Genesis 30:41
New International Version
Whenever the stronger females were in heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs in front of the animals so they would mate near the branches,

New Living Translation
Whenever the stronger females were ready to mate, Jacob would place the peeled branches in the watering troughs in front of them. Then they would mate in front of the branches.

English Standard Version
Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob would lay the sticks in the troughs before the eyes of the flock, that they might breed among the sticks,

Berean Standard Bible
Whenever the stronger females of the flock were in heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs, in full view of the animals, so that they would breed in front of the branches.

King James Bible
And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.

New King James Version
And it came to pass, whenever the stronger livestock conceived, that Jacob placed the rods before the eyes of the livestock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.

New American Standard Bible
Moreover, whenever the stronger of the flock were mating, Jacob would place the rods in the sight of the flock in the drinking troughs, so that they would mate by the rods;

NASB 1995
Moreover, whenever the stronger of the flock were mating, Jacob would place the rods in the sight of the flock in the gutters, so that they might mate by the rods;

NASB 1977
Moreover, it came about whenever the stronger of the flock were mating, that Jacob would place the rods in the sight of the flock in the gutters, so that they might mate by the rods;

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it would be that, whenever the stronger of the flock were mating, Jacob would place the rods in the sight of the flock in the trough, so that they might mate by the rods;

Amplified Bible
Furthermore, whenever the stronger [animals] of the flocks were breeding, Jacob would place the branches in the sight of the flock in the watering troughs, so that they would mate and conceive among the branches;

Christian Standard Bible
Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob placed the branches in the troughs, in full view of the flocks, and they would breed in front of the branches.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob placed the branches in the troughs, in full view of the flocks, and they would breed in front of the branches.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger of the flock did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the flock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods;

Contemporary English Version
When the stronger sheep were mating near the drinking place, Jacob made sure that the spotted branches were there.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger of the flock did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the flock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whenever the stronger of the flocks were in heat, Jacob would lay the branches in the troughs in front of them so that they would mate by the branches.

Good News Translation
When the healthy animals were mating, Jacob put the branches in front of them at the drinking troughs, so that they would breed among the branches.

International Standard Version
Whenever the more vigorous of the flock came into heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs in front of the flock to make them mate by the branches.

Majority Standard Bible
Whenever the stronger females of the flock were in heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs, in full view of the animals, so that they would breed in front of the branches.

NET Bible
When the stronger females were in heat, Jacob would set up the branches in the troughs in front of the flock, so they would mate near the branches.

New Heart English Bible
It happened, whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, that Jacob would set up the branches in front of the flock in the troughs, so that they would breed near the branches;

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, whenever the stronger cattle conceived, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.

World English Bible
Whenever the stronger of the flock conceived, Jacob laid the rods in front of the eyes of the flock in the watering troughs, that they might conceive among the rods;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it has come to pass, whenever the strong ones of the flock conceive, that Jacob sets the rods before the eyes of the flock in the gutters, to cause them to conceive by the rods,

Young's Literal Translation
And it hath come to pass whenever the strong ones of the flock conceive, that Jacob set the rods before the eyes of the flock in the gutters, to cause them to conceive by the rods,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was in every one conceiving of the strong sheep, and Jacob put the rods before the eyes of the sheep in the floorings, to conceive among the rods.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So when the ewes went first to ram, Jacob put the rods in the roughs of water before the eyes of the rams, and of the ewes, that they might conceive while they were looking upon them:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, when the first to arrive were climbing on the ewes, Jacob placed the branches in the troughs of water before the eyes of the rams and the sheep, so that they might conceive while they were gazing upon them.

New American Bible
Whenever the hardier animals were in heat, Jacob would set the shoots in the troughs in full view of these animals, so that they mated by the shoots;

New Revised Standard Version
Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob laid the rods in the troughs before the eyes of the flock, that they might breed among the rods,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass, whenever the stronger of the flock did conceive, Jacob laid the rods in front of the sheep in the troughs, that they might conceive by the means of the rods.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And every time that the flock conceived early, Yaquuv laid down a rod before the flock by the running water when they conceived among the rods.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger of the flock did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the flock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass in the time wherein the cattle became pregnant, conceiving in the belly, Jacob put the rods before the cattle in the troughs, that they might conceive by the rods.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Prospers
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. 41 Whenever the stronger females of the flock were in heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs, in full view of the animals, so that they would breed in front of the branches. 42But if the animals were weak, he did not set out the branches. So the weaker animals went to Laban and the stronger ones to Jacob.…

Cross References
Genesis 31:9-12
Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me. / When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females. / In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ And I replied, ‘Here I am.’ ...

Genesis 29:31
When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.

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. ...

Exodus 12:35-36
Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.

Leviticus 19:19
You are to keep My statutes. You shall not crossbreed two different kinds of livestock; you shall not sow your fields with two kinds of seed; and you shall not wear clothing made of two kinds of material.

Deuteronomy 8:18
But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.

Deuteronomy 28:4
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.

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

1 Kings 3:13
Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.

Job 42:12
So the LORD blessed Job’s latter days more than his first. He owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.

Psalm 75:6-7
For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.

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

Ecclesiastes 9:11
I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all.

Isaiah 60:5-7
Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. / Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. / All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, whenever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.

Jump to Previous
Ardent Branches Breed Breeding Cattle Conceive Conceived Drinking-Places Eyes Females Flock Gutters Heat Jacob Laid Mate Mating Moreover Ones Rods Runnels Sight Sticks Stronger Troughs Whenever Whensoever Young
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Ardent Branches Breed Breeding Cattle Conceive Conceived Drinking-Places Eyes Females Flock Gutters Heat Jacob Laid Mate Mating Moreover Ones Rods Runnels Sight Sticks Stronger Troughs Whenever Whensoever Young
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.














Whenever the stronger females were in heat
The phrase "stronger females" refers to the robust and healthy livestock among Jacob's flock. In the Hebrew context, the word for "stronger" (עָצוּם, 'atzum) implies not just physical strength but also vitality and potential for producing strong offspring. This reflects Jacob's strategic approach to breeding, ensuring that the best of the flock would reproduce. The concept of animals being "in heat" is a natural process, indicating fertility and readiness for mating, which Jacob wisely capitalizes on to increase his wealth and prosperity.

Jacob would place the branches in the troughs
The act of placing branches in the troughs is a fascinating example of ancient husbandry practices. The Hebrew word for "branches" (מַקֵּלוֹת, maqqelot) suggests rods or sticks, which Jacob used in a seemingly superstitious or symbolic manner. This action, however, is more than mere folklore; it demonstrates Jacob's ingenuity and understanding of selective breeding, even if the exact scientific principles were not known to him. The troughs, where animals drank, were strategic locations for this practice, ensuring that the animals would be influenced by the sight of the branches during a critical time.

in full view of the stronger females
The phrase "in full view" underscores the intentionality behind Jacob's actions. The Hebrew word for "view" (עֵינֵי, 'einei) literally means "eyes," emphasizing the visual aspect of the process. This suggests that Jacob believed the visual stimuli of the branches would somehow affect the outcome of the breeding, a belief that, while not scientifically accurate, reflects the cultural and historical context of the time. It also highlights Jacob's determination and resourcefulness in ensuring the success of his flocks.

so they would mate in front of the branches
The culmination of Jacob's strategy is seen in this phrase. The Hebrew word for "mate" (יָחֵם, yachem) indicates the act of copulation, a natural and necessary process for the continuation of the flock. By orchestrating the mating process in front of the branches, Jacob is actively participating in the outcome of his labor, trusting in God's providence to bless his efforts. This reflects a broader biblical theme of human responsibility working in tandem with divine sovereignty, as Jacob's actions are ultimately blessed by God, leading to his prosperity.

(41, 42) The stronger cattle . . . when the cattle were feeble.--The words for "strong" and "feeble" are literally bound and covered, so that evidently we have technical terms, which Onkelos and the Syriac explain of the females at the two breeding seasons. The ewes in the spring, after the cold season, are bound, firmly knit together, and the lambs strong and healthy. The other word, covered, seems to mean seeking concealment, hiding away (Job 23:9); and therefore faint, its meaning in Psalm 61:2, Psalms 102, title (Authorised Version, overwhelmed), and Isaiah 57:16 (Authorised Version, fail). The autumn-born lambs are of no great value, and Jacob left them to the course of nature.

Verse 41. - And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, literally, in every healing of the cattle, the bound ones, i.e. the firm, compact sheep, "the spring flock" (Luther), which, being conceived in spring and dropped in autumn, are supposed to be stronger than those conceived in autumn and dropped in spring; but this is doubtful - that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. Jacob s third artifice aimed at securing for himself a vigorous breed of sheep.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Whenever
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the stronger females
הַמְקֻשָּׁרוֹת֒ (ham·quš·šā·rō·wṯ)
Article | Verb - Pual - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 7194: To tie, gird, confine, compact, in love, league

of the flock
הַצֹּ֣אן (haṣ·ṣōn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

were in heat,
יַחֵם֮ (ya·ḥêm)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3179: To be hot, to conceive

Jacob
יַעֲקֹ֧ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

would place
וְשָׂ֨ם (wə·śām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

the branches
הַמַּקְל֛וֹת (ham·maq·lō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4731: A shoot, stick

in the troughs,
בָּרֳהָטִ֑ים (bā·ro·hā·ṭîm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7298: A channel, watering-box, ringlet of hair

in full view
לְעֵינֵ֥י (lə·‘ê·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of the animals,
הַצֹּ֖אן (haṣ·ṣōn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

so they would breed
לְיַחְמֵ֖נָּה (lə·yaḥ·mên·nāh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3179: To be hot, to conceive

in front of the branches.
בַּמַּקְלֽוֹת׃ (bam·maq·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4731: A shoot, stick


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OT Law: Genesis 30:41 It happened whenever the stronger (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 30:40
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