Genesis 29:15

Arabic Bible Life (Targamet El Hayah) (LA)

وقال لابان ليعقوب: «هل لأنك قريبي تخدمني مجانا؟ أخبرني ما أجرتك؟»

What Does This Mean?

In Genesis 29:15, Laban tells Jacob that even though they are family, Jacob should not work for him without pay. Laban asks Jacob what his wages should be.

Explained for Children

Imagine your cousin comes to live with you and helps with chores. Your parents might say, 'You're family, but we still want to make sure you're fairly paid for your hard work. What do you think is fair?' That's what Laban is saying to Jacob here.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Genesis, written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was written for the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land, detailing their ancestors' history and covenant with God. In the cultural setting, family ties were very important, but so was the idea of fair work and wages.

Living It Out Today

Think of a situation where a friend or family member offers to help out with a big project at work. Instead of assuming their help is free because of the relationship, it's important to discuss and agree on what their contribution is worth, whether it's financial compensation or other benefits.

Topics

• family
• work
• fairness
• agreements
• negotiation
• values

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:1-11
• 1 Kings 9:11-12
• Job 31:13-15
• Romans 12:6-8
• 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Laban ask Jacob about his wages?

Laban is emphasizing the importance of fair compensation even among family members. This teaches us about the value of work and the importance of mutual respect and agreement.

What does this verse teach about family relationships?

It shows that while family ties are strong, they should not be an excuse to take advantage of someone's labor. There should be a mutual understanding and agreement, even within families.

How does this relate to modern workplace ethics?

This verse underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in the workplace, whether it's among colleagues or within a family business.

What can we learn about negotiation from this verse?

The verse highlights the importance of open communication and negotiation in setting fair terms, which is a valuable lesson for any contractual or employment relationship.