Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 30בְּרֵאשִׁית ל׳

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Covenant house grows through rivalry, bargaining, and stratagem, yet the decisive openings still come from God, who sees the unloved, remembers the barren, and prospers Jacob in the midst of a distorted household economy. The domestic fracture introduced in Genesis 29 intensifies here: Rachel's barrenness, Leah's fertility, the use of maidservants as surrogate wives, and the naming of sons through competitive wordplay make the expansion of Jacob's house feel painfully contested rather than serenely patriarchal. Rachel's desperation drives the opening phase, Leah counters through Zilpah when her own bearing pauses, and the mandrake episode exposes the sisters' rivalry in its most transactional form, with even Jacob himself becoming an object of exchange. Yet household ingenuity is not allowed to claim the final cause. After prolonged struggle, God remembers Rachel, opens her womb, and brings Joseph into the story as both the removal of reproach and the signal that another major turn has arrived. From that point the contest shifts from contested fertility to contested prosperity. Laban recognizes that YHWH's blessing has come to him through Jacob, but that recognition does not produce justice; it produces another round of manipulation, negotiation, and counter-strategy. The famous flock-breeding episode therefore belongs with the larger pattern: human cunning is everywhere present, but the real transfer of increase comes from YHWH's overruling providence, as the next chapter will make explicit. Births, bodies, wages, desire, and wealth are thus bound into one long struggle in which the covenant family grows not through domestic peace but through divine action within a profoundly disordered household.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. Covenant house grows here through rivalry, bargaining, and stratagem, while divine remembrance keeps the line moving forward under conditions no household wisdom can heal. Verse 1 should retain Rachel's desperate sharpness, 'Give me sons, and if not, I am dead,' as the cry of social and existential collapse rather than mere exaggeration. Jacob's reply in verse 2 is equally stark: 'Am I in the place of God?' identifies fertility as divine prerogative and rebukes any attempt to treat Jacob as its source. Verse 3's 'bear on my knees' is an important household idiom, likely signaling surrogate childbirth claimed by the wife, while 'I too may be built up from her' carries forward the Genesis theme of house-building through offspring. Rachel's naming speeches in verses 6 and 8 are dense with wordplay: Dan turns on judgment or vindication, while Naphtali comes from wrestling-language that may mean 'my wrestlings with God,' 'mighty wrestlings,' or divinely marked struggles with my sister. Leah's counter-move through Zilpah in verses 9-13 shows the rivalry spreading outward through the whole household, and verse 11 is a classic crux because בגד permits different construals behind Gad: 'fortune has come,' 'good fortune,' or even 'troop.' The mandrake scene in verses 14-16 should not be domesticated; dudaim likely carries fertility associations, and Leah's protest, 'Have you taken my husband also?' exposes the humiliation beneath the barter. Verse 16 is deliberately jarring, with Leah effectively hiring Jacob for the night. Leah's later naming speeches continue the layered wordplay: Issachar is linked to wages or hire, while Zebulun turns on gift, honor, or dwelling, so that Leah still longs for durable regard from her husband even after six sons. Dinah's birth is tersely noted in verse 21, but the notice matters as the first daughter named in Jacob's house and as preparation for later narrative developments. Verses 22-24 mark the theological pivot: God remembered Rachel, heard her, and opened her womb. Joseph's naming holds a double wordplay, since 'God has taken away my reproach' and 'may YHWH add to me another son' stand together in one name. The closing movement, verses 25-43, shifts from contested fertility to contested prosperity. Joseph's birth prompts Jacob's request to return home, but Laban seeks to retain the source of blessing, and verse 27's נחשתי is a notable crux, whether 'I have divined,' 'observed by omens,' or more generally 'learned by experience' that YHWH has blessed me because of you. The wage agreement in verses 32-33 depends on careful handling of the flock-color terminology, and verses 37-43 present the famous rod episode, where folk breeding practice, sympathetic symbolism, and divine overruling stand in tension. Read in light of the dream explanation in the next chapter, the point is not magical technique in isolation but YHWH's providential transfer of increase from Laban to Jacob. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַתֵּ֣רֶא רָחֵ֗ל כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָֽלְדָה֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב וַתְּקַנֵּ֥א רָחֵ֖ל בַּאֲחֹתָ֑הּ וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶֽל יַעֲקֹב֙ הָֽבָה לִּ֣י בָנִ֔ים וְאִם אַ֖יִן מֵתָ֥ה אָנֹֽכִי

When Rachel saw that she was not bearing to Jacob, Rachel envied her sister and said to Jacob, 'Give me sons, and if not, I am dead.'

Rachel's barrenness turns into envy and desperate demandוַתֵּרֶא
Rachel reads Leah's fertility as her own humiliation and turns immediately to Jacob with a demand that sounds like a cry from the edge of despair.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַתֵּ֣רֶאand she sawQal wayyiqtol 3fs · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (opens the chapter's conflict)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, perceive'; here Rachel's perception of Leah's fertility initiates the chapter's whole competitive logic.
רָחֵ֗לRachelProper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of וַתֵּרֶארָחֵל (H7354), Jacob's beloved wife, whose barrenness drives the narrative.
כִּ֣יthatConj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (content clause after verb of perception)כִּי (H3588) subordinating conjunction; here introduces the clause of perception.
לֹ֤אnotNeg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of יָלְדָהלֹא (H3808) standard negative particle.
יָֽלְדָה֙she had borneQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of content clause→ Perfective: the completed state of non-bearing — barrenness is an established factיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; the unfulfilled bearing Rachel perceives as her social and existential failure.
לְיַעֲקֹ֔בto Jacobprep לְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (benefactive — bearing for Jacob)יַעֲקֹב (H3290), the patriarch whose house is being built through contested fertility.
וַתְּקַנֵּ֥אand she was jealousPiel wayyiqtol 3fs · קָנָא (H7065)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (emotional consequence of perception)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — jealousy follows immediately on seeingקָנָא (H7065) Piel 'to be jealous, envious'; intense possessive envy arising from perceived social loss to her sister.
רָחֵ֖לRachelProper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of וַתְּקַנֵּא (resumptive after the complement clause)
בַּאֲחֹתָ֑הּher sisterprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 3fs suf · אָחוֹת (H269)Prepositional complement of jealousyאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; the rivalry is intra-familial — Rachel and Leah share a husband and compete for children.
וַתֹּ֤אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Rachel's explosive demand to Jacob.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (marks the addressee)אֶל (H413) directional preposition 'to, toward'.
יַעֲקֹב֙JacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (addressee of speech)
הָֽבָהgive!Qal impv 2ms (cohortative form) · יָהַב (H3051)Main verb of Rachel's demand (imperative)→ Volitional: urgent direct commandיָהַב (H3051) 'to give'; used almost exclusively in the cohortative imperative form הָבָה. Rachel's demand is blunt and without softening.
לִּ֣יto meprep לְ + 1cs sufIndirect object of imperative
בָנִ֔יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of הָבָהבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the plural marks Rachel's demand for full social standing, not just a single birth.
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Coordinating conj + conditional (introducing negative apodosis)אִם (H518) conditional conjunction; here creates a stark either/or — sons or death.
אַ֖יִןthere are noneParticle of non-existence · אַיִן (H369)Predicate of elliptical conditional clause (אִם אַיִן = 'if not')אַיִן (H369) particle of non-existence; the brevity of the clause heightens the despair.
מֵתָ֥הI am dyingQal ptc f sg abs · מוּת (H4191)Predicate of nominal clause (subject אָנֹכִי follows)→ Predicative participle: ongoing or imminent condition — social and existential deathמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the participle as predicate expresses Rachel's condition as virtual death — barrenness is social annihilation in the ancient world.
אָנֹֽכִיIPers pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of participial predicateאָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic 1cs pronoun; the emphasis falls on Rachel herself as the one dying.
2

וַיִּֽחַר אַ֥ף יַעֲקֹ֖ב בְּרָחֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲתַ֤חַת אֱלֹהִים֙ אָנֹ֔כִי אֲשֶׁר מָנַ֥ע מִמֵּ֖ךְ פְּרִי בָֽטֶן

Then Jacob's anger burned against Rachel, and he said, 'Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?'

Jacob rebukes Rachel by locating fertility under divine controlוַיִּחַר
Jacob's anger sharpens the theological issue: he is not the giver of life, and the withheld womb lies under God's prerogative rather than patriarchal power.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּֽחַרand it burnedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — anger flares immediatelyחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn, be kindled'; in the idiom חָרָה + אַף 'the anger burned' describes intense fury.
אַ֥ףangerN m sg abs · אַף (H639)Subject of וַיִּחַר (idiom: anger of X burned)אַף (H639) 'nose, anger'; the snorting nose represents fury; in this construct idiom the anger is the grammatical subject of the burning.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive of אַף (whose anger)
בְּרָחֵ֑לagainst Rachelprep בְּ + Proper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Prepositional phrase (target of Jacob's anger)
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
הֲתַ֤חַתam I in place ofinterrog הֲ + prep · תַּחַת (H8478)Interrogative prepositional phrase (rhetorical question)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, in place of'; the interrogative הֲ makes this a sharp rhetorical rebukes — Jacob is not God's substitute.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Object of prep תַּחַתאֱלֹהִים (H430) plural in form, Israel's God in meaning; Jacob's rhetorical question places fertility firmly under divine, not patriarchal, authority.
אָנֹ֔כִיIPers pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of interrogative clauseאָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic pronoun stressing Jacob's own limits.
אֲשֶׁרwhoRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifies אֱלֹהִים — the God who withheld)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative pronoun introducing the specification of God's action.
מָנַ֥עhas withheldQal perf 3ms · מָנַע (H4513)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: a decisive divine act already accomplishedמָנַע (H4513) 'to withhold, restrain'; Jacob assigns Rachel's barrenness directly to God's sovereign act, not to human failure or his own inadequacy.
מִמֵּ֖ךְfrom youprep מִן + 2fs suf · מִן (H4480)Ablative phrase (from whom withheld)מִן (H4480) preposition of separation; second person feminine suffix addresses Rachel directly.
פְּרִיfruitN m sg constr · פְּרִי (H6529)Direct object of מָנַע (construct chain head)פְּרִי (H6529) 'fruit, produce, offspring'; in construct with בֶּטֶן to form the idiom 'fruit of the womb' = children.
בָֽטֶןof the wombN f sg abs · בֶּטֶן (H990)Genitive in construct chain (source of fruit)בֶּטֶן (H990) 'belly, womb'; with פְּרִי this is the standard idiom for children; what God has kept shut against Rachel.
3

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר הִנֵּ֛ה אֲמָתִ֥י בִלְהָ֖ה בֹּ֣א אֵלֶ֑יהָ וְתֵלֵד֙ עַל בִּרְכַּ֔י וְאִבָּנֶ֥ה גַם אָנֹכִ֖י מִמֶּֽנָּה

So she said, 'Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Go in to her, so that she may bear upon my knees, and I too may be built up from her.'

Rachel proposes surrogate motherhood through Bilhahוַתֹּאמֶר
The rivalry now moves into household strategy. Bilhah is offered as the instrument through whom Rachel hopes to secure legally claimed offspring and be built up.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַתֹּ֕אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
הִנֵּ֛הhere isDemonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (directing attention to Bilhah)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, here'; presents Bilhah as the proposed solution to the impasse.
אֲמָתִ֥יmy maidservantN f sg constr + 1cs suf · אָמָה (H519)Predicate/topic of presentative clauseאָמָה (H519) 'female slave, maidservant'; a household servant who can legally serve as a surrogate birth-mother; distinct in some contexts from שִׁפְחָה (H8198) but used interchangeably here and in the following verse.
בִלְהָ֖הBilhahProper N · בִּלְהָה (H1090)Apposition to אֲמָתִי (the maidservant's name)בִּלְהָה (H1090), Rachel's personal maidservant, who will bear Dan and Naphtali as legally adopted sons of Rachel.
בֹּ֣אgo inQal impv 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Imperative (Rachel's direct command to Jacob)→ Volitional: direct command — Rachel commands Jacob's conjugal access to Bilhahבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the idiom בּוֹא אֶל is a standard euphemism for sexual intercourse in Hebrew narrative.
אֵלֶ֑יהָto herprep אֶל + 3fs suf · אֶל (H413)Directional complement of בֹּא (the destination: Bilhah)
וְתֵלֵד֙so that she may bearQal impf 3fs (purpose/result) · יָלַד (H3205)Purpose clause after imperative→ Yiqtol: imperfective — prospective, the desired outcomeיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; the purpose clause states what Rachel wants from the surrogate arrangement.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase modifying יָלַד (location/adoption idiom)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; the idiom יָלַד עַל בִּרְכַּי ('bear upon my knees') signals surrogate adoption — the child is received into Rachel's own embrace.
בִּרְכַּ֔יmy kneesN f du constr + 1cs suf · בֶּרֶךְ (H1290)Object of prep עַל (idiom of adoptive claim)בֶּרֶךְ (H1290) 'knee'; dual construct with 1cs suffix; the idiom of bearing upon the knees symbolizes the adoptive embrace through which Rachel lays legal claim to Bilhah's child.
וְאִבָּנֶ֥הand I may be built upNiphal impf 1cs · בָּנָה (H1129)Coordinate purpose clause (final result Rachel desires)→ Yiqtol (Niphal): passive-reflexive — I will be built/established through her bearingבָּנָה (H1129) Niphal 'to be built'; the wordplay on בֵּן (son) and בָּנָה (to build) is pointed: sons build the household, and through Bilhah Rachel too will be built up as a mother in Israel.
גַםalsoAdv · גַּם (H1571)Focus adverb (I too, even I)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even, too'; Rachel insists on her own share in the house-building that Leah's children already provide.
אָנֹכִ֖יIPers pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of וְאִבָּנֶה (emphatic)
מִמֶּֽנָּהfrom herprep מִן + 3fs suf · מִן (H4480)Ablative source phrase (built up through Bilhah as instrument)מִן (H4480) 'from'; Bilhah is the agent through whom Rachel's household building will come.
4

וַתִּתֶּן ל֛וֹ אֶת בִּלְהָ֥ה שִׁפְחָתָ֖הּ לְאִשָּׁ֑ה וַיָּבֹ֥א אֵלֶ֖יהָ יַעֲקֹֽב

And she gave him Bilhah her maidservant as a wife, and Jacob went in to her.

