Genesis 30:30

KJV

For [it was] little which thou hadst before I [came], and it is [now] increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?

KJV (with Strong's)

For it was little {H4592} which thou hadst before I {H6440} came, and it is now increased {H6555} unto a multitude {H7230}; and the LORD {H3068} hath blessed {H1288} thee since my coming {H7272}: and now when {H4970} shall I provide {H6213} for mine own house {H1004} also?

Complete Jewish Bible

The few you had before I came have increased substantially; ADONAI has blessed you wherever I went. But now, when will I provide for my own household?"

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, you had very little before my arrival, but now your wealth has increased many times over. The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot. But now, when may I also provide for my own household?”

American Standard Version

For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it hath increased unto a multitude; and Jehovah hath blessed thee whithersoever I turned: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 30:30 captures Jacob's pivotal negotiation with Laban, asserting that Laban's prosperity dramatically increased due to the Lord's blessing channeled through Jacob's diligent labor over fourteen years. This declaration serves as Jacob's compelling argument for fair compensation, enabling him to establish and provide for his own burgeoning household, highlighting his deep sense of familial responsibility and his recognition of divine providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a crucial juncture in Jacob's life, following his fourteen years of arduous service to Laban for Leah and Rachel. Having fulfilled his marital obligations, Jacob now desires to return to his homeland, Canaan, and secure his own economic independence and the future of his rapidly expanding family (Genesis 29-30). The immediate preceding verses detail the birth of Jacob's children, emphasizing the growth of his household, which naturally leads to his pressing concern for their provision. This verse initiates a new phase of negotiation with Laban, setting the stage for Jacob's ingenious strategy to build his own flocks and ultimately depart from Laban's manipulative influence, culminating in the dramatic events of [Jacob's flight from Laban](/genesis/31 "Genesis 31 - Jacob Flees Laban").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a son-in-law often served his father-in-law for a period, especially if he lacked a bride-price. Jacob's fourteen years of service were an extended form of this custom, exacerbated by Laban's deceit. The accumulation of wealth, particularly livestock, was the primary measure of prosperity and social standing. The concept of "blessing" was deeply embedded in the culture, often understood as tangible increase and favor from the divine. Furthermore, the patriarchal responsibility to provide for one's "house" (family, dependents, and property) was paramount, reflecting a man's honor and capability. Jacob's desire to establish his own independent household aligns perfectly with the societal expectations and economic realities of the time.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 30:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God actively blesses even those who are not directly in covenant with Him (Laban), through the presence of His chosen servant, Jacob. It underscores the theme of **Familial Responsibility**, as Jacob prioritizes the well-being and future of his own wives and children, a recurring motif in the patriarchal narratives. The verse also highlights the ongoing **Struggle and Deception** between Jacob and Laban, setting the stage for Jacob's shrewd and divinely guided counter-strategy to gain his own wealth. This narrative arc ultimately emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amidst human deceit and struggle, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's covenant with Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **little (Hebrew, _mᵉʻaṭ'_):** This word (H4592) denotes a small quantity or fewness, often used adverbially to mean "very little" or "scarcely any." In this context, Jacob uses it to describe Laban's meager possessions before his arrival, highlighting the stark contrast with Laban's current abundance. It underscores Jacob's claim that his presence directly correlated with Laban's economic transformation from scarcity to plenty.
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** The verb (H1288) signifies to kneel, and by implication, to confer benefit or prosperity. When God is the subject, as here with "the LORD hath blessed thee," it means to bestow divine favor, increase, and well-being. Jacob explicitly attributes Laban's dramatic increase not to his own skill or Laban's cunning, but to the direct, active blessing of YHWH, the covenant God, through Jacob's presence and labor.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term (H1004) is rich in meaning, referring not only to a physical dwelling but also, and primarily in this context, to one's family, household, and descendants. Jacob's concern is for the provision and establishment of his entire lineage and future, emphasizing his patriarchal duty to secure the well-being and inheritance of his wives and eleven children.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [it was] little which thou hadst before I [came],"**: Jacob begins by stating an undeniable truth that serves as the foundation for his argument. He reminds Laban of his humble beginnings, implying that Laban's wealth was minimal prior to Jacob's arrival. This sets up a powerful contrast and establishes Jacob's value to Laban's enterprise.
* **"and it is [now] increased unto a multitude;"**: This clause highlights the dramatic and undeniable growth of Laban's flocks and possessions. The increase is described as reaching a "multitude," signifying a vast and overwhelming abundance. Jacob implicitly links this exponential growth directly to his fourteen years of diligent and divinely-blessed labor.
* **"and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming:"**: This is the theological lynchpin of Jacob's statement. He explicitly attributes Laban's prosperity not to chance, human effort alone, or Laban's own shrewdness, but to the direct intervention and favor of "the LORD" (YHWH). Jacob understands himself as a conduit of divine blessing, a principle consistent with God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2). This divine attribution subtly reminds Laban of the sacred nature of the prosperity he has enjoyed.
* **"and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?"**: This concluding rhetorical question encapsulates Jacob's deep sense of responsibility and his pressing need. Having faithfully served Laban and enriched his household, Jacob now seeks the means to fulfill his own patriarchal duty to his burgeoning family. It is a plea for justice, a demand for independence, and an expression of his commitment to his own "house" (family and future).

