New International VersionJacob, however, took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond and plane trees and made white stripes on them by peeling the bark and exposing the white inner wood of the branches.
New Living TranslationThen Jacob took some fresh branches from poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled off strips of bark, making white streaks on them.
English Standard VersionThen Jacob took fresh sticks of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the sticks.
Berean Standard BibleJacob, however, took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionNow Jacob took for himself rods of green poplar and of the almond and chestnut trees, peeled white strips in them, and exposed the white which was in the rods.
New American Standard BibleThen Jacob took fresh rods of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled white stripes in them, exposing the white that was in the rods.
NASB 1995Then Jacob took fresh rods of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white stripes in them, exposing the white which was in the rods.
NASB 1977Then Jacob took fresh rods of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white stripes in them, exposing the white which was in the rods.
Legacy Standard BibleThen Jacob took fresh rods of poplar and almond and plane trees, and he peeled white stripes in them, exposing the white which was in the rods.
Amplified BibleThen Jacob took branches of fresh poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white stripes in them, exposing the white in the branches.
Christian Standard BibleJacob then took branches of fresh poplar, almond, and plane wood, and peeled the bark, exposing white stripes on the branches.
Holman Christian Standard BibleJacob then took branches of fresh poplar, almond, and plane wood, and peeled the bark, exposing white stripes on the branches.
American Standard VersionAnd Jacob took him rods of fresh poplar, and of the almond and of the plane-tree; and peeled white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.
Contemporary English VersionJacob cut branches from some poplar trees and from some almond and evergreen trees. He peeled off part of the bark and made the branches look spotted and speckled.
English Revised VersionAnd Jacob took him rods of fresh poplar, and of the almond and of the plane tree; and peeled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen Jacob took fresh-cut branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled the bark on them in strips of white, uncovering the white which was on the branches.
Good News TranslationJacob got green branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees and stripped off some of the bark so that the branches had white stripes on them.
International Standard VersionJacob took branches from white poplar trees, freshly cut almond trees, and some other trees, stripped off their bark to make white streaks, and uncovered the white part inside the branches.
NET BibleBut Jacob took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond, and plane trees. He made white streaks by peeling them, making the white inner wood in the branches visible.
New Heart English BibleJacob took fresh branches from poplar, almond and plane trees and made white streaks by peeling them, exposing white stripes on the branches.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Jacob took to him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut-tree; and peeled white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJacob, however, took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches.
World English BibleJacob took to himself rods of fresh poplar, almond, and plane tree, peeled white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jacob takes to himself a rod of fresh poplar and almond and plane-tree, and peels in them white peelings, making bare the white that [is] on the rods,
Young's Literal Translation And Jacob taketh to himself a rod of fresh poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut, and doth peel in them white peelings, making bare the white that is on the rods,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jacob will take to himself a rod of green storax, and the almond tree, and the plane tree, and he will strip off of them the white strippings, uncovering the white which was upon the rods. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jacob took green robs of poplar, and of almond, and of place trees, and pilled them in part: so when the bark was taken off, in the parts that were pilled, there appeared whiteness: but the parts that were whole remained green: and by this means the colour was divers.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen Jacob, taking green branches of poplar, and almond, and sycamore trees, debarked them in part. And when the bark was pulled off, in the parts that were stripped, there appeared whiteness, yet the parts that were left whole, remained green. And so, in this way the color was made variegated.
New American BibleJacob, however, got some fresh shoots of poplar, almond and plane trees, and he peeled white stripes in them by laying bare the white core of the shoots.
New Revised Standard VersionThen Jacob took fresh rods of poplar and almond and plane, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the rods. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jacob took some fresh white rods of almond and poplar trees; and peeled white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Yaquuv took to him fresh white rods of almond and of the plane tree and he stripped them of the white bark and they became whiter, white in the rods. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jacob took him rods of fresh poplar, and of the almond and of the plane-tree; and peeled white streaks in them, making the white appear which was in the rods.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Jacob took to himself green rods of storax tree and walnut and plane-tree; and Jacob peeled in them white stripes; and as he drew off the green, the white stripe which he had made appeared alternate on the rods.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jacob Prospers… 36Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks. 37Jacob, however,tookfreshbranchesof poplar,almond,and plane trees,and peeledthe bark,exposingthe whiteinner woodofthe branches.38Then he set the peeled branches in the watering troughs in front of the flocks coming in to drink. So when the flocks were in heat and came to drink,…
Cross References Exodus 7:19-20And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals and ponds and all the reservoirs—that they may become blood.’ There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone.” / Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood.
Exodus 14:21Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided,
Numbers 17:8The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron’s staff, representing the house of Levi, had sprouted, put forth buds, blossomed, and produced almonds.
1 Kings 17:6The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook.
2 Kings 4:41Then Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He threw it into the pot and said, “Pour it out for the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.
2 Kings 6:6“Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float.
Ezekiel 17:24Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’”
Ezekiel 31:8-9The cedars in the garden of God could not rival it; the cypresses could not compare with its branches, nor the plane trees match its boughs. No tree in the garden of God could compare with its beauty. / I made it beautiful with its many branches, the envy of all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God.’
Hosea 12:3-4In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God. / Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there—
John 2:7-9Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. / “Now draw some out,” He said, “and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, / and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not know where it was from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside
John 9:6-7When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. / Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.
Acts 19:11-12God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, / so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them.
Romans 4:17-21As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. / Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” / Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. ...
1 Corinthians 1:27-29But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Treasury of Scripture 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. Jacob. Genesis 31:9-13 Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and giventhem to me… green poplar. hasel. chestnut tree. Ezekiel 31:8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. Jump to Previous AlmondAlmond-TreeAppearBandsBarkBranchesChestnutCuttingExposingFreshGreenHoweverInnerJacobMakingPeeledPilledPlanePlane-TreePoplarRodRodsSkinStreaksStripesTreeTreesUncoveringWhiteYoungJump to Next AlmondAlmond-TreeAppearBandsBarkBranchesChestnutCuttingExposingFreshGreenHoweverInnerJacobMakingPeeledPilledPlanePlane-TreePoplarRodRodsSkinStreaksStripesTreeTreesUncoveringWhiteYoungGenesis 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.Jacob, however, took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane treesIn this passage, Jacob employs a unique method involving branches from specific trees. The poplar, almond, and plane trees were common in the region, known for their flexibility and availability. The use of these particular trees may have symbolic significance, as each tree has unique properties. Poplar trees are often associated with rapid growth, almond trees with vigilance and watchfulness (as seen in Jeremiah 1:11-12), and plane trees with strength and endurance. This action by Jacob is part of a larger narrative where he seeks to increase his flocks, demonstrating his resourcefulness and understanding of animal husbandry. The choice of fresh branches indicates the importance of vitality and life in the process Jacob is about to undertake. and peeled the bark
Peeling the bark from the branches is a deliberate act by Jacob, revealing his knowledge of the natural world. This action may have been intended to influence the breeding of the animals, as it was believed that visual stimuli could affect the outcome of offspring. This practice reflects the ancient understanding of genetics and selective breeding, even though it may not align with modern scientific principles. The act of peeling also symbolizes uncovering or revealing, which can be seen as a metaphor for divine revelation or the uncovering of God's plans. exposing the white inner wood of the branches
The exposure of the white inner wood is significant, as it creates a visual contrast that could have been intended to influence the animals during mating. White often symbolizes purity and holiness in biblical literature, and this imagery might suggest a deeper spiritual meaning. The act of exposing the inner wood can be seen as a metaphor for revealing the inner truth or essence, aligning with themes of revelation and divine insight. This action by Jacob is part of a broader narrative where God blesses him, despite the unconventional methods, highlighting God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to Jacob. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham and son of Isaac, Jacob is a central figure in Genesis. At this point in the account, he is working for his father-in-law, Laban, and is seeking to increase his own wealth through the breeding of livestock. 2. LabanJacob's father-in-law, who has repeatedly deceived Jacob. Laban's relationship with Jacob is marked by manipulation and conflict over wages and family matters. 3. Branches of Poplar, Almond, and Plane TreesThese are the specific types of branches Jacob uses in his strategy to influence the breeding of Laban's flocks. The act of peeling the bark to expose the white inner wood is a key part of Jacob's plan. 4. Paddan-aramThe region where Jacob is living and working for Laban. It is a significant location in Jacob's life, as it is where he marries Leah and Rachel and builds his family. 5. Livestock BreedingThe event of Jacob using peeled branches to influence the breeding of the flocks is a pivotal moment in his quest to build his own wealth and independence from Laban. Teaching Points God's Providence in Human EndeavorsJacob's actions with the branches demonstrate human effort, but it is ultimately God's providence that ensures Jacob's success. This reminds us that while we are called to work diligently, we must trust in God's overarching plan. Wisdom and ResourcefulnessJacob's strategy shows the importance of using wisdom and resourcefulness in our endeavors. As believers, we should seek God's guidance to make wise decisions in our lives. Integrity and Trust in God's JusticeDespite Laban's deceit, Jacob's account encourages us to maintain integrity and trust that God will bring justice and blessing in His time. The Role of Faith in Uncertain CircumstancesJacob's actions, though seemingly unconventional, reflect a faith that God will fulfill His promises. We are called to have faith even when the path is unclear. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 30:37?
2.How does Jacob's method in Genesis 30:37 demonstrate reliance on God's guidance?
3.What lessons on faith can we learn from Jacob's actions in Genesis 30:37?
4.How does Genesis 30:37 connect to God's promise to Jacob in Genesis 28:15?
5.What practical steps can we take to trust God in challenging situations today?
6.How does Jacob's strategy in Genesis 30:37 reflect God's provision and wisdom?
7.How does Genesis 30:37 align with scientific understanding of genetics and animal breeding?
8.What is the significance of Jacob's use of poplar branches in Genesis 30:37?
9.Does Genesis 30:37 suggest a belief in sympathetic magic or divine intervention?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 30?
11.In Genesis 30:37–39, does the idea that peeled branches can influence an animal’s offspring have any support in modern biology?
12.How does genetic drift contradict the idea of fixed "kinds"?
13.Why was Joseph imprisoned in Egypt?
14.In Genesis 31:10–12, how could Jacob’s dream and the striped rods realistically influence the genetics of the flocks?What Does Genesis 30:37 Mean Jacob, however• The verse opens with Jacob acting in contrast to Laban’s earlier maneuvering (Genesis 30:31–36). • Jacob’s name is attached to the action, underscoring personal responsibility and initiative—much like Noah “did everything that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). • Though Laban tried to exploit him, Jacob trusts the Lord’s promise: “I will be with you” (Genesis 28:15). That assurance fuels what happens next.
took fresh branches• “Fresh” highlights immediacy and vitality; Jacob doesn’t wait for circumstances to improve—he works within them, echoingEcclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might”. • Physical effort accompanies faith.James 2:17 reminds us, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Jacob’s labor is the tangible partner to his reliance on God.
of poplar, almond, and plane trees• The selection is deliberate: – Poplar grows quickly, symbolizing rapid results. – Almond is the first tree to bloom in spring; God uses that imagery inJeremiah 1:11–12 to speak of His watchfulness. – Plane trees are hardy and shade-giving, a hint at protection and provision (Psalm 121:5). • Each branch type serves Jacob’s practical plan while quietly testifying that nature itself is at God’s disposal (Psalm 50:10–11).
and peeled the bark• Jacob modifies what he has—no expensive tools, just ingenuity.Proverbs 22:29 celebrates such skill: “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.” • The peeling is neither magic nor superstition; it is the visible step God uses to showcase His sovereignty (Genesis 31:12). God often works through ordinary means (2 Kings 5:10–14).
exposing the white inner wood of the branches• The streaked appearance becomes a visual cue placed in the watering troughs (Genesis 30:38). While science debates the genetics, Scripture presents God guiding outcomes (Genesis 31:9). • Like the bronze serpent lifted by Moses (Numbers 21:8–9), the peeled rods draw attention so the people—and here, the animals—look and live under God’s arranged provision. • The whiteness of the wood recalls purity and transparency; Jacob isn’t hiding, he’s openly applying wisdom God later clarifies in a dream (Genesis 31:10–13).
summary• Jacob’s simple act of peeling fresh branches is a historical, God-directed strategy proving the Lord’s faithfulness amid human scheming. • Initiative, craftsmanship, and trust operate together; Jacob acts, but God prospers the work. • The episode teaches that even the smallest, most ordinary materials—poplar, almond, plane—become instruments of blessing when placed in God’s hands. (37) And Jacob took him rods . . . --Jacob's plan was to place before the ewes and she-goats at breeding time objects of a speckled colour, and as he put them at their watering-place, where everything was familiar to them, they would, with the usual curiosity of these animals, gaze upon them intently, with the result, physically certain to follow, that many of them would bear speckled young. Poplar.--Really, the storax-tree (styrax officinalis)."This," says Canon Tristram, "is a very beautiful perfumed shrub, which grows abundantly on the lower hills of Palestine." The word occurs elsewhere only inHosea 4:13, and the idea that it was the poplar arises solely from the name signifyingwhite;but this epithet is even more deserved by the storax, "which in March is covered with a sheet of white blossom, and is the predominant shrub through the dells of Carmel and Galilee" (Natural History of the Bible,pp. 395, 396). Hazel.--Heb.,luz(Genesis 28:19), the almond-tree (amygdalus communis).Dr. Tristram (Natural History of the Bible,p. 358) says that he never observed the true hazel wild in Southern or Central Palesútine, nor was it likely to occur in Mesopotamia. The almond is one of the most common trees in Palestine. Chesnut tree.--Heb.,armon,the plane-tree (platanus orientalis)."We never," says Dr. Tristram (p. 345), "saw the chesnut in Palestine, excepting planted in orchards in Lebanon; while the plane-tree, though local, is frequent by the sides of streams and in plains." The tree is mentioned again inEzekiel 31:8. Verse 37. - And Jacob took him rods of green poplar - literally, a rod (the singular being used collectively for rods) ofלִבְנֶה, (from לָבַן, to be white, meaning either the) poplar (LXX., in Hosea 4:13; Vulgate, Kalisch) or the storax (LXX. in loco, Keil; cf. Michaelis, 'Suppl.,' p. 1404) fresh green - and of the hazel - לוּז, the hazel tree (Raschi, Kimchi, Arabic, Luther, Furst, Kalisch) or the almond tree (Vulgate, Saadias, Calvin, Gesenius, 'Speaker s Commentary') - and chestnut tree; - עַרְמון, the plane tree (LXX., Vulgate, et alii), so called from its height - and pilled white strakes in them (literally, peeledoffin them peeled places white), and made the white appear (literally, making naked the white) which was in the rods.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Jacob, however,יַעֲקֹ֗ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desctookוַיִּֽקַּֽח־(way·yiq·qaḥ-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947:To takefreshלַ֖ח(laḥ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3892:Fresh, unused, undriedbranchesמַקַּ֥ל(maq·qal)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4731:A shoot, stickof poplar,לִבְנֶ֛ה(liḇ·neh)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3839:Some sort of whitish tree, the storaxalmond,וְל֣וּז(wə·lūz)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3869:Some kind of nuttree, the almondand plane trees,וְעֶרְמ֑וֹן(wə·‘er·mō·wn)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6196:The plane treeand peeledוַיְפַצֵּ֤ל(way·p̄aṣ·ṣêl)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6478:To peel[the bark],בָּהֵן֙(bā·hên)Preposition | third person feminine plural
Strong's Hebrewexposingמַחְשֹׂף֙(maḥ·śōp̄)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4286:A laying bare, strippingthe whiteלְבָנ֔וֹת(lə·ḇā·nō·wṯ)Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 3836:Whiteinner woodפְּצָל֣וֹת(pə·ṣā·lō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6479:A peeled spot or stripeofעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe branches.הַמַּקְלֽוֹת׃(ham·maq·lō·wṯ)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4731:A shoot, stick
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OT Law: Genesis 30:37 Jacob took to himself rods of fresh (Gen. Ge Gn) |
