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⇱ 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?"

Bible > Genesis > Chapter 30 > Verse 30
◄ Genesis 30:30 ►
New International Version
The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I have been. But now, when may I do something for my own household?”

New Living Translation
You had little indeed before I came, but your wealth has increased enormously. The LORD has blessed you through everything I’ve done. But now, what about me? When can I start providing for my own family?”

English Standard Version
For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?”

Berean Standard Bible
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?”

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
For what you had before I came was little, and it has increased to a great amount; the LORD has blessed you since my coming. And now, when shall I also provide for my own house?”

New American Standard Bible
For you had little before I came, and it has increased to a multitude, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household also?”

NASB 1995
“For you had little before I came and it has increased to a multitude, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household also?”

NASB 1977
“For you had little before I came, and it has increased to a multitude; and the LORD has blessed you wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household also?”

Legacy Standard Bible
For you had little before I came, but it has spread out to a multitude, and Yahweh has blessed you at every step of mine. But now, when shall I provide for my own household also?”

Amplified Bible
For you had little before I came and it has increased and multiplied abundantly, and the LORD has favored you with blessings wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household?”

Christian Standard Bible
For you had very little before I came, but now your wealth has increased. The LORD has blessed you because of me. And now, when will I also do something for my own family? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For you had very little before I came, but now your wealth has increased. The LORD has blessed you because of me. And now, when will I also do something for my own family?”

American Standard Version
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?

Contemporary English Version
You didn't have much before I came, but the LORD has blessed everything I have ever done for you. Now it's time for me to start looking out for my own family.

English Revised Version
For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it hath increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee whithersoever I turned: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The little that you had before I came has grown to a large amount. The LORD has blessed you wherever I've been. When can I do something for my own family?"

Good News Translation
The little you had before I came has grown enormously, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I went. Now it is time for me to look out for my own interests."

International Standard Version
What you had previously was only a few head, but the herd has now multiplied, because the LORD has blessed you through my efforts. But now, when am I going to be able to provide for my own household?"

NET Bible
Indeed, you had little before I arrived, but now your possessions have increased many times over. The LORD has blessed you wherever I worked. But now, how long must it be before I do something for my own family too?"

New Heart English Bible
For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly. And God has blessed you wherever I worked. Now when will I also provide for my own household?"

Webster's Bible Translation
For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased to a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for my own house also?
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
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?”

World English Bible
For it was little which you had before I came, and it has increased to a multitude. Yahweh has blessed you wherever I turned. Now when will I provide for my own house also?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for [it is] little which you have had at my appearance, and it breaks forth into a multitude, and YHWH blesses you at my coming; and now, when do I make, I also, for my own house?”

Young's Literal Translation
for it is little which thou hast had at my appearance, and it breaketh forth into a multitude, and Jehovah blesseth thee at my coming; and now, when do I make, I also, for mine own house?'

Smith's Literal Translation
For little which was to thee before me, and it will break forth into a multitude; and Jehovah will praise thee at my foot: and now when shall I make to myself a house?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thou hadst but little before I came to thee, and now thou art become rich: and the Lord hath blessed thee at my coming. It is reasonable therefore that I should now provide also for my own house.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You had little before I came to you, and now you have achieved riches. And the Lord has blessed you since my arrival. It is just, therefore, that at sometime I also should provide for my own house.”

New American Bible
the little you had before I came has grown into an abundance, since the LORD has blessed you in my company. Now, when can I do something for my own household as well?”

New Revised Standard Version
For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly; and the LORD has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For it was little which you had before I came, and now it has increased abundantly; and the LORD has blessed you for my sake; and now what shall I do in order to provide for my own household also?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because you had little before me, and it has increased much, and LORD JEHOVAH has blessed you for my sake, and now what shall I do, even I, for my house?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it hath increased abundantly; and the LORD hath blessed thee whithersoever I turned. And now when shall I provide for mine own house also?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For it was little thou hadst before my time, and it is increased to a multitude, and the Lord God has blessed thee since my coming; now then, when shall I set up also my own house?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Prospers
…29Then Jacob answered, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock have thrived under my care. 30Indeed, 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?” 31“What can I give you?” Laban asked. “You do not need to give me anything,” Jacob replied. “If you do this one thing for me, I will keep on shepherding and keeping your flocks.…

Cross References
Genesis 31:7-9
And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me. / If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore speckled offspring. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore streaked offspring. / Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me.

Genesis 31:38-42
I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. / I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. ...

Genesis 28:13-15
And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. / Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Genesis 29:18-20
Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.

Genesis 12:2
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

Genesis 13:2
And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.

Genesis 24:35
“The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.

Genesis 26:12-14
Now Isaac sowed seed in the land, and that very year he reaped a hundredfold. And the LORD blessed him, / and he became richer and richer, until he was exceedingly wealthy. / He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.

