39 they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted.

Other Translations of Genesis 30:39

King James Version

39 And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.

English Standard Version

39 the flocks bred in front of the sticks and so the flocks brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted.

The Message

39 and mated in front of the streaked branches. Then they gave birth to young that were streaked or spotted or speckled.

New King James Version

39 So the flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted.

New Living Translation

39 And when they mated in front of the white-streaked branches, they gave birth to young that were streaked, speckled, and spotted.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 30:39

Commentary on Genesis 30:25-43

(Read Genesis 30:25-43)

The fourteen years being gone, Jacob was willing to depart without any provision, except God's promise. But he had in many ways a just claim on Laban's substance, and it was the will of God that he should be provided for from it. He referred his cause to God, rather than agree for stated wages with Laban, whose selfishness was very great. And it would appear that he acted honestly, when none but those of the colours fixed upon should be found among his cattle. Laban selfishly thought that his cattle would produce few different in colour from their own. Jacob's course after this agreement has been considered an instance of his policy and management. But it was done by intimation from God, and as a token of his power. The Lord will one way or another plead the cause of the oppressed, and honour those who simply trust his providence. Neither could Laban complain of Jacob, for he had nothing more than was freely agreed that he should have; nor was he injured, but greatly benefitted by Jacob's services. May all our mercies be received with thanksgiving and prayer, that coming from his bounty, they may lead to his praise.