Genesis 30:34 (KJV)

What does Genesis 30:34 mean?

Genesis 30:34 records Laban’s acceptance of Jacob’s proposal for wages. Laban agrees that Jacob can continue caring for his flocks under the terms Jacob has just described, with certain marked animals serving as Jacob’s pay.

The KJV phrase “I would it might be” expresses Laban’s desire that the arrangement take effect. His reply comes after Jacob proposes a way to make his wages recognizable by the animals’ markings.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 30:34

• “be” — לוּ (lu): This word can express a wish, something like “if only” or “may it be.” Laban’s reply conveys willingness for Jacob’s proposal to happen.
• “word” — דָּבָר (davar): This word can mean a spoken statement or a matter being discussed. Here, “thy word” points to Jacob’s stated proposal, not merely to a single word.

Why Genesis 30:34 matters

• Laban’s agreement gives Jacob’s proposed wage arrangement his consent. The phrase “according to thy word” ties that consent to the terms Jacob has just set out.

• The agreement is important for understanding what follows. In the next verses, Laban removes marked animals and places them in his sons’ care, so his actions must be read alongside the agreement he has just made.

• The verse records Laban’s response, while later events show that the relationship remains strained. Genesis 31:7 reports Jacob’s complaint that Laban changed his wages repeatedly.