Genesis 30:34

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 30:34 records Laban's immediate and enthusiastic acceptance of Jacob's unconventional proposal for his future wages. Jacob suggested that his compensation would consist solely of the less common speckled, spotted, and brown sheep and goats, and the black sheep, while all solid-colored animals would remain Laban's. Laban readily agreed, believing this arrangement would significantly favor him by limiting Jacob's future wealth and securing the majority of the pure-colored animals for himself, unaware of the divine intervention that would soon follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the ongoing, complex, and often contentious relationship between Jacob and his uncle and father-in-law, Laban. Following years of faithful service, during which Laban repeatedly exploited and manipulated Jacob, notably by substituting Leah for Rachel on their wedding night ([Genesis 29:20-25](/genesis/29-20-25 "Jacob's marriage to Leah and Rachel")), Jacob's wealth had begun to increase despite Laban's machinations. Laban, driven by avarice, had already changed Jacob's wages ten times ([Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban changes Jacob's wages ten times")). In response to this persistent deceit and to resolve the dispute over his compensation, Jacob proposes a new, seemingly disadvantageous, system for his future earnings. This proposal, accepted in [Genesis 30:34](/genesis/30-34 "Laban agrees to Jacob's terms"), sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, detailed in the subsequent verses ([Genesis 30:37-43](/genesis/30-37-43 "God supernaturally increases Jacob's flocks")), where Jacob's flocks dramatically increase in the very specific, "undesirable" colors, turning Laban's perceived advantage into his loss.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, livestock constituted a primary form of wealth and sustenance. Shepherds were often paid in a share of the flock's offspring. The practice of separating flocks based on color was common, as pure-colored animals (white sheep, black goats) were generally considered more valuable and easier to manage for breeding. Speckled, spotted, or brown animals were less common and often seen as less desirable. Laban's quick agreement to Jacob's terms in [Genesis 30:34](/genesis/30-34 "Laban agrees to Jacob's terms") must be understood within this economic framework, where he genuinely believed he was securing the most valuable portion of the flock for himself. Furthermore, the patriarchal society placed great emphasis on family lineage and the accumulation of wealth as a sign of divine favor and a means to establish a prosperous household, making the struggle for resources between Jacob and Laban a matter of profound importance.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 30](/genesis/30 "Jacob's Family and Flocks") and the broader narrative of [Jacob's life](/genesis/25-50 "The Life of Jacob") are rich with theological themes. This verse contributes significantly to the theme of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, illustrating God's ability to work through human agreements and even deceitful schemes to fulfill His promises. It highlights **God's Blessing Beyond Human Effort**, showing that true and lasting prosperity comes from God's hand, often in unexpected ways, rather than solely from human shrewdness or labor. The narrative also underscores **God's Justice for the Oppressed**, as He actively intervenes to ensure His chosen servant, Jacob, receives what is due to him despite Laban's repeated exploitation. Laban's shortsighted greed, evident in his swift acceptance, ultimately becomes the very mechanism through which God blesses Jacob, demonstrating God's ultimate control over all circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude to include answering, appointing, commanding, declaring, determining, promising, and speaking. Here, it denotes Laban's verbal affirmation and agreement to Jacob's terms, signifying a formal, albeit self-serving, declaration of acceptance.
* **would it might be (Hebrew, _lûwʼ'_):** From H3863, a conditional particle expressing a wish, often translated as "if," "would that!" or "I pray thee." Laban's use of this phrase conveys his enthusiastic and eager desire for Jacob's proposal to come to fruition, revealing his strong belief that the terms are highly favorable to him and will secure his own prosperity.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word," but also by implication "a matter (as spoken of) or thing." In this context, it refers to Jacob's specific proposal regarding the speckled, spotted, and brown animals. Laban's acceptance "according to thy word" signifies his complete and unreserved agreement to the precise details of Jacob's offer, highlighting the contractual nature of their relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Laban said,"**: This opening clause establishes Laban as the speaker, immediately setting the stage for his response to Jacob's proposal. It signifies a direct and formal reply, underscoring the transactional nature of their relationship.
* **"Behold, I would it might be"**: This phrase captures Laban's eager and almost triumphant tone. The exclamation "Behold" draws attention to his immediate and favorable reaction, while "I would it might be" expresses his strong desire and belief that the proposed terms are highly advantageous to him. It reveals his self-interest and shortsightedness, as he fails to anticipate any divine intervention.
* **"according to thy word."**: This concluding phrase signifies Laban's full and unreserved acceptance of Jacob's specific terms. It is a direct affirmation that he agrees to the precise conditions laid out by Jacob regarding the separation of the flocks and the determination of Jacob's wages. This agreement, seemingly simple, becomes the legal framework within which God's miraculous blessing upon Jacob will unfold.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Laban's enthusiastic acceptance of Jacob's "word" is based on his assumption of personal gain, yet it ultimately leads to his significant financial loss and Jacob's unprecedented prosperity. Laban's declaration, intended to secure his own advantage, inadvertently becomes the very mechanism through which God fulfills His promises to Jacob. This also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the dramatic reversal of fortunes that will occur in the subsequent verses ([Genesis 30:37-43](/genesis/30-37-43 "God supernaturally increases Jacob's flocks")), where God supernaturally increases Jacob's flocks of the specific, supposedly undesirable, colors. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** between Laban's human shrewdness and greed, which blinds him to the larger divine plan, and God's sovereign power and providential care for Jacob.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 30:34 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work in human affairs, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate events, even those born of manipulation or perceived disadvantage, to fulfill His divine purposes and promises for His people. Laban's eager acceptance, driven by his own greed and short-sightedness, inadvertently provides the legal and practical framework through which God will abundantly bless Jacob. This narrative underscores that God is not limited by human schemes or seemingly unfavorable circumstances; instead, He can turn the tables on those who seek to exploit His chosen ones, ensuring justice and provision.

* [Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban changes Jacob's wages ten times")
* [Genesis 30:43](/genesis/30-43 "Jacob becomes exceedingly prosperous")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 30:34 offers profound insights for believers navigating challenging relationships, unfair circumstances, or situations where they feel exploited. Like Jacob, we are called to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He can orchestrate even seemingly disadvantageous situations to bring about His purposes and bless His people. This passage encourages patience and steadfast faith, reminding us that God is the ultimate provider, capable of turning human schemes to His glory and our good. It teaches us to commit our ways to Him, confident that His provision will manifest, often in unexpected ways, when we walk in obedience and trust, rather than relying solely on our own understanding or efforts. In moments of perceived disadvantage, this verse invites us to look beyond immediate appearances and cling to the truth that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him, ensuring that His covenant promises are fulfilled, often through the very means our adversaries intend for harm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Laban's quick agreement reveal his character and priorities, and what lessons can we learn about human greed?**
* **In what ways does this verse set the stage for God's miraculous intervention on Jacob's behalf, and what does this teach us about divine providence?**
* **How can we apply the principle of trusting God in seemingly unfair or disadvantageous situations in our own lives today?**
* **What does Jacob's proposal and Laban's response reveal about the nature of contracts and agreements in ancient patriarchal society, and how might this inform our understanding of covenant?**

### FAQ
**Why did Laban agree so readily to Jacob's proposal?**

Answer: Laban agreed quickly because he believed Jacob's proposal heavily favored him. He saw the speckled, spotted, and black animals as less common and less valuable, assuming he would retain the vast majority of the pure-colored flocks, thereby limiting Jacob's future wealth and securing his own prosperity. He failed to foresee God's miraculous intervention on Jacob's behalf, which would cause the flocks to produce an abundance of the very animals Jacob had claimed as his wages, as detailed in [Genesis 30:37-43](/genesis/30-37-43 "God supernaturally increases Jacob's flocks").

**Does this story condone Jacob's use of shrewdness or manipulation?**

Answer: The text describes Jacob's actions, which appear shrewd and strategic, but the primary emphasis is on God's sovereignty and blessing. While Jacob's character throughout Genesis is complex and often flawed, the narrative highlights God's ability to work through imperfect individuals and even turn human schemes (like Laban's greed and Jacob's cleverness) into instruments of His divine purpose and provision for His chosen one. The ultimate increase of Jacob's flocks is explicitly attributed to God's blessing, not solely Jacob's methods, as seen in [Genesis 31:9](/genesis/31-9 "God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me").

**How does God's providence manifest in this seemingly human business deal?**

Answer: God's providence is profoundly evident in this seemingly human business deal. Firstly, God had already promised to bless Jacob and make him fruitful ([Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13-15 "God's promises to Jacob at Bethel")). Secondly, the seemingly disadvantageous terms of the agreement provided the specific conditions under which God could miraculously demonstrate His power. Thirdly, God supernaturally caused the flocks to produce the very specific types of offspring that belonged to Jacob, even against natural breeding patterns ([Genesis 30:37-42](/genesis/30-37-42 "Jacob's breeding strategy and God's blessing")). This demonstrates God's power to fulfill His promises beyond natural means, even through a human agreement, turning what appeared to be a loss for Jacob into a testament to divine faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of God's providential care for Jacob, ensuring his prosperity despite Laban's deceit and the seemingly unfavorable terms of the agreement, powerfully foreshadows the greater work of Christ. Just as God intervened to secure Jacob's inheritance and bless him against all odds, so too Christ, through His sacrificial work on the cross, secures an eternal inheritance for His people, overcoming the schemes of sin and death. He is the ultimate Good Shepherd who gathers His flock, providing for them abundantly and ensuring their spiritual prosperity ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The cross, which appeared to be the ultimate disadvantage and defeat, was God's chosen means to bring about ultimate blessing and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, transforming what seemed like a loss into the greatest gain for humanity ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Through Christ, believers are made heirs according to the promise ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring")), inheriting spiritual riches far surpassing any earthly gain, all by God's sovereign and gracious design.

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 Corinthians 7:7

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

1 Corinthians 14:5

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Numbers 22:29

And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.

Galatians 5:12

I would they were even cut off which trouble you.