Genesis 31:41

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Twintig jaar was ek nou in u huis; veertien jaar het ek u gedien vir u twee dogters en ses jaar vir u kleinvee; en u het my loon tien maal verander.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Jacob is speaking to Laban. Jacob explains that he has worked for Laban for twenty years, fourteen for Laban's daughters and six for Laban's cattle, but Laban has changed his wages ten times.

Explained for Children

Imagine you work for a neighbor, helping them take care of their pets and house. They promised to pay you, but kept changing how much they would give you. This is how Jacob felt. He worked for Laban for a very long time, but Laban kept changing his pay.

Historical Background

The book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. This passage is part of the narrative detailing Jacob's life and his dealings with Laban. The cultural setting is that of the patriarchal period, where family alliances and cattle were central to the economy and social structure.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, consider a scenario where an employee has worked for a company for many years but feels their salary has not been fairly adjusted despite their loyalty and hard work. This can lead to feelings of frustration and a lack of trust.

Topics

• justice
• loyalty
• trust
• labor
• fairness
• work ethic

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 24:14-15
• Proverbs 11:1
• Proverbs 20:10
• Luke 19:13-26
• 1 Corinthians 9:7-10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Laban keep changing Jacob's wages?

Laban may have felt he could exploit Jacob's loyalty and hard work. This behavior shows Laban's greed and desire to take advantage of Jacob's commitment.

What can we learn about trust from this verse?

This verse teaches us about the importance of trust in relationships and how constant changes and unfair treatment can erode trust over time.

How does this verse relate to modern workplace issues?

It mirrors issues of exploitation and unfair treatment in the modern workplace, highlighting the importance of fair compensation and treating employees with respect.

What does this verse say about the value of labor?

It underscores the importance of valuing labor and ensuring that those who work hard are compensated fairly, reflecting a broader theme of justice and fairness in the Bible.