Genesis 31:41

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus have I been twenty {H6242} years {H8141} in thy house {H1004}; I served thee {H5647} fourteen {H702}{H6240} years {H8141} for thy two {H8147} daughters {H1323}, and six {H8337} years {H8141} for thy cattle {H6629}: and thou hast changed {H2498} my wages {H4909} ten {H6235} times {H4489}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These twenty years I've been in your house - I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flock; and you changed my wages ten times!

Berean Standard Bible

Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 31:41 powerfully encapsulates Jacob's grueling twenty-year tenure under Laban, detailing his fourteen years of service to secure Laban's two daughters, Leah and Rachel, followed by six years dedicated to building his own flocks. This verse highlights the profound injustice Jacob endured as Laban repeatedly, and unjustly, manipulated his wages "ten times," serving as Jacob's impassioned defense against Laban's accusations and a testament to his faithfulness amidst chronic exploitation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly charged confrontation between Jacob and Laban, following Jacob's clandestine departure from Laban's household with his wives, children, and possessions. Laban, having pursued and overtaken Jacob in Gilead, accuses him of stealing his household gods (teraphim) and deceitfully fleeing. Jacob's declaration in [Genesis 31:41](/genesis/31-41 "Jacob's Twenty Years of Service") is part of his fervent, comprehensive defense, where he recounts the prolonged hardship, exploitation, and injustice he suffered while faithfully serving Laban for two full decades. This detailed account serves to justify his decision to leave, portraying it not as theft or disloyalty, but as a righteous response to persistent broken covenants and exploitation, ultimately setting the stage for their uneasy reconciliation and covenant at Mizpah in [Genesis 31:43-55](/genesis/31-43-55 "Laban and Jacob's Covenant at Mizpah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a common practice for a man without a bride-price was to serve a prospective father-in-law for his daughters, as seen in Jacob's initial agreement for Rachel in [Genesis 29:18](/genesis/29-18 "Jacob serves for Rachel"). The concept of "wages" (Hebrew: *maskôreth*) was a formal agreement, and altering such terms unilaterally, especially repeatedly, was a grave breach of contract and integrity. Shepherding was a primary economic activity, and the wealth of a household was often measured by the size and health of its flocks. Laban's manipulation of Jacob's wages and the terms of their agreement concerning the flocks (as detailed in [Genesis 30:25-43](/genesis/30-25-43 "Jacob's Flocks Increase")) reflects a cultural context where verbal agreements, though binding, could be exploited by the unscrupulous. Jacob's endurance for twenty years also speaks to the profound cultural value placed on family ties and the difficulty of breaking away from a powerful patriarch.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 31:41 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** amidst human deceit, as God consistently intervenes to protect and prosper Jacob despite Laban's schemes, fulfilling His covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac. The verse also highlights the theme of **Endurance and Faithfulness Under Oppression**, showcasing Jacob's perseverance and integrity even when facing profound injustice from those in authority over him. Furthermore, it exemplifies the complex and often fraught **Family Dynamics** within the patriarchal narratives, where self-interest and deceit frequently undermine familial harmony, yet God remains faithful to His chosen. The repeated manipulation of wages also speaks to the theme of **Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating that while human wickedness may persist, God ultimately ensures His people receive what is due to them, often turning the schemes of the wicked to the ultimate benefit of His chosen ones, as seen in [Genesis 31:7-9](/genesis/31-7-9 "God's Intervention for Jacob").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Jacob's statement in Genesis 31:41 serves as a concise yet powerful summary of his two decades of arduous service to Laban, meticulously detailing the terms and grievances that defined their strained relationship. His opening, "Thus have I been twenty years in thy house," immediately establishes the significant duration of his commitment, emphasizing the depth of his investment and the extent of his endurance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **served (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This word (H5647) signifies to work, to serve, to till, or even to be in bondage. In this context, it highlights the laborious and often subservient nature of Jacob's relationship with Laban. It conveys not just employment but a deep, long-term commitment of labor, underscoring the extent of Jacob's faithfulness and the weight of the injustice he endured.
