Genesis 30:33
New International Version
And my honesty will testify for me in the future, whenever you check on the wages you have paid me. Any goat in my possession that is not speckled or spotted, or any lamb that is not dark-colored, will be considered stolen.”

New Living Translation
In the future, when you check on the animals you have given me as my wages, you’ll see that I have been honest. If you find in my flock any goats without speckles or spots, or any sheep that are not black, you will know that I have stolen them from you.”

English Standard Version
So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come to look into my wages with you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.”

Berean Standard Bible
So my honesty will testify for me when you come to check on my wages in the future. If I have any goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not dark-colored, they will be considered stolen.”

King James Bible
So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.

New King James Version
So my righteousness will answer for me in time to come, when the subject of my wages comes before you: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the lambs, will be considered stolen, if it is with me.”

New American Standard Bible
So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come concerning my wages. Every one that is not speckled or spotted among the goats, or black among the lambs, if found with me, will be considered stolen.”

NASB 1995
“So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come concerning my wages. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, will be considered stolen.”

NASB 1977
“So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come concerning my wages. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, will be considered stolen.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So my righteousness will answer for me later, when you come concerning my wages. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, will be considered stolen.”

Amplified Bible
So my honesty will be evident for me later, when you come [for an accounting] concerning my wages. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and dark among the young lambs, if found with me, shall be considered stolen.”

Christian Standard Bible
In the future when you come to check on my wages, my honesty will testify for me. If I have any female goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not black, they will be considered stolen.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the future when you come to check on my wages, my honesty will testify for me. If I have any female goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not black, they will be considered stolen."”

American Standard Version
So shall my righteousness answer for me hereafter, when thou shalt come concerning my hire that is before thee: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that if found with me, shall be counted stolen.

Contemporary English Version
In the future you can easily find out if I've been honest. Just look and see if my animals are either spotted or speckled, or if the lambs are black. If they aren't, they've been stolen from you.

English Revised Version
So shall my righteousness answer for me hereafter, when thou shalt come concerning my hire that is before thee: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that if found with me shall be counted stolen.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
My honesty will speak for itself whenever you come to check on my wages. Any goat I have that isn't speckled or spotted or any lamb that isn't black will be considered stolen."

Good News Translation
In the future you can easily find out if I have been honest. When you come to check up on my wages, if I have any goat that isn't speckled or spotted or any sheep that isn't black, you will know that it has been stolen."

International Standard Version
In the future, you'll be able to verify my honesty because, when you come to check what I've earned, if you find a goat that's not speckled or spotted or a sheep that's not black, then it will have been stolen by me."

Majority Standard Bible
So my honesty will testify for me when you come to check on my wages in the future. If I have any goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not dark-colored, they will be considered stolen.?

NET Bible
My integrity will testify for me later on. When you come to verify that I've taken only the wages we agreed on, if I have in my possession any goat that is not speckled or spotted or any sheep that is not dark-colored, it will be considered stolen."

New Heart English Bible
So my honesty will testify for me later on, when the subject of my wages comes before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep that I have in my possession, will be counted as stolen."

Webster's Bible Translation
So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be accounted stolen with me.

World English Bible
So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and my righteousness has answered for me in the day to come, when it comes in for my hire before your face—everyone which is not speckled and spotted among [my] goats, and brown among [my] lambs—it is stolen with me.”

Young's Literal Translation
and my righteousness hath answered for me in the day to come, when it cometh in for my hire before thy face; -- every one which is not speckled and spotted among my goats, and brown among my lambs -- it is stolen with me.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And my justice shall speak for me in the day tomorrow, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one which is not speckled and patched among the she-goats and black among the lambs, that to be stolen with me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And my justice shall answer for me to morrow before thee when the time of the bargain shall come: and all that is not of divers colours, and spotted, and brown, as well among the sheep as among the goats, shall accuse me of theft.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And my justice will answer on my behalf tomorrow, when the time of settlement arrives before you. And all that is not variegated or blemished or darkened, as much among the sheep as among the goats, these will prove me to be a thief.”

New American Bible
In the future, whenever you check on my wages, my honesty will testify for me: any animal that is not speckled or spotted among the goats, or dark among the lambs, got into my possession by theft!”

New Revised Standard Version
So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come to look into my wages with you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Just as my innocence is evident today, so it will be in the future when my wages are brought before your presence; every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and brown among the white sheep, that shall be counted stolen by me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you will testify before me of my innocence, as today, then tomorrow, when you will bring on my reward before you; everyone that will not be white spotted forehead and spotted among the goats and speckled in white will have been stolen by me.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So shall my righteousness witness against me hereafter, when thou shalt come to look over my hire that is before thee: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and dark among the sheep, that if found with me shall be counted stolen.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And my righteousness shall answer for me on the morrow, for it is my reward before thee: whatever shall not be spotted and speckled among the goats, and grey among the rams, shall be stolen with me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Prospers
32Let me go through all your flocks today and remove from them every speckled or spotted sheep, every dark-colored lamb, and every spotted or speckled goat. These will be my wages. 33So my honesty will testify for me when you come to check on my wages in the future. If I have any goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not dark-colored, they will be considered stolen.” 34“Agreed,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.”…

Cross References
Genesis 31:8-12
If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore speckled offspring. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore streaked offspring. / Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me. / When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females. ...

Genesis 31:38-42
I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. / I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. ...

Genesis 29:18-20
Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.

Genesis 31:6-7
You know that I have served your father with all my strength. / And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.

Genesis 31:41
Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!

Genesis 31:9
Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me.

Genesis 31:16
Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”

Genesis 31:43
But Laban answered Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne?

Genesis 31:1
Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.”

Genesis 31:55
Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home.

Exodus 3:21-22
And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed. / Every woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman staying in her house for silver and gold jewelry and clothing, and you will put them on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians.”

Exodus 12:35-36
Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.

Leviticus 19:13
You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15
Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. / You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Proverbs 10:4
Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.


Treasury of Scripture

So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before your face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.

righteousness.

Genesis 31:37
Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.

1 Samuel 26:23
The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

2 Samuel 22:21
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

answer.

Isaiah 59:12
For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;

in time to come.

Exodus 13:14
And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

that shall be.

Jump to Previous
Accounted Black Brown Check Considered Counted Dark Dark-Colored Face Found Future Goats Hereafter Hire Honesty Lambs Paid Righteousness Sheep Speckled Spotted Stolen Testify Time Wages Whenever Witness
Jump to Next
Accounted Black Brown Check Considered Counted Dark Dark-Colored Face Found Future Goats Hereafter Hire Honesty Lambs Paid Righteousness Sheep Speckled Spotted Stolen Testify Time Wages Whenever Witness
Genesis 30
1. Rachel, in grief for her barrenness, gives Bilhah her maid unto Jacob.
5. Bilhah bears Dan and Naphtali.
9. Leah gives Zilpah her maid, who bears Gad and Asher.
14. Reuben finds mandrakes,
15. with which Leah buys her husband's company of Rachel.
17. Leah bears Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah.
22. Rachel bears Joseph.
25. Jacob desires to depart.
27. Laban detains him on a new agreement.
37. Jacob's policy, whereby he becomes rich.














So my honesty will testify for me
The Hebrew word for "honesty" here is "tzidkati," which can also be translated as "righteousness" or "integrity." In the context of Jacob's life, this phrase underscores his commitment to fairness and transparency in his dealings with Laban. Historically, this reflects the importance of personal integrity in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where one's word and reputation were paramount. Jacob's reliance on his honesty to "testify" for him suggests a deep trust in God's justice and providence, believing that his righteous actions will ultimately speak on his behalf.

in the future
The phrase "in the future" indicates a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing the enduring nature of integrity. In the Hebrew context, this reflects a belief in divine justice that transcends immediate circumstances. Jacob's confidence that his honesty will stand the test of time is a testament to his faith in God's ongoing involvement in human affairs, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

when you come to check on the wages you have paid me
This phrase highlights the practical aspect of Jacob's agreement with Laban. The Hebrew word for "wages" is "maskoret," which refers to compensation or reward. In the ancient world, livestock was a common form of payment, and the meticulous nature of this agreement underscores the importance of clear terms in business dealings. Jacob's anticipation of Laban's inspection reflects a common practice of accountability, ensuring that both parties uphold their end of the agreement.

