Genesis 30:30

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?

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?

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?"

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?”

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

Genesis 30:30 captures a pivotal moment in Jacob's relationship with Laban, highlighting Jacob's diligence, Laban's prosperity, and Jacob's desire to establish his own independent household. This verse is part of Jacob's negotiation with his father-in-law after 14 years of service for Leah and Rachel.

Context

After serving Laban for a total of fourteen years for his two wives, Jacob's desire to return to his own land and provide for his growing family became paramount. In this verse, Jacob reminds Laban of the dramatic increase in his flocks and wealth since Jacob began working for him. Laban, a shrewd and often deceitful man, had benefited immensely from Jacob's honest and diligent labor. Jacob's statement serves as a powerful argument for his own compensation and independence, setting the stage for the unique breeding agreement that follows.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing and Providence: Jacob explicitly attributes Laban's increased wealth to "the LORD," acknowledging God's active hand in their affairs. This highlights a recurring biblical theme that all true prosperity ultimately comes from God, even when mediated through human effort. Jacob recognized that his presence was a channel for God's blessing upon Laban.
  • Diligence and Stewardship: While God is the source of blessing, Jacob's hard work and faithfulness were the means through which Laban's flocks multiplied. This emphasizes the value of diligent labor and good stewardship of resources.
  • Responsibility to One's Household: Jacob's concluding question, "and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?", underscores a fundamental patriarchal responsibility. He had faithfully served Laban's house, and now it was time to secure the future for his own children and wives, a principle echoed later in the New Testament concerning providing for one's own family.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "multitude" (Χ¨ΦΉΧ‘ - rov) signifies abundance and great increase, vividly describing the significant growth Laban experienced. The specific mention of "the LORD" (Χ™Φ°Χ”Χ•ΦΈΧ” - YHWH) emphasizes that Jacob connected this prosperity not to mere luck or his own skill alone, but to the personal, covenant-keeping God of his fathers, Abraham and Isaac.

Practical Application

This verse encourages us to recognize God's hand in our successes and the prosperity we experience, whether directly or indirectly. It also reminds us of the importance of diligent work and integrity in our vocations, knowing that our efforts, when coupled with God's blessing, can yield abundant fruit. Furthermore, it highlights the vital responsibility of caring for our families and planning for their well-being, seeking to balance external service with internal family needs. It also serves as a reminder that those who benefit from the labor of others should be fair and just in their compensation.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 5:8 (10 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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: