Thus the man grew exceedingly rich: Thus marks a conclusion to this story, which has been told to explain that Jacob became a rich man because he was more clever than his uncle. We may say in English, for example, “And so it happened,” “In this way,” “By doing these things,” “As a result.” Grew … rich translates a Hebrew verb that describes something bursting or breaking forth, and so in this context describes Jacob’s wealth as developing suddenly and greatly.

Had large flocks … asses: Jacob’s wealth in flocks refers to sheep and goats. For maidservants and menservants, camels, and asses, see 12.16 and 24.35.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .