the LORD hath blessed.

Genesis 26:24

And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I [am] the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I [am] with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

Genesis 12:3

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 39:21

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Genesis 39:23

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper.