Genesis 30:35

KJV

And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, [and] every one that had [some] white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave [them] into the hand of his sons.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he removed {H5493} that day {H3117} the he goats {H8495} that were ringstraked {H6124} and spotted {H2921}, and all the she goats {H5795} that were speckled {H5348} and spotted {H2921}, and every one that had some white {H3836} in it, and all the brown {H2345} among the sheep {H3775}, and gave {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of his sons {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That day Lavan removed the male goats that were streaked or spotted and all the female goats that were speckled or spotted, every one with white on it, and all the brown sheep; turned them over to his sons;

Berean Standard Bible

That very day Laban removed all the streaked or spotted male goats and every speckled or spotted female goat—every one that had any white on it—and every dark-colored lamb, and he placed them under the care of his sons.

American Standard Version

And he removed that day the he-goats that were ringstreaked and spotted, and all the she-goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white in it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 30:35 meticulously details Laban's immediate and strategic action following his new wage agreement with Jacob: he painstakingly separated and removed all existing ringstraked, spotted, speckled, and brown animals from his flocks, entrusting them to his sons. This calculated maneuver was a deliberate attempt to disadvantage Jacob, aiming to ensure he would begin his new flock with no animals matching the agreed-upon criteria, thereby seeking to thwart God's promised blessing and Jacob's burgeoning prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of Jacob's relationship with Laban, immediately following the establishment of their new, seemingly advantageous, wage agreement for Jacob in [Genesis 30:31-34](/genesis/30-31-34 "Jacob's Proposal for Wages"). Having served Laban for fourteen years for his wives, Leah and Rachel, as recounted in [Genesis 29:20-30](/genesis/29-20-30 "Jacob's Service and Laban's Deception"), Jacob now seeks to build his own wealth and return to his homeland. Laban, recognizing Jacob's divine blessing on his own flocks, reluctantly agrees to Jacob's proposal to take only the "speckled, spotted, and brown" animals as his future wages. Laban's swift action in [Genesis 30:35](/genesis/30-35 "Laban's Cunning Manipulation") to remove these animals from Jacob's care underscores his deceitful character and sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention on Jacob's behalf, which unfolds in the subsequent verses of [Genesis 30:37-43](/genesis/30-37-43 "God's Blessing on Jacob's Flocks").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Animal husbandry was the primary form of wealth and livelihood in the ancient Near East. Flocks of sheep and goats represented a family's economic stability and future. The practice of dividing flocks based on color and pattern was common, as these traits were understood to be hereditary, though the precise understanding of genetics was rudimentary. Laban's actions reflect the common practice of a master controlling the breeding stock to ensure his own advantage. Furthermore, the cultural norm of a father-in-law exploiting his son-in-law's labor, as seen in Laban's repeated deception of Jacob, was not uncommon but was certainly an abuse of patriarchal authority. The agreement itself, where Jacob would only take the "abnormal" colored animals, would have seemed like a good deal for Laban, as such animals were typically less common, making Laban's immediate removal of them a clear sign of his extreme avarice and distrust.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 30:35](/genesis/30-35 "Laban's Deceitful Act") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. Firstly, it highlights the pervasive theme of **human deceit and manipulation**, particularly Laban's consistent character of cunning and exploitation against Jacob, contrasting sharply with God's unwavering faithfulness. Secondly, it sets the stage for the theme of **divine providence and supernatural intervention**, demonstrating that God's plans for His covenant people cannot be thwarted by human schemes. Despite Laban's meticulous efforts to disadvantage Jacob, God supernaturally ensures Jacob's prosperity, as detailed later in [Genesis 31:9-12](/genesis/31-9-12 "God's Revelation to Jacob"). This passage also reinforces the theme of **God's covenant faithfulness**, showing how He protects and blesses those He has chosen, even when they are in vulnerable and exploited positions, fulfilling His promise to Jacob from [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 30:35](/genesis/30-35 "Laban's Strategic Removal of Livestock") details Laban's immediate and decisive action to manipulate the terms of his new wage agreement with Jacob. The verse states, "And he removed that day..." indicating the urgency and deliberateness of Laban's plan.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **removed (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This verb, H5493, means "to turn off," "to take away," or "to withdraw." In this context, it signifies Laban's deliberate act of separating and taking possession of the specified animals. It's not a mere sorting but an active removal from Jacob's potential future earnings and control, highlighting Laban's intent to isolate these animals from the breeding stock Jacob would manage.
* **spotted (Hebrew, _ṭâlâʼ'_):** Derived from H2921, this word means "to cover with pieces" or "to variegate," implying a pattern of patches or spots. This term, along with "ringstraked" and "speckled," refers to the distinct color patterns that Jacob had stipulated as his wages. Laban's removal of all "spotted" animals underscores his thoroughness in eliminating any stock that could naturally produce the agreed-upon offspring for Jacob.
* **brown (Hebrew, _chûwm'_):** This word, H2345, describes a "sunburnt or swarthy" color, specifically brown. Its inclusion indicates that Jacob's agreement extended to specific solid colors among the sheep, not just patterned goats. Laban's removal of "all the brown among the sheep" demonstrates his comprehensive effort to strip Jacob of any potential gain from the agreement, leaving him with only the common, unpatterned animals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted,"**: This clause immediately establishes Laban's swift and calculated response to Jacob's proposal. "That day" emphasizes the urgency of his action, demonstrating his fear of Jacob's potential prosperity and his determination to prevent it. The "he goats" (male goats) are specified first, indicating their importance as breeding stock. "Ringstraked" (striped or banded) and "spotted" (patched) refer to distinct genetic patterns that Jacob had claimed as his future wages. Laban's removal of these males was critical to preventing the propagation of these traits in the flocks Jacob would tend.
* **"and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted,"**: Following the males, Laban also removed all the female goats ("she goats") exhibiting the specified patterns: "speckled" (small dots or flecks) and "spotted." This comprehensive removal of both male and female patterned animals from the breeding pool Jacob would manage was designed to ensure that no offspring with these characteristics would naturally be born, thereby nullifying the terms of Jacob's wage agreement.
* **"[and] every one that had [some] white in it, and all the brown among the sheep,"**: This detail further illustrates Laban's meticulousness and thoroughness. For goats, any animal with even "some white" (a partial white marking) was removed, indicating a desire to eliminate *any* variation that might lead to Jacob's gain. Similarly, "all the brown among the sheep" were separated. This meticulous culling left Jacob with only the plain, unpatterned animals, from which, by natural means, he could not expect to receive any wages.
* **"and gave [them] into the hand of his sons."**: This final action solidifies Laban's intent and control. By placing these valuable, distinctly patterned and colored animals with his own sons, Laban not only removed them from Jacob's potential future earnings but also ensured they remained within his family's control, preventing Jacob from having any access to them for breeding. This act was a clear demonstration of Laban's cunning and his consistent character of seeking to exploit Jacob, as previously seen in his deception regarding Leah and Rachel in [Genesis 29:20-30](/genesis/29-20-30 "Laban's Deception with Leah and Rachel"). This verse sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, where divine providence would override human manipulation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Genesis 30:35](/genesis/30-35 "Laban's Deceitful Strategy") employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Laban's cunning act immediately sets up the miraculous divine intervention that follows, hinting that human schemes cannot ultimately thwart God's purposes. The detailed enumeration of the animal types ("ringstraked," "spotted," "speckled," "white," "brown") serves as **Emphasis** through specific detail, highlighting the precision of Laban's manipulation and the seemingly insurmountable odds Jacob faced. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Laban's attempt to control the outcome through meticulous separation inadvertently creates the perfect scenario for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness, turning Laban's disadvantage into Jacob's blessing. This verse also contributes to the **Characterization** of Laban as a consistently deceitful and avaricious figure, reinforcing his established reputation from earlier chapters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Laban's swift and thorough removal of the patterned and brown animals in [Genesis 30:35](/genesis/30-35 "Laban's Attempt to Thwart Jacob") serves as a stark illustration of human deceit and avarice, a recurring theme in the Jacob narrative. His actions were a deliberate and calculated attempt to minimize Jacob's earnings and thwart the terms of their agreement, highlighting the pervasive presence of human treachery against God's chosen. However, this verse, far from being a tale of successful manipulation, sets the stage for a profound display of divine providence. Despite Laban's seemingly foolproof scheme, God supernaturally intervenes, demonstrating that no human plan, however cunning, can frustrate His sovereign will or His covenant faithfulness to His people. This scenario ultimately serves as a powerful testament to divine justice, where God uses the very terms of Laban's deceit to bring immense prosperity to Jacob, justly repaying Laban for his exploitation and affirming His commitment to His covenant.

* [Psalm 37:1-2](/psalm/37-1-2 "Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 30:35](/genesis/30-35 "God's Providence Amidst Deception") offers profound encouragement for believers navigating unfair dealings, manipulative individuals, or seemingly impossible circumstances. Jacob's story reminds us that God's faithfulness transcends human treachery. Even when others attempt to disadvantage or exploit us, God is capable of supernaturally intervening, turning what appears to be a setback into a pathway for His blessing and provision. This passage encourages perseverance in faith, urging us to trust that God is actively working on our behalf, even when we cannot perceive how. It echoes the truth that [God works all things for the good of those who love Him](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good"), transforming adversity into opportunities for His glory and our growth. We are called not to despair in the face of human cunning, but to rest in the unwavering sovereignty of God, who is able to bring about His purposes regardless of the obstacles. This narrative challenges us to examine our own responses to injustice: do we resort to human schemes, or do we faithfully commit our way to the Lord, trusting in His ultimate vindication and provision?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Laban's character in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of human nature and sin?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing circumstances that seem humanly impossible or where others are attempting to disadvantage you?**
* **How can the example of God's intervention on Jacob's behalf strengthen your faith to trust God with seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **What practical steps can you take to rely more on God's providence rather than human strength or manipulation when facing adversity?**

### FAQ
**Why did Laban remove these specific animals?**

Answer: Laban removed all the ringstraked, spotted, speckled, and brown animals because these were precisely the types of animals Jacob had stipulated as his wages in [Genesis 30:32-33](/genesis/30-32-33 "Jacob's Wage Agreement"). By removing all existing animals with these distinct patterns and colors, Laban intended to ensure that Jacob's flock would start with only solid-colored animals. This calculated act was designed to make it humanly impossible for Jacob to gain any significant increase from the agreement, thereby cheating him out of his rightful earnings and minimizing his prosperity.

**How did Jacob's flocks increase if Laban removed all the patterned animals?**

Answer: Jacob's flocks increased through supernatural divine intervention, not through natural means alone. While Jacob did employ a folk breeding method involving peeled branches (as described in [Genesis 30:37-39](/genesis/30-37-39 "Jacob's Breeding Strategy")), the Bible explicitly states that God was the one who caused the flocks to become strong and numerous. God directly revealed to Jacob in a dream that He had seen all that Laban was doing to him and that He was causing the patterned and strong animals to be born to Jacob's flocks, taking Laban's cattle and giving them to Jacob ([Genesis 31:9-12](/genesis/31-9-12 "God's Revelation to Jacob")). This demonstrates God's power to work outside human expectations and overcome human manipulation to fulfill His promises.

**What do "ringstraked," "spotted," and "speckled" mean in this context?**

Answer: These terms describe specific, distinct patterns of coloration on the animals' coats. "Ringstraked" (Hebrew: *'âqôd*) likely refers to animals with stripes or bands, resembling rings around their legs or bodies. "Spotted" (Hebrew: *ṭâlâʼ*) and "speckled" (Hebrew: *nâqôd*) refer to various patterns of dots, patches, or flecks across the animal's hide. These were distinct genetic traits that made these animals stand out from the more common solid-colored sheep and goats, and they were the specific types Jacob chose as his wages, making Laban's removal of them a direct attempt to undermine the agreement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 30:35](/genesis/30-35 "Laban's Deceit and God's Providence") focuses on Laban's deceit and God's faithfulness to Jacob, it ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate fulfiller of divine promises and the one who overcomes all human opposition. Jacob's experience of being unjustly treated yet supernaturally blessed by God prefigures the greater narrative of God's people being redeemed through Christ despite the world's hostility. Just as God ensured Jacob's prosperity against Laban's schemes, Christ, through His death and resurrection, secured the eternal inheritance for His people, triumphing over sin, death, and all the schemes of the enemy. He is the faithful Shepherd who gathers His flock, ensuring their provision and protection, and ultimately reversing the curse of sin, bringing about a new creation where divine justice and blessing reign supreme. The Lord Jesus Christ is the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), proving that no human treachery or worldly power can thwart the divine plan for redemption and blessing. His ultimate victory over evil ensures that His flock will inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world ([Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Inherit the Kingdom")).

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

Genesis 31:9

Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given [them] to me.