Genesis 30:27
Genesis 30:27 in Multiple Translations
But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
And Laban said unto him, If now I have found favor in thine eyes, tarry: for I have divined that Jehovah hath blessed me for thy sake.
And Laban said, If you will let me say so, do not go away; for I have seen by the signs that the Lord has been good to me because of you.
“Please be so kind as to stay,” Laban replied, “because I have discovered that the Lord has blessed me because of you.”
To whom Laban answered, If I haue nowe found fauour in thy sight tarie: I haue perceiued that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake.
And Laban saith unto him, 'If, I pray thee, I have found grace in thine eyes — I have observed diligently that Jehovah doth bless me for thy sake.'
Laban said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here, for I have divined that the LORD has blessed me for your sake.”
And Laban said to him, I pray thee, if I have found favor in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience, that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
Laban said to him: Let me find favour in thy sight: I have learned by experience, that God hath blessed me for thy sake.
But Laban said to him, “If you are pleased with me, stay here, because I have found out by performing a magic ritual that Yahweh has blessed me because of what you have done for me.
But Laban said, “Please listen to me. I’m asking you to stay here with me. You see, Yahweh your God is only good to me when you are here. I learned that by magic.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:27
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 30:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֵלָי/ו֙
לָבָ֔ן
אִם
נָ֛א
מָצָ֥אתִי
חֵ֖ן
בְּ/עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
נִחַ֕שְׁתִּי
וַ/יְבָרֲכֵ֥/נִי
יְהוָ֖ה
בִּ/גְלָלֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לָבָ֔ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
נָ֛א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
מָצָ֥אתִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
חֵ֖ן
chên
H2580
favor
N-ms
בְּ/עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
נִחַ֕שְׁתִּי
nâchash
H5172
to divine
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
וַ/יְבָרֲכֵ֥/נִי
bârak
H1288
to bless
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בִּ/גְלָלֶֽ/ךָ
gâlâl
H1558
because of
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:27
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לָבָ֔ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
נָ֛א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
מָצָ֥אתִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
חֵ֖ן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
בְּ/עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
נִחַ֕שְׁתִּי
nâchash
H5172
"to divine"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To divine means to try to predict the future using magic or omens, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:10. It involves whispering a spell or carefully observing signs. This practice is warned against in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to practice divination, divine, observe signs, learn by experience, diligently observe, practice fortunetelling, take as an omen 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to practice divination 1a2) to observe the signs or omens
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] certainly, divine, enchanter, (use) [idiom] enchantment, learn by experience, [idiom] indeed, diligently observe. See also: Genesis 30:27; Deuteronomy 18:10; 2 Chronicles 33:6.
וַ/יְבָרֲכֵ֥/נִי
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בִּ/גְלָלֶֽ/ךָ
gâlâl
H1558
"because of"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The phrase 'because of' is used to indicate a circumstance or reason for something. It can be translated as 'on account of' or 'for the sake of', and is used to show the relationship between events or actions. This phrase helps to clarify motivations and causes in biblical stories.
Definition: on account of, for the sake of
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (sake). See also: Genesis 12:13; Deuteronomy 18:12; Jeremiah 11:17.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 30:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:27
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:27
- Sermons on Genesis 30:27
Context — Jacob Prospers
25Now after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can return to my homeland.
26Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.”
27But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”
28And he added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.” 29Then Jacob answered, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock have thrived under my care.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 2:13 | “My lord,” she said, “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.” |
| 2 | Acts 7:10 | and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. |
| 3 | Isaiah 61:9 | Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed. |
| 4 | Genesis 26:24 | and that night the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.” |
| 5 | Exodus 3:21 | And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed. |
| 6 | Genesis 39:21–23 | the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. |
| 7 | Genesis 12:3 | I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you. ” |
| 8 | Genesis 18:3 | “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. |
| 9 | Genesis 30:30 | 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?” |
| 10 | Genesis 47:25 | “You have saved our lives,” they said. “We have found favor in our lord’s eyes, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” |
Genesis 30:27 Summary
In Genesis 30:27, Laban asks Jacob to stay with him because he has realized that God has been blessing him through Jacob's work. This shows that even non-believers can recognize the blessing of God in their lives, as seen in the story of the Pharaoh in Genesis 41:38-40. However, it's also important to note that Laban's methods of determining God's will were not in line with God's commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. We can learn from this verse to seek God's will through prayer and His Word, rather than relying on our own strength or worldly methods (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Laban mean by 'I have learned by divination' in Genesis 30:27?
Laban is referring to his use of occult practices to determine God's will, which is condemned in Deuteronomy 18:10-12; however, in this case, it seems God still chose to bless Laban despite his flawed methods, as seen in the prosperity Jacob brought to his household.
Why does Laban want Jacob to stay with him?
Laban recognizes that Jacob has been a blessing to his household, as stated in Genesis 30:27, and wants to retain the benefits of having Jacob work for him, similar to how God blessed the household of Potiphar due to Joseph's presence in Genesis 39:5.