Bilhah is given to Jacob and the surrogate plan is enactedוַתִּתֶּן
What Rachel proposed is carried out without delay. The household's fractured desire is translated into a concrete marital arrangement.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַתִּתֶּןand she gaveQal wayyiqtol 3fs · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Rachel immediately acts on her proposalנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant'; Rachel's resolve translates directly into action.
ל֛וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְIndirect object (recipient: Jacob)
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks Bilhah as definite object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; untranslated in English.
בִּלְהָ֥הBilhahProper N · בִּלְהָה (H1090)Direct object of וַתִּתֶּן
שִׁפְחָתָ֖הּher maidservantN f sg constr + 3fs suf · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Apposition to בִּלְהָה (clarifying her status)שִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant, female slave'; a household servant whose children could legally belong to the mistress who directed the arrangement.
לְאִשָּׁ֑הas a wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicative complement (status in which Bilhah is given)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; Bilhah is given as a secondary wife, not merely a concubine, giving legal standing to any children she bears.
וַיָּבֹ֥אand he went inQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (consummation of the arrangement)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; euphemism for sexual intercourse (בּוֹא אֵלֶיהָ).
אֵלֶ֖יהָto herprep אֶל + 3fs suf · אֶל (H413)Directional complement (to Bilhah)
יַעֲקֹֽבJacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיָּבֹא (delayed)
5

וַתַּ֣הַר בִּלְהָ֔ה וַתֵּ֥לֶד לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב בֵּֽן

Then Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son.

Bilhah conceives and bears Jacob a sonוַתַּהַר
The surrogate strategy immediately yields the desired result, intensifying the competitive interpretation that will follow in Rachel's naming speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַתַּ֣הַרand she conceivedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive, become pregnant'; the surrogate strategy succeeds immediately.
בִּלְהָ֔הBilhahProper N · בִּלְהָה (H1090)Subject of וַתַּהַר
וַתֵּ֥לֶדand she boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (result of conception)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'.
לְיַעֲקֹ֖בto Jacobprep לְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (benefactive — the child counts as Jacob's)
בֵּֽןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶדבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the result Rachel sought — the birth that will allow her to claim a child and name him in her own speech.
6

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר רָחֵל֙ דָּנַ֣נִּי אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְגַם֙ שָׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֔י וַיִּתֶּן לִ֖י בֵּ֑ן עַל כֵּ֛ן קָרְאָ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ דָּֽן

And Rachel said, 'God has judged me, and he has also heard my voice and given me a son.' Therefore she called his name Dan.

Rachel interprets the birth as divine vindication and names Danוַתֹּאמֶר
Rachel hears judgment in her favor in the son's arrival. The name Dan frames the birth as an answered case rather than a simple household addition.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַתֹּ֤אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
רָחֵל֙RachelProper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of וַתֹּאמֶר
דָּנַ֣נִּיhas judged meQal perf 3ms + 1cs suf · דִּין (H1777)Predicate verb of Rachel's naming speech→ Perfective: a completed divine verdict in Rachel's favorדִּין (H1777) 'to judge, vindicate, plead one's cause'; Rachel hears the son's birth as a legal verdict in her case — God has ruled for her.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of דָּנַנִּיאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; Rachel acknowledges the divine source of her vindication.
וְגַם֙and alsoconj וְ + adv · גַּם (H1571)Coordinating conjunction + focus adverb (adding a second divine act)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; Rachel adds the divine hearing to the divine judging — two acts of divine favor.
שָׁמַ֣עhe heardQal perf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb of coordinate clause→ Perfective: God's hearing completed and efficaciousשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen'; divine hearing in the context of prayer/cry is an act of response and help.
בְּקֹלִ֔יmy voiceprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cs suf · קוֹל (H6963)Prepositional phrase (what God heard — שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל = to heed)קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; שָׁמַע בְּ is a fixed idiom meaning 'to heed, comply with'; Rachel's cry has been heard and answered.
וַיִּתֶּןand he gaveQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (God's third act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; God is the one who gives the son, not Jacob or Bilhah.
לִ֖יto meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְIndirect object (recipient: Rachel claims the son)
בֵּ֑ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַיִּתֶּן
עַלthereforeprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase in compound conjunction (עַל כֵּן = therefore)עַל (H5921) in the compound עַל כֵּן 'therefore, on account of this'.
כֵּ֛ןsoAdv · כֵּן (H3651)Part of compound conjunction עַל כֵּן (therefore)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; together with עַל forms the ubiquitous explanatory connective 'therefore'.
קָרְאָ֥הshe calledQal perf 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Main verb of naming clause→ Perfective: the naming act completedקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the naming is a speech-act that encodes the theological interpretation of the birth.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of קָרְאָהשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; in Hebrew thought the name encodes character and destiny.
דָּֽןDanProper N · דָּן (H1835)Predicate/name (the name given)דָּן (H1835), from דִּין 'to judge'; the name captures the divine vindication Rachel experienced. Dan becomes the eponymous ancestor of the tribe.
7

וַתַּ֣הַר ע֔וֹד וַתֵּ֕לֶד בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחַ֣ת רָחֵ֑ל בֵּ֥ן שֵׁנִ֖י לְיַעֲקֹֽב

Then Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant, conceived again and bore a second son to Jacob.

Bilhah bears a second son to Jacobוַתַּהַר עוֹד
A second conception confirms that Rachel's strategy is not momentary relief but an expanding rival line within the same house.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַתַּ֣הַרand she conceived againQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive'; a second conception confirms the strategy is productive.
ע֔וֹדagainAdv · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb of repetition modifying וַתַּהַרעוֹד (H5750) 'again, still, yet'; marks the second conception as part of a continuing pattern.
וַתֵּ֕לֶדand she boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
בִּלְהָ֖הBilhahProper N · בִּלְהָה (H1090)Subject of וַתֵּלֶד (delayed)
שִׁפְחַ֣תmaidservant ofN f sg constr · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Appositive phrase in construct chain (identifying Bilhah's household role)שִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant'; in construct with Rachel, clarifying that Bilhah acts as Rachel's agent.
רָחֵ֑לRachelProper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Genitive of שִׁפְחַת (whose maidservant Bilhah is)
בֵּ֥ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶד
שֵׁנִ֖יsecondAdj ordinal m sg abs · שֵׁנִי (H8145)Attributive adjective modifying בֵּןשֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second'; the count matters — Rachel's surrogate line now rivals Leah's sequential births.
לְיַעֲקֹֽבto Jacobprep לְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (benefactive)
8

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר רָחֵ֗ל נַפְתּוּלֵ֨י אֱלֹהִ֧ים נִפְתַּ֛לְתִּי עִם אֲחֹתִ֖י גַּם יָכֹ֑לְתִּי וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ נַפְתָּלִֽי

And Rachel said, 'With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and I have also prevailed.' So she called his name Naphtali.

Rachel names Naphtali through the language of wrestling and prevailed struggleוַתֹּאמֶר
The contest with Leah is now interpreted as a strenuous struggle in which Rachel claims a form of victory. The naming keeps the rivalry explicit rather than hidden.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
רָחֵ֗לRachelProper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of וַתֹּאמֶר
נַפְתּוּלֵ֨יwrestlings ofN m pl constr · נַפְתּוּלִים (H5319)Construct chain head (adverbial/exclamatory)נַפְתּוּלִים (H5319) 'wrestlings, twistings'; a rare noun from פָּתַל 'to twist, wrestle'; in construct with אֱלֹהִים this can mean divine wrestlings, mighty wrestlings, or wrestling done before God.
אֱלֹהִ֧יםof GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive in construct chain (intensifying superlative or divine reference)אֱלֹהִים (H430); the construct נַפְתּוּלֵי אֱלֹהִים is interpretively rich — 'mighty wrestlings' (superlative use) or 'wrestlings with/before God' (literal). The ambiguity is built into the naming.
נִפְתַּ֛לְתִּיI have wrestledNiphal perf 1cs · פָּתַל (H6617)Main predicate of Rachel's exclamation→ Perfective: a completed struggle acknowledged in retrospectפָּתַל (H6617) Niphal 'to wrestle, twist'; the Niphal suggests reciprocal struggle — Rachel has been engaged in an intense contest with Leah. The root wordplay links this verb to the name Naphtali.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Comitative preposition (the party wrestled with)עִם (H5973) 'with'; marks the rival in the struggle.
אֲחֹתִ֖יmy sisterN f sg constr + 1cs suf · אָחוֹת (H269)Object of prep עִםאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; Rachel names the contest explicitly — the struggle is with Leah within the shared household.
גַּםalsoAdv · גַּם (H1571)Focus adverb (and I have also prevailed)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; adds the claim of victory alongside the claim of struggle.
יָכֹ֑לְתִּיI have prevailedQal perf 1cs · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb of coordinate clause (claim of victory)→ Perfective: a completed overcomingיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able, prevail, overcome'; Rachel claims a competitive victory in the birth contest with Leah.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָא
נַפְתָּלִֽיNaphtaliProper N · נַפְתָּלִי (H5321)Predicate/name (the name given)נַפְתָּלִי (H5321), from פָּתַל 'to wrestle/twist'; the name encodes both the struggle with Leah and the claim of prevailing — eponymous ancestor of the tribe of Naphtali.
9

וַתֵּ֣רֶא לֵאָ֔ה כִּ֥י עָמְדָ֖ה מִלֶּ֑דֶת וַתִּקַּח֙ אֶת זִלְפָּ֣ה שִׁפְחָתָ֔הּ וַתִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֛הּ לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב לְאִשָּֽׁה

When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took Zilpah her maidservant and gave her to Jacob as a wife.

Leah sees her pause in bearing and counters through Zilpahוַתֵּרֶא
Leah responds to lost momentum by adopting Rachel's own tactic. The rivalry spreads beyond the sisters into the full structure of the household.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַתֵּ֣רֶאand she sawQal wayyiqtol 3fs · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, perceive'; Leah's perception of her own pause in bearing triggers her own counter-strategy, mirroring verse 1's opening.
לֵאָ֔הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Subject of וַתֵּרֶאלֵאָה (H3812), the unloved wife whose fruitfulness has been the main counter to Rachel's barrenness.
כִּ֥יthatConj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (content clause after verb of perception)
עָמְדָ֖הshe had stoppedQal perf 3fs · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate of content clause→ Perfective: the stopping is an established factעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand, stop'; used here of cessation — Leah's bearing has come to a halt, as Rachel's had at the start.
מִלֶּ֑דֶתfrom bearingprep מִן + Qal inf constr · יָלַד (H3205)Ablative complement (what she stopped from doing)→ Infinitive of purpose/complementation: the action that has ceasedיָלַד (H3205) Qal inf constr + מִן expresses cessation: 'stopped from giving birth'.
וַתִּקַּח֙and she tookQal wayyiqtol 3fs · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Leah's strategic response)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Leah's taking mirrors Rachel's giving in verse 4 — both sisters now use the same surrogate strategy.
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
זִלְפָּ֣הZilpahProper N · זִלְפָּה (H2153)Direct object of וַתִּקַּחזִלְפָּה (H2153), Leah's personal maidservant, who will bear Gad and Asher.
שִׁפְחָתָ֔הּher maidservantN f sg constr + 3fs suf · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Apposition to זִלְפָּה (clarifying her household status)שִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant'.
וַתִּתֵּ֥ןand she gaveQal wayyiqtol 3fs · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Leah employs Rachel's own tactic, extending the surrogate competition to the whole household.
אֹתָ֛הּherObj marker + 3fs suf · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַתִּתֵּן (Zilpah as gift)
לְיַעֲקֹ֖בto Jacobprep לְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (recipient)
לְאִשָּֽׁהas a wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicative complement (marital status conferred on Zilpah)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife'; Zilpah is given as a secondary wife with legal status, as Bilhah was.
10

וַתֵּ֗לֶד זִלְפָּ֛ה שִׁפְחַ֥ת לֵאָ֖ה לְיַעֲקֹ֥ב בֵּֽן

And Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, bore Jacob a son.

Zilpah bears Leah a sonוַתֵּלֶד
Leah's countermeasure also succeeds, showing that the competition now advances by parallel surrogate lines as well as by the wives themselves.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַתֵּ֗לֶדand she boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear'; Leah's counter-strategy immediately yields a result, as Rachel's did.
זִלְפָּ֛הZilpahProper N · זִלְפָּה (H2153)Subject of וַתֵּלֶד
שִׁפְחַ֥תmaidservant ofN f sg constr · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Appositional construct chain identifying Zilpah's roleשִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant'.
לֵאָ֖הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Genitive of שִׁפְחַת
לְיַעֲקֹ֥בto Jacobprep לְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (benefactive)
בֵּֽןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶד
11

וַתֹּ֥אמֶר לֵאָ֖ה בגד בָּ֣א גָ֑ד וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ גָּֽד

Then Leah said, 'Fortune has come!' So she called his name Gad.

Leah reads the birth as good fortune and names Gadוַתֹּאמֶר
The terse exclamation preserves the ambiguity of Gad's wordplay, but the effect is clear: Leah interprets the birth as a favorable turn in the contest.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַתֹּ֥אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לֵאָ֖הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Subject of וַתֹּאמֶר
בגדwith fortuneprep בְּ + N m sg abs · גָּד (H1409)Exclamatory prepositional phrase (crux: 'fortune has come!')גָּד (H1409) 'fortune, good luck'; the phrase בְּגָד is a classic crux — it may be read 'fortune has come' (as a nominal clause with בָּא) or 'by fortune.' The masculine noun גָּד (fortune) is distinct from the tribal name גָּד (H1410) though both are in play here.
בָּ֣אhas comeQal ptc m sg abs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate of nominal clause (fortune is arriving)→ Predicative participle: arrival in progress — fortune has come or is comingבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; as a participle predicate it expresses the immediacy and certainty of the arrival.
גָ֑דfortuneN m sg abs · גָּד (H1409)Subject of nominal clause (or apposition to the whole exclamation)גָּד (H1409) 'fortune, good luck'; a term for favorable chance or divine blessing of prosperity.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'.
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָא
גָּֽדGadProper N · גָּד (H1410)Predicate/name givenגָּד (H1410) as a tribal name; the wordplay on גָּד 'fortune' (H1409) marks the birth as a favorable turn in the household contest.
12

וַתֵּ֗לֶד זִלְפָּה֙ שִׁפְחַ֣ת לֵאָ֔ה בֵּ֥ן שֵׁנִ֖י לְיַעֲקֹֽב

And Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, bore a second son to Jacob.

Zilpah bears Leah a second sonוַתֵּלֶד
A second son through Zilpah extends Leah's advantage and keeps the contest in active motion rather than equilibrium.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַתֵּ֗לֶדand she boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
זִלְפָּה֙ZilpahProper N · זִלְפָּה (H2153)Subject of וַתֵּלֶד
שִׁפְחַ֣תmaidservant ofN f sg constr · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Appositional construct chain
לֵאָ֔הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Genitive of שִׁפְחַת
בֵּ֥ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶד
שֵׁנִ֖יsecondAdj ordinal m sg abs · שֵׁנִי (H8145)Attributive adjective modifying בֵּןשֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second'; the count extends Leah's advantage through Zilpah just as Rachel gained two through Bilhah.
לְיַעֲקֹֽבto Jacobprep לְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (benefactive)
13

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר לֵאָ֔ה בְּאָשְׁרִ֕י כִּ֥י אִשְּׁר֖וּנִי בָּנ֑וֹת וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ אָשֵֽׁר

Then Leah said, 'In my blessedness! For women will call me blessed.' So she called his name Asher.

