Genesis 30:26

KJV

Give [me] my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {H5414} me my wives {H802} and my children {H3206}, for {H2004} whom I have served {H5647} thee, and let me go {H3212}: for thou knowest {H3045} my service {H5656} which I have done {H5647} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let me take my wives, for whom I have served you, and my children; and let me go. You know very well how faithfully I have served you."

Berean Standard Bible

Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.”

American Standard Version

Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service wherewith I have served thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 30:26 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, capturing his earnest and firm request to Laban for release after fourteen years of arduous service. This verse signifies Jacob's assertion of his earned right to depart with his wives and children, the rightful fruit of his diligent labor and the very lineage through whom God's covenant promises would continue. It heralds a crucial transition from a period of servitude and dependence to one of independent leadership for Jacob and his burgeoning family, preparing them for their long-awaited return to the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the life of Jacob, following two distinct seven-year periods of service to his uncle Laban. Jacob had initially fled from his brother Esau, a journey marked by the divine encounter at Bethel where God reaffirmed the Abrahamic covenant to him ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). Upon arriving in Haran, Jacob fell deeply in love with Laban's younger daughter, Rachel, agreeing to serve seven years for her hand. However, Laban famously deceived him, substituting Leah for Rachel on the wedding night, as vividly recounted in [Genesis 29:21-26](/genesis/29-21-26 "Laban's Deception of Jacob"). Jacob then served another seven years for Rachel. During these fourteen years, his family grew exponentially through Leah, Rachel, and their maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah, resulting in eleven sons (all but Benjamin) and one daughter by this point. Having faithfully fulfilled his contractual obligations, Jacob now asserts his right to depart with his family, recognizing that the time has come to return to his homeland, Canaan, in anticipation of God's further leading.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, labor contracts, especially for marriage, were common, though Laban's actions highlight the potential for exploitation within such arrangements. The patriarchal society placed immense value on progeny, as children represented wealth, labor, and the continuation of the family line and inheritance. Jacob's wives and children were not merely his possessions but the tangible, living outcome of his years of toil, his "wages" in a sense. The concept of "service" (Hebrew: *ʻābad*) often implied a deep commitment, sometimes bordering on servitude, but also carried the expectation of due compensation and eventual release. For Jacob, returning to his ancestral land was not just a personal desire but a deeply spiritual imperative, connected to the divine promises made to Abraham and Isaac regarding the land of Canaan. His request to "let me go" reflects the customary practice of a servant or hired hand being released upon the completion of their agreed-upon term.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 30:26 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Covenant Faithfulness and Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God sovereignly works to fulfill His promises, even amidst human deception and hardship, by ensuring the growth of Jacob's family and preparing him for his return to the promised land. This is particularly evident in the subsequent chapter where God explicitly commands Jacob to return ([Genesis 31:3](/genesis/31-3 "God Commands Jacob to Return")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Value of Family and Progeny** in God's design, as Jacob's primary concern and the fruit of his labor are his wives and children, who are essential for the continuation of the covenant lineage. Thirdly, it touches upon **Justice and Righteous Labor**, as Jacob's assertion of his rights, based on his faithful and diligent service, implicitly appeals to a standard of fairness and accountability, contrasting with Laban's exploitative nature. Finally, Jacob's discernment that his season of serving Laban was complete and it was time for a new chapter reflects the theme of **Discerning Seasons of Life and God's Timing**, a recurring motif in the journey of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In Genesis 30:26, Jacob directly addresses Laban, stating, "Give [me] my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee." This plea is far more than a simple request; it is a firm assertion of a right earned through years of dedicated labor and fulfilled obligation. Jacob's emphasis on "my wives and my children" highlights his primary concern and the tangible outcome of his long service, viewing his family as his rightful compensation and inheritance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** H5414, a primitive root meaning "to give," used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.). In this context, Jacob is not merely asking for a gift, but demanding what is due to him—the release of his family and himself. The word implies a transfer of possession or authority, underscoring Jacob's claim to what he has earned through his labor.
* **Children (Hebrew, _yeled'_):** H3206, from יָלַד, meaning "something born, i.e. a lad or offspring; boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one)." This term emphasizes the biological fruit of his union with his wives and maidservants, portraying them as the direct result and most precious outcome of his years of service to Laban. They are his legacy and the future of the covenant line.
* **Served (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** H5647, a primitive root meaning "to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc." This word, repeated in the noun form "service" (H5656, _ʻăbôdâh_), highlights the nature of Jacob's relationship with Laban—one of dedicated, often arduous, labor. It implies a deep commitment and effort, reinforcing Jacob's moral high ground in asserting his rights.
* **Knowest (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)." Jacob appeals to Laban's full awareness and acknowledgment of his diligent and faithful service, making it difficult for Laban to deny his request without appearing unjust. This "knowing" is not merely intellectual but implies a deep, experiential understanding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give [me] my wives and my children":** This opening phrase is Jacob's direct and emphatic demand. His wives and children are presented as the primary and most valuable outcome of his fourteen years of labor. In a culture where progeny was a sign of blessing and wealth, Jacob views his family as his rightful compensation, earned through his service for their mothers. This also underscores his patriarchal responsibility and deep affection for his household.
* **"for whom I have served thee":** This clause provides the justification for Jacob's demand. He reminds Laban of the precise terms of their agreement and his faithful adherence to them. The phrase emphasizes the direct link between his years of toil and the family that has resulted, asserting that his claim is not arbitrary but based on a completed and fulfilled obligation.
* **"and let me go":** This is Jacob's plea for release and autonomy. Having completed his contractual terms, he desires to establish his own independent household and return to his homeland. This marks a significant turning point, signifying his transition from a subordinate position to one of leadership and self-determination, preparing him for the responsibilities of a patriarch.
* **"for thou knowest my service which I have done thee":** This final clause serves as a powerful appeal to Laban's conscience and sense of justice. Jacob invokes Laban's undeniable knowledge of his diligent, honest, and productive labor. This statement highlights Jacob's integrity in contrast to Laban's repeated deceptions, placing the moral high ground firmly with Jacob and making Laban's potential refusal appear undeniably unjust.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Assertion** is prominent, as Jacob's words are not a timid request but a firm declaration of his earned rights, contrasting with his earlier subservient position. There is a clear **Contrast** drawn between Jacob's faithful, diligent service and Laban's history of deception and exploitation, subtly highlighting Jacob's moral superiority in this interaction. The **Repetition** of the root *ʻâbad* ("served" and "service") emphasizes the extent and sincerity of Jacob's labor, reinforcing his claim to what is due. The phrase "my wives and my children" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the family stands for the entire outcome and reward of his fourteen years of toil, representing his most valuable possession and the future of his lineage. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as **Foreshadowing** for Jacob's eventual, divinely sanctioned departure from Laban and his return to the promised land, a journey that will test and refine his character further.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 30:26 is deeply interwoven with the broader tapestry of biblical theology, particularly concerning God's covenant with Abraham and its continuation through Jacob. Despite the human complexities of Jacob's relationship with Laban, God's sovereign hand is evident, ensuring the growth of Jacob's family—the very lineage through whom the covenant promises would be fulfilled. Jacob's assertion of his rights, based on faithful labor, reflects a divine expectation for justice and integrity in human dealings, even when one party is exploitative. This moment also marks Jacob's growing maturity and readiness to embrace his role as a patriarch, moving from dependence to leadership, guided by God's providence towards his destiny in Canaan.

* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel") - God's promise to Jacob to be with him and bring him back to the land, ensuring his return.
* [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14-15 "Justice for the Hired Servant") - Laws concerning the fair treatment and timely payment of hired servants, reflecting the biblical principle of just compensation for labor.
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Children as a Heritage from the Lord") - Emphasizes children as a heritage and reward from the Lord, aligning with Jacob's valuing of his family as the fruit of his labor.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 30:26 offers profound lessons for contemporary life, resonating with themes of integrity, justice, and discerning divine timing. Jacob, despite enduring years of deception and exploitation from Laban, faithfully fulfilled his commitments. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diligence and integrity in our own work and obligations, regardless of the circumstances or the character of those we serve. It teaches us that our faithfulness, even in difficult situations, is seen by God and ultimately honored. The verse also illustrates the appropriate and sometimes necessary act of asserting one's rights and asking for what is justly owed, especially when obligations have been met and a season of service is complete. Furthermore, Jacob's discernment that his time with Laban was over and it was time for a new chapter encourages us to recognize and trust God's leading when it's time to transition, embrace new responsibilities, or move on from challenging situations. Finally, Jacob's deep concern for his wives and children, identifying them as the most valuable outcome of his years of service, underscores the profound importance and priority of family in God's design and our lives, reminding us to cherish and invest in those relationships above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's integrity in fulfilling his service, despite Laban's deception, challenge or affirm your own approach to work and commitments in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to discern a "new season" and "let go" of a past obligation or role, similar to Jacob's departure from Laban?**
* **What does Jacob's deep concern for his "wives and children" as the fruit of his labor teach us about the true value and priority of family in our lives today?**
* **When is it appropriate to assert your rights or ask for what is justly due, and how can you do so with wisdom and integrity, reflecting biblical principles of justice?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jacob emphasize "my wives and my children" as the primary outcome of his service?**

Answer: Jacob emphasizes his wives and children because they represent the direct fulfillment of his contractual agreement with Laban (serving for his daughters) and, more importantly, they are the very lineage through whom God's covenant promises to Abraham and Isaac would be continued. For Jacob, his family was not merely a possession but the living legacy and the most valuable fruit of his long and arduous labor. They embodied his future, his identity, and the divine promise that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth ([Genesis 28:14](/genesis/28-14 "Jacob's Descendants Will Be Numerous")).

**How does Jacob's service to Laban reflect biblical principles of labor and justice?**

Answer: Jacob's service, despite Laban's repeated deceptions and exploitation, demonstrates the biblical principle of integrity in labor. Jacob faithfully fulfilled his commitments, even when the terms were unfair, setting an example of diligence and perseverance. His subsequent demand for release and his family highlights the principle of just compensation and the right to receive what is due after fulfilling one's obligations. This aligns with broader biblical teachings that advocate for fair wages and the timely release of those who have completed their service ([Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14-15 "Laws Regarding Hired Servants")). It underscores that while God's providence ensures blessing, humans are also expected to act with integrity and seek justice.

**What is the significance of Jacob's desire to "let me go" in this context?**

Answer: Jacob's desire to "let me go" signifies his yearning for autonomy and his recognition that his season of servitude to Laban was complete. It marks a crucial transition from a position of dependence and exploitation to one of independent leadership over his own burgeoning family. This desire is not merely personal but is intertwined with God's overarching plan for Jacob to return to the promised land of Canaan and assume his role as a patriarch, establishing his own household as the foundation for the nation of Israel, as God later explicitly commands in [Genesis 31:3](/genesis/31-3 "God Commands Jacob to Return to Canaan").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's desire for release from Laban's service, his longing to return to his promised homeland with his family, and his assertion of rightful ownership over those for whom he toiled, all find a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Jacob diligently served to secure his bride and family, Christ, the greater Jacob, served perfectly, laying down His life to redeem His bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ Loves the Church and Gave Himself Up for Her")). He paid the ultimate price, not with years of labor, but with His own precious blood, to free us from the bondage of sin and spiritual servitude ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")). His completed work on the cross secures our adoption into His family, granting us the right to an eternal inheritance in the true promised land, the heavenly Canaan ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "The Heavenly Homeland")). Jacob's journey home foreshadows the ultimate liberation and homecoming that Christ accomplishes for all who are His, bringing them into the glorious freedom of the children of God and heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:15-17](/romans/8-15-17 "Spirit of Adoption and Heirs with Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 29:30

And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.

Hosea 12:12

And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept [sheep].

Genesis 31:38

This twenty years [have] I [been] with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

Genesis 31:41

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Genesis 31:31

And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.

Genesis 29:19

And Laban said, [It is] better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

Genesis 29:20

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him [but] a few days, for the love he had to her.