Genesis 39:5
From the time that he put Joseph in charge of his household and all he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s household on account of him. The LORD’s blessing was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field.

Exodus 23:25
So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take away sickness from among you.

Deuteronomy 28:3-6
You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. / The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. / Your basket and kneading bowl will be blessed. ...

Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.

Psalm 1:3
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

Psalm 23:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 128:1-2
A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways! / For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.


Genesis 30:43
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.

and the.

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.

since my coming.

Deuteronomy 11:10
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:

when.

2 Corinthians 12:14
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.

1 Timothy 5:8
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.

Jump to Previous
Abundantly Appearance Blessed Blesseth Blessing Breaketh Forth Greatly Hadst House Household Increased Little Multitude Provide Something Time Turned Wherever Whithersoever
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Abundantly Appearance Blessed Blesseth Blessing Breaketh Forth Greatly Hadst House Household Increased Little Multitude Provide Something Time Turned Wherever Whithersoever
Genesis 30
1. Rachel, in grief for her barrenness, gives Bilhah her maid unto Jacob.
5. Bilhah bears Dan and Naphtali.
9. Leah gives Zilpah her maid, who bears Gad and Asher.
14. Reuben finds mandrakes,
15. with which Leah buys her husband's company of Rachel.
17. Leah bears Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah.
22. Rachel bears Joseph.
25. Jacob desires to depart.
27. Laban detains him on a new agreement.
37. Jacob's policy, whereby he becomes rich.














Indeed, you had very little before my arrival
This phrase highlights the initial state of Laban's wealth before Jacob's arrival. In the broader narrative of Genesis, Jacob's journey to Laban's household was marked by divine providence. Jacob, though fleeing from Esau, was under God's covenant promise to Abraham and Isaac, which included blessings and prosperity. Laban's initial lack of wealth underscores the transformative impact of Jacob's presence, which aligns with the biblical theme of God blessing those associated with His chosen people.

but now your wealth has increased many times over
Jacob's presence and labor resulted in significant prosperity for Laban. This increase in wealth can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to bless those who bless Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:3). The multiplication of Laban's wealth serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the effectiveness of His covenant. It also reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of wealth as a sign of divine favor.

The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot
This statement acknowledges that the source of Laban's prosperity is the LORD, Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. Jacob's recognition of God's hand in the increase of wealth emphasizes the biblical principle that all blessings ultimately come from God. The phrase "wherever I set foot" suggests that Jacob's presence and actions, under God's guidance, were instrumental in the blessing, echoing the promise given to Abraham about his descendants being a blessing to others.

But now, when may I also provide for my own household?
Here, Jacob expresses a desire to shift his focus from serving Laban to providing for his own family. This reflects a natural progression in Jacob's life, as he seeks to establish his own household and secure a future for his descendants. The question also highlights the tension between serving others and fulfilling personal responsibilities, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Jacob's request is a turning point, leading to his eventual departure from Laban and the continuation of God's covenant promises through his lineage.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob
The grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother of Esau. He is the central figure in this passage, negotiating his future with Laban.

2. Laban
Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, who has benefited greatly from Jacob's presence and labor.

3. Paddan-aram
The region where Laban lived and where Jacob had fled to escape his brother Esau.

4. The LORD's Blessing
The divine favor that has resulted in Laban's increased wealth due to Jacob's work.

5. Jacob's Household
The family and possessions Jacob desires to build and provide for independently.
Teaching Points
Recognizing God's Blessing
Jacob acknowledges that the increase in Laban's wealth is due to God's blessing. We should recognize and give credit to God for the blessings in our lives.

Integrity in Work
Jacob's hard work and integrity have led to Laban's prosperity. Christians are called to work diligently and with integrity, trusting God for the results.

Desire for Independence
Jacob's desire to provide for his own household reflects a biblical principle of stewardship and responsibility. We should strive to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

God's Faithfulness
The passage highlights God's faithfulness to His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives as well.

Balancing Service and Self-care
Jacob's question about providing for his own household reminds us of the need to balance serving others with taking care of our own responsibilities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 30:30?

2. How does Genesis 30:30 illustrate God's provision through hard work and faithfulness?

3. What lessons on stewardship can we learn from Jacob's experience in Genesis 30:30?

4. How does Jacob's prosperity in Genesis 30:30 connect to God's covenant with Abraham?

5. In what ways can we apply Jacob's diligence in Genesis 30:30 to our lives?

6. How does Genesis 30:30 encourage reliance on God for success and blessings?

7. How does Genesis 30:30 reflect God's role in prosperity and blessings?

8. What does Genesis 30:30 reveal about Jacob's relationship with Laban?

9. How does Genesis 30:30 illustrate the concept of divine favor?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 30?

