CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 29:15 Laban said to him, "Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/29-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/01_Gen_29_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 29:15 - Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Laban said to him, Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/29-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/29-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/29.htm">Chapter 29</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/29-14.htm" title="Genesis 29:14">◄</a> Genesis 29:15 <a href="/genesis/29-16.htm" title="Genesis 29:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/29.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Laban said to him, &#8220Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Laban said to him, “You shouldn’t work for me without pay just because we are relatives. Tell me how much your wages should be.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou <i>art</i> my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what <i>shall</i> thy wages <i>be</i>?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you <i>are</i> my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what <i>should</i> your wages <i>be?</i>”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, &#8220Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me, what should your wages be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban said to him, “Just because you’re my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban said to him, &#8220Just because you&#8217re my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Laban said to him, "You shouldn't have to work without pay, just because you are a relative of mine. What do you want me to give you?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Laban said to him, "Just because you're my relative doesn't mean that you should work for nothing. Tell me what your wages should be."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Laban said to Jacob, "You shouldn't work for me for nothing just because you are my relative. How much pay do you want?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later, Laban asked Jacob, "Should you serve me for free, just because you're my nephew? Let's talk about what your wages should be."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban said to him, ?Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, "Should you work for me for nothing because you are my relative? Tell me what your wages should be."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Laban said to Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught? tell me, what shall thy wages be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Laban says to Jacob, “Is it because you [are] my brother that you have served me for nothing? Declare to me what your hire [is].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Laban saith to Jacob, 'Is it because thou art my brother that thou hast served me for nought? declare to me what is thy hire.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Laban will say to Jacob, Because thou art my brother shalt thou serve me gratuitously? announce to me what thy reward.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He said to him: Because thou art my brother, shalt thou serve me without wages? Tell me what wages thou wilt have. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />he said to him: “Though you are my brother, will you serve me for nothing? Tell me what wages you would accept.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Laban said to him: “Should you serve me for nothing just because you are a relative of mine? Tell me what your wages should be.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Laban said to Jacob, Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore work for me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Laban said to Yaquuv, “Truly my brother, are you to work for me without charge? Tell me, what are your wages?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Laban said unto Jacob: 'Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Laban said to Jacob, Surely thou shalt not serve me for nothing, because thou art my brother; tell me what thy reward is to be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/29-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=7034" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm">Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14</span>Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month, <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3837.htm" title="3837: lā·ḇān (N-proper-ms) -- Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob. The same as laban; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert.">Laban</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: hă·ḵî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“Just because</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you are</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">my relative,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: wa·‘ă·ḇaḏ·ta·nî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms:: 1cs2) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">should you work</a> <a href="/hebrew/2600.htm" title="2600: ḥin·nām (Adv) -- Out of favor. From chen; gratis, i.e. Devoid of cost, reason or advantage.">for nothing?</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hag·gî·ḏāh (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To be conspicuous. ">Tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/4909.htm" title="4909: maś·kur·te·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Wages. From sakar; wages or a reward.">your wages should be.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Genesis 31:41</a></span><br />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!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Genesis 30:25-28</a></span><br />Now after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can return to my homeland. / Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.” / But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Genesis 31:7</a></span><br />And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-38.htm">Genesis 31:38-40</a></span><br />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. / I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/2-21.htm">Exodus 2:21</a></span><br />Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2</a></span><br />If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-50.htm">Leviticus 25:50</a></span><br />He and his purchaser will then count the time from the year he sold himself up to the Year of Jubilee. The price of his sale will be determined by the number of years, based on the daily wages of a hired hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12</a></span><br />If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/17-10.htm">Judges 17:10</a></span><br />“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-5.htm">Ruth 4:5</a></span><br />Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17-27</a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” / And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” / So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">1 Kings 11:28</a></span><br />Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/2-10.htm">2 Chronicles 2:10</a></span><br />I will pay your servants, the woodcutters, 20,000 cors of ground wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of olive oil.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Matthew 20:1-16</a></span><br />“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. / He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. / About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-19.htm">Luke 15:19</a></span><br />I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Laban said to Jacob, Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? tell me, what shall your wages be?</p><p class="hdg">tell me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/30-28.htm">Genesis 30:28</a></b></br> And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give <i>it</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Genesis 31:7</a></b></br> And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/26-32.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Hire</a> <a href="/genesis/29-14.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/29-12.htm">Kinsman</a> <a href="/genesis/29-14.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/revelation/18-17.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/revelation/18-17.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/genesis/29-12.htm">Relative</a> <a href="/genesis/27-40.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/genesis/5-29.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/genesis/30-18.htm">Hire</a> <a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-25.htm">Kinsman</a> <a href="/genesis/29-16.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-17.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/genesis/47-18.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-6.htm">Relative</a> <a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/genesis/31-31.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/genesis/30-18.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 29</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-1.htm">Jacob comes to the well of Haran.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-9.htm">He becomes acquainted with Rachel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-13.htm">Laban entertains him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Jacob covenants for Rachel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-23.htm">He is deceived by Laban with Leah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-28.htm">He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-32.htm">Leah bears Reuben;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-33.htm">Simeon;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-34.htm">Levi;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-35.htm">and Judah.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/29.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/29.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Laban said to him</b><br>Laban, the brother of Rebekah and uncle to Jacob, is a key figure in the narrative of Jacob's life. His interactions with Jacob are marked by cunning and manipulation, reflecting a broader theme of deceit that runs through Jacob's story. Laban's character is introduced earlier in Genesis when he welcomes Abraham's servant, who comes to find a wife for Isaac. This sets the stage for his later dealings with Jacob.<p><b>“Just because you are my relative</b><br>In the ancient Near Eastern culture, family ties were significant, often dictating social and economic interactions. Laban acknowledges the familial relationship, which would typically imply mutual support and obligation. However, Laban's question suggests a transactional approach, indicating that he intends to formalize Jacob's labor through a contractual agreement rather than relying solely on kinship.<p><b>should you work for nothing?</b><br>This phrase highlights the expectation of fair compensation for labor, even among relatives. It reflects the broader biblical principle of fair treatment and justice in economic dealings, as seen in passages like <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Leviticus 19:13</a>, which prohibits withholding wages. Laban's question is rhetorical, setting the stage for negotiation, but it also foreshadows the complex and often exploitative relationship that will develop between him and Jacob.<p><b>Tell me what your wages should be.”</b><br>Laban's offer to let Jacob set his wages appears generous but is laden with ulterior motives. This moment is pivotal, as it leads to Jacob's agreement to work for seven years in exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage. The concept of wages and labor agreements is a recurring theme in Jacob's story, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of covenant and promise. This also prefigures the New Testament teaching on the laborer being worthy of his hire (<a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a>). The negotiation of wages here sets the stage for the subsequent events of deception and fulfillment of God's promises in Jacob's life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Laban is the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's mother, making him Jacob's uncle. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, particularly during Jacob's time in Haran. Laban is known for his shrewdness and plays a significant role in the events that unfold in Jacob's life.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham. He is in Haran to find a wife from his mother's family and has been working for Laban. Jacob's journey is marked by God's promises and his own personal growth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/haran.htm">Haran</a></b><br>This is the place where Laban and his family live. It is significant as the location where Jacob spends many years working for Laban and where he marries Leah and Rachel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/service_and_wages.htm">Service and Wages</a></b><br>The concept of service and wages is central to this verse. Laban's question to Jacob about his wages sets the stage for the agreement that leads to Jacob working for seven years for Rachel, only to be deceived into marrying Leah first.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics.htm">Family Dynamics</a></b><br>The interaction between Laban and Jacob highlights the complexities of family relationships, especially in the context of ancient Near Eastern customs and expectations.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_fairness_and_integrity.htm">The Importance of Fairness and Integrity</a></b><br>Laban's question about wages reminds us of the importance of fairness in our dealings with others. As Christians, we are called to act with integrity in all our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_our_work.htm">God's Sovereignty in Our Work</a></b><br>Jacob's experience with Laban shows that even when we face unfair treatment, God is sovereign and can use our circumstances for His purposes. We should trust in God's plan and remain faithful in our work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_relationships_and_god's_plan.htm">Family Relationships and God's Plan</a></b><br>The account of Jacob and Laban illustrates the complexities of family relationships. Despite human failings, God's plan prevails. We should seek to honor God in our family interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_adversity.htm">Perseverance in Adversity</a></b><br>Jacob's perseverance in serving Laban, despite the challenges, is a model for us. We are encouraged to persevere in our own trials, trusting that God is working for our good.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_29.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 29</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jacob_marry_leah_and_rachel.htm">How did Jacob end up marrying both Leah and Rachel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_the_arameans_significant.htm">What is the historical significance of the Arameans?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_polygamy.htm">What is the Bible's stance on polygamy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_polygamy_allowed_ot,_not_nt.htm">Why does God allow polygamy in the Old Testament but forbid it in the New Testament?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/29.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">What shall thy wages be?</span>--As Jacob had given upon his arrival a full account of himself (<a href="/genesis/29-13.htm" title="And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.">Genesis 29:13</a>), Laban probably expected the very answer he received; nevertheless, the proposal was fair and upright. Doubtless he had seen, during Jacob's stay of a month, that his services would be very valuable.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Laban said unto Jacob</span> (probably at the month's end), <span class="cmt_word">Because thou art</span> - literally, <span class="accented">is it not that</span>. <span class="accented">thou art</span> (cf. <a href="/genesis/27-36.htm">Genesis 27:36</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/23-19.htm">2 Samuel 23:19</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">my brother</span>, - my kinsman (<span class="accented">vide</span> on ver. 12) - <span class="cmt_word">shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught</span>? (literally, <span class="accented">arid thou server me gratuitously</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>tell me, what shall thy wages be</span>? A proof of Laban's generosity and justice (Kalisch); of his selfishness and greed (Keil); of his prudence and sagacity in opening up the way for a love-suit (Large). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/29-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Laban</span><br /><span class="heb">לָבָן֙</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḇān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3837.htm">Strong's 3837: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Just because</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲכִי־</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ḵî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you are</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֔תָּה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my relative,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָחִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">should you work</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִי</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·ḇaḏ·ta·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, to serve, till, enslave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for nothing?</span><br /><span class="heb">חִנָּ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥin·nām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2600.htm">Strong's 2600: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gratis, devoid of cost, reason, advantage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Tell</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגִּ֥ידָה</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gî·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="heb">לִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your wages should be.”</span><br /><span class="heb">מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(maś·kur·te·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4909.htm">Strong's 4909: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wages, a reward</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/29-15.htm">Genesis 29:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/29-15.htm">OT Law: Genesis 29:15 Laban said to Jacob Because you (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/29-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 29:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 29:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/29-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 29:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 29:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>