Genesis 31:7

Translations

Modern

And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.

Traditional

And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

Literal

And your father has deceived me, and has changed my wage ten times; and God did not allow him to do evil with me.

Latin

Sed et pater vester circumvenit me et mutavit mercedem meam decem vicibus: et tamen non dimisit eum Deus ut noceret mihi.

Original

Hebrew

English

And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.

Notes

Genesis 31:4–13

Jacob explained to his wives how God had blessed him, even though Laban opposed him. He was not sure if they wanted to leave Laban and move to Canaan. He wanted his family to agree willingly, so he needed to persuade them. He shared how God had guided and provided for them over the years. He explained that he needed to keep the vow he made at Bethel (28:20–22).

Genesis 31:1–21

Jacob’s return journey led to a conflict with Laban. This conflict created a lasting boundary between Israel (Jacob) and Aram (Laban). God kept his promise to Jacob. He made Jacob successful in Paddan-aram and protected him as he traveled back home.

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 Leah Rachel Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Zechariah 8:23
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”
Nehemiah 4:12
At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”
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 31:29
I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’
Numbers 14:22
…not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times—
Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.
Job 1:10
Have You not placed a hedge on every side around him and his household and all that he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Leviticus 26:26
When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied.
Genesis 20:6
Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her.
Job 19:3
Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly mistreat me.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 4:1
In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”

Glossary

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

Topics

Contracts: Violated Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Deceit: Laban Father-In-Law: Unjust, Laban to Jacob Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Consult with Them Ingratitude: Laban Laban: Outwitted by Jacob Master: Unjust Master: Laban to Jacob Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Defraud Them Servant: Hired: Re-Employed Servants: when Good are Protected by God Ten: (Used for an Indefinite Number) Wages of Jacob

Genesis 31:7

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