Leah hears public blessedness in the birth and names Asherוַתֹּאמֶר
Leah's horizon widens from household rivalry to female public estimation. She imagines being called blessed by others, not merely vindicated before Rachel.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לֵאָ֔הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Subject of וַתֹּאמֶר
בְּאָשְׁרִ֕יin my blessedness!prep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cs suf · אֹשֶׁר (H837)Exclamatory prepositional phrase (Leah's exultation)אֹשֶׁר (H837) 'blessedness, happiness, good fortune'; from the root אָשַׁר (H833) 'to go straight, be happy'; the construct with בְּ creates an exclamation of joy.
כִּ֥יforConj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (giving the ground for the exclamation)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; the reason for Leah's joy follows.
אִשְּׁר֖וּנִיthey will call me blessedPiel perf 3cp + 1cs suf · אָשַׁר (H833)Predicate (anticipatory perfect or generic future)→ Perfective used predictively: the anticipated declaration of the communityאָשַׁר (H833) Piel 'to call happy, pronounce blessed'; Leah's horizon extends beyond household rivalry to public female recognition — other women will call her blessed.
בָּנ֑וֹתwomenN f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Subject of אִשְּׁרוּנִיבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; used collectively here for women generally — Leah imagines being acclaimed in the broader female community.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָא
אָשֵֽׁרAsherProper N · אָשֵׁר (H836)Predicate/name givenאָשֵׁר (H836) from אֹשֶׁר/אָשַׁר 'happy, blessed'; the name encodes Leah's public aspiration: to be called blessed rather than merely fertile.
14

וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ רְאוּבֵ֜ן בִּימֵ֣י קְצִיר חִטִּ֗ים וַיִּמְצָ֤א דֽוּדָאִים֙ בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה וַיָּבֵ֣א אֹתָ֔ם אֶל לֵאָ֖ה אִמּ֑וֹ וַתֹּ֤אמֶר רָחֵל֙ אֶל לֵאָ֔ה תְּנִי נָ֣א לִ֔י מִדּוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנֵֽךְ

Now Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest and found mandrakes in the field, and he brought them to Leah his mother. Then Rachel said to Leah, 'Please give me some of your son's mandrakes.'

Reuben's mandrakes introduce a new fertility negotiationוַיֵּלֶךְ
The wheat-harvest setting and the discovery of mandrakes open the narrative's most unsettling domestic bargain, where folk fertility hopes collide with sisterly resentment.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְand he wentQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (new scene introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; here the verb opens a new episode with a different character (Reuben) and a seasonal setting.
רְאוּבֵ֜ןReubenProper N · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Subject of וַיֵּלֶךְרְאוּבֵן (H7205), Leah's firstborn son, whose field discovery introduces the mandrake episode.
בִּימֵ֣יin the days ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural construct with seasonal term sets the historical moment.
קְצִירharvest ofN m sg constr · קָצִיר (H7105)Construct chain (season: harvest-time)קָצִיר (H7105) 'harvest, reaping'; wheat harvest in spring provides the seasonal context and explains why Reuben is in the fields.
חִטִּ֗יםwheatN f pl abs · חִטָּה (H2406)Genitive completing the seasonal phrase (wheat harvest)חִטָּה (H2406) 'wheat'; wheat harvest in Israel fell in the late spring (May–June); mandrakes ripen in the same period.
וַיִּמְצָ֤אand he foundQal wayyiqtol 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the discovery)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמָצָא (H4672) 'to find, discover'.
דֽוּדָאִים֙mandrakesN m pl abs · דּוּדָאִים (H1736)Direct object of וַיִּמְצָאדּוּדָאִים (H1736) 'mandrakes' (Mandragora officinarum); the term likely carries folk associations with fertility and love. The name may derive from דּוֹד 'beloved, love.'
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔הin the fieldprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phraseשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; the open fields during harvest are the natural habitat of wild mandrakes.
וַיָּבֵ֣אand he broughtHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; Reuben's filial act of bringing the find to his mother triggers the narrative's most transactional exchange.
אֹתָ֔םthemObj marker + 3mp suf · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיָּבֵא (the mandrakes)
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition
לֵאָ֖הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Indirect object (recipient)
אִמּ֑וֹhis motherN f sg constr + 3ms suf · אֵם (H517)Apposition to לֵאָה (relational identification)אֵם (H517) 'mother'; the appositive identifies the household relationship.
וַתֹּ֤אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Rachel's request)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
רָחֵל֙RachelProper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of וַתֹּאמֶר
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (addresses Leah)
לֵאָ֔הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Indirect object (addressee)
תְּנִיgiveQal impv 2fs · נָתַן (H5414)Imperative (Rachel's request/demand)→ Volitional: polite but direct requestנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the feminine imperative addresses Leah directly.
נָ֣אpleaseParticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Softening particle with the imperativeנָא (H4994) particle of entreaty or exhortation accompanying imperatives; softens the request slightly.
לִ֔יto meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְIndirect object
מִדּוּדָאֵ֖יsome of the mandrakes ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · דּוּדָאִים (H1736)Partitive prepositional phrase (some of the mandrakes)דּוּדָאִים (H1736) 'mandrakes'; Rachel's request for the mandrakes implies her own hope for fertility assistance from the plant.
בְּנֵֽךְyour sonN m sg constr + 2fs suf · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive in construct (Reuben's mandrakes through Leah's son)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Rachel frames the request through the child's discovery — the mandrakes belong to Leah through her son.
15

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר לָ֗הּ הַמְעַט֙ קַחְתֵּ֣ךְ אֶת אִישִׁ֔י וְלָקַ֕חַת גַּ֥ם אֶת דּוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנִ֑י וַתֹּ֣אמֶר רָחֵ֗ל לָכֵן֙ יִשְׁכַּ֤ב עִמָּךְ֙ הַלַּ֔יְלָה תַּ֖חַת דּוּדָאֵ֥י בְנֵֽךְ

But she said to her, 'Is it a small thing that you have taken my husband? Would you take my son's mandrakes also?' Rachel said, 'Then he will lie with you tonight in exchange for your son's mandrakes.'

Leah protests Rachel's request and a bargain is struckוַתֹּאמֶר
Leah's words expose the emotional injury beneath the rivalry. Rachel's reply turns the scene into an explicit exchange in which Jacob's presence is negotiated.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Leah's protest)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לָ֗הּto herprep לְ + 3fs suf · לְIndirect object (addressee: Rachel)
הַמְעַט֙is it a small thinginterrog הֲ + N m sg abs · מְעַט (H4592)Interrogative nominal clause (rhetorical indignation)מְעַט (H4592) 'a little, a small thing'; the interrogative הֲ + מְעַט creates a sarcastic rhetorical question: 'Is it too little that you took my husband?'
קַחְתֵּ֣ךְyour takingQal inf constr + 2fs suf · לָקַח (H3947)Subject of rhetorical question (what Leah calls a small thing)→ Infinitive of completed action: you tookלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the infinitive with the subject suffix nominalized as a verbal noun: 'your having taken'.
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אִישִׁ֔יmy husbandN m sg constr + 1cs suf · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of verbal noun קַחְתֵּךְאִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband'; Leah's protest exposes the emotional injury — she feels Rachel has already taken her husband's affection.
וְלָקַ֕חַתand to takeconj וְ + prep לְ + Qal inf constr · לָקַח (H3947)Coordinate clause (second accusation: and you would also take)→ Infinitive expressing intention: and to take away alsoלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the second infinitive extends the accusation from the husband to the mandrakes.
גַּ֥םalsoAdv · גַּם (H1571)Focus adverb (even also — adding insult to injury)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; intensifies the grievance.
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
דּוּדָאֵ֖יthe mandrakes ofN m pl constr · דּוּדָאִים (H1736)Direct object of וְלָקַחַת (construct chain head)
בְּנִ֑יmy sonN m sg constr + 1cs suf · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (whose mandrakes: my son's)
וַתֹּ֣אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Rachel's reply)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
רָחֵ֗לRachelProper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of וַתֹּאמֶר
לָכֵן֙thereforeprep לְ + adv · כֵּן (H3651)Inferential conjunction (so then, therefore — introducing the bargain)לָכֵן (H3651) 'therefore, so then'; draws the conclusion: since you complain, here is the trade.
יִשְׁכַּ֤בhe shall lieQal impf 3ms · שָׁכַב (H7901)Main verb of Rachel's counter-offer (future/modal)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — Rachel proposes what will beשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie, sleep'; euphemism for sexual relations; Rachel barters Jacob's conjugal visit to Leah in exchange for the mandrakes.
עִמָּךְ֙with youprep עִם + 2fs suf · עִם (H5973)Comitative complement of יִשְׁכַּבעִם (H5973) 'with'.
הַלַּ֔יְלָהtonightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal adverbial (the specific night bartered)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; the article makes this a specific night — the very night of the negotiation.
תַּ֖חַתin exchange forprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Preposition of exchange (in place of / for)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, in place of, in exchange for'; the exchange idiom: Jacob for the night in exchange for the mandrakes.
דּוּדָאֵ֥יthe mandrakes ofN m pl constr · דּוּדָאִים (H1736)Object of exchange prep תַּחַת (construct chain head)
בְנֵֽךְyour sonN m sg constr + 2fs suf · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (the mandrakes belong to Leah's son)
16

וַיָּבֹ֨א יַעֲקֹ֣ב מִן הַשָּׂדֶה֮ בָּעֶרֶב֒ וַתֵּצֵ֨א לֵאָ֜ה לִקְרָאת֗וֹ וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֵלַ֣י תָּב֔וֹא כִּ֚י שָׂכֹ֣ר שְׂכַרְתִּ֔יךָ בְּדוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנִ֑י וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב עִמָּ֖הּ בַּלַּ֥יְלָה הֽוּא

When Jacob came from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, 'You must come in to me, for I have surely hired you with my son's mandrakes.' So he lay with her that night.

Leah claims the night with Jacob on hired termsוַיָּבֹא
The humiliation of the household is laid bare: Leah goes out to meet Jacob and speaks in the language of hire, making him the object of the sisters' exchange.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיָּבֹ֨אand Jacob cameQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (temporal/circumstantial)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'.
יַעֲקֹ֣בJacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיָּבֹא
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative preposition (source of travel)מִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַשָּׂדֶה֮the fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Object of prep מִן (source location)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; Jacob returns from pastoral labor, unaware of the arrangement made in his absence.
בָּעֶרֶב֒in the eveningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Temporal prepositional phraseעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening'; the evening hour specifies the timing and creates a scene of Leah going out to meet Jacob.
וַתֵּצֵ֨אand Leah went outQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the humiliation is exposed as Leah goes out to claim her purchased nightיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Leah goes out to intercept Jacob — an act of assertion charged with the humiliation of hired access.
לֵאָ֜הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Subject of וַתֵּצֵא (delayed)
לִקְרָאת֗וֹto meet himprep לְ + N f sg constr + 3ms suf · קִרְאָה (H7125)Purpose prepositional phrase (idiom: to meet someone)קִרְאָה (H7125) 'meeting, encounter'; the phrase לִקְרַאת + suffix is the standard idiom for going out to meet someone.
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙and she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Leah's statement)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אֵלַ֣יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suf · אֶל (H413)Directional complement fronted for emphasis (you must come to me)
תָּב֔וֹאyou shall come inQal impf 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Main verb of Leah's demand (modal/directive)→ Yiqtol: directive/modal — Leah asserts Jacob's obligationבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the idiom בּוֹא אֶל as a euphemism for sexual intercourse.
כִּ֚יforConj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds Leah's claim)
שָׂכֹ֣רsurely hiringQal inf abs · שָׂכַר (H7936)Cognate internal accusative (emphatic/absolute with following perfect)→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic intensification — I have truly hired youשָׂכַר (H7936) 'to hire, engage for pay'; the infinitive absolute with the finite verb creates the emphatic שָׂכֹר שְׂכַרְתִּיךָ 'I have surely hired you'.
שְׂכַרְתִּ֔יךָI have hired youQal perf 1cs + 2ms suf · שָׂכַר (H7936)Main predicate of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed contractual transactionשָׂכַר (H7936) 'to hire'; Leah openly frames Jacob as an object of hire — the degradation of the household economy is fully on display.
בְּדוּדָאֵ֖יwith the mandrakes ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · דּוּדָאִים (H1736)Instrumental prepositional phrase (the price paid)דּוּדָאִים (H1736) 'mandrakes'; the instrument of hire — Rachel traded the mandrakes for this night.
בְּנִ֑יmy sonN m sg constr + 1cs suf · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (the mandrakes belong to Leah's son)
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥בand he layQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַב (H7901)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (consummation)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie, recline'; euphemism for sexual intercourse.
עִמָּ֖הּwith herprep עִם + 3fs suf · עִם (H5973)Comitative prepositional phrase
בַּלַּ֥יְלָהthat nightprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal prepositional phraseלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'.
הֽוּאthat (very night)Pers pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative/deictic pronoun (that specific night)הוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun used demonstratively; emphasizes that it was that very night agreed upon.
17

וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל לֵאָ֑ה וַתַּ֛הַר וַתֵּ֥לֶד לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב בֵּ֥ן חֲמִישִֽׁי

And God heard Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son.

God hears Leah and grants another sonוַיִּשְׁמַע
The narrative shifts from barter to divine response. Leah's fertility is attributed not to mandrakes or cleverness but to God's hearing.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥עand God heardQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (divine intervention)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the narrative pivot from human barter to divine responseשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; divine hearing signals gracious response to need, not an acknowledgment of the mandrake strategy.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּשְׁמַעאֱלֹהִים (H430); the narrator attributes Leah's renewed fertility to divine hearing, not to the mandrakes or to the negotiated night.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (šāmaʿ ʾel = to heed, listen to)שָׁמַע + אֶל = to listen to, heed.
לֵאָ֑הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Object of divine hearing
וַתַּ֛הַרand she conceivedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (immediate result of divine hearing)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive'.
וַתֵּ֥לֶדand she boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לְיַעֲקֹ֖בto Jacobprep לְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (benefactive)
בֵּ֥ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶד
חֲמִישִֽׁיfifthAdj ordinal m sg abs · חֲמִישִׁי (H2549)Attributive adjective modifying בֵּןחֲמִישִׁי (H2549) 'fifth'; the count of Leah's sons has now surpassed Rachel's, despite the intervening mandrake episode.
18

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר לֵאָ֗ה נָתַ֤ן אֱלֹהִים֙ שְׂכָרִ֔י אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥תִּי שִׁפְחָתִ֖י לְאִישִׁ֑י וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ יִשָּׂשכָֽר

Then Leah said, 'God has given me my wages, because I gave my maidservant to my husband.' So she called his name Issachar.