11. Who was Laban in the Bible?

12. Who was Bilhah in the Bible?

13. Genesis 34:30 - Why does Jacob seem more concerned about his reputation than the moral implications of the violence committed by his sons?

14. In Genesis 31:24, why would God communicate with Laban if Laban worshipped other gods, and how does this align with other biblical passages about idolatry?
What Does Genesis 30:30 Mean
Indeed, you had very little before my arrival

• Jacob reminds Laban of the contrast between past scarcity and present abundance. When Jacob first arrived, Laban’s flocks were relatively small (Genesis 30:27–29).

• Scripture highlights similar “before and after” moments that underscore God’s transformative provision—think of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:39-49) or Israel entering Canaan (Deuteronomy 6:10-11).

• The statement underscores that any material success ultimately traces back to God, not to human shrewdness (Deuteronomy 8:17-18; James 1:17).

but now your wealth has increased many times over

• Laban’s dramatic prosperity is measurable: Jacob’s breeding methods multiplied the flock (Genesis 30:43), echoing God’s promise to bless those connected to the covenant line (Genesis 12:2-3).

• Job 1:10 offers a parallel where God’s hedge of blessing enlarges everything a man owns.

• The phrase “many times over” points to exponential growth—an unmistakable sign that God’s hand was at work, not mere happenstance.

The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot

• Jacob freely gives God the credit; he does not claim personal genius. His words align with James 4:15, acknowledging the Lord’s sovereign involvement in daily outcomes.

• “Wherever I set foot” hints at the Abrahamic promise of land and blessing that follows the patriarch’s steps (Genesis 13:17; Joshua 1:3).

• Laban’s previous confession—“I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you” (Genesis 30:27)—confirms Jacob’s testimony: God’s covenant favor spills over onto those around His chosen people.

But now, when may I also provide for my own household?

• After fourteen years of labor for Rachel and Leah, plus six more tending Laban’s herds (Genesis 31:38-41), Jacob seeks independence. Scripture upholds this responsibility: “If anyone does not provide for his own, especially for his household, he has denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8).

• Jacob’s question introduces a godly principle of balanced stewardship—caring for others should never eclipse legitimate care for one’s family (Proverbs 13:22).

• The tension anticipates Jacob’s eventual return to the Promised Land, fulfilling God’s word at Bethel (Genesis 28:13-15).

summary

Genesis 30:30 records Jacob’s humble yet firm reminder that God alone multiplied Laban’s wealth through Jacob’s presence. By tracing the shift from scarcity to abundance, the verse magnifies the LORD’s covenant faithfulness and establishes Jacob’s right to seek provision for his own household. The passage teaches that God’s blessing is both tangible and transferable, yet personal responsibility remains: having enriched others, Jacob must now steward resources for the family line through which God’s redemptive promises will continue.

(30) It was little.--The Rabbins see proof of this in Laban's sheep being kept by a young girl like Rachel (Genesis 29:9).

It is now increased.--Heb., broken forth, spread itself abroad with irresistible might. (Comp. Exodus 1:12.)

Since my coming.--Heb., at my foot. This answers to "before I came" (Heb., before me) in the first clause. "It was little that thou hadst before me, and it hath broken forth into a multitude, and God hath blessed thee behind me." Wherever I have gone, prosperity has followed in my footsteps.

Verse 30. - For it was little which thou hadst before I came, - literally, for little (it was) was to thee before me; i.e. not in place, ἰναντίον ἐμοῦ (LXX.), but in time, i.e. before my arrival - and it is now increased - literally, broken forth (cf. ver. 43) - unto a multitude; and the Lord (Jehovah) hath blessed thee since my coming (literally, at my foot, i.e. wherever I have gone among your flocks): and now when shall I provide (literally, do) for mine own house also?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Indeed,
כִּ֡י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you had
הָיָ֨ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

very little
מְעַט֩ (mə·‘aṭ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few

before my arrival,
לְפָנַי֙ (lə·p̄ā·nay)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face

but now your wealth
לָרֹ֔ב (lā·rōḇ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7230: Multitude, abundance, greatness

has increased many times over.
וַיִּפְרֹ֣ץ (way·yip̄·rōṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6555: To break through

The LORD
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has blessed
וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ (way·ḇā·reḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

you
אֹתְךָ֖ (’ō·ṯə·ḵā)
Direct object marker | second person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

wherever I set foot.
לְרַגְלִ֑י (lə·raḡ·lî)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda

But now,
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

when
מָתַ֛י (mā·ṯay)
Interrogative
Strong's 4970: Extent, when

may I
אָנֹכִ֖י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

also
גַם־ (ḡam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

provide
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה (’e·‘ĕ·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for my own household?”
לְבֵיתִֽי׃ (lə·ḇê·ṯî)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT Law: Genesis 30:30 For it was little which you had (Gen. Ge Gn)