Genesis 29:15
Genesis 29:15 in Multiple Translations
Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”
¶ And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
Then Laban said to Jacob, Because you are my brother are you to be my servant for nothing? say now, what is your payment to be?
One day Laban said to him, “You're my relative so you shouldn't be working for me for nothing! Tell me, what should I pay you?”
For Laban sayde vnto Iaakob, Though thou be my brother, shouldest thou therfore serue me for nought? tell me, what shalbe thy wages?
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.'
Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?”
And Laban said to Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
He said to him: Because thou art my brother, shalt thou serve me without wages? Tell me what wages thou wilt have.
Laban said to him “◄You should not work for me for nothing just because you are a relative of mine!/Why should you work for me for nothing just because you are a relative of mine?► [RHQ] Tell me how much you want me to pay you.”
Jacob’s uncle Laban had 2 daughters. His older daughter was called Leah, and his younger daughter was called Rachel. Leah had pretty eyes, but Rachel was really beautiful. So Jacob loved Rachel, and he wanted to marry her. After one month, Laban talked to Jacob. Laban said, “You are working for me, but I am not paying you anything, because you are my relative. Is that fair? No way. I want to start paying you for the work that you do for me. Tell me, how much do you want me to pay you?” Jacob said, “You don’t have to pay me anything. I just want to marry Rachel, your younger daughter. If I work for you for 7 years, will you give her to me to marry?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 29:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
לָבָן֙
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֔ב
הֲ/כִי
אָחִ֣/י
אַ֔תָּה
וַ/עֲבַדְתַּ֖/נִי
חִנָּ֑ם
הַגִּ֥ידָ/ה
לִּ֖/י
מַה
מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָבָן֙
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
Prep | N-proper
הֲ/כִי
kîy
H3588
for
Part | Conj
אָחִ֣/י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
אַ֔תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וַ/עֲבַדְתַּ֖/נִי
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
הַגִּ֥ידָ/ה
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
לִּ֖/י
Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽ/ךָ
maskôreth
H4909
wage
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:15
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָבָן֙
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
Prep | N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
הֲ/כִי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Part | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָחִ֣/י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אַ֔תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וַ/עֲבַדְתַּ֖/נִי
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
הַגִּ֥ידָ/ה
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לִּ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽ/ךָ
maskôreth
H4909
"wage"
N-fs | Suff
This word means payment for work, like the wages a worker earns, as mentioned in Deuteronomy. It can also mean a reward for something done, like a prize. In the Bible, it is often used to describe what a worker deserves.
Definition: wages
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: reward, wages. See also: Genesis 29:15; Genesis 31:41; Ruth 2:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 29:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 29:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
- Sermons on Genesis 29:15
Context — Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
13When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened.
14Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month,
15Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”
16Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel. 17Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 30:28 | And he added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.” |
| 2 | Genesis 31:7 | And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me. |
Genesis 29:15 Summary
In Genesis 29:15, Laban asks Jacob what he wants as payment for his work, even though they are relatives. This shows that Laban wants to be fair and compensate Jacob for his labor. It's like when we work for someone, we expect to be paid for our work, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:14-15. This verse teaches us that fairness and clear agreements are important, even with people we care about, and that we should strive to be honest and fair in all our interactions, just like God commands in Micah 6:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Laban ask Jacob about his wages?
Laban asked Jacob about his wages because, despite being relatives, he wanted to compensate Jacob fairly for his work, as seen in Genesis 29:15, and also to establish a formal agreement, similar to the one in Genesis 30:28-30.
What does this verse reveal about Laban's character?
This verse shows that Laban was a practical and business-minded person who wanted to establish clear terms for Jacob's work, but it also hints at his potential for taking advantage of others, as seen in later verses like Genesis 29:25.
How does this verse relate to the concept of fairness in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of fairness and compensation in the Bible, as also seen in Deuteronomy 24:14-15 and Jeremiah 22:13, where God commands employers to pay their workers fairly and on time.
What can we learn from Jacob's situation about working with relatives?
Jacob's situation teaches us that even when working with relatives, it's essential to establish clear boundaries and agreements, as Laban suggests in Genesis 29:15, to avoid potential conflicts and ensure a smooth working relationship, as also advised in Proverbs 22:26-27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of fairness in my own life, especially in my relationships with others?
- How can I balance the desire to help my relatives with the need to establish clear boundaries and agreements, as seen in this verse?
- What can I learn from Laban's example about the importance of clear communication in relationships and business dealings?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a commitment to fairness and integrity in my own work and interactions with others, as reflected in verses like Colossians 3:22-24?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:15
And Laban said unto Jacob, because thou [art] my brother,.... Or nephew, his sister's son, [See comments on Genesis 29:12]: shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:15
And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
He divided himself, i.e. his forces into several parties, that coming upon them from several quarters he might strike them with greater terror, whilst they thought his army far more numerous than it was.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
Genesis 29:15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou [art] my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what [shall] thy wages [be]?Ver. 15. Shouldest thou therefore serve me.] He pretends love and equity to his covetous aims and reaches. Candid he would needs seem (according to his name) and considerate. But as blackmoors have their teeth only white, so is Laban’ s kindness from the teeth outward. He was as a whited wall or painted sepulchre, or an Egyptian temple - fair and specious without, but within, some cat, rat, or calf there idolised and adored. Hypocrites, whatever they pretend, have a hawk’ s eye to praise or profit: they must be gainers by their piety or humanity, which must be another Diana, to bring gain to the craftsmaster. The eagle, when she soareth highest, hath an eye ever to the prey. Laban, est candidus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
(15) What shall thy wages be?—As Jacob had given upon his arrival a full account of himself (Genesis 29:13), 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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
Verse 15. Because thou art my brother, &c.] Though thou art my nearest relative, yet I have no right to thy services without giving thee an adequate recompense. Jacob had passed a whole month in the family of Laban, in which he had undoubtedly rendered himself of considerable service. As Laban, who was of a very saving if not covetous disposition, saw that he was to be of great use to him in his secular concerns, he wished to secure his services, and therefore asks him what wages he wished to have.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:15
15–30. Jacob’s Marriage with Leah and Rachel 15. Because … brother] Lit. “art thou a brother, and shouldest thou serve me for nothing?” For “brother,” see note on Genesis 29:12. Laban asks Jacob to state on what terms he would serve.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:15
JACOB’S DOUBLE , Genesis 29:15-30. What shall thy wages be — Jacob, the plain, domestic man, (Genesis 25:27,) doubtless made himself very useful in Laban’s household.
Sermons on Genesis 29:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God, the God of Israel by Ron Reed | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob wrestling with God and how it relates to our own struggles with God. The preacher highlights how Jacob initially wanted t |
|
Jacob and the Law of Life by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the life of Jacob, highlighting the three key aspects: the birthright, Bethel or the House of God, and service, all interconnected as phases of one thi |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:7-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses Jacob's actions towards Laban and the blessings he receives from God. The speaker acknowledges that Jacob may have used a method that any busi |
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Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 3 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his encounter with his brother Esau. Jacob is filled with fear and distress upon hearing that Esau is coming to meet |
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Hosea 12:2 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the life of Jacob, an unlikely candidate for the title 'Power with God.' Despite his deceptive actions and attempts to gain advantage over others, Jacob ultima |