Genesis 30:38
Genesis 30:38 in Multiple Translations
Then he set the peeled branches in the watering troughs in front of the flocks coming in to drink. So when the flocks were in heat and came to drink,
And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
And he set the rods which he had peeled over against the flocks in the gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink; and they conceived when they came to drink.
And he put the banded sticks in the drinking-places where the flock came to get water; and they became with young when they came to the water.
He put the sticks he'd peeled in the water troughs where the flocks came to drink because that's where they mated.
Then he put the rods, which he had pilled, in the gutters and watering troughes, when the sheepe came to drink, before the sheepe. (for they were in heate, when they came to drinke)
and setteth up the rods which he hath peeled in the gutters in the watering troughs (when the flock cometh in to drink), over-against the flock, that they may conceive in their coming in to drink;
He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink. They conceived when they came to drink.
And he set the rods, which he had peeled, before the flocks in the gutters in the watering-troughs, when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
And he put them in the troughs, where the water was poured out: that when the flocks should come to drink, they might have the rods before their eyes, and in the sight of them might conceive.
Then he placed the peeled branches in the troughs where they put the water for the animals to drink, so that the branches would be in front of the flocks when they came to drink.
Then Jacob put those spotty branches in the place where the sheep and goats came to drink water. And whenever the sheep and goats came to that place to drink water, the males and females joined together to make babies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:38
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 30:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּצֵּ֗ג
אֶת
הַ/מַּקְלוֹת֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
פִּצֵּ֔ל
בָּ/רֳהָטִ֖ים
בְּ/שִֽׁקֲת֣וֹת
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
אֲשֶׁר֩
תָּבֹ֨אןָ
הַ/צֹּ֤אן
לִ/שְׁתּוֹת֙
לְ/נֹ֣כַח
הַ/צֹּ֔אן
וַ/יֵּחַ֖מְנָה
בְּ/בֹאָ֥/ן
לִ/שְׁתּֽוֹת
וַ/יַּצֵּ֗ג
yâtsag
H3322
to set
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מַּקְלוֹת֙
maqqêl
H4731
rod
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
פִּצֵּ֔ל
pâtsal
H6478
to peel
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בָּ/רֳהָטִ֖ים
rahaṭ
H7298
trough
Prep | N-mp
בְּ/שִֽׁקֲת֣וֹת
shôqeth
H8268
trough
Prep | N-fp
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תָּבֹ֨אןָ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
הַ/צֹּ֤אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
לִ/שְׁתּוֹת֙
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/נֹ֣כַח
nôkach
H5227
before
Prep | Prep
הַ/צֹּ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
וַ/יֵּחַ֖מְנָה
yâcham
H3179
to conceive
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
בְּ/בֹאָ֥/ן
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
לִ/שְׁתּֽוֹת
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:38
וַ/יַּצֵּ֗ג
yâtsag
H3322
"to set"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To set something in place permanently, like establishing a foundation, as seen in Exodus and Leviticus. It means to put something in a fixed position. This concept is used in various contexts, including setting up a tent or a monument.
Definition: 1) to place, set, establish 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to set, place 1a2) to present 1a3) to exhibit 1b) (Hophal) to be stopped, be stayed, be detained
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: establish, leave, make, present, put, set, stay. See also: Genesis 30:38; Judges 8:27; Jeremiah 51:34.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּקְלוֹת֙
maqqêl
H4731
"rod"
Art | N-mp
A rod or staff, like a walking stick, is used for support or guidance in the Bible, as seen in Exodus with Moses' staff. It can also be a symbol of authority. The word appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) rod, staff 1a) rod, stick 1b) staff (in travel) 1c) wand (of diviner)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: rod, (hand-)staff. See also: Genesis 30:37; 1 Samuel 17:43; Jeremiah 1:11.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
פִּצֵּ֔ל
pâtsal
H6478
"to peel"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
In Hebrew, this word means to remove the outer layer of something, like peeling a fruit. It appears in the Bible as a rare term for pill or peeling. This verb is used to describe a specific action in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to peel
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: pill. See also: Genesis 30:37; Genesis 30:38.
בָּ/רֳהָטִ֖ים
rahaṭ
H7298
"trough"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to a lock of hair or a channel for water, like a gutter or trough. It is used to describe the temple's design in Ezekiel 40-42. The word is also used to describe a ringlet of hair.
Definition: trough, hollow
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: gallery, gutter, trough. See also: Genesis 30:38; Exodus 2:16; Song of Solomon 7:6.
בְּ/שִֽׁקֲת֣וֹת
shôqeth
H8268
"trough"
Prep | N-fp
This Hebrew word simply means a trough or watering place for animals. It's used in the Bible to describe a practical, everyday object, like in Exodus 2:16, where Moses helps the daughters of a priest water their flocks.
Definition: watering trough
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: trough. See also: Genesis 24:20; Genesis 30:38.
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תָּבֹ֨אןָ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/צֹּ֤אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
לִ/שְׁתּוֹת֙
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
לְ/נֹ֣כַח
nôkach
H5227
"before"
Prep | Prep
Refers to something being in front of or before something else, often describing location or direction. Used in Deuteronomy to describe the Israelites' position relative to the Promised Land. It can also mean on behalf of someone.
