Genesis 30:31 - He said, “What shall I give you?” Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it.
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What does "Genesis 30:31" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 30. It's the beginning of a negotiation between Jacob and his father-in-law, Laban, regarding Jacob's compensation for his years of service. Let's break down what's happening:
"He said, 'What shall I give you?'": Laban initiates the conversation about Jacob's wages. For years, Jacob has been working for Laban, tending Laban's flocks, with the understanding that he would eventually be paid. Laban is finally asking Jacob to name his price. This implies that Jacob's previously agreed-upon wage (marriage to Rachel) has been fulfilled.
"Jacob said, 'You shall not give me anything.'": This is Jacob's surprising and seemingly selfless response. At first glance, it appears he's refusing payment. However, this is actually a clever negotiating tactic.
"If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it.": Here's the catch. Jacob isn't rejecting payment outright; he's proposing a different kind of payment system. He's saying he'll continue to work for Laban (feeding and keeping the flock) if Laban agrees to a specific arrangement. This is a significant point, as Jacob is demonstrating resourcefulness and a desire for a more equitable agreement. He is not simply relying on Laban's generosity, but rather, proposing a way to earn his due.
In summary, the verse signifies:
A shift in the employer-employee relationship: The verse represents a shift away from a vague agreement about wages to a more defined, negotiated one.
Jacob's cleverness: Jacob isn't passive. He's actively shaping the terms of his employment in a way that will ultimately benefit him.
The setup for Jacob's method of acquiring wealth: The following verses detail Jacob's plan to separate the speckled and spotted animals from Laban's flock. This verse sets the stage for Jacob to use his skills in animal husbandry to increase his own wealth, rather than relying on a fixed wage from Laban.
Essentially, Jacob is cleverly trying to create a system where he is rewarded based on his own skills and the specific results he achieves, rather than depending on Laban's generosity or a pre-determined agreement. It showcases Jacob's cunning and his growing desire for independence and wealth.
Genesis 30:31 - He said, “What shall I give you?” Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it.
What does "Genesis 30:31" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 30. It's the beginning of a negotiation between Jacob and his father-in-law, Laban, regarding Jacob's compensation for his years of service. Let's break down what's happening:
"He said, 'What shall I give you?'": Laban initiates the conversation about Jacob's wages. For years, Jacob has been working for Laban, tending Laban's flocks, with the understanding that he would eventually be paid. Laban is finally asking Jacob to name his price. This implies that Jacob's previously agreed-upon wage (marriage to Rachel) has been fulfilled.
"Jacob said, 'You shall not give me anything.'": This is Jacob's surprising and seemingly selfless response. At first glance, it appears he's refusing payment. However, this is actually a clever negotiating tactic.
"If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it.": Here's the catch. Jacob isn't rejecting payment outright; he's proposing a different kind of payment system. He's saying he'll continue to work for Laban (feeding and keeping the flock) if Laban agrees to a specific arrangement. This is a significant point, as Jacob is demonstrating resourcefulness and a desire for a more equitable agreement. He is not simply relying on Laban's generosity, but rather, proposing a way to earn his due.
In summary, the verse signifies:
A shift in the employer-employee relationship: The verse represents a shift away from a vague agreement about wages to a more defined, negotiated one.
Jacob's cleverness: Jacob isn't passive. He's actively shaping the terms of his employment in a way that will ultimately benefit him.
The setup for Jacob's method of acquiring wealth: The following verses detail Jacob's plan to separate the speckled and spotted animals from Laban's flock. This verse sets the stage for Jacob to use his skills in animal husbandry to increase his own wealth, rather than relying on a fixed wage from Laban.
Essentially, Jacob is cleverly trying to create a system where he is rewarded based on his own skills and the specific results he achieves, rather than depending on Laban's generosity or a pre-determined agreement. It showcases Jacob's cunning and his growing desire for independence and wealth.