Genesis 31:41 - These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times.
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What does "Genesis 31:41" mean?
This verse is part of Jacob's speech to his father-in-law, Laban, in Genesis 31:41. It's a powerful statement summarizing Jacob's long and difficult relationship with Laban and highlighting the unjust treatment he endured. Let's break down the meaning:
"These twenty years I have been in your house." This sets the context: Jacob has been working for Laban for two decades, dedicating a significant portion of his life to his service.
"I served you fourteen years for your two daughters..." This refers to the initial agreement Jacob made with Laban to marry his daughters Leah and Rachel. He worked seven years for each daughter, totaling fourteen. This was the agreed-upon price for taking them as wives.
"...and six years for your flock..." After completing the fourteen years for his wives, Jacob continued to work for Laban, this time to earn his own wealth through Laban's flocks. He specifically served for another six years in this arrangement.
"...and you have changed my wages ten times." This is the crux of Jacob's complaint. Laban repeatedly altered the terms of their agreement regarding Jacob's compensation for managing and breeding Laban's flocks. Each change was likely to Laban's advantage and to Jacob's detriment, making it difficult for Jacob to earn a fair wage for his labor. This highlights Laban's deceitful and exploitative nature.
In essence, the verse conveys the following:
Jacob's long and dedicated service: He dedicated two decades of his life working for Laban.
Laban's exploitation: Laban took advantage of Jacob by changing the wage agreement numerous times, indicating dishonesty and a lack of fairness in their business dealings.
Justification for Jacob's departure: Jacob is using this history to justify his decision to leave Laban's service and return to his own land. He feels he has been unfairly treated and has earned the right to seek his own fortune.
The verse underscores the themes of deception, exploitation, and divine intervention that run throughout the Jacob narrative. It emphasizes the challenges Jacob faced and sets the stage for his eventual prosperity, which is attributed to God's favor and protection, rather than Laban's generosity.
Genesis 31:41 - These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times.
What does "Genesis 31:41" mean?
This verse is part of Jacob's speech to his father-in-law, Laban, in Genesis 31:41. It's a powerful statement summarizing Jacob's long and difficult relationship with Laban and highlighting the unjust treatment he endured. Let's break down the meaning:
"These twenty years I have been in your house." This sets the context: Jacob has been working for Laban for two decades, dedicating a significant portion of his life to his service.
"I served you fourteen years for your two daughters..." This refers to the initial agreement Jacob made with Laban to marry his daughters Leah and Rachel. He worked seven years for each daughter, totaling fourteen. This was the agreed-upon price for taking them as wives.
"...and six years for your flock..." After completing the fourteen years for his wives, Jacob continued to work for Laban, this time to earn his own wealth through Laban's flocks. He specifically served for another six years in this arrangement.
"...and you have changed my wages ten times." This is the crux of Jacob's complaint. Laban repeatedly altered the terms of their agreement regarding Jacob's compensation for managing and breeding Laban's flocks. Each change was likely to Laban's advantage and to Jacob's detriment, making it difficult for Jacob to earn a fair wage for his labor. This highlights Laban's deceitful and exploitative nature.
In essence, the verse conveys the following:
Jacob's long and dedicated service: He dedicated two decades of his life working for Laban.
Laban's exploitation: Laban took advantage of Jacob by changing the wage agreement numerous times, indicating dishonesty and a lack of fairness in their business dealings.
Justification for Jacob's departure: Jacob is using this history to justify his decision to leave Laban's service and return to his own land. He feels he has been unfairly treated and has earned the right to seek his own fortune.
The verse underscores the themes of deception, exploitation, and divine intervention that run throughout the Jacob narrative. It emphasizes the challenges Jacob faced and sets the stage for his eventual prosperity, which is attributed to God's favor and protection, rather than Laban's generosity.