King James Version

What Does Genesis 30:43 Mean?

Genesis 30:43 in the King James Version says “And the man increased exceedingly , and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the man increased exceedingly , and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.”

Genesis 30:43 · KJV

Context

41

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.

42

But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's.

43

And the man increased exceedingly , and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camel... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּפְרֹ֥ץ1 of 12

“increased”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

הָאִ֖ישׁ2 of 12

“And the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מְאֹ֑ד3 of 12

“exceedingly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

מְאֹ֑ד4 of 12

“exceedingly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַֽיְהִי5 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לוֹ֙6 of 12
H0
צֹ֣אן7 of 12

“cattle”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

רַבּ֔וֹת8 of 12

“and had much”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וּשְׁפָחוֹת֙9 of 12

“and maidservants”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

וַֽעֲבָדִ֔ים10 of 12

“and menservants”

H5650

a servant

וּגְמַלִּ֖ים11 of 12

“and camels”

H1581

a camel

וַֽחֲמֹרִֽים׃12 of 12

“and asses”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

Study Guide

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 30:43 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 30:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 30:30Genesis 26:13-14Genesis 24:35Genesis 13:2Genesis 28:15Genesis 33:11

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