Any goat that is not speckled or spotted
The mention of "speckled or spotted" goats refers to the specific terms of Jacob's agreement with Laban. In Hebrew, "nakod" (spotted) and "talou" (speckled) describe the distinctive markings that would identify Jacob's share of the flock. This detail is significant because it sets a clear, visible standard for distinguishing between Jacob's and Laban's animals, reducing the potential for disputes. The specificity of these terms reflects the wisdom in setting clear boundaries and expectations in agreements.

and any lamb that is not dark-colored
The phrase "dark-colored" translates from the Hebrew "chum," indicating a specific coloration that would mark the lambs belonging to Jacob. This further clarifies the terms of the agreement, ensuring that there is no ambiguity in the division of the flock. The emphasis on color and pattern in livestock serves as a metaphor for the clarity and transparency that should characterize all human interactions, especially those involving trust and stewardship.

will be considered stolen if found with me
This final phrase underscores the seriousness with which Jacob approaches his agreement with Laban. The Hebrew word for "stolen" is "ganav," which carries connotations of deceit and wrongdoing. By stating that any animal not meeting the agreed-upon criteria would be considered stolen, Jacob is asserting his commitment to integrity and accountability. This reflects a broader biblical principle that values honesty and fairness, recognizing that true prosperity is rooted in ethical conduct and trust in God's provision.

Verse 33. - So shall my righteousness (literally, and my righteousness) answer for me (or bear testimony in my behalf) in time to come, - literally, in the day, tomorrow; meaning in the future (Gesenius) rather than the day following (Delitzsch) - when it shall come for my hire before thy face. Either,

(1) for it (my righteousness) shall come, concerning my wages, before thy face, sc. for consideration (Calvin); or,

(2) when thou shalt come to my reward, connecting "before thy face" with the previous clause (Chaldee, Rosenmüller, Ainsworth, Lange); or,

(3) when thou shalt come to my wages before thee (Murphy), or to inspect it (Kalisch). Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me - and therefore to be delivered up to thee.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So my honesty
צִדְקָתִי֙ (ṣiḏ·qā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively

will testify
וְעָֽנְתָה־ (wə·‘ā·nə·ṯāh-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

for me
בִּ֤י (bî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

when
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you come to check
תָב֥וֹא (ṯā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

my wages
שְׂכָרִ֖י (śə·ḵā·rî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7939: Payment of contract, salary, fare, maintenance, compensation, benefit

in the future.
בְּי֣וֹם (bə·yō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

If I have
אִתִּֽי׃ (’it·tî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

any
כֹּ֣ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

goats
בָּֽעִזִּ֗ים (bā·‘iz·zîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5795: Female goat

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

are not
אֵינֶנּוּ֩ (’ê·nen·nū)
Adverb | third person masculine singular
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

speckled
נָקֹ֨ד (nā·qōḏ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5348: Speckled

or spotted,
וְטָל֜וּא (wə·ṭā·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 2921: To cover with pieces, to spot, variegate

or any lambs
בַּכְּשָׂבִ֔ים (bak·kə·śā·ḇîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3775: A young sheep

that are not dark-colored,
וְחוּם֙ (wə·ḥūm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2345: Darkened, dark brown or black

they
ה֖וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

will be considered stolen.”
גָּנ֥וּב (gā·nūḇ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1589: To thieve, to deceive


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OT Law: Genesis 30:33 So my righteousness will answer for me (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 30:32
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