Genesis 29:15 - Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?”
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What does "Genesis 29:15" mean?
This verse, Genesis 29:15, reveals several key things about the relationship between Laban and Jacob, and the societal norms of the time:
Acknowledgement of Kinship: Laban recognizes that Jacob is his relative (his sister Rebekah's son, making him Laban's nephew). He uses the word "brother" (more accurately, kinsman) to acknowledge this relationship.
Unspoken Expectations: Laban knows that Jacob is working for him, likely out of necessity, but points out it is not appropriate for him to work for nothing. There is an unspoken expectation that relatives should help each other, but not to the point of exploitation. In other words, Laban recognizes that even family shouldn't be taken advantage of.
Labor for Compensation: The verse highlights the principle that work deserves fair compensation. Instead of taking advantage of their family relationship, Laban initiates a negotiation about wages. This demonstrates a sense of fairness (or at least the appearance of it), even if his subsequent actions prove otherwise.
Setting the Stage for Negotiation and Conflict: By asking Jacob to name his price, Laban is setting the stage for an agreement, but also opens the door for potential exploitation. Jacob's desire to marry Rachel leads him to accept Laban's subsequent manipulation, which ultimately results in Jacob working far longer and harder than initially intended.
In essence, this verse is a crucial starting point in the narrative. It establishes the family connection between Laban and Jacob, the expectation of fair payment for labor, and foreshadows the manipulative nature of Laban that will drive much of the story forward. It also shows that even with family, business and self-interest can complicate relationships.
Genesis 29:15 - Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?”
What does "Genesis 29:15" mean?
This verse, Genesis 29:15, reveals several key things about the relationship between Laban and Jacob, and the societal norms of the time:
Acknowledgement of Kinship: Laban recognizes that Jacob is his relative (his sister Rebekah's son, making him Laban's nephew). He uses the word "brother" (more accurately, kinsman) to acknowledge this relationship.
Unspoken Expectations: Laban knows that Jacob is working for him, likely out of necessity, but points out it is not appropriate for him to work for nothing. There is an unspoken expectation that relatives should help each other, but not to the point of exploitation. In other words, Laban recognizes that even family shouldn't be taken advantage of.
Labor for Compensation: The verse highlights the principle that work deserves fair compensation. Instead of taking advantage of their family relationship, Laban initiates a negotiation about wages. This demonstrates a sense of fairness (or at least the appearance of it), even if his subsequent actions prove otherwise.
Setting the Stage for Negotiation and Conflict: By asking Jacob to name his price, Laban is setting the stage for an agreement, but also opens the door for potential exploitation. Jacob's desire to marry Rachel leads him to accept Laban's subsequent manipulation, which ultimately results in Jacob working far longer and harder than initially intended.
In essence, this verse is a crucial starting point in the narrative. It establishes the family connection between Laban and Jacob, the expectation of fair payment for labor, and foreshadows the manipulative nature of Laban that will drive much of the story forward. It also shows that even with family, business and self-interest can complicate relationships.