Genesis 31:15 - Aren’t we considered as foreigners by him? For he has sold us, and has also used up our money.
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What does "Genesis 31:15" mean?
This verse, Genesis 31:15, expresses the deep resentment and feeling of exploitation felt by Leah and Rachel (Jacob's wives) towards their father, Laban. Let's break down the meaning:
"Aren’t we considered as foreigners by him?": This highlights Leah and Rachel's perception that Laban doesn't treat them as his own daughters. They feel like outsiders in their own father's home. The word "foreigners" here implies that Laban is not looking after their interests or treating them with the care a father should. They feel disconnected from him.
"For he has sold us": This refers to the dowry or bride-price Laban received from Jacob in exchange for their marriages. While customary at the time, Leah and Rachel view it negatively. They feel like they were merely commodities to be sold for Laban's financial gain. They interpret their marriage as a commercial transaction rather than a loving union blessed by their father.
"and has also used up our money.": This is the most critical point. The bride-price wasn't meant to be solely for the father's personal enrichment. Traditionally, a portion of the bride-price was reserved for the daughter's future security and potential inheritance. Leah and Rachel are accusing Laban of using the entirety of their bride-price for his own benefit, effectively stealing from them and diminishing their future prospects. This is a blatant disregard for their rights and well-being.
In essence, this verse reveals:
Estrangement: A breakdown in the father-daughter relationship.
Exploitation: A sense of being used for financial gain.
Loss of Inheritance: Feeling cheated out of their rightful share of the family wealth.
Powerlessness: The verse portrays their lack of agency in their own lives and marriages. They feel like they were objects of a transaction, not active participants.
The sisters' feelings are a major factor in their decision to leave Laban with Jacob, highlighting Laban's manipulative and self-serving character in the narrative. It justifies their actions in the context of the story and sets the stage for the conflict between Jacob and Laban.
Genesis 31:15 - Aren’t we considered as foreigners by him? For he has sold us, and has also used up our money.
What does "Genesis 31:15" mean?
This verse, Genesis 31:15, expresses the deep resentment and feeling of exploitation felt by Leah and Rachel (Jacob's wives) towards their father, Laban. Let's break down the meaning:
"Aren’t we considered as foreigners by him?": This highlights Leah and Rachel's perception that Laban doesn't treat them as his own daughters. They feel like outsiders in their own father's home. The word "foreigners" here implies that Laban is not looking after their interests or treating them with the care a father should. They feel disconnected from him.
"For he has sold us": This refers to the dowry or bride-price Laban received from Jacob in exchange for their marriages. While customary at the time, Leah and Rachel view it negatively. They feel like they were merely commodities to be sold for Laban's financial gain. They interpret their marriage as a commercial transaction rather than a loving union blessed by their father.
"and has also used up our money.": This is the most critical point. The bride-price wasn't meant to be solely for the father's personal enrichment. Traditionally, a portion of the bride-price was reserved for the daughter's future security and potential inheritance. Leah and Rachel are accusing Laban of using the entirety of their bride-price for his own benefit, effectively stealing from them and diminishing their future prospects. This is a blatant disregard for their rights and well-being.
In essence, this verse reveals:
Estrangement: A breakdown in the father-daughter relationship.
Exploitation: A sense of being used for financial gain.
Loss of Inheritance: Feeling cheated out of their rightful share of the family wealth.
Powerlessness: The verse portrays their lack of agency in their own lives and marriages. They feel like they were objects of a transaction, not active participants.
The sisters' feelings are a major factor in their decision to leave Laban with Jacob, highlighting Laban's manipulative and self-serving character in the narrative. It justifies their actions in the context of the story and sets the stage for the conflict between Jacob and Laban.