Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob continued to tend the rest of Laban’s flocks. New Living Translation who took them a three-days’ journey from where Jacob was. Meanwhile, Jacob stayed and cared for the rest of Laban’s flock. English Standard Version And he set a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob pastured the rest of Laban’s flock. Berean Standard Bible Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks. King James Bible And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. New King James Version Then he put three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks. New American Standard Bible And he put a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks. NASB 1995 And he put a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks. NASB 1977 And he put a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks. Legacy Standard Bible And he put a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob was pasturing the rest of Laban’s flocks. Amplified Bible And he put [a distance of] three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob was then left in care of the rest of Laban’s flock. Christian Standard Bible He put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob. Jacob, meanwhile, was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flock. Holman Christian Standard Bible He put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob. Jacob, meanwhile, was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flock. American Standard Version and he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. Contemporary English Version Then Laban made Jacob keep the rest of the sheep and goats at a distance of three days' journey. English Revised Version and he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. GOD'S WORD® Translation He traveled three days away from Jacob. Jacob continued to take care of the rest of Laban's flocks. Good News Translation and then went away from Jacob with this flock as far as he could travel in three days. Jacob took care of the rest of Laban's flocks. International Standard Version He sent them as far away from Jacob as a three days' journey could take them. Meanwhile, Jacob kept tending the rest of Laban's flock. NET Bible Then he separated them from Jacob by a three-day journey, while Jacob was taking care of the rest of Laban's flocks. New Heart English Bible He set three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob pastured the rest of Laban’s flocks. Webster's Bible Translation And he set three days' journey between himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks. World English Bible He set three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand sets a journey of three days between himself and Jacob; and Jacob is feeding the rest of the flock of Laban. Young's Literal Translation and setteth a journey of three days between himself and Jacob; and Jacob is feeding the rest of the flock of Laban. Smith's Literal Translation And he will set a way of three days between him and between Jacob; and Jacob fed Laban's sheep the rest. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he set the space of three days' journey betwixt himself and his son in law, who fed the rest of his flock. Catholic Public Domain Version And he established a distance of three days journey between himself and his son-in-law, who pastured the remainder of his flock. New American Bible Then he put a three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was pasturing the rest of Laban’s flock. New Revised Standard Version and he set a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was pasturing the rest of Laban’s flock. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he set three days journey between himself and Jacob; and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he made a three days’ journey between him and Laban, and Yaquuv fed the flock of Laban which remained. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob. And Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he set a distance of a three days' journey between them and Jacob. And Jacob tended the cattle of Laban that were left behind. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Prospers…35That very day Laban removed all the streaked or spotted male goats and every speckled or spotted female goat—every one that had any white on it—and every dark-colored lamb, and he placed them under the care of his sons. 36Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks. 37Jacob, however, took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches.… Cross References Genesis 31:9 Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me. Genesis 31:12 ‘Look up,’ he said, ‘and see that all the males that are mating with the flock are streaked, spotted, or speckled; for I have seen all that Laban has done to you. Genesis 31:16 Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.” Genesis 31:41 Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times! Genesis 31:42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.” Genesis 31:52 This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me. Genesis 32:10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Genesis 33:13 But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die. Genesis 33:14 Please let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until I come to my lord at Seir.” Genesis 34:23 Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.” Exodus 3:22 Every woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman staying in her house for silver and gold jewelry and clothing, and you will put them on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians.” Exodus 12:36 And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. Leviticus 25:36 Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day. Deuteronomy 15:14 You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. Treasury of Scripture And he set three days' journey between himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. Jump to Previous Betwixt Care Continued Distance Fed Feeding Flock Flocks Jacob Journey Laban's Rest Tend Three Three-DayJump to Next Betwixt Care Continued Distance Fed Feeding Flock Flocks Jacob Journey Laban's Rest Tend Three Three-DayGenesis 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. Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob This phrase indicates a significant physical separation between Laban and Jacob. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a "three-day journey" was a common measure of distance, suggesting a deliberate and substantial gap to prevent immediate interaction or interference. This separation underscores the tension and mistrust between Laban and Jacob, as Laban seeks to protect his interests by distancing himself from Jacob. The number three often symbolizes completeness or divine intervention in the Bible, which may imply that this separation was part of God's providential plan for Jacob's eventual independence and prosperity. while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother of Esau. Jacob is a central figure in Genesis, known for his cunning and his role in the lineage of the Israelites. 2. Laban Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, known for his deceptive nature. He plays a significant role in Jacob's life, particularly in the events surrounding Jacob's marriages and his work with Laban's flocks. 3. Three-day journey This distance signifies a separation between Jacob and Laban's flocks, allowing Jacob to manage his own flocks without interference from Laban. 4. Flocks The livestock that Jacob tended for Laban, which became a source of wealth and contention between the two men. 5. Paddan-aram The region where these events took place, also known as Haran, which is significant in the patriarchal accounts of Genesis. Teaching Points Separation for GrowthJust as Jacob needed to separate from Laban to grow his own wealth and family, believers sometimes need to create distance from influences that hinder spiritual growth. God's Provision Despite Laban's attempts to control and deceive, God provided for Jacob. This reminds us that God is our ultimate provider, even when circumstances seem unfavorable. Integrity in Work Jacob's diligence in tending the flocks, despite Laban's deceit, teaches the importance of integrity and hard work in our vocations. Trust in God's Timing Jacob's journey and eventual prosperity illustrate the importance of trusting in God's timing and plan, even when the path is unclear. Conflict Resolution The ongoing conflict between Jacob and Laban highlights the need for wisdom and patience in resolving disputes, relying on God's guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 30:36?2. How does Genesis 30:36 demonstrate God's provision in Jacob's life? 3. What can we learn about patience from Jacob's actions in Genesis 30:36? 4. How does Genesis 30:36 connect to God's promises in Genesis 28:15? 5. In what ways can we trust God's timing as seen in Genesis 30:36? 6. How can we apply Jacob's resourcefulness in Genesis 30:36 to our challenges? 7. What is the significance of the three-day journey in Genesis 30:36? 8. How does Genesis 30:36 reflect Jacob's relationship with Laban? 9. What does Genesis 30:36 reveal about ancient pastoral practices? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 30? 11. Why was Joseph imprisoned in Egypt? 12. Genesis 34:30 - Why does Jacob seem more concerned about his reputation than the moral implications of the violence committed by his sons? 13. Jesus says, 'No one has seen God' (John 1:18), but Genesis 32:30 says Jacob saw God face to face. Isn't this a contradiction? 14. Who brought Joseph to Egypt: the Ishmaelites who bought him (Genesis 37:28), the Midianites who sold him (Genesis 37:36), or his brothers who sold him (Genesis 45:4)? What Does Genesis 30:36 Mean Then he put– Laban takes the initiative, not Jacob, underscoring Laban’s control and scheming nature (cf. Genesis 29:25; 31:7). – His action follows the agreement in Genesis 30:31-34, showing how quickly he attempts to tip the scales in his favor. – Scripture presents no protest from Jacob at this moment, highlighting Jacob’s patience and trust that God will vindicate him (cf. 1 Peter 2:23). A three-day journey – Roughly 50–60 miles on foot—far enough to prevent daily oversight or accidental mingling of the flocks. – The number three often marks decisive separation or completion in Scripture (Genesis 22:4; Exodus 3:18; Jonah 1:17), signaling here a full, intentional break between the animals allotted to each man. – Laban believes distance will ensure Jacob cannot “cheat,” yet God’s later intervention will render that distance irrelevant (Genesis 31:9-12). Between himself and Jacob – The phrase stresses relational distance as well as physical; Laban is erecting a barrier of mistrust (Genesis 31:2). – This foreshadows the eventual covenant boundary they will mark with a pillar at Mizpah (Genesis 31:44-49). – Throughout Scripture, wrongful separation often exposes the heart of the one causing it (Proverbs 16:28; Isaiah 59:2). While Jacob was shepherding – Jacob remains faithfully at work, tending what is left in his charge (Colossians 3:23-24). – His willingness to keep serving despite Laban’s trickery highlights a servant attitude that God can bless (Genesis 31:38-40). – The situation sets the stage for God’s miraculous provision through the striped branches method (Genesis 30:37-43), proving that honest labor under God’s favor outstrips human manipulation. The rest of Laban’s flocks – Jacob is left with animals that, by natural expectation, could not produce the speckled or dark offspring promised to him. – The text accentuates Laban’s attempt to deprive Jacob of a fair wage, yet it also magnifies the Lord’s sovereignty over breeding and multiplication (Genesis 31:9; Psalm 75:6-7). – In Scripture, “the rest” frequently becomes the starting point of divine increase—think of the widow’s oil (2 Kings 4:1-7) or the five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:17-20). Summary Genesis 30:36 records Laban’s deliberate, self-serving separation of the flocks—a three-day buffer meant to keep Jacob from prospering. Though it reveals Laban’s distrust, it also sets up a backdrop where God’s faithfulness to Jacob shines all the brighter. Jacob’s quiet endurance, diligent shepherding, and reliance on God contrast sharply with Laban’s manipulation, reminding believers that divine blessing will overcome human scheming when we walk in integrity and faith. (36) He set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob.--This means that Laban required that there should be an interval of between thirty and forty miles between "himself," that is, his flocks, and those of Jacob. His wealth in sheep and goats must have been enormous to require so large a separate feeding-ground; and this we learn from Genesis 30:30 had been the result of Jacob's care. The words "and Jacob fed," &c., are added to correct the natural supposition that he would at least give some part of his time and care to his own flocks, whereas it was his personal duty to attend only to those of Laban. The verse, nevertheless, is awkward, and the Syriac has probably preserved the right-reading: "And he set three days' journey between himself and Laban: and Jacob fed the flock of Laban that was left." The Samaritan and LXX. read, "between them and Jacob."Verse 36. - And (as if to insure the impossibility of the two flocks mingling and breeding) he set three days journey betwixt himself (with his sons and the parti-colored animals) and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks - out of which he was to pay himself as best he could in accordance with the contract.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then he putוַיָּ֗שֶׂם (way·yā·śem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set a three-day שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת (šə·lō·šeṯ) Number - masculine singular construct Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice journey דֶּ֚רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action between בֵּינ֖וֹ (bê·nōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 996: An interval, space between himself and Jacob, יַעֲקֹ֑ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc while Jacob וְיַעֲקֹ֗ב (wə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc was shepherding רֹעֶ֛ה (rō·‘eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with the rest הַנּוֹתָרֹֽת׃ (han·nō·w·ṯā·rōṯ) Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve of Laban’s לָבָ֖ן (lā·ḇān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob flocks. צֹ֥אן (ṣōn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock Links Genesis 30:36 NIVGenesis 30:36 NLT Genesis 30:36 ESV Genesis 30:36 NASB Genesis 30:36 KJV Genesis 30:36 BibleApps.com Genesis 30:36 Biblia Paralela Genesis 30:36 Chinese Bible Genesis 30:36 French Bible Genesis 30:36 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 30:36 He set three days' journey between himself (Gen. 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