Definition: subst 1) be in front of adv 2) in front of, opposite to, in the sight of, before, to the front, right on prep 3) towards the front of, in front of, on behalf of, as far as in front of Also means: ne.khach (נֵכַח "before" H5226)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, direct(-ly), for, right (on). See also: Genesis 25:21; 1 Kings 22:35; Proverbs 4:25.
הַ/צֹּ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וַ/יֵּחַ֖מְנָה
yâcham
H3179
"to conceive"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to conceive or become hot, often used to describe animals mating or people feeling angry. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the natural world and human emotions. This word is also used to describe God's anger.
Definition: 1) to be hot, conceive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hot, become hot 1a2) to mate (of animals) 1a3) to be or become hot (fig. of anger) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to conceive (sexually) 1b2) to be in heat (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: get heat, be hot, conceive, be warm. See also: Genesis 30:38; Deuteronomy 19:6; Psalms 51:7.
בְּ/בֹאָ֥/ן
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לִ/שְׁתּֽוֹת
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Genesis 30:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:38
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:38
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:38
Context — Jacob Prospers
36Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks.
37Jacob, however, took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches.
38Then he set the peeled branches in the watering troughs in front of the flocks coming in to drink. So when the flocks were in heat and came to drink,
39they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted. 40Jacob set apart the young, but made the rest face the streaked dark-colored sheep in Laban’s flocks. Then he set his own stock apart and did not put them with Laban’s animals.Genesis 30:38 Summary
In Genesis 30:38, Jacob sets the peeled branches in the watering troughs to breed the flocks. This shows Jacob's resourcefulness and determination to succeed. We can learn from Jacob's example by trusting God's sovereignty over our lives, just as Jacob trusted God to bless his efforts (Romans 8:28). By being creative and determined, like Jacob, we can glorify God and succeed in our own endeavors, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, which reminds us that God has a plan to prosper us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob set the peeled branches in the watering troughs?
Jacob set the peeled branches in the watering troughs as part of his plan to breed the flocks, as seen in Genesis 30:37 where he peeled the bark to expose the white inner wood, and in Genesis 30:38, the flocks came to drink and mate in front of the branches.
What was the purpose of peeling the branches?
The purpose of peeling the branches was to expose the white inner wood, which may have had an effect on the breeding of the flocks, as seen in Genesis 30:39 where the flocks bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted.
Is this practice of breeding still used today?
While the exact practice of using peeled branches is not commonly used today, the principle of selective breeding is still used in animal husbandry, and Genesis 30:38-40 provides an example of early selective breeding techniques.
What can we learn from Jacob's actions in this verse?
We can learn about Jacob's resourcefulness and determination to succeed, as seen in Genesis 30:38, and also about God's sovereignty over all things, including the breeding of the flocks, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some creative ways I can apply the principles of Genesis 30:38 to my own life and work?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty over the details of my life, just as Jacob trusted God to bless his efforts in Genesis 30:38?
- What are some areas where I need to be more resourceful and determined, like Jacob in Genesis 30:38?
- How can I use my talents and abilities to glorify God, just as Jacob used his knowledge of animal husbandry to succeed in Genesis 30:38?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:38
And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks,.... Opposite them, in the view of them: in the gutters in the watering troughs, when the flocks came to drink; that is, in places of water,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:38
And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:38
When by their refreshment and meeting together, they were most likely to generate and conceive.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:38
Genesis 30:38 And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.Ver. 38. And he set the rods which he had pilled.] This was done, partly by the force of the fantasy, which is much affected with objects of the sight; or some other cogitation in the time of conception: partly and chiefly by the blessing of God: for, he that shall now try the same conclusion, shall find himself frustrated.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:38
(38) In the gutters . . . —Heb., in the troughs at the watering-places. So virtually all the versions; and see Exodus 2:16, where the word rendered here “gutters” is rightly translated troughs. The idea that there were gutters through which to pour the water into the troughs is utterly modern, but all travellers describe the fixed troughs put for the convenience of the cattle round the wells.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:38
Verse 38. And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks] It has long been an opinion that whatever makes a strong impression on the mind of a female in the time of conception and gestation, will have a corresponding influence on the mind or body of the fetus. This opinion is not yet rationally accounted for. It is not necessary to look for a miracle here; for though the fact has not been accounted for, it is nevertheless sufficiently plain that the effect does not exceed the powers of nature; and I have no doubt that the same modes of trial used by Jacob would produce the same results in similar cases. The finger of God works in nature myriads of ways unknown to us; we see effects without end, of which no rational cause can be assigned; it has pleased God to work thus and thus, and this is all that we know; and God mercifully hides the operations of his power from man in a variety of eases, that he may hide pride from him. Even with the little we know, how apt are we to be puffed up! We must adore God in a reverential silence on such subjects as these, confess our ignorance, and acknowledge that nature is the instrument by which he chooses to work, and that he performs all things according to the counsel of his own will, which is always infinitely wise and infinitely good.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:38
38. over against] Jacob places the white peeled rods in front of the flocks, when they come to drink at the breeding season. It was the popular belief that such objects, being presented to the eye at such a season, would be likely to affect the colouring of the progeny. gutters] This word is explained by the phrase following, “watering troughs”; cf. Exodus 2:16.