Leah interprets the son as wages and names Issacharוַתֹּאמֶר
Leah reads the birth through the logic of compensation, tying the name to the household economy of giving, hiring, and return.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לֵאָ֗הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Subject of וַתֹּאמֶר
נָתַ֤ןhas givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of Leah's naming speech→ Perfective: completed divine giftנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Leah frames the birth as divine recompense for her past sacrifice of Zilpah.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of נָתַן
שְׂכָרִ֔יmy wagesN m sg constr + 1cs suf · שָׂכָר (H7939)Direct object of נָתַןשָׂכָר (H7939) 'wage, hire, reward'; Leah interprets the birth through the vocabulary of economic exchange — God has paid her back for giving Zilpah.
אֲשֶׁרbecauseRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Causal relative clause (the reason for the wages)אֲשֶׁר (H834) here with causal force: 'because/in that I gave…'
נָתַ֥תִּיI gaveQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate of causal clause→ Perfective: the gift of Zilpah completed in the pastנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Leah's giving of Zilpah is what she claims God has now rewarded.
שִׁפְחָתִ֖יmy maidservantN f sg constr + 1cs suf · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Direct object of נָתַתִּישִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant'.
לְאִישִׁ֑יto my husbandprep לְ + N m sg constr + 1cs suf · אִישׁ (H376)Indirect object (recipient of Zilpah)אִישׁ (H376) 'husband, man'.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָא
יִשָּׂשכָֽרIssacharProper N · יִשָּׂשכָר (H3485)Predicate/name givenיִשָּׂשכָר (H3485), the name sounds like יֵשׁ + שָׂכָר 'there is wages/reward'; Leah's naming links the child to the whole economy of hire, wages, and divine recompense that pervades the episode.
19

וַתַּ֤הַר עוֹד֙ לֵאָ֔ה וַתֵּ֥לֶד בֵּן שִׁשִּׁ֖י לְּיַעֲקֹֽב

And Leah conceived again and bore a sixth son to Jacob.

Leah bears a sixth son to Jacobוַתַּהַר עוֹד
Leah's fruitfulness continues beyond the negotiated night, reinforcing her central place in the expansion of Jacob's house.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַתַּ֤הַרand she conceivedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive'.
עוֹד֙againAdv · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb of repetition modifying וַתַּהַרעוֹד (H5750) 'again, still'; a sixth conception continues Leah's advantage.
לֵאָ֔הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Subject of וַתַּהַר (delayed)
וַתֵּ֥לֶדand she boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
בֵּןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶד
שִׁשִּׁ֖יsixthAdj ordinal m sg abs · שִׁשִּׁי (H8345)Attributive adjective modifying בֵּןשִׁשִּׁי (H8345) 'sixth'; Leah's six sons represent an extraordinary fecundity and a decisive household advantage.
לְּיַעֲקֹֽבto Jacobprep לְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (benefactive)
20

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר לֵאָ֗ה זְבָדַ֨נִי אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֹתִי֮ זֵ֣בֶד טוֹב֒ הַפַּ֨עַם֙ יִזְבְּלֵ֣נִי אִישִׁ֔י כִּֽי יָלַ֥דְתִּי ל֖וֹ שִׁשָּׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ זְבֻלֽוּן

Then Leah said, 'God has endowed me with a good gift. This time my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.' So she called his name Zebulun.

Leah names Zebulun as gift and hoped-for honorוַתֹּאמֶר
Her naming speech moves beyond bare fertility toward the longing for durable regard from her husband. Gift and hoped-for honor or dwelling are bound together.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לֵאָ֗הLeahProper N · לֵאָה (H3812)Subject of וַתֹּאמֶר
זְבָדַ֨נִיhas endowed meQal perf 3ms + 1cs suf · זָבַד (H2064)Predicate of Leah's exclamation→ Perfective: a completed divine act of generous giftingזָבַד (H2064) 'to give, endow, bestow'; a rare verb used only here; the sense is of abundant generous gifting. The root wordplay links to the name Zebulun via זֵבֶד (gift).
אֱלֹהִ֥יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of זְבָדַנִי
אֹתִי֮meObj marker + 1cs suf · אֵת (H853)Direct object (redundant/emphatic with suffix on verb)
זֵ֣בֶדa giftN m sg abs · זֵבֶד (H2065)Cognate object or predicative accusative (a good gift)זֵבֶד (H2065) 'gift, dowry'; a rare noun related to זָבַד; the good gift is the sixth son.
טוֹב֒goodAdj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Attributive adjective modifying זֵבֶדטוֹב (H2896) 'good, pleasant'; the gift is unambiguously good — six sons.
הַפַּ֨עַם֙this timeart + N f sg abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Temporal adverbial (now, at last, this occasion)פַּעַם (H6471) 'time, occurrence, step'; הַפַּעַם 'this time' marks this birth as the decisive or hoped-for moment.
יִזְבְּלֵ֣נִיwill honor meQal impf 3ms + 1cs suf · זָבַל (H2082)Main clause verb (Leah's future hope)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — Leah's hope for lasting regard from Jacobזָבַל (H2082) 'to honor, exalt, dwell with'; the root provides the name Zebulun. Leah's longing is for Jacob's sustained, dignifying presence — not just fertility but conjugal honor.
אִישִׁ֔יmy husbandN m sg constr + 1cs suf · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of יִזְבְּלֵנִיאִישׁ (H376) 'husband'; despite six sons, Leah still does not have Jacob's full regard.
כִּֽיforConj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the hope)
יָלַ֥דְתִּיI have borneQal perf 1cs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of causal clause→ Perfective: completed bearing as basis for the claimיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear'; Leah's argument is six sons — surely this merits honor.
ל֖וֹfor himprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְIndirect object (Jacob as beneficiary of the six births)
שִׁשָּׁ֣הsixNum f abs · שִׁשָּׁה (H8337)Direct object of יָלַדְתִּי (count)שִׁשָּׁה (H8337) 'six'; the full count of Leah's direct sons.
בָנִ֑יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Object in apposition to שִׁשָּׁה (clarifying what was borne)
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָא
זְבֻלֽוּןZebulunProper N · זְבוּלוּן (H2074)Predicate/name givenזְבוּלוּן (H2074), from זָבַל 'to honor/dwell'; the name encodes Leah's double hope: that God has given a good gift (זָבַד) and that her husband will now honor her (יִזְבְּלֵנִי).
21

וְאַחַ֖ר יָ֣לְדָה בַּ֑ת וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמָ֖הּ דִּינָֽה

And afterward she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah.

Dinah is born and namedוְאַחַר
The brief notice matters despite its terseness. The first named daughter enters the household record and prepares for later narrative developments.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וְאַחַ֖רand afterwardconj וְ + adv · אַחַר (H310)Temporal conjunction (marking subsequent action)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; the temporal adverb indicates Dinah's birth followed the six sons.
יָ֣לְדָהshe boreQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Main verb of the brief notice→ Perfective: the birth as accomplished factיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'.
בַּ֑תa daughterN f sg abs · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of יָלְדָהבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; Dinah is the first daughter named in Jacob's household, a notable detail given the focus on sons throughout the chapter.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמָ֖הּher nameN m sg constr + 3fs suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the feminine suffix matches the daughter.
דִּינָֽהDinahProper N · דִּינָה (H1783)Predicate/name givenדִּינָה (H1783), from דִּין 'to judge'; the name echoes Rachel's naming of Dan (v.6), where the same root expressed vindication. The brief notice of Dinah's birth prepares for Genesis 34.
22

וַיִּזְכֹּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת רָחֵ֑ל וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע אֵלֶ֨יהָ֙ אֱלֹהִ֔ים וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח אֶת רַחְמָֽהּ

Then God remembered Rachel, and God heard her and opened her womb.

God remembers Rachel and opens her wombוַיִּזְכֹּר
After long rivalry and strategy, the decisive turn comes through divine remembrance and hearing. Rachel's barrenness ends by God's act, not by human manipulation.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּזְכֹּ֥רand God rememberedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · זָכַר (H2142)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (theological pivot of the chapter)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — divine remembrance breaks the pattern of human manipulationזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; divine remembrance in Genesis is always efficacious — to remember is to act. This verb marks the decisive turn after all human scheming has run its course.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּזְכֹּראֱלֹהִים (H430); God's remembrance of Rachel stands in stark contrast to all the household strategies that preceded it.
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
רָחֵ֑לRachelProper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Direct object of וַיִּזְכֹּר
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤עand God heardQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (second divine act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the divine hearing confirms that Rachel's cry was received; cf. his hearing of Leah in v.17.
אֵלֶ֨יהָ֙herprep אֶל + 3fs suf · אֶל (H413)Object of divine hearing (שָׁמַע אֵלֶיהָ = heeded her)
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּשְׁמַע (repeated for emphasis)אֱלֹהִים is mentioned twice in this verse, marking the double divine act as emphatically theological.
וַיִּפְתַּ֖חand he openedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּתַח (H6605)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (third divine act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the opening of the womb is the decisive actפָּתַח (H6605) 'to open'; the idiom פָּתַח אֶת רֶחֶם 'open the womb' is used of divine intervention against barrenness (cf. Gen 29:31 for Leah).
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
רַחְמָֽהּher wombN m sg constr + 3fs suf · רֶחֶם (H7358)Direct object of וַיִּפְתַּחרֶחֶם (H7358) 'womb'; the opening of the womb is pure divine act — no human strategy is credited. The same root underlies the concept of divine mercy (רַחֲמִים 'compassions').
23

וַתַּ֖הַר וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֑ן וַתֹּ֕אמֶר אָסַ֥ף אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת חֶרְפָּתִֽי

And she conceived and bore a son and said, 'God has taken away my reproach.'

Rachel bears a son and speaks of reproach removedוַתַּהַר
Rachel interprets Joseph first as the removal of shame. The birth resolves a long humiliation before it opens toward future hope.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַתַּ֖הַרand she conceivedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive'.
וַתֵּ֣לֶדand she boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
בֵּ֑ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶד
וַתֹּ֕אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Rachel's speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אָסַ֥ףhas taken awayQal perf 3ms · אָסַף (H622)Predicate of Rachel's naming speech→ Perfective: a completed divine removal of reproachאָסַף (H622) 'to gather, take away, remove'; the Qal here means to remove/take away. The root underpins the name Joseph in v.24 (יֹסֵף, from יָסַף 'to add') — these are distinct roots, and the double wordplay in the two verses gives Joseph's name a backward-looking meaning (reproach removed) and a forward-looking hope (may he add another).
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of אָסַף
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
חֶרְפָּתִֽיmy reproachN f sg constr + 1cs suf · חֶרְפָּה (H2781)Direct object of אָסַףחֶרְפָּה (H2781) 'reproach, shame, disgrace'; the social stigma of barrenness in the ancient world; Rachel's first interpretation of the birth is relief from shame rather than joy at the addition.
24

וַתִּקְרָ֧א אֶת שְׁמ֛וֹ יוֹסֵ֖ף לֵאמֹ֑ר יֹסֵ֧ף יְהוָ֛ה לִ֖י בֵּ֥ן אַחֵֽר

And she called his name Joseph, saying, 'May YHWH add to me another son.'

Rachel names Joseph with a prayer for further increaseוַתִּקְרָא
Joseph's name holds together past relief and future petition: reproach has been taken away, yet Rachel already asks for another son.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַתִּקְרָ֧אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמ֛וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָא
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephProper N · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Predicate/name givenיוֹסֵף (H3130), the name participates in two wordplays: (1) אָסַף 'God has taken away' (H622) in v.23, and (2) יָסַף 'may YHWH add' (H3254) in v.24. This double play makes Joseph's name the hinge of reproach removed and hope added.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Subordinate infinitive of speech (introducing the naming word)→ Infinitive complementing the naming verb: the rationale spokenאָמַר (H559) Qal inf constr with לְ; the formula לֵאמֹר 'saying' introduces the content of the naming speech.
יֹסֵ֧ףmay he addHiphil impf 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Main verb of the jussive prayer (Rachel's petition)→ Yiqtol (Hiphil jussive): volitional — Rachel's petition for another sonיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, increase'; the Hiphil jussive expresses Rachel's prayer: may YHWH add yet another son to her. The pun with the name Joseph is the second layer of the naming speech.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHProper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the jussive petitionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; significantly Rachel here uses YHWH rather than Elohim, making the petition personal and covenantal.
לִ֖יfor meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְIndirect object (benefactive — another son for Rachel)
בֵּ֥ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of יֹסֵף
אַחֵֽרanotherAdj m sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective modifying בֵּןאַחֵר (H312) 'another, other'; Rachel's hope for a second son of her own will be fulfilled in Benjamin (Gen 35:18), at the cost of her life.
25

וַיְהִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר יָלְדָ֥ה רָחֵ֖ל אֶת יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל לָבָ֔ן שַׁלְּחֵ֨נִי֙ וְאֵ֣לְכָ֔ה אֶל מְקוֹמִ֖י וּלְאַרְצִֽי

And it happened, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, 'Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my own land.'

Joseph's birth triggers Jacob's request to departוַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר
The birth of Joseph functions as the narrative hinge. Jacob's long service under Laban now turns toward return, homeland, and independent household identity.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיְהִ֕יand it happenedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (temporal framework)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the formula וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר introduces a temporal clause marking the hinge moment: Joseph's birth triggers Jacob's departure request.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רwhenprep כְּ + rel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Temporal conjunction (when — introducing the trigger event)כַּאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'when, as soon as'; marks the precise moment Jacob's departure desire is activated.
יָלְדָ֥הshe had borneQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of temporal clause→ Perfective: birth completed as the temporal triggerיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear'; Joseph's birth is the catalyst for the new movement of the narrative.
רָחֵ֖לRachelProper N · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of יָלְדָה
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
יוֹסֵ֑ףJosephProper N · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Direct object of יָלְדָה
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand Jacob saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Jacob's request)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יַעֲקֹב֙JacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר (delayed)
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (addresses Laban)
לָבָ֔ןLabanProper N · לָבָן (H3837)Indirect object (addressee)לָבָן (H3837), Jacob's father-in-law and employer, who has benefited from Jacob's labor.
שַׁלְּחֵ֨נִי֙send me awayPiel impv 2ms + 1cs suf · שָׁלַח (H7971)Main imperative of Jacob's request→ Volitional: direct petition for releaseשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send, release, let go'; Jacob petitions Laban as someone under his authority who needs formal release.
וְאֵ֣לְכָ֔הthat I may goQal cohortative 1cs · הָלַךְ (H3212)Cohortative of purpose (after imperative: so that I may go)→ Cohortative: volitional — Jacob's expressed desire to departהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; the cohortative expresses Jacob's purpose and desire in seeking release.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (destination)
מְקוֹמִ֖יmy placeN m sg constr + 1cs suf · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of prep אֶל (destination)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place, location'; Jacob claims a geographic homeland distinct from Laban's household.
וּלְאַרְצִֽיand to my landconj וְ + prep לְ + N f sg constr + 1cs suf · אֶרֶץ (H776)Coordinate prepositional phrase (second destination)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, country'; Jacob's land is the promised land of Canaan, his patrimony — the goal of the entire journey from Gen 28.
26

תְּנָ֞ה אֶת נָשַׁ֣י וְאֶת יְלָדַ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָבַ֧דְתִּי אֹֽתְךָ֛ בָּהֵ֖ן וְאֵלֵ֑כָה כִּ֚י אַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֔עְתָּ אֶת עֲבֹדָתִ֖י אֲשֶׁ֥ר עֲבַדְתִּֽיךָ

Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served you, so that I may go; for you yourself know the service with which I have served you.'

