Genesis 30:28

KJV

And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Appoint {H5344} me thy wages {H7939}, and I will give {H5414} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Name your wages," he said; "I will pay them."

Berean Standard Bible

And he added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 30:28 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's long sojourn with Laban, as Laban, having grudgingly acknowledged the Lord's abundant blessing on his household through Jacob's presence, extends an unexpected offer. He invites Jacob to name his own terms for continued service, setting the stage for a divinely orchestrated negotiation that will ultimately lead to Jacob's significant increase in wealth and his eventual, triumphant departure from Haran, fulfilling God's promises to him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 30:28 is strategically placed immediately after Jacob has completed his fourteen years of service for Laban, having married Leah and Rachel. Jacob had expressed his desire to return to his homeland, Canaan, with his wives and children, signaling an end to his indentured labor ([Genesis 30:25-26](/genesis/30-25-26 "Jacob desires to return home")). Laban's response in the preceding verse, [Genesis 30:27](/genesis/30-27 "Laban acknowledges the LORD's blessing through Jacob"), explicitly states his recognition of divine blessing: "I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake." This sets up Laban's calculated proposition in verse 28, transitioning the narrative from Jacob's service for wives to a new phase of service for wages, a phase that will prove crucial for Jacob's independent prosperity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly during the patriarchal period, contractual agreements for labor were common. A "hireling" or indentured servant would work for a set period, often in exchange for sustenance, protection, or, as in Jacob's case, a wife. Flocks and herds constituted the primary form of wealth, and their management required significant skill and diligence. Laban's acknowledgment of the "LORD" (Yahweh) is noteworthy, indicating that even outside the direct covenant line, the impact of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob could be observed and attributed, albeit perhaps superficially, by those who benefited from His favor. The offer to "appoint me thy wages" was unusual, reflecting Laban's desperation to retain Jacob's divinely blessed labor, as well as the cultural understanding that a laborer was entitled to fair compensation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God sovereignly works through human circumstances, even the self-serving schemes of Laban, to fulfill His covenant promises to Jacob, ensuring his prosperity and the growth of his household. The theme of **Human Cunning vs. Divine Sovereignty** is also prominent, as Laban's shrewd offer is ultimately subverted by God's intervention on Jacob's behalf, as seen in the subsequent verses ([Genesis 30:31-43](/genesis/30-31-43 "Jacob's clever breeding strategy and God's blessing")). Furthermore, the narrative underscores the **Ethics of Labor and Just Compensation**, as Jacob, having faithfully served, is now due his rightful recompense, a principle echoed throughout biblical law concerning the laborer's wages ([Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14-15 "Laws concerning the wages of a hired servant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 30:28 states, "And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give [it]." This concise declaration initiates a new, critical phase in Jacob's relationship with Laban, marked by a shift from familial obligation to a formal, albeit manipulative, business negotiation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appoint (Hebrew, _nâqab'_):** From H5344, this primitive root means "to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)." In this context, it carries the figurative sense of "to specify" or "designate." Laban is not merely asking Jacob to suggest a sum, but to definitively "mark out" or "name" the precise terms of his continued employment. This implies a formal, binding declaration from Jacob, which Laban intends to honor, at least initially, to secure Jacob's continued, divinely blessed presence.
* **Wages (Hebrew, _sâkâr'_):** From H7939, this word refers to "payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit; hire, price, reward(-ed), wages, worth." It denotes the earned recompense for labor or service. Laban's use of _sâkâr_ signifies a formal acknowledgment of Jacob's entitlement to a fair return for his significant contributions to Laban's prosperity, moving beyond the previous arrangement where Jacob worked for wives.
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, a primitive root meaning "to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)." Here, it signifies Laban's commitment to "bestow" or "deliver" whatever Jacob designates as his wages. While seemingly generous, Laban's willingness to "give it" reveals his underlying self-interest; he understood that retaining Jacob, even at a potentially higher cost, was more profitable than losing the source of his current prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said":** This refers to Laban, who, having just acknowledged the Lord's blessing through Jacob's presence in [Genesis 30:27](/genesis/30-27 "Laban acknowledges the LORD's blessing through Jacob"), now formally addresses Jacob. This opening signifies a direct proposition, moving from observation to action, and initiating a new contractual discussion.
* **"Appoint me thy wages":** This is Laban's astonishing offer. The verb "appoint" (nâqab) suggests a formal designation or specification. Laban is granting Jacob the unusual power to dictate the terms of his continued employment, rather than Laban setting the terms himself. This highlights Laban's recognition of Jacob's indispensable value, driven by the tangible blessings he had received.
* **"and I will give [it]":** This clause is Laban's commitment to fulfill Jacob's specified demand. While it appears to be a generous and open-ended promise, it is deeply rooted in Laban's self-interest. He is willing to pay whatever Jacob asks because he perceives Jacob's presence as the source of his wealth, making any "wage" a worthwhile investment to retain the divine blessing he enjoys through Jacob. This sets the stage for Jacob's ingenious counter-proposal, which God would ultimately use to bless Jacob abundantly.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques. **Dialogue** is central, as Laban's direct speech drives the narrative forward, initiating a crucial negotiation. There is a strong element of **Irony**, as Laban's seemingly generous offer, born of his own greed and cunning, inadvertently provides the very opportunity for God to fulfill His promises to Jacob and enrich him, ultimately leading to Jacob's liberation from Laban's control. The verse also serves as a point of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the dramatic and divinely orchestrated events that will follow, where Jacob's "wages" will be supernaturally multiplied, preparing him for his return to the promised land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 30:28 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work even amidst human greed and manipulation. Laban's offer, while self-serving, becomes the divine mechanism through which Jacob will finally acquire the wealth necessary for his independent return to Canaan. It underscores the principle that God's blessing on His chosen people can tangibly impact those around them, even if those individuals only recognize the material benefit rather than the divine source. This moment also highlights the biblical emphasis on just compensation for labor, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, affirming the value of work and the importance of equitable treatment.

* [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14-15 "Laws concerning the wages of a hired servant")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "The blessing of the LORD makes one rich")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All things work together for good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 30:28 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, particularly concerning our understanding of divine providence, the ethics of work, and the nature of true blessing. First, like Laban, we are called to cultivate a spiritual discernment that recognizes God's hand at work, not just in overtly miraculous events, but also in the mundane and even challenging circumstances of life. God often uses individuals as conduits of His favor, and we should acknowledge the source of blessing, whether it comes through a person or a situation. Second, the negotiation over "wages" reminds us of the enduring biblical principle of fair and just compensation for labor. It challenges us to be equitable in our dealings, whether as employers or employees, upholding the dignity of work and the right to a deserved return. Most importantly, this verse serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. Even when facing manipulative or unfair situations, as Jacob did with Laban, God remains sovereign. He can orchestrate events, even through the flawed intentions of others, to fulfill His purposes and provide for His people, as He did in ensuring Jacob's prosperity despite Laban's repeated attempts to change his wages ([Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban changes Jacob's wages ten times")). This encourages us to trust God's providential care in every aspect of our lives, knowing that His ultimate plan for our good will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Laban's acknowledgment of God's blessing through Jacob challenge or affirm your understanding of how God works in the world today, even among those who may not fully know Him?**
* **In what ways can you, like Jacob, demonstrate faithfulness and diligence in your work, trusting God to provide for you even when circumstances seem unfair or uncertain?**
* **What does the principle of "just wages" from this passage teach us about our responsibilities as employers or employees in today's economy?**

### FAQ
**Why did Laban offer Jacob to name his own wages?**

Answer: Laban offered Jacob this seemingly generous concession because he had directly observed and acknowledged that the LORD had blessed his entire household and increased his wealth specifically because of Jacob's presence and diligent work, as stated in [Genesis 30:27](/genesis/30-27 "Laban acknowledges the LORD's blessing through Jacob"). Laban was a shrewd and self-interested man, and his offer was a calculated move to retain Jacob, recognizing that Jacob's continued service, even at a potentially higher cost, was more profitable than losing the source of his divine blessing.

**What does the Hebrew word for "wages" in this verse imply?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated as "wages" is _sâkâr_ (H7939), which signifies "hire," "reward," or "payment for service rendered." Its use here implies a formal acknowledgment of Jacob's entitlement to a deserved recompense for his significant labor and contributions. It underscores the concept of a fair return for work performed, setting the stage for a detailed negotiation about the terms of continued employment, rather than an informal or unearned gift.

**How does God's providence play a role in this negotiation?**

Answer: God's providence is central to this negotiation. Although Laban's offer was rooted in his own self-interest and desire to manipulate Jacob, God sovereignly used this very situation to fulfill His promises to Jacob. The open-ended nature of the offer allowed Jacob to propose a unique and divinely guided method of compensation, which God would then supernaturally bless, ensuring Jacob's prosperity and eventual departure from Laban's household, despite Laban's subsequent attempts to change the terms (as recounted in [Genesis 31:7](/genesis/31-7 "Laban changes Jacob's wages ten times") and [Genesis 31:41-42](/genesis/31-41-42 "Jacob recounts Laban's deceit")). This demonstrates God's ability to work through human schemes and even deceptive intentions to achieve His righteous purposes for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 30:28 describes an earthly negotiation for wages, it subtly prefigures the ultimate "wages" and blessings secured by Christ. Jacob, as a recipient of divine favor, becomes a conduit of blessing even to those who seek to exploit him, much like Israel was intended to be a light to the nations. In Christ, we find the supreme fulfillment of this principle: He is the source of all true blessing, whose perfect obedience, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and glorious resurrection constitute the ultimate "wages" that secure for believers an eternal inheritance far surpassing any earthly compensation. His "work" was not for personal gain but for the redemption of humanity, offering grace and spiritual prosperity freely to all who believe, as articulated by Paul in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life"). Just as God ensured Jacob's material prosperity despite Laban's deceit, Christ's finished work guarantees the spiritual prosperity and ultimate triumph of His people, overcoming all human treachery and securing an eternal reward that is not earned by human labor but freely given by divine grace, a gift that far exceeds any "appointment of wages" ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by grace through faith")).

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 29:15

¶ And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou [art] my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what [shall] thy wages [be]?

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.