Genesis 30:36

Modern

Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks.

Traditional

And he set three days’ journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.

Literal

And he put a journey of three days between himself and between Jacob, and Jacob was pasturing the flock of Laban, the remaining ones.

Latin

Et posuit spatium itineris trium dierum inter se et generum, qui pascebat reliquos greges ejus.

Hebrew

English

Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks.

Laban said he agreed with Jacob’s plan, but he tried to prevent Jacob from gaining wealth by removing animals from the flock that would fulfill the agreement.
Laban's deception with the goats is similar to Jacob's deception with Esau (compare 27:9; see study note on 29:14–30).

These chapters describe how God fulfilled his promise by greatly blessing Jacob with a family and possessions. God also disciplined Jacob, leaving him to struggle with Laban for many years. Laban was Jacob’s match in deception, and thus a means of correction.
The story of Jacob and Laban is similar to Israel's later stay in Egypt. Jacob struggled while serving his uncle but finally emerged with a large family (the founders of the 12 tribes) and great wealth. In Egypt, the Israelites suffered under their oppressors, but they also flourished, becoming a great nation of 12 large tribes and escaping with great riches.

Theme notes and profiles

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Laban: Brother of Rebekah; father of Leah and Rachel