Jacob grounds the departure request in earned household claimsתְּנָה
Jacob frames the request in terms of wives, children, and labor already rendered. The case rests on obligations now fulfilled rather than on sentiment alone.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
תְּנָ֞הgiveQal impv 2ms (cohortative form) · נָתַן (H5414)Imperative (Jacob's demand for what is his)→ Volitional: strong demand grounded in earned rightsנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the imperative with cohortative suffix (תְּנָה) expresses urgency.
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
נָשַׁ֣יmy wivesN f pl constr + 1cs suf · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object of תְּנָה (first)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife, woman'; plural — Jacob lays claim to Leah and Rachel (and their maids) as the household he has earned.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinator + object marker (second object group)
יְלָדַ֗יmy childrenN m pl constr + 1cs suf · יֶלֶד (H3206)Second direct object of תְּנָהיֶלֶד (H3206) 'child'; Jacob claims his children along with his wives — all earned by his labor.
אֲשֶׁ֨רfor whomRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifies wives and children — the basis of Jacob's claim)
עָבַ֧דְתִּיI servedQal perf 1cs · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate of relative clause (earned by service)→ Perfective: completed service as the ground of the claimעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work'; Jacob's claim to his family rests entirely on his years of labor under Laban.
אֹֽתְךָ֛youObj marker + 2ms suf · אֵת (H853)Direct object of עָבַדְתִּי (accusative of person served)
בָּהֵ֖ןfor themprep בְּ + 3fp suf · בְּ (H2004)Prepositional phrase (the wives as the price of service)I served you for them (the wives) — bְּ expressing the price or terms of service.
וְאֵלֵ֑כָהthat I may goQal cohortative 1cs · הָלַךְ (H3212)Cohortative (purpose: so I may go)→ Cohortative: volitional desire for departureהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'.
כִּ֚יforConj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the release claim)
אַתָּ֣הyou yourselfPers pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of יָדַעְתָּ (emphatic — Laban himself knows)אַתָּה (H859) emphatic second person pronoun.
יָדַ֔עְתָּknowQal perf 2ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate of causal clause→ Perfective: a knowledge already possessedיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Jacob appeals to Laban's own knowledge of the service — no argument is needed.
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עֲבֹדָתִ֖יmy serviceN f sg constr + 1cs suf · עֲבוֹדָה (H5656)Direct object of יָדַעְתָּעֲבוֹדָה (H5656) 'service, labor, work'; the noun refers to Jacob's years of herding, the foundation of his claim.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwith whichRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifies עֲבֹדָתִי — specifying the service rendered)
עֲבַדְתִּֽיךָI have served youQal perf 1cs + 2ms suf · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed service across the years of Jacob's sojournעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve'; the object suffix makes the service personal and directed at Laban — Jacob served him specifically.
27

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ לָבָ֔ן אִם נָ֛א מָצָ֥אתִי חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ נִחַ֕שְׁתִּי וַיְבָרֲכֵ֥נִי יְהוָ֖ה בִּגְלָלֶֽךָ

But Laban said to him, 'If I have found favor in your eyes, stay. I have learned by divination that YHWH has blessed me because of you.'

Laban resists the departure and ties his blessing to Jacobוַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו לָבָן
Laban's appeal exposes his motive for wanting Jacob to stay. He openly acknowledges that YHWH's blessing has attached itself to Jacob's presence.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Laban's counter)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אֵלָיו֙to himprep אֶל + 3ms suf · אֶל (H413)Directional complement (addressing Jacob)
לָבָ֔ןLabanProper N · לָבָן (H3837)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר (delayed)
אִםifConj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (Laban's appeal)אִם (H518) 'if'; the condition clause is a soft request for Jacob's continued presence.
נָ֛אpleaseParticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Softening particle (moderates the conditional appeal)נָא (H4994) particle of entreaty; Laban softens his appeal, seeking to retain Jacob through deference.
מָצָ֥אתִיI have foundQal perf 1cs · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate of conditional protasis→ Perfective: a finding already obtainedמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; the idiom מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי 'to find favor in the eyes of' = to be accepted/pleasing to someone.
חֵ֖ןfavorN m sg abs · חֵן (H2580)Direct object of מָצָאתִי (object of finding)חֵן (H2580) 'grace, favor, charm'; in the fixed idiom מָצָא חֵן this is the found quality — approval in the other's sight.
בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָin your eyesprep בְּ + N f du constr + 2ms suf · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase completing the idiom (favor found in your eyes)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the idiomatic לוֹקֵחַ חֵן בְּעֵינֵי X = to gain approval from X.
נִחַ֕שְׁתִּיI have learned by divinationPiel perf 1cs · נָחַשׁ (H5172)Main verb of Laban's admission (asyndeton after the conditional)→ Perfective: a divination/observation already madeנָחַשׁ (H5172) Piel 'to divine, observe signs, learn by omens'; the verb is a notable crux — whether Laban practiced formal divination or simply 'observed and learned' from experience is debated. Either way, he acknowledges that YHWH's blessing caused the increase.
וַיְבָרֲכֵ֥נִיand he has blessed mePiel wayyiqtol 3ms + 1cs suf · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (what Laban divined)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the blessing is the content of the divinationבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; Laban openly acknowledges YHWH's blessing upon himself — but the reason (Jacob's presence) is what motivates his attempt to retain Jacob.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHProper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְבָרֲכֵנִייְהוָה (H3068); notably Laban, an Aramean, uses the covenant name YHWH — the blessing is recognized as specifically from Jacob's God.
בִּגְלָלֶֽךָbecause of youprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suf · גָּלָל (H1558)Causal prepositional phrase (the reason for YHWH's blessing of Laban)גָּלָל (H1558) 'on account of, because of'; the noun expresses cause or reason. Laban admits the blessing is mediated through Jacob — a theologically significant concession.
28

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר נָקְבָ֧ה שְׂכָרְךָ֛ עָלַ֖י וְאֶתֵּֽנָה

And he said, 'Name your wages to me, and I will give them.'

Laban invites a wage negotiationוַיֹּאמַר
The conversation shifts from departure to compensation. Laban tries to retain Jacob by turning the matter into a bargain he believes can still favor him.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Laban's invitation to negotiate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
נָקְבָ֧הnameQal impv 2ms (cohortative form) · נָקַב (H5344)Imperative (Laban's invitation to Jacob to name his price)→ Volitional: direct invitation — Laban hands Jacob the opening offerנָקַב (H5344) 'to bore, pierce, designate, name (a price)'; here used in the commercial sense of specifying or naming a wage.
שְׂכָרְךָ֛your wagesN m sg constr + 2ms suf · שָׂכָר (H7939)Direct object of נָקְבָהשָׂכָר (H7939) 'wage, hire, reward'; Laban invites Jacob to name the terms — he believes he can still control the outcome.
עָלַ֖יupon meprep עַל + 1cs suf · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (the obligation falls on Laban)עַל (H5921) 'upon, on'; the idiom עָלַי expresses an obligation or charge incumbent on the speaker.
וְאֶתֵּֽנָהand I will give itQal cohortative 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Coordinate cohortative (Laban's commitment to pay)→ Cohortative: volitional commitment — Laban pledges to fulfill whatever wage Jacob namesנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; cohortative expresses Laban's willingness.
29

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו אַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֔עְתָּ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲבַדְתִּ֑יךָ וְאֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר הָיָ֥ה מִקְנְךָ֖ אִתִּֽי

So he said to him, 'You yourself know how I have served you, and what your livestock has become with me.'

Jacob appeals to the shared record of his serviceוַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו
Jacob answers from visible history rather than private grievance. Laban already knows what Jacob's labor has done to the flock.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אֵלָ֔יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suf · אֶל (H413)Directional complement (addresses Laban)
אַתָּ֣הyou yourselfPers pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of יָדַעְתָּ (emphatic fronting)אַתָּה (H859) emphatic 2ms pronoun; Jacob appeals to what Laban already knows — no explanation needed.
יָדַ֔עְתָּknowQal perf 2ms · יָדַע (H3045)Main predicate (Laban's existing knowledge as the argument's ground)→ Perfective: a knowledge already in Laban's possessionיָדַע (H3045) 'to know, understand'; Jacob argues from shared knowledge rather than disputation.
אֵ֖ת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhatRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun as nominalized object clause (what I did for you)
עֲבַדְתִּ֑יךָI served youQal perf 1cs + 2ms suf · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate of object clause→ Perfective: Jacob's service is a completed, verifiable recordעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve'; Jacob's service is the empirical ground of his argument.
וְאֵ֛תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinator + direct-object marker (second object)
אֲשֶׁרwhatRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Second relative pronoun object clause
הָיָ֥הhas becomeQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate of second object clause (the livestock's increase)→ Perfective: a visible transformation already accomplishedהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; the livestock's growth under Jacob's care is the visible evidence.
מִקְנְךָ֖your livestockN m sg constr + 2ms suf · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Subject of הָיָה (what has become)מִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, property in animals'; the noun for herded animals bought or acquired, Laban's chief wealth.
אִתִּֽיwith meprep אֵת + 1cs suf · אֵת (H854)Comitative phrase (in my charge/care)אֵת (H854) 'with'; distinguishes from the object marker אֵת (H853) — this is the preposition of accompaniment.
30

כִּ֡י מְעַט֩ אֲשֶׁר הָיָ֨ה לְךָ֤ לְפָנַי֙ וַיִּפְרֹ֣ץ לָרֹ֔ב וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ יְהוָ֛ה אֹתְךָ֖ לְרַגְלִ֑י וְעַתָּ֗ה מָתַ֛י אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה גַם אָנֹכִ֖י לְבֵיתִֽי

For what you had before I came was little, but it has broken forth into abundance, and YHWH has blessed you wherever I turned. But now, when shall I too provide for my own household?'

Jacob states the proof of blessing and his claim to provide for his own houseכִּי
This is the economic theology of the scene: Laban's increase came through YHWH's blessing attending Jacob, and that blessing should now extend to Jacob's own household.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
כִּ֡יforConj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (elaborates the proof of blessing)
מְעַט֩littleN m sg abs · מְעַט (H4592)Predicate nominative (what Laban had before Jacob's arrival)מְעַט (H4592) 'little, few, a small amount'; the contrast between מְעַט and לָרֹב frames the argument economically.
אֲשֶׁרwhatRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (nominalized subject clause: what you had)
הָיָ֨הyou hadQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate of subject clause→ Perfective: Laban's prior modest wealthהָיָה (H1961) 'to be/have'; used with לְ to express possession.
לְךָ֤to/for youprep לְ + 2ms suf · לְPossessive prepositional phrase (you had = it was to you)
לְפָנַי֙before my timeprep לְ + N m pl constr + 1cs suf · פָּנֶה (H6440)Temporal prepositional phrase (before I arrived)פָּנֶה (H6440) 'face, presence'; לְפָנַי 'before me' = before my coming, in the time prior to my arrival.
וַיִּפְרֹ֣ץand it has burst forthQal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּרַץ (H6555)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the increase described)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּרַץ (H6555) 'to break through, burst out, spread'; vivid verb of explosive growth — the same root will appear in v.43 and later in Jacob's name change narrative.
לָרֹ֔בinto abundanceprep לְ + N m sg abs · רֹב (H7230)Prepositional phrase of result (to the point of abundance)רֹב (H7230) 'abundance, multitude'; with לְ expressing the direction of growth — to the point of great abundance.
וַיְבָ֧רֶךְand YHWH has blessedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (divine cause of the increase)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — blessing is the theological cause of the economic explosionבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; Jacob names the real agent: YHWH, not Jacob's management skill.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHProper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְבָרֶךְ
אֹתְךָ֖youObj marker + 2ms suf · אֵת (H853)Direct object (Laban is the one YHWH blessed)
לְרַגְלִ֑יat my footprep לְ + N f sg constr + 1cs suf · רֶגֶל (H7272)Prepositional phrase (because of/through my presence)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; the idiom לְרַגְלִי means 'at my footsteps, through my coming, on account of my presence'; cf. Gen 33:14.
וְעַתָּ֗הand nowconj וְ + adv · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal conjunction (transitioning to the present claim)עַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; the pivot from past evidence to present demand.
מָתַ֛יwhenInterrog adv · מָתַי (H4970)Interrogative adverb (rhetorical: when shall I also provide?)מָתַי (H4970) 'when'; the rhetorical question implies the time has already come.
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥הshall I provideQal impf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Main verb of rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: modal — when will I be able to provide?עָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, provide'; Jacob asks when he will be able to act for his own household's benefit.
גַםalsoAdv · גַּם (H1571)Focus adverb (I too, even I)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; Jacob has provided for Laban — now he wants to provide for himself.
אָנֹכִ֖יIPers pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of rhetorical question (emphatic)אָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic — even I, the one who built your house.
לְבֵיתִֽיfor my householdprep לְ + N m sg constr + 1cs suf · בַּיִת (H1004)Benefactive prepositional phrase (for my own house)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; Jacob's departure motivation is the building of his own household, not just geographical return.
31

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מָ֣ה אֶתֶּן לָ֑ךְ וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ לֹא תִתֶּן לִ֣י מְא֔וּמָה אִם תַּֽעֲשֶׂה לִּי֙ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה אָשׁ֛וּבָה אֶרְעֶ֥ה צֹֽאנְךָ֖ אֶשְׁמֹֽר

And he said, 'What shall I give you?' Jacob said, 'You need not give me anything. If you will do this one thing for me, I will again pasture and keep your flock:'

Jacob counters with a conditional proposal rather than direct paymentוַיֹּאמֶר
Jacob refuses a simple gift and instead constructs terms that can be publicly tested. The strategy makes future accusation measurable.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Laban's question)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
מָ֣הwhatInterrog pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun (direct question: what shall I give?)מָה (H4100) 'what'; Laban opens the wage negotiation.
אֶתֶּןshall I giveQal impf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Main verb of Laban's question→ Yiqtol: modal — what should I give you?נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Laban's question appears open but he anticipates controlling the outcome.
לָ֑ךְto youprep לְ + 2ms suf · לְIndirect object (the recipient: Jacob)
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand Jacob saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Jacob's strategic reply)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יַעֲקֹב֙JacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר (delayed)
לֹאnotNeg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of תִתֶּן
תִתֶּןyou shall giveQal impf 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Negated imperfect (Jacob refuses direct payment)→ Yiqtol: prohibition/modal — Jacob refuses a giftנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Jacob's refusal of direct payment is strategic — he wants terms that are publicly inspectable.
לִ֣יto meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְIndirect object
מְא֔וּמָהanythingN f sg abs · מְאוּמָה (H3972)Direct object of negated verb (nothing at all)מְאוּמָה (H3972) 'anything, anything at all'; negated = nothing whatsoever. Jacob refuses to accept a simple gift.
אִםifConj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (Jacob's counter-proposal)
תַּֽעֲשֶׂהyou will doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate of conditional protasis→ Yiqtol: conditional — if you will do this one thingעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; Jacob's condition is simple and auditable.
לִּי֙for meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְIndirect object (the one for whom it is done)
הַדָּבָ֣רthe thingart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of תַּעֲשֶׂהדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; the specific thing Jacob will name in the following verses.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + Dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדָּבָרזֶה (H2088) 'this'; forward-pointing, anticipating the proposal about to be described.
אָשׁ֛וּבָהI will returnQal cohortative 1cs · שׁוּב (H7725)Cohortative of intention (Jacob's commitment)→ Cohortative: volitional — Jacob commits to continuing the arrangementשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, go back'; Jacob will return to herding Laban's flock under the new terms.
אֶרְעֶ֥הI will pastureQal impf 1cs · רָעָה (H7462)Coordinate imperfect (alongside the cohortative)→ Yiqtol: future — ongoing pastoral workרָעָה (H7462) 'to pasture, shepherd, tend'; Jacob offers to continue as Laban's shepherd under the new terms.
צֹֽאנְךָ֖your flockN f/m sg constr + 2ms suf · צֹאן (H6629)Direct object of אֶרְעֶהצֹאן (H6629) 'flock, sheep and goats'; the collective term for Laban's herds.
אֶשְׁמֹֽרI will keepQal impf 1cs · שָׁמַר (H8104)Coordinate imperfect (third member of Jacob's commitment)→ Yiqtol: future — ongoing guardianshipשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, watch'; Jacob commits to pastoral responsibility, giving him legitimate presence with the flock.
32

אֶֽעֱבֹ֨ר בְּכָל צֹֽאנְךָ֜ הַיּ֗וֹם הָסֵ֨ר מִשָּׁ֜ם כָּל שֶׂ֣ה נָקֹ֣ד וְטָל֗וּא וְכָל שֶׂה חוּם֙ בַּכְּשָׂבִ֔ים וְטָל֥וּא וְנָקֹ֖ד בָּעִזִּ֑ים וְהָיָ֖ה שְׂכָרִֽי

let me pass through all your flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep, every dark-colored lamb among the sheep, and every spotted and speckled one among the goats; and such animals shall be my wages.

Jacob defines the marked subset that will count as wagesאֶעֱבֹר
The proposal appears modest because it takes minority-colored animals as Jacob's portion. Its exact wording makes color distinction central to the whole arrangement.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
אֶֽעֱבֹ֨רlet me pass throughQal impf 1cs (cohortative function) · עָבַר (H5674)Cohortative/proposal — Jacob's terms for the wage arrangement→ Yiqtol with cohortative force: proposed self-directed actionעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross over, pass through'; Jacob proposes to inspect and separate the animals now.
בְּכָלthrough allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (through the totality of the flock)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; Jacob will inspect the entire flock.
צֹֽאנְךָ֜your flockN f/m sg constr + 2ms suf · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive of כֹּל
הַיּ֗וֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal adverbial (the inspection to happen now)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; הַיּוֹם 'today' — Jacob proposes an immediate inspection.
הָסֵ֨רremovingHiphil inf abs · סוּר (H5493)Hiphil infinitive absolute (circumstantial/adverbial — in the act of removing)→ Infinitive absolute as circumstantial participle: active removingסוּר (H5493) Hiphil 'to remove, cause to depart'; the infinitive absolute describes the action accompanying the inspection.
מִשָּׁ֜םfrom thereprep מִן + adv · שָׁם (H8033)Ablative adverb (from the flock — removing from the group)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; מִשָּׁם 'from there'.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (every animal of the following type)
שֶׂ֣הanimalN m/f sg abs · שֶׂה (H7716)Construct complement (each animal that is speckled)שֶׂה (H7716) 'small animal (sheep or goat)'; the generic term for either species.
נָקֹ֣דspeckledAdj m sg abs · נָקֹד (H5348)Attributive adjective (the color mark that qualifies the animal)נָקֹד (H5348) 'speckled, spotted'; describes animals with spotted coloring.
וְטָל֗וּאand spottedconj וְ + Qal pass ptc m sg abs · טָלָא (H2921)Coordinate attributive participle (second color category)→ Predicative passive participle: marked/patchedטָלָא (H2921) 'to patch, spot'; the passive participle describes animals with patches or blotches of different coloring.
וְכָלand everyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate universal quantifier (new category)
שֶׂהanimalN m/f sg abs · שֶׂה (H7716)Head noun (animal of the next category)
חוּם֙dark-coloredAdj m sg abs · חוּם (H2345)Attributive adjective (third color category)חוּם (H2345) 'dark, black-brown'; describes animals with dark fleece — among the sheep, the default is white so dark ones stand out.
בַּכְּשָׂבִ֔יםamong the lambsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · כֶּשֶׂב (H3775)Locative prepositional phrase (the dark ones among this species)כֶּשֶׂב (H3775) 'lamb, sheep'; specifying that among sheep, the dark-colored ones are Jacob's wage.
וְטָל֥וּאand spottedconj וְ + Qal pass ptc m sg abs · טָלָא (H2921)Coordinate participle (first category among the goats)→ Passive participle: marked with patchesטָלָא (H2921) 'to spot, patch'; spotted ones among the goats.
וְנָקֹ֖דand speckledconj וְ + Adj m sg abs · נָקֹד (H5348)Coordinate adjective (second category among the goats)נָקֹד (H5348) 'speckled'.
בָּעִזִּ֑יםamong the goatsprep בְּ + art + N f pl abs · עֵז (H5795)Locative phrase (these categories apply to goats)עֵז (H5795) 'goat'; among goats, the default coloring is black or dark, so speckled/spotted ones are the minority Jacob claims.
וְהָיָ֖הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal of consequence/result (such animals will be my wages)→ Weqatal: foreground future — the proposed arrangement's outcomeהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; the weqatal states the consequence: these marked animals will constitute Jacob's wages.
שְׂכָרִֽיmy wagesN m sg constr + 1cs suf · שָׂכָר (H7939)Predicate nominative (what the marked animals will be)שָׂכָר (H7939) 'wage, hire'; Jacob's claim is modest in appearance — he takes only the minority-colored animals.
33

וְעָֽנְתָה בִּ֤י צִדְקָתִי֙ בְּי֣וֹם מָחָ֔ר כִּֽי תָב֥וֹא עַל שְׂכָרִ֖י לְפָנֶ֑יךָ כֹּ֣ל אֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנּוּ֩ נָקֹ֨ד וְטָל֜וּא בָּֽעִזִּ֗ים וְחוּם֙ בַּכְּשָׂבִ֔ים גָּנ֥וּב ה֖וּא אִתִּֽי

So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come to inspect my wages before you: every one among the goats that is not speckled or spotted, and every dark-colored one among the lambs, if found with me, will be counted stolen.'

Jacob builds the agreement around inspectable honestyוְעָנְתָה
His righteousness will answer for him in the future inspection. Any animal outside the agreed categories found with him will count as theft.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וְעָֽנְתָהand it will testifyconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · עָנָה (H6030)Weqatal of sequence (consequence of the arrangement)→ Weqatal: foreground future — righteousness will be a future witnessעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, testify, witness'; Jacob personifies his righteousness as a witness that will speak on his behalf in the future inspection.
בִּ֤יfor meprep בְּ + 1cs suf · בְּPrepositional phrase (the righteousness testifies in my behalf)
צִדְקָתִי֙my righteousnessN f sg constr + 1cs suf · צְדָקָה (H6666)Subject of וְעָנְתָהצְדָקָה (H6666) 'righteousness, rightness, integrity'; Jacob's proposed arrangement makes his integrity the verifiable standard — any violation will be self-evident.
בְּי֣וֹםin the dayprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase
מָחָ֔רtomorrowN m sg abs · מָחָר (H4279)Genitive in temporal phrase (the day of future reckoning)מָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow, the future day'; not literally tomorrow but the future day of Laban's inspection.
כִּֽיwhenConj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal conjunction (when you come to inspect)כִּי (H3588) here with temporal force 'when'.
תָב֥וֹאyou comeQal impf 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate of temporal clause (Laban's future inspection)→ Yiqtol: future — the anticipated inspectionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the future inspection by Laban is the moment Jacob's integrity will be demonstrated.
עַלaboutprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition (concerning/over my wages)עַל (H5921) 'upon, about, concerning'.
שְׂכָרִ֖יmy wagesN m sg constr + 1cs suf · שָׂכָר (H7939)Object of preposition עַל
לְפָנֶ֑יךָbefore youprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2ms suf · פָּנֶה (H6440)Prepositional phrase (in your sight — the inspection setting)פָּנֶה (H6440) 'face, presence'; before Laban's eyes the arrangement can be verified.
כֹּ֣לeverythingN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the conditional clause
אֲשֶׁרthatRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying כֹּל
אֵינֶנּוּ֩is notNeg particle + 3ms suf · אַיִן (H369)Predicate of relative clause (negating the color qualification)אַיִן (H369) 'is not'; with the pronominal suffix אֵינֶנּוּ = 'it is not'.
נָקֹ֨דspeckledAdj m sg abs · נָקֹד (H5348)Predicate adjective (the expected color mark — its absence marks a violation)
וְטָל֜וּאand spottedconj וְ + Qal pass ptc m sg abs · טָלָא (H2921)Coordinate (second qualification whose absence indicates theft)→ Passive participle: patched/spotted
בָּֽעִזִּ֗יםamong the goatsprep בְּ + art + N f pl abs · עֵז (H5795)Locative phrase (among the goats — the goat category)
וְחוּם֙and dark-coloredconj וְ + Adj m sg abs · חוּם (H2345)Coordinate (third category — dark among sheep)
בַּכְּשָׂבִ֔יםamong the lambsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · כֶּשֶׂב (H3775)Locative phrase (among the sheep category)
גָּנ֥וּבstolenQal pass ptc m sg abs · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate participle (the verdict on any non-qualifying animal found with Jacob)→ Passive participle: deemed stolen — the legal penaltyגָּנַב (H1589) 'to steal'; the passive participle as predicate: it counts as stolen — i.e., Jacob would be a thief. The clarity of the terms is Jacob's protection.
ה֖וּאit isPers pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Copulative pronoun of predicate clause (it = stolen)הוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun functioning as copula.
אִתִּֽיwith meprep אֵת + 1cs suf · אֵת (H854)Locative comitative phrase (if found in my possession)אֵת (H854) 'with'; if such an animal is found with Jacob, it will count as stolen property.
34

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָבָ֖ן הֵ֑ן ל֖וּ יְהִ֥י כִדְבָרֶֽךָ

And Laban said, 'Good. Let it be according to your word.'

Laban verbally accepts the arrangementוַיֹּאמֶר לָבָן
Laban's brief assent sounds uncomplicated, but it prepares for the immediate manipulation that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Laban's acceptance)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לָבָ֖ןLabanProper N · לָבָן (H3837)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר (delayed)
הֵ֑ןgood!Demonstrative/affirmation particle · הֵן (H2005)Exclamatory response of agreementהֵן (H2005) 'behold, indeed, yes'; an affirmative particle expressing assent. Laban's brief reply conceals the manipulation that immediately follows.
ל֖וּwould thatConj (optative) · לוּ (H3863)Optative conjunction (expressing a wish: let it be so)לוּ (H3863) optative particle 'if only, would that'; used to introduce a desired state; here = 'let it be as you say.'
יְהִ֥יit may beQal impf 3ms (jussive) · הָיָה (H1961)Jussive of wish (let it be according to your word)→ Yiqtol (jussive): volitional — Laban agrees in principleהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the jussive יְהִי 'let it be' is Laban's formal but brief acceptance.
כִדְבָרֶֽךָaccording to your wordprep כְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suf · דָּבָר (H1697)Prepositional phrase of conformity (as you have said)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; the phrase כְּדָבָרְךָ 'according to your word' signals apparent compliance — but Laban's action in v.35 shows the acceptance is immediately subverted.
35

וַיָּ֣סַר בַּיּוֹם֩ הַה֨וּא אֶת הַתְּיָשִׁ֜ים הָֽעֲקֻדִּ֣ים וְהַטְּלֻאִ֗ים וְאֵ֤ת כָּל הָֽעִזִּים֙ הַנְּקֻדּ֣וֹת וְהַטְּלֻאֹ֔ת כֹּ֤ל אֲשֶׁר לָבָן֙ בּ֔וֹ וְכָל ח֖וּם בַּכְּשָׂבִ֑ים וַיִּתֵּ֖ן בְּיַד בָּנָֽיו

But that very day he removed the striped and spotted he-goats, all the speckled and spotted she-goats, every one that had white on it, and every dark-colored one among the lambs, and he placed them in the charge of his sons.