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 30:30 effectively employs several literary devices to convey Jacob's message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Jacob starkly juxtaposes Laban's initial "little" possessions with their current state of "multitude," emphasizing the dramatic transformation that occurred during Jacob's tenure. This contrast serves to highlight Jacob's indispensable contribution. A powerful element of **Divine Attribution** is present, as Jacob explicitly states, "the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming." This not only acknowledges God's sovereignty but also functions as a subtle reminder to Laban that his prosperity is not self-made but divinely bestowed through Jacob. Finally, Jacob concludes with a **Rhetorical Question**, "and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?" This is not a question seeking information but rather a forceful declaration of his legitimate need and a demand for action, underscoring his deep sense of familial responsibility and his expectation of just compensation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 30:30 serves as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His ability to bring about prosperity and blessing even through unexpected channels. Jacob's explicit attribution of Laban's increased wealth to "the LORD" underscores the biblical principle that all true increase and prosperity ultimately originate from God, regardless of the human agents involved. This passage highlights the importance of diligence and faithful labor, showing how human effort, when aligned with God's purposes, can become a conduit for divine blessing, not only for oneself but also for those one serves. It also emphasizes the profound biblical imperative of familial responsibility, as Jacob, having served others, now rightly turns his attention to providing for his own household.

* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth"): This verse reminds us that it is the Lord who gives us the power to get wealth, aligning with Jacob's recognition that Laban's prosperity was ultimately from God.
* [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Household"): Paul's instruction reinforces the timeless biblical principle of providing for one's own family, echoing Jacob's concern for his "house."
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord Makes Rich"): This proverb directly affirms that "The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it," resonating with Jacob's observation of God's blessing on Laban's flocks.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 30:30 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, calling us to cultivate a worldview that acknowledges God's sovereign hand in all aspects of life, including our vocations and financial well-being. We are reminded that true prosperity is a gift from God, and our diligent labor, when performed with integrity, can be a channel through which His blessings flow, not only to us but also to those we serve or employ. This passage challenges us to examine our own work ethic, ensuring we labor faithfully and with excellence, recognizing that our efforts can bring increase to others. Furthermore, Jacob's deep concern for his "own house" underscores the vital biblical imperative to prioritize and provide for our families. In a world often driven by self-interest, Jacob's example calls us to a balanced life of service to others while faithfully stewarding our primary responsibility to our immediate household. It also serves as a powerful reminder for employers or those in positions of authority to deal justly and generously with those who labor for them, recognizing that their own prosperity may be intertwined with the diligent efforts of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's explicit attribution of Laban's prosperity to "the LORD" influence your understanding of success and blessing in your own life or work?**
* **In what ways can your diligent work and faithful service become a channel of blessing for others, even those who may not acknowledge God?**
* **How do you balance your professional or external commitments with your primary responsibility to provide for and nurture your own "house" or family?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jacob emphasize "the LORD" blessing Laban, rather than his own skill?**

Answer: Jacob's explicit mention of "the LORD" (YHWH) highlights his profound theological understanding and deep faith. He recognized that while his diligent labor and shrewd management were the human means, the ultimate source of Laban's dramatic increase in wealth was God's direct blessing. This attribution not only glorified God but also served as a subtle yet powerful reminder to Laban that Jacob was a man under divine favor, making his presence invaluable and his request for compensation divinely justified. It reflects a biblical worldview where God is sovereign over all prosperity and blessing, as seen in passages like [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House").

**Does Jacob's question, "when shall I provide for mine own house also?", imply a lack of faith?**

Answer: No, Jacob's question does not imply a lack of faith, but rather a responsible and practical concern for his family's future and a desire for justice. Having faithfully served Laban for fourteen years, Jacob was now seeking God's provision for his own household through a legitimate and divinely-ordained means of compensation. It reflects a healthy balance between trusting God for provision and actively working and planning to fulfill one's familial responsibilities. This principle is affirmed in the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to provide for their own, lest they deny the faith (see [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Family")). Jacob was seeking to align his actions with God's will for his family's well-being and to receive what was rightfully due to him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 30:30 primarily details Jacob's earthly negotiations and the blessings of God upon his labor, it subtly points to Christ in profound ways. Jacob, as a conduit through whom God's blessing flowed to Laban, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect channel of divine blessing, Jesus Christ. Just as Jacob's presence brought increase and prosperity to Laban's household, Christ's coming into the world brings spiritual abundance, reconciliation, and eternal life to those who were spiritually impoverished and enslaved by sin (see [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Furthermore, Jacob's diligent service and his deep desire to provide for his "own house" reflect a shadow of Christ's perfect obedience to the Father and His ultimate provision for His Church, which is His spiritual "house" or bride. Through His sacrificial work on the cross, Christ has secured the eternal well-being and inheritance for all who are His, ensuring that His people are fully provided for and eternally established (see [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")). Jacob's pursuit of justice and establishment for his family finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly establishes and provides for His own, bringing them into the glorious freedom of the children of God (see [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

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

1 Timothy 5:8

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

2 Corinthians 12:14

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Deuteronomy 11:10

For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, [is] not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst [it] with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: