Genesis 31:41

Translations

Modern

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!

Traditional

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Literal

This is my twentieth year in your house. I served you four and ten years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wage ten times.

Latin

Sicque per viginti annos in domo tua servivi tibi, quatuordecim pro filiabus, et sex pro gregibus tuis: immutasti quoque mercedem meam decem vicibus.

Original

Hebrew

English

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!

Notes

Genesis 31:36–42

Jacob answered by accusing Laban of making false charges and humiliating him. Now Laban was the one who had to answer, because his charges were insulting and seemed to have no basis.

Genesis 29:1–31:55

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

Arameans Jacob Symbolic Numbers The Righteous Suffer

Related verses

Genesis 31:7
And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.
Genesis 30:33–40
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.”
2 Corinthians 11:26
In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers,
Genesis 31:38
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.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
Genesis 29:18–30
Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Laban (Person) Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Wages

Topics

Chiding: Isaac and Laban Chide Each Other Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Covetousness: Laban Dishonesty: Laban's Treatment of Jacob Father-In-Law: Unjust, Laban to Jacob Ingratitude: should be Met With: Faithfulness Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Servant: Hired: Re-Employed Wages of Jacob

Genesis 31:41

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?