Laban removes the qualifying animals at onceוַיָּסַר בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא
On the very day of agreement Laban rigs the situation by separating out the marked animals himself. The contest remains governed by distrust and advantage-seeking.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיָּ֣סַרand he removedHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · סוּר (H5493)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Laban's immediate sabotage)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the very day of agreement Laban moves firstסוּר (H5493) Hiphil 'to remove, cause to depart'; Laban removes the qualifying animals himself before Jacob can benefit from them reproducing.
בַּיּוֹם֩on that dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (the very same day)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the temporal phrase emphasizes the immediacy of Laban's manipulation.
הַה֨וּאthatart + dem pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative (that very day)הוּא (H1931) demonstrative used as attributive: 'that day.'
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַתְּיָשִׁ֜יםthe he-goatsart + N m pl abs · תַּיִשׁ (H8495)Direct object of וַיָּסַר (first group removed)תַּיִשׁ (H8495) 'he-goat, male goat'; the adult male goats of the qualifying colors are removed first.
הָֽעֲקֻדִּ֣יםthe stripedart + Adj m pl abs · עָקֹד (H6124)Attributive adjective (first color qualifier)עָקֹד (H6124) 'striped, ring-streaked'; describes banding patterns around the legs or body.
וְהַטְּלֻאִ֗יםand the spottedconj וְ + art + Qal pass ptc m pl abs · טָלָא (H2921)Coordinate attributive participle (second color group)→ Passive participle: patched/spottedטָלָא (H2921) 'to patch, spot'; the spotted male goats.
וְאֵ֤תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinator + direct-object marker (second main group)
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier
הָֽעִזִּים֙the she-goatsart + N f pl abs · עֵז (H5795)Second direct object of וַיָּסַר (the female goats)עֵז (H5795) 'she-goat'; the female goats of the qualifying colors.
הַנְּקֻדּ֣וֹתthe speckledart + Adj f pl abs · נָקֹד (H5348)Attributive adjective (speckled she-goats)נָקֹד (H5348) 'speckled'.
וְהַטְּלֻאֹ֔תand the spottedconj וְ + art + Qal pass ptc f pl abs · טָלָא (H2921)Coordinate attributive participle (spotted she-goats)→ Passive participle: spotted females
כֹּ֤לeveryN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (introducing a third sub-group)
אֲשֶׁרthatRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introducing relative clause about whiteness)
לָבָן֙whiteAdj m sg abs · לָבָן (H3836)Predicate adjective of relative clause (any with white on it)לָבָן (H3836) 'white'; note this is the adjective 'white' (H3836), not the proper name Laban (H3837), though the narrative exploits the ambiguity: what has Laban on it goes to Laban.
בּ֔וֹon itprep בְּ + 3ms suf · בְּLocative prepositional phrase (where the white appears — on the animal)
וְכָלand everyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate universal quantifier (dark lambs)
ח֖וּםdark-coloredAdj m sg abs · חוּם (H2345)Attributive adjective (dark animals among the sheep)חוּם (H2345) 'dark, black-brown'.
בַּכְּשָׂבִ֑יםamong the lambsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · כֶּשֶׂב (H3775)Locative phrase (dark ones among the sheep)
וַיִּתֵּ֖ןand he gaveQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (disposal of the removed animals)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place in charge of'.
בְּיַדinto the hand ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (place in charge of — idiom)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; the idiom נָתַן בְּיַד 'to give into the hand of' = to entrust to the charge of.
בָּנָֽיוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms suf · בֵּן (H1121)Object of בְּיַד (the ones entrusted with the removed animals)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Laban's sons take custody of the animals designated to qualify as Jacob's wages, separating them before Jacob can benefit.
36

וַיָּ֗שֶׂם דֶּ֚רֶךְ שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֔ים בֵּינ֖וֹ וּבֵ֣ין יַעֲקֹ֑ב וְיַעֲקֹ֗ב רֹעֶ֛ה אֶת צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן הַנּוֹתָרֹֽת

Then he set a distance of three days' journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob pastured the rest of Laban's flock.

The flocks are spatially separated to secure Laban's advantageוַיָּשֶׂם
The three-day distance formalizes the sabotage and makes Jacob's future increase seem unlikely by ordinary expectation.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיָּ֗שֶׂםand he setQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (spatial separation to compound the sabotage)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשִׂים (H7760) 'to set, place, put'; Laban now creates geographic distance to prevent Jacob's breeding from producing qualifying animals.
דֶּ֚רֶךְa journey ofN m sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Direct object of וַיָּשֶׂם (construct chain head)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, journey'; in construct with שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים to express a distance of three days' travel.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתthreeNum m sg constr · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral in construct (three days' journey)שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; a three-day journey is a significant distance, enough to prevent Jacob from directing the separated flock's breeding.
יָמִ֔יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive of שְׁלֹשֶׁת (measure of the journey)
בֵּינ֖וֹbetween himselfprep · בֵּין (H996) + 3ms sufFirst member of בֵּין ... וּבֵין constructionבֵּין (H996) 'between'; the prepositional pair בֵּין ... וּבֵין marks the two parties separated by the distance.
וּבֵ֣יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Second member of the prepositional pair
יַעֲקֹ֑בJacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Second party of the separation (between him and Jacob)
וְיַעֲקֹ֗בwhile Jacobconj וְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of circumstantial clause (Jacob's continuing role)
רֹעֶ֛הwas pasturingQal ptc m sg abs · רָעָה (H7462)Predicative participle (circumstantial — Jacob continues herding the remainder)→ Predicative participle: ongoing pastoral actionרָעָה (H7462) 'to pasture, shepherd'; Jacob continues tending what remained — the unqualified (plain-colored) animals.
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
צֹ֥אןthe flock ofN m/f sg constr · צֹאן (H6629)Direct object of רֹעֶה (construct chain head)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock'; Jacob is left to tend the remaining plain-colored animals.
לָבָ֖ןLabanProper N · לָבָן (H3837)Genitive (whose flock Jacob tends)
הַנּוֹתָרֹֽתthe remainingart + Niphal ptc f pl abs · יָתַר (H3498)Attributive participle (the animals left after the separation)→ Predicative participial adjective: the ones left behindיָתַר (H3498) Niphal 'to be left over, remain'; the remaining plain-colored flock is all Jacob has to work with — making his subsequent breeding success all the more remarkable.
37

וַיִּֽקַּֽח ל֣וֹ יַעֲקֹ֗ב מַקַּ֥ל לִבְנֶ֛ה לַ֖ח וְל֣וּז וְעֶרְמ֑וֹן וַיְפַצֵּ֤ל בָּהֵן֙ פְּצָל֣וֹת לְבָנ֔וֹת מַחְשֹׂף֙ הַלָּבָ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל הַמַּקְלֽוֹת

Then Jacob took fresh rods of poplar, almond, and plane tree, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the rods.

Jacob begins a counter-strategy with the rodsוַיִּקַּח לוֹ יַעֲקֹב
Jacob answers Laban's manipulation not with protest but with practical action. The narrative now follows his deliberate use of selective visual breeding technique.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּֽקַּֽחand he tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Jacob's counter-strategy begins)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Jacob now acts on his own initiative with the breeding technique.
ל֣וֹfor himselfprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְReflexive benefactive (he took for his own use)
יַעֲקֹ֗בJacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיִּקַּח (delayed)
מַקַּ֥לa rod ofN m sg constr · מַקֵּל (H4731)Direct object of וַיִּקַּח (construct chain head)מַקֵּל (H4731) 'rod, staff'; the noun is in construct, specifying the material from which the rod is cut.
לִבְנֶ֛הpoplarN m sg abs · לִבְנֶה (H3839)Genitive of material (poplar rod)לִבְנֶה (H3839) 'poplar, white poplar (Populus alba)'; the wood's name derives from לָבָן 'white' — the tree with white wood and bark.
לַ֖חfresh, moistAdj m sg abs · לַח (H3892)Attributive adjective (the rod is fresh/green — freshly cut)לַח (H3892) 'fresh, moist, green'; a freshly cut rod retains its juice and can be peeled to reveal white wood.
וְל֣וּזand almondconj וְ + N m sg abs · לוּז (H3869)Coordinate noun (second species of rod)לוּז (H3869) 'almond tree (Amygdalus communis)'; also called the 'hazel' in some versions; associated with Luz/Bethel (Gen 28:19).
וְעֶרְמ֑וֹןand plane treeconj וְ + N m sg abs · עֶרְמוֹן (H6196)Coordinate noun (third species)עֶרְמוֹן (H6196) 'plane tree, chestnut (Platanus orientalis)'; the three species provide rods with contrasting inner (white) and outer (dark) wood.
וַיְפַצֵּ֤לand he peeledPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּצַל (H6478)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the peeling technique)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the technique is described step by stepפָּצַל (H6478) Piel 'to peel, strip'; only Piel in the Hebrew Bible; Jacob carefully peels the bark to create a striped pattern.
בָּהֵן֙in themprep בְּ + 3fp suf · בְּ (H2004)Locative prepositional phrase (on/in the rods)The suffix is 3fp referring back to the feminine plural מַקְלוֹת (rods).
פְּצָל֣וֹתstripsN f pl abs · פְּצָלָה (H6479)Direct object of וַיְפַצֵּלפְּצָלָה (H6479) 'peeled strip, peeling'; the noun from the same root — Jacob peeled peelings/strips in them.
לְבָנ֔וֹתwhiteAdj f pl abs · לָבָן (H3836)Attributive adjective on פְּצָלוֹת (white strips)לָבָן (H3836) 'white'; the peeled portions expose the white inner wood, creating a visual striped pattern.
מַחְשֹׂף֙exposureN m sg constr · מַחְשׂוֹף (H4286)Appositive or predicate (the white is exposed)מַחְשׂוֹף (H4286) 'exposure, what is stripped bare'; related to חָשַׂף 'to strip, lay bare'; describes the white pith now exposed.
הַלָּבָ֔ןthe whiteart + Adj m sg abs · לָבָן (H3836)Genitive/construct complement (of/what-is-white)לָבָן (H3836) 'white'; the technique exploits the visual contrast between dark bark and white pith.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhichRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (what the rod still bore — the unpeeled portions)
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition (location of remaining dark bark)
הַמַּקְלֽוֹתthe rodsart + N m pl abs · מַקֵּל (H4731)Object of עַל (the rods still bore unpeeled dark portions)מַקֵּל (H4731) 'rod'; the dark bark remaining on the rods makes the visual striped pattern.
38

וַיַּצֵּ֗ג אֶת הַמַּקְלוֹת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר פִּצֵּ֔ל בָּרֳהָטִ֖ים בְּשִֽׁקֲת֣וֹת הַמָּ֑יִם אֲשֶׁר֩ תָּבֹ֨אןָ הַצֹּ֤אן לִשְׁתּוֹת֙ לְנֹ֣כַח הַצֹּ֔אן וַיֵּחַ֖מְנָה בְּבֹאָ֥ן לִשְׁתּֽוֹת

And he set the rods that he had peeled in the troughs, in the watering channels where the flocks came to drink, opposite the flock; and they came into heat when they came to drink.

The rods are placed at the watering channels where conception occursוַיַּצֵּג
The setting of the rods at the point of drinking and mating ties the whole technique directly to reproduction.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיַּצֵּ֗גand he set upHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצַג (H3322)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (placement of the rods)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצַג (H3322) Hiphil 'to set, place, station'; Jacob stations the peeled rods in a specific location to exploit the breeding behavior of the flock.
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמַּקְלוֹת֙the rodsart + N m pl abs · מַקֵּל (H4731)Direct object of וַיַּצֵּג
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַמַּקְלוֹת
פִּצֵּ֔לhe had peeledPiel perf 3ms · פָּצַל (H6478)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: the peeling is presented as prior and completed
בָּרֳהָטִ֖יםin the watering troughsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · רָהַט (H7298)Locative prepositional phrase (where the rods are placed)רָהַט (H7298) 'watering trough, channel'; the animal watering troughs are the strategic placement location.
בְּשִֽׁקֲת֣וֹתin the gutters ofprep בְּ + N f pl constr · שֹׁקֶת (H8268)Coordinate locative (in the water channels)שֹׁקֶת (H8268) 'watering trough, gutter'; a secondary word for the same apparatus; Jacob places the rods where the animals come to drink.
הַמָּ֑יִםthe waterart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Genitive of שִׁקֲתוֹת (troughs of water)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'.
אֲשֶׁר֩whereRel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (locative — where the flock came)
תָּבֹ֨אןָthey would comeQal impf 3fp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate of relative clause (habitual imperfect — they regularly came)→ Yiqtol: habitual/iterative — the regular pattern of the flock coming to drinkבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the imperfect marks habitual action — whenever the flock came to drink.
הַצֹּ֤אןthe flockart + N f sg coll abs · צֹאן (H6629)Subject of תָּבֹאןָ
לִשְׁתּוֹת֙to drinkprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁתָה (H8354)Infinitive of purpose (they came in order to drink)→ Infinitive: purpose/goalשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; the watering event is the moment of contact with the rods.
לְנֹ֣כַחoppositeprep לְ + prep · נֹכַח (H5227)Positional prepositional phrase (facing the flock)נֹכַח (H5227) 'opposite, in front of, facing'; the rods are placed directly in the line of sight of the drinking animals.
הַצֹּ֔אןthe flockart + N f sg coll abs · צֹאן (H6629)Object of לְנֹכַח
וַיֵּחַ֖מְנָהand they came into heatQal wayyiqtol 3fp · יָחַם (H3179)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the intended breeding effect)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the rods trigger heat and conceptionיָחַם (H3179) 'to be in heat, conceive through mating'; the key verb for the breeding technique; when the animals came to drink and saw the striped rods, they came into heat.
בְּבֹאָ֥ןwhen they cameprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3fp suf · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal infinitive clause (at the moment of coming to drink)→ Infinitive: temporal — at their comingבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'.
לִשְׁתּֽוֹתto drinkprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁתָה (H8354)Infinitive of purpose (subordinate to בְּבֹאָן)→ Infinitive: purposeשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; the repetition of לִשְׁתּוֹת creates a chiastic frame around the placement description.
39

וַיֶּחֱמ֥וּ הַצֹּ֖אן אֶל הַמַּקְל֑וֹת וַתֵּלַ֣דְןָ הַצֹּ֔אן עֲקֻדִּ֥ים נְקֻדִּ֖ים וּטְלֻאִֽים

So the flock mated by the rods, and the flock bore striped, speckled, and spotted young.

