King James Version
What Does Genesis 30:38 Mean?
“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.”
Context
36
And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
37
And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.
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.
39
And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.
40
And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(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.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Genesis 30:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.