Definition: And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 30:27. It's a really important and slightly complex passage about Jacob’s life and his relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jacob is telling Laban (a wealthy man) that God has actually blessed him, even though he’s been treated poorly by Jacob. He's essentially saying, “Even though I’ve faced a lot of hardship and trouble, God has helped me.” Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And Laban said unto him…” – This is Jacob speaking to Laban. “…I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes…” - This means “I beg you, if you've been kind to me.” It’s a plea for God’s favor. “[tarry: for] I have learned by experience…” – This is the key part. "Tarry" is a word from Hebrew that means “wait” or “delay.” Jacob is saying, “I've learned this through my experiences.” “…that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.” - This is where the real point is made. “The LORD” refers to God. "Blessed me" means that God has favorably treated Jacob. “For thy sake” means that God’s favor was bestowed on him because of Jacob's situation. So, what does it all mean? It highlights a pattern: Jacob repeatedly experiences hardship and struggles, but he always seems to receive a blessing from God. It suggests that God is actively involved in his life and offers help even when things are difficult. Why is this important? This verse points to the idea of God’s providence – His plan for events, even if they seem bad at times. God isn't just passively watching; He's actively working towards good outcomes for those who follow Him. It also shows a sense of gratitude from Jacob, acknowledging that he is blessed by God despite his own struggles. In short: Jacob acknowledges that God has helped him, even when things are tough, and he expresses gratitude for His favor. --- Do you want to explore any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example: Are you curious about the context of this story in the Bible? Would you like me to explain a particular part of the verse further?