The flock bears variegated offspringוַיֶּחֱמוּ
The text narrates the result straightforwardly: the flocks produce the very categories that belong to Jacob's wages.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֶּחֱמ֥וּand they conceivedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָחַם (H3179)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the result: conception occurred)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָחַם (H3179) 'to be in heat, conceive'; the result of the breeding technique — the animals conceived before the striped rods.
הַצֹּ֖אןthe flockart + N f sg coll abs · צֹאן (H6629)Subject of וַיֶּחֱמוּ
אֶלtowardprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (the animals conceived facing the rods)
הַמַּקְל֑וֹתthe rodsart + N m pl abs · מַקֵּל (H4731)Object of אֶל (the directional focus of conception)
וַתֵּלַ֣דְןָand they boreQal wayyiqtol 3fp · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the birth result)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — birth follows conceptionיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'.
הַצֹּ֔אןthe flockart + N f sg coll abs · צֹאן (H6629)Subject of וַתֵּלַדְןָ
עֲקֻדִּ֥יםstripedAdj m pl abs · עָקֹד (H6124)Predicate/object (what was born — the color of the offspring)עָקֹד (H6124) 'striped, ring-streaked'; born with stripes as Jacob's technique produced.
נְקֻדִּ֖יםspeckledAdj m pl abs · נָקֹד (H5348)Coordinate predicate (second color type of offspring)נָקֹד (H5348) 'speckled'; the offspring bear the qualifying colors that constitute Jacob's wage.
וּטְלֻאִֽיםand spottedconj וְ + Qal pass ptc m pl abs · טָלָא (H2921)Coordinate passive participle (third color type)→ Passive participle: patched/spottedטָלָא (H2921) 'to patch, spot'; all three types of qualifying animals were produced — Jacob's scheme works exactly as intended.
40

וְהַכְּשָׂבִים֮ הִפְרִ֣יד יַעֲקֹב֒ וַ֠יִּתֵּן פְּנֵ֨י הַצֹּ֧אן אֶל עָקֹ֛ד וְכָל ח֖וּם בְּצֹ֣אן לָבָ֑ן וַיָּֽשֶׁת ל֤וֹ עֲדָרִים֙ לְבַדּ֔וֹ וְלֹ֥א שָׁתָ֖ם עַל צֹ֥אן לָבָֽן

Jacob separated the lambs, and he set the faces of the flock toward the striped and all the dark-colored animals in Laban's flock. Then he put his own droves by themselves and did not put them with Laban's flock.

Jacob further separates and organizes his own growing stockוְהַכְּשָׂבִים
The strategy extends beyond the rods alone. Jacob deliberately structures the flock so that his own animals become a distinct herd.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וְהַכְּשָׂבִים֮and the lambsconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · כֶּשֶׂב (H3775)Subject of circumstantial clause (topic-fronting: the lambs especially)כֶּשֶׂב (H3775) 'lamb, sheep'; the verse describes Jacob's selective breeding — he separates the lambs from the goats.
הִפְרִ֣ידhe separatedHiphil perf 3ms · פָּרַד (H6504)Main predicate (Jacob's action of separation)→ Perfective: a deliberate, completed separationפָּרַד (H6504) Hiphil 'to separate, divide'; Jacob actively segregates the qualifying lambs so they can be selectively bred with the rods.
יַעֲקֹב֒JacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of הִפְרִיד (delayed)
וַ֠יִּתֵּןand he directedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the directing of gaze)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, set, direct'; here idiomatically: Jacob directed the faces (gaze) of the flock.
פְּנֵ֨יthe faces ofN m pl constr · פָּנֶה (H6440)Direct object of וַיִּתֵּן (in construct with the flock)פָּנֶה (H6440) 'face, front'; Jacob turned the flock's visual attention toward the marked animals.
הַצֹּ֧אןthe flockart + N f sg coll abs · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive of פְּנֵי (the flock's faces)
אֶלtowardprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition
עָקֹ֛דthe stripedAdj m sg abs · עָקֹד (H6124)Object of אֶל (what the flock faces)עָקֹד (H6124) 'striped'; Jacob faces the plain flock toward the striped animals to influence conception.
וְכָלand everyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate universal quantifier
ח֖וּםdark-coloredAdj m sg abs · חוּם (H2345)Attributive adjective (second category faced)חוּם (H2345) 'dark, brown-black'.
בְּצֹ֣אןin the flock ofprep בְּ + N m/f sg constr · צֹאן (H6629)Locative prepositional phrase (among the flock belonging to)
לָבָ֑ןLabanProper N · לָבָן (H3837)Genitive (Laban's flock that Jacob managed)
וַיָּֽשֶׁתand he set apartQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שִׁית (H7896)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Jacob forms his own separate flocks)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשִׁית (H7896) 'to set, place, put'; Jacob sets aside (for himself) his own separate droves.
ל֤וֹfor himselfprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְReflexive benefactive (Jacob accumulates his own herd)
עֲדָרִים֙drovesN m pl abs · עֵדֶר (H5739)Direct object of וַיָּשֶׁתעֵדֶר (H5739) 'drove, herd, flock'; Jacob's separate herds are now building up.
לְבַדּ֔וֹby themselvesprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suf · בַּד (H905)Prepositional phrase (his herds are separate, not mixed with Laban's)בַּד (H905) 'alone, by himself, separate'; Jacob keeps his animals fully segregated from Laban's.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of שָׁתָם
שָׁתָ֖םhe did not put themQal perf 3ms + 3mp suf · שִׁית (H7896)Negated predicate (Jacob kept his separate from Laban's)→ Perfective: a deliberate act of non-mixingשִׁית (H7896) 'to put, set'; Jacob deliberately did not put his animals among Laban's.
עַלwithprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition (alongside / mixed with)עַל (H5921) here with commingling sense: he did not place them upon/together with Laban's flock.
צֹ֥אןthe flock ofN m/f sg constr · צֹאן (H6629)Object of עַל (Laban's flock he kept separate from)
לָבָֽןLabanProper N · לָבָן (H3837)Genitive of צֹאן
41

וְהָיָ֗ה בְּכָל יַחֵם֮ הַצֹּ֣אן הַמְקֻשָּׁרוֹת֒ וְשָׂ֨ם יַעֲקֹ֧ב אֶת הַמַּקְל֛וֹת לְעֵינֵ֥י הַצֹּ֖אן בָּרֳהָטִ֑ים לְיַחְמֵ֖נָּה בַּמַּקְלֽוֹת

And whenever the stronger animals of the flock were mating, Jacob would place the rods before the eyes of the flock in the troughs, so that they might mate by the rods.

Jacob applies the technique to the stronger breedersוְהָיָה
He reserves the most productive reproductive cycles for his own advantage, directing the better stock toward his side of the bargain.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְהָיָ֗הand it wasconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal introducing habitual practice (whenEVER the stronger ones mated)→ Weqatal: habitual future-in-past — a regular patternהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the weqatal frames a repeated practice: whenever the stronger animals mated, Jacob would place the rods.
בְּכָלwheneverprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Temporal prepositional phrase (every time, whenever)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with בְּ and an infinitive idiom: 'at every time that'.
יַחֵם֮the flock came into heatPiel impf 3ms · יָחַם (H3179)Predicate of temporal clause (habitual imperfect)→ Yiqtol: habitual — the regular event of mating seasonיָחַם (H3179) Piel 'to be in heat, mate'; the Piel marks intense or repeated action; whenever the in-heat period arrived.
הַצֹּ֣אןthe flockart + N f sg coll abs · צֹאן (H6629)Subject of יַחֵם
הַמְקֻשָּׁרוֹת֒the vigorousart + Pual ptc f pl abs · קָשַׁר (H7194)Attributive participle (the strong-tied/vigorous animals)→ Pual passive participle: bound/tied — used idiomatically for 'the strong, vigorous ones'קָשַׁר (H7194) Pual ptc 'the bound, vigorous'; this is a debated term; traditionally rendered 'early-mating' or 'stronger/vigorous'; the Pual passive suggests robustness or superior condition.
וְשָׂ֨םhe would placeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Weqatal of consequence (when the strong ones mated, Jacob would place the rods)→ Weqatal: habitual consequential action — a regular responseשִׂים (H7760) 'to set, place'; Jacob's selective use of the rods — only with the stronger animals.
יַעֲקֹ֧בJacobProper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וְשָׂם
אֶת[obj]Obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמַּקְל֛וֹתthe rodsart + N m pl abs · מַקֵּל (H4731)Direct object of וְשָׂם
לְעֵינֵ֥יbefore the eyes ofprep לְ + N f du constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (in the sight of — the visual stimulus)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the rods are placed in the visual field of the mating animals.
הַצֹּ֖אןthe flockart + N f sg coll abs · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive of לְעֵינֵי
בָּרֳהָטִ֑יםin the troughsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · רָהַט (H7298)Locative prepositional phrase (in the watering troughs)רָהַט (H7298) 'watering trough'.
לְיַחְמֵ֖נָּהto make them conceiveprep לְ + Piel inf constr + 3fs suf · יָחַם (H3179)Infinitive of purpose (so that they conceive by the rods)→ Infinitive: purpose — the goal of placing the rodsיָחַם (H3179) Piel 'to cause to mate/conceive'; the Piel infinitive with the suffix 'her/them' — to cause the flock to conceive.
בַּמַּקְלֽוֹתwith the rodsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַקֵּל (H4731)Instrumental prepositional phrase (through the medium of the rods)מַקֵּל (H4731) 'rod'; the instrument of the breeding technique.
42

וּבְהַעֲטִ֥יף הַצֹּ֖אן לֹ֣א יָשִׂ֑ים וְהָיָ֤ה הָעֲטֻפִים֙ לְלָבָ֔ן וְהַקְּשֻׁרִ֖ים לְיַעֲקֹֽב

But when the animals were feeble, he did not place them there. So the feeble ones came to belong to Laban, but the stronger ones to Jacob.

The weaker animals are left to Laban while the stronger go to Jacobוּבְהַעֲטִיף
The contrast completes the selective pattern: feebler stock remains Laban's, but the robust animals build Jacob's independent estate.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וּבְהַעֲטִ֥יףbut when feebleconj וְ + prep בְּ + Hiphil inf constr · עָטַף (H5848)Temporal infinitive clause (at the time of the weak mating)→ Infinitive: temporal — when the feeble ones matedעָטַף (H5848) Hiphil 'to be faint, feeble, weak'; the contrast with הַמְקֻשָּׁרוֹת (vigorous) is key: Jacob uses the rods only for strong animals, not weak ones, selecting for strong offspring for himself.
הַצֹּ֖אןthe flockart + N f sg coll abs · צֹאן (H6629)Subject of the temporal clause
לֹ֣אnotNeg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of יָשִׂים
יָשִׂ֑יםhe would placeQal impf 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Negated imperfect (he would NOT place the rods)→ Yiqtol: habitual — the regular omission with weak animalsשִׂים (H7760) 'to place'; Jacob deliberately withholds the technique from weak animals — intentional selective breeding.
וְהָיָ֤הand so came aboutconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal of consequence (the selective result)→ Weqatal: consequential — the natural/planned outcomeהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen, come about'.
הָעֲטֻפִים֙the feeble onesart + Qal pass ptc m pl abs · עָטַף (H5848)Subject of וְהָיָה clause (predicate nominative structure)→ Passive participle: the faint/weak ones (as a class)עָטַף (H5848) 'to be faint, weak'; the passive participle describes the weaker animals as a class.
לְלָבָ֔ןfor Labanprep לְ + Proper N · לָבָן (H3837)Predicate (what the feeble ones became — they went to Laban)לָבָן (H3837); the weak animals, produced without the rod technique, had plain coloring and thus went to Laban.
וְהַקְּשֻׁרִ֖יםand the vigorous onesconj וְ + art + Qal pass ptc m pl abs · קָשַׁר (H7194)Coordinate subject (the strong ones by contrast)→ Passive participle: the bound/vigorous onesקָשַׁר (H7194) Qal ptc passive 'the robust, vigorous ones'; the passive participle describes the strong animals — those whose mating Jacob enhanced with the rods.
לְיַעֲקֹֽבfor Jacobprep לְ + Proper N · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Predicate (the strong ones belonged to Jacob)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the result of the selective technique: Jacob's animals are the strong and vigorous ones.
43

וַיִּפְרֹ֥ץ הָאִ֖ישׁ מְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד וַֽיְהִי לוֹ֙ צֹ֣אן רַבּ֔וֹת וּשְׁפָחוֹת֙ וַעֲבָדִ֔ים וּגְמַלִּ֖ים וַחֲמֹרִֽים

Thus the man increased exceedingly, and he came to have many flocks, maidservants and male servants, camels and donkeys.

Jacob's prosperity breaks forth in an emphatic conclusionוַיִּפְרֹץ
Conspicuous increase now closes the movement. Jacob has moved from dependent laborer toward the wealth and household scale proper to a major patriarchal figure.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּפְרֹ֥ץand the man spreadQal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּרַץ (H6555)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the summary of Jacob's explosive wealth)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the culminating statement of the whole chapterפָּרַץ (H6555) 'to break out, spread, burst forth'; the same verb used in v.30 of the blessing on Laban's flock — now Jacob himself פָּרַץ. This root will recur as a key term in Jacob's/Israel's destiny (Perez, Gen 38:29; cf. Gen 28:14).
הָאִ֖ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיִּפְרֹץאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the articular noun is notably generic — not 'Jacob' but 'the man'; this may signal the summary nature of the verse, a prosperity formula applied to the patriarch.
מְאֹ֣דexceedinglyAdv · מְאֹד (H3966)Intensive adverb (degree of the spreading/prosperity)מְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'.
מְאֹ֑דexceedinglyAdv · מְאֹד (H3966)Repeated adverb for superlative emphasis (very very much)מְאֹד מְאֹד 'exceedingly, exceedingly' — the double adverb is a superlative intensifier marking overwhelming prosperity; this formula appears in Gen 17:2, 6, 20 for Abraham's and Ishmael's increase.
וַֽיְהִיand he becameQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (enumerating the wealth)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the wealth is itemizedהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, have'; וַיְהִי לוֹ = 'and he had/possessed'.
לוֹ֙to himprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְPossessive prepositional phrase (he possessed)
צֹ֣אןflocksN f sg coll abs · צֹאן (H6629)First item in the wealth inventoryצֹאן (H6629) 'flock of sheep and goats'; the primary form of pastoral wealth, the very commodity Jacob started with.
רַבּ֔וֹתmanyAdj f pl abs · רַב (H7227)Attributive adjective modifying צֹאן (the flocks are many)רַב (H7227) 'many, great, numerous'.
וּשְׁפָחוֹת֙and female servantsconj וְ + N f pl abs · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Coordinate noun in wealth listשִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant, female slave'; female slaves indicate household wealth and social standing.
וַעֲבָדִ֔יםand male servantsconj וְ + N m pl abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinate noun in wealth listעֶבֶד (H5650) 'male slave, servant'; male servants for agricultural and domestic work — a sign of a large household.
וּגְמַלִּ֖יםand camelsconj וְ + N m pl abs · גָּמָל (H1581)Coordinate noun in wealth listגָּמָל (H1581) 'camel'; camels were valuable for trade caravans and long-distance transport; Jacob now has the wealth of a patriarch, recalling Abraham (Gen 12:16, 24:35).
וַחֲמֹרִֽיםand donkeysconj וְ + N m pl abs · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Final coordinate noun in wealth listחֲמוֹר (H2543) 'donkey'; the donkey is the workhorse of the ancient Near East — used for transport, plowing, and burden-bearing. The inventory of flocks, servants, camels, and donkeys mirrors the wealth-lists applied to Abraham in Gen 12:16 and 24:35, signaling Jacob's arrival as a fully established patriarch.