Genesis 30:33 - So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen.”
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What does "Genesis 30:33" mean?
This verse is part of a negotiation between Jacob and his father-in-law, Laban, regarding Jacob's wages for tending Laban's flocks. Let's break it down:
"So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter...": Jacob is stating that his honesty and integrity will be proven true in the future. He's setting up a system where his honesty can be easily verified.
"...when you come concerning my hire that is before you.": This means that at a later time, when Laban examines the flock to assess Jacob's wages (his "hire"), the truth will be evident.
"Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen.”: This is the core of the agreement. Jacob is proposing that his wages will consist only of the speckled and spotted goats, and the black sheep born into Laban's flock. If any animals that aren't speckled/spotted goats or black sheep are found in his possession, they will be considered stolen.
In simpler terms:
Jacob is saying: "Let's agree that my payment will be all the speckled and spotted goats and the black sheep that are born into your flocks from now on. Later, when you check to see if I've been honest, if you find any plain white goats or non-black sheep with me, you'll know I stole them. But if I only have the speckled/spotted goats and black sheep, it will prove I'm honest."
Why is this significant?
Laban's Deception: Laban had previously cheated Jacob regarding his marriage to Rachel. Jacob is trying to create a transparent and verifiable agreement to avoid being cheated again.
Unlikely Odds: Typically, white or light-colored animals were more common in these flocks. Jacob's agreement seems like a risky gamble, as the chances of a significant number of speckled/spotted goats and black sheep being born were relatively low.
Divine Intervention (Later in the Story): The story later describes how Jacob uses some techniques to influence breeding, and ultimately, the flocks increase in speckled/spotted goats and black sheep, suggesting divine intervention in Jacob's favor. The exact methods Jacob used are somewhat controversial and interpretations vary.
In summary, the verse outlines an agreement designed to ensure fairness and demonstrate Jacob's honesty in the face of Laban's past deceit. It also sets the stage for the later narrative about Jacob's eventual wealth and independence.
Genesis 30:33 - So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen.”
What does "Genesis 30:33" mean?
This verse is part of a negotiation between Jacob and his father-in-law, Laban, regarding Jacob's wages for tending Laban's flocks. Let's break it down:
"So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter...": Jacob is stating that his honesty and integrity will be proven true in the future. He's setting up a system where his honesty can be easily verified.
"...when you come concerning my hire that is before you.": This means that at a later time, when Laban examines the flock to assess Jacob's wages (his "hire"), the truth will be evident.
"Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen.”: This is the core of the agreement. Jacob is proposing that his wages will consist only of the speckled and spotted goats, and the black sheep born into Laban's flock. If any animals that aren't speckled/spotted goats or black sheep are found in his possession, they will be considered stolen.
In simpler terms:
Jacob is saying: "Let's agree that my payment will be all the speckled and spotted goats and the black sheep that are born into your flocks from now on. Later, when you check to see if I've been honest, if you find any plain white goats or non-black sheep with me, you'll know I stole them. But if I only have the speckled/spotted goats and black sheep, it will prove I'm honest."
Why is this significant?
Laban's Deception: Laban had previously cheated Jacob regarding his marriage to Rachel. Jacob is trying to create a transparent and verifiable agreement to avoid being cheated again.
Unlikely Odds: Typically, white or light-colored animals were more common in these flocks. Jacob's agreement seems like a risky gamble, as the chances of a significant number of speckled/spotted goats and black sheep being born were relatively low.
Divine Intervention (Later in the Story): The story later describes how Jacob uses some techniques to influence breeding, and ultimately, the flocks increase in speckled/spotted goats and black sheep, suggesting divine intervention in Jacob's favor. The exact methods Jacob used are somewhat controversial and interpretations vary.
In summary, the verse outlines an agreement designed to ensure fairness and demonstrate Jacob's honesty in the face of Laban's past deceit. It also sets the stage for the later narrative about Jacob's eventual wealth and independence.