Is it okay to use divination to know God's will like Laban did?
No, the Bible clearly condemns the use of divination and other occult practices in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and Isaiah 47:13-14, instead encouraging believers to seek God's will through prayer and His Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Jacob and Laban?
This verse marks a turning point in the relationship between Jacob and Laban, as Laban begins to recognize the value of having Jacob work for him, leading to further negotiations about Jacob's wages and his eventual departure, as seen in Genesis 30:28-43 and Genesis 31:1-55.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen God bless others around me, and how can I be a blessing to those in my life?
- How do I discern God's will for my life, and what practices can I use to seek His guidance?
- In what ways can I, like Jacob, be a source of blessing to those around me, even in difficult circumstances?
- What are some potential pitfalls or dangers of using occult practices to determine God's will, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:27
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry,.... One would think he could not expect to have much from him, by his treatment of him; but he craftily cajoles him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:27
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. Laban said ... I have learned.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:27
Genesis 30:27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.Ver. 27. I pray thee, if I have found favour, &c.] This miserable muckworm, so he may advance his own ends, abased himself to his servants, colloguing or anything, to curry favour, and compass commodity. But he that is swallowed up of the earth (as Korah was), his ears stopped, his heart stuffed, and all passages for God’ s Spirit obstructed by it, shall have earth enough when he dies: his mouth shall be filled with a spadeful of mould, and his never-enough quit with fire-enough, in the bottom of hell. Such another courteous caitiff as this in the text was that Plautianus, a rich Roman, of great authority with Severus the Emperor. Omnia enim petebat ab omnibus, et cupiebat omnia , saith the historian Herein only he differed from Laban, when he married his daughter to Antonius the son of Severus, he gave her as much portion as would have sufficed for fifty queens. Dio in Vita Severi. Is tantum filiae suae dedit, quantum reginis quinquaginta satis esset . - Dio in Vita Severi.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:27
(27) I have learned by experience.—Heb., I have divined. The verb means, to speak between the teeth; to mutter magical formulœ. Others wrongly suppose that it signifies “to divine by omens taken from serpents;” and some imagine that Laban had consulted his teraphim. Words of this sort lose, at a very early date, their special signification, and all that Laban means is—“I fancy,” I conjecture.” His answer is, however, most Oriental. It is courtly and complimentary, but utterly inconclusive. “If now I have found favour in thine eyes, I have a feeling that God hath blessed me for thy sake.” It, of course, suggests that he would be glad if Jacob would remain with him. In Genesis 30:28 Laban comes to the point, but probably this was reached by many circuitous windings.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:27
Verse 27. I have learned by experience] נחשתי nichashti, from נחש nachash, to view attentively, to observe, to pry into. I have diligently considered the whole of thy conduct, and marked the increase of my property, and find that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake. For the meaning of the word נחש nachash, See Clarke on Genesis 3:1, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:27
27. If now I have found, &c.] Cf. Genesis 18:3, Genesis 33:10 (J). Laban’s sentence is unfinished. The words “tarry: for” are inserted to complete the aposeiopesis. Laban wishes to retain Jacob, and to propitiate him with flattering words. The bargain so far has been all in his favour. I have divined] Lit. “I have observed signs.” The word occurs in Genesis 44:5; Genesis 44:15, where it is used of obtaining an answer by means of magic. Here Laban means he has “discerned” by clear indications. Perhaps there may be a reference to the custom of consulting the household gods or teraphim.
Cf. Genesis 31:19. LXX οἰωνισάμην, Lat. experimento didici. See also 1 Kings 20:33 marg. hath blessed me] This is a new feature in the story, and prepares the way for the following section. for thy sake] LXX τῇσῇεἰσόδῳ = “at thy arrival,” reading l’ragl’ka for big’lal ka.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:27
27. I have learned by experience — ðçùׁ ?úé, I have divined; or, I have learned by divination. The words indicate that Laban had become, to some extent at least, involved in heathen and idolatrous practices.
Sermons on Genesis 30:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 30:25-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses Jacob's complaint to Laban about his lack of prosperity despite serving him faithfully. Jacob expresses his frustration, stating that all he |
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Experiencing God by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the misconception of 'experiencing God' and how it is not based on the Bible but rather on ancient occultic practices and modern entertainment culture. H |
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(The Book of Ruth) 3. Ruth - the Gleaner in the Field by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Ruth and draws parallels to the lives of believers. He emphasizes that believers have sold and lost their inheritance and bles |
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The Defiled Garments of Sardis by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying steadfast in one's faith and not allowing the truths of God to slip away. He warns against neglecting the great sa |
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One or Two Peoples of God? Reflections on the Mystery of Israel and the Church by Reggie Kelly | Reggie Kelly delves into the theological intricacies of dispensationalism, highlighting the false view of the mystery that underpins their unique interpretation of the church and t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 26:18-35 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the word of God. He compares the impact of water in a desert to the transformative power of the |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 110 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of restitution and confessing past wrongdoings. He encourages listeners to make amends with people they may have hurt or lied |