* **changed (Hebrew, _châlaph'_):** The verb (H2498) implies to slide by, to hasten away, but also to alter or change. Here, it specifically denotes a repeated, arbitrary, and unjust manipulation of the agreed-upon terms. It's not merely an adjustment but a deceptive alteration, reflecting Laban's consistent lack of integrity and his readiness to exploit Jacob.
* **wages (Hebrew, _maskôreth'_):** This term (H4909) refers to compensation, reward, or hire. It represents the agreed-upon payment for Jacob's labor. Laban's repeated changing of these wages signifies a fundamental breach of contract and trust, demonstrating his greed and the exploitative nature of his relationship with Jacob.
* **times (Hebrew, _môneh'_):** This noun (H4489) refers to a portion of time, or an instance. When combined with "ten" (H6235, `ʻeser`), it emphasizes the frequency and consistency of Laban's deceitful actions. While "ten times" could be a literal count, it often functions idiomatically in Hebrew to mean "many times" or "repeatedly," underscoring the pervasive pattern of Laban's unfair adjustments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus have I been twenty years in thy house;"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the immense duration of Jacob's stay and service with Laban. "Twenty years" (Hebrew: `ʻesrîym` H6242, `shâneh` H8141) is a significant period, emphasizing the depth of Jacob's commitment and the long-suffering nature of his endurance under Laban's roof (Hebrew: `bayith` H1004, meaning house or household). It sets the stage for the detailed grievances that follow.
* **"I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters,"**: Jacob specifies the initial phase of his service. This refers to the seven years he worked for Rachel, only to be deceived by Laban into marrying Leah ([Genesis 29:25](/genesis/29-25 "Laban's Deception with Leah")), followed by another seven years of service for Rachel ([Genesis 29:27-30](/genesis/29-27-30 "Jacob Marries Rachel After Seven More Years")). This highlights Laban's foundational act of deceit, which set a precedent for their entire relationship and bound Jacob to him for a considerable period. The "two daughters" (Hebrew: `shᵉnayim` H8147, `bath` H1323) were the very reason for Jacob's initial servitude.
* **"and six years for thy cattle:"**: Following the fourteen years for his wives, Jacob then served an additional six years to acquire his own flocks and wealth. This period was marked by specific agreements concerning the breeding of sheep and goats, where Laban repeatedly altered the terms of their deal, yet God consistently intervened to bless Jacob and increase his flocks ([Genesis 30:25-43](/genesis/30-25-43 "Jacob's Flocks Increase")). This phase demonstrates Jacob's continued diligence and Laban's ongoing exploitation.
* **"and thou hast changed my wages ten times."**: This culminating grievance underscores the pervasive pattern of Laban's injustice. The phrase "changed my wages" (Hebrew: `châlaph maskôreth`) implies not merely an alteration but a repeated, arbitrary, and unjust manipulation of the agreed-upon terms. The "ten times" (Hebrew: `ʻeser môneh`) signifies a frequent and consistent pattern of unfair adjustment, reinforcing Laban's inherent untrustworthiness, greed, and lack of integrity. This was not an isolated incident but a pervasive pattern of exploitation that justified Jacob's eventual departure, demonstrating that his leaving was not theft but a righteous response to repeated broken promises and exploitation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey Jacob's deep sense of grievance and the extent of Laban's injustice. **Repetition** is evident in the recurring mention of "years," emphasizing the long duration of Jacob's service and suffering. The phrase "ten times" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, likely signifying "many times" rather than a precise numerical count, thereby underscoring the persistent and pervasive nature of Laban's deceit. This hyperbole effectively communicates Jacob's frustration and the systematic exploitation he endured. There is also an element of **Pathos** in Jacob's recounting, as he appeals to Laban (and the reader) with a detailed account of his hardship, aiming to elicit sympathy and justify his actions. The entire speech, of which this verse is a part, can be seen as a form of **Legal Defense** or a **Plea**, where Jacob systematically lays out his case against Laban's accusations, contrasting his own faithfulness with Laban's chronic dishonesty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 31:41 vividly illustrates the tension between human deceit and divine faithfulness. Despite Laban's chronic manipulation and injustice, God's providential hand was consistently at work, ensuring Jacob's protection, prosperity, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. This narrative powerfully demonstrates that God can use even the most challenging and unjust circumstances to achieve His purposes for His people, transforming exploitation into a means of divine blessing and growth for Jacob's family and future nation. It affirms that while human wickedness may persist, God's ultimate justice and care for His chosen ones will prevail, turning the schemes of the wicked to the ultimate benefit of His servants.

* [Psalm 37:5](/psalms/37-5 "Commit your way to the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [1 Peter 2:19-20](/1_peter/2-19-20 "Suffering for Righteousness' Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's poignant account in Genesis 31:41 resonates deeply with the human experience of facing difficult or unfair employers, challenging relationships, and unjust life situations. His example demonstrates remarkable endurance, integrity, and faithfulness even when treated unjustly, serving as a powerful reminder that our diligence and righteous conduct are observed not only by those around us but, more importantly, by a sovereign God. This narrative encourages us to persevere through manipulation, broken promises, or exploitation, trusting that, like Jacob, our ultimate well-being, vindication, and prosperity are overseen by a God who ensures justice and provides for His own, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly stacked against us. It calls us to maintain our integrity, work diligently as unto the Lord, and patiently await His timing for deliverance and blessing, knowing that He sees and rewards faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when you feel unfairly treated or exploited in your work or relationships?**
* **In what ways can Jacob's endurance and trust in God inspire you to persevere through difficult or unjust circumstances in your own life?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereignty over human injustice encourage you to maintain your integrity and faithfulness, even when it seems unrewarded?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob endure Laban's deceit for twenty years?**

Answer: Jacob endured Laban's deceit primarily due to his deep commitment to marrying Rachel and fulfilling the terms of his service, which included a total of fourteen years for his wives. Subsequently, he worked for six more years to build his own wealth and family, as instructed by God. Despite Laban's repeated changes to his wages, Jacob recognized God's hand in his prosperity and waited for God's clear instruction to depart, which came in [Genesis 31:3](/genesis/31-3 "The Lord Tells Jacob to Return to His Homeland"). His perseverance was rooted in both his contractual obligations and his faith in God's overarching plan for his life and descendants.

**Does "ten times" imply an exact number or a frequent pattern?**

Answer: While "ten times" could theoretically be an exact numerical count, in biblical Hebrew, it often functions as an idiom for "many times" or "repeatedly," signifying a consistent and frequent pattern of action. In this context, it powerfully emphasizes the persistent, arbitrary, and pervasive nature of Laban's changes to Jacob's wages. It highlights Laban's chronic untrustworthiness and exploitation rather than a precise tally of individual adjustments. This is further supported by Jacob's later recounting of God's intervention in [Genesis 31:7-9](/genesis/31-7-9 "God's Intervention for Jacob's Flocks"), where he details how Laban repeatedly changed the agreement regarding the speckled and spotted animals.

**How does God's sovereignty relate to Laban's injustice?**

Answer: God's sovereignty is powerfully demonstrated throughout this narrative, particularly in relation to Laban's injustice. Despite Laban's repeated attempts to exploit Jacob and hinder his prosperity by changing his wages and the terms of their agreement, God consistently intervened. He ensured that Jacob's flocks increased, and he became wealthy, effectively turning Laban's schemes against him. This illustrates that God's plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human wickedness or deceit. Instead, God can use even the negative actions of others to fulfill His divine purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His protective care over His chosen ones, as clearly stated by Jacob in [Genesis 31:42](/genesis/31-42 "God of Abraham and Isaac Protected Jacob").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's long endurance of Laban's unjust treatment, his faithful service despite exploitation, and God's ultimate vindication and provision for him, profoundly foreshadow the greater story of Christ. Just as Jacob was the faithful servant who suffered at the hands of a deceptive master, so too did Christ, the ultimate faithful Servant, endure immense injustice, betrayal, and suffering, not for personal gain, but for the redemption of humanity. Jacob's suffering led to his earthly prosperity and the growth of his family, which was part of God's covenant plan. In a far grander sense, Christ's perfect obedience and suffering on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience"), led to His ultimate exaltation and secured for all who believe an eternal inheritance and spiritual blessings far surpassing any earthly gain. He is the Lamb of God who was led like a sheep to the slaughter, enduring unjust suffering ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Like a Lamb Led to Slaughter")), yet through His sacrifice, He became the means of true spiritual prosperity and deliverance from the bondage of sin for His people ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Christ perfectly fulfills the pattern of righteous suffering leading to ultimate triumph, ensuring His people's true prosperity and deliverance from spiritual bondage, looking to the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of 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 31:7

And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Genesis 29:18

And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

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.

2 Corinthians 11:26

[In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren;

Genesis 30:33

So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that [is] not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.

Genesis 30:40

And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle.