TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus haue I bene twentie yeere in thine house, and serued thee fourteene yeeres for thy two daughters, and sixe yeeres for thy sheepe, and thou hast changed my wages tenne times.
Young's Literal Translation
`This is to me twenty years in thy house: I have served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy flock; and thou changest my hire ten times;
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In the KJVVerse 915 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 31 verses 36–42
36 ¶ And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
37 Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.
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.
39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
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.
42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
See in these verses,
I. The power of provocation. Jacob's natural temper was mild and calm, and grace had improved it; he was a smooth man, and a plain man; and yet Laban's unreasonable carriage towards him put him into a heat that transported him into a heat that transported him into some vehemence, Gen 31:36, Gen 31:37. His chiding with Laban, though it may admit of some excuse, was not justifiable, nor is it written for our imitation. Grievous words stir up anger, and commonly do but make bad worse. It is a very great affront to one that bears an honest mind to be charged with dishonesty, and yet even this we must learn to bear with patience, committing our cause to God.
II. The comfort of a good conscience. This was Jacob's rejoicing, that when Laban accused him his own conscience acquitted him, and witnessed for him that he had been in all things willing and careful to live honestly, Heb 13:18. Note, Those that in any employment have dealt faithfully, if they cannot obtain the credit of it with men, yet shall have the comfort of it in their own bosoms.
III. The character of a good servant, and particularly of a faithful shepherd. Jacob had approved himself such a one, Gen 31:38-40. 1. He was very careful, so that, through his oversight or neglect, the ewes did not cast their young. His piety also procured a blessing upon his master's effects that were under his hands. Note, Servants should take no less care of what they are entrusted with for their masters than if they were entitled to it as their own. 2. He was very honest, and took none of that for his own eating which was not allowed him. He contented himself with mean fare, and coveted not to feast upon the rams of the flock. Note, Servants must not be dainty in their food, nor covet what is forbidden them, but in that, and other instances, show all good fidelity. 3. He was very laborious, Gen 31:40. He stuck to his business, all weathers; and bore both heat and cold with invincible patience. Note, Men of business, that intend to make something of it, must resolve to endure hardness. Jacob is here an example to ministers; they also are shepherds, of whom it is required that hey be true to their trust and willing to take pains.
IV. The character of a hard master. Laban had been such a one to Jacob. Those are bad masters, 1. Who exact from their servants that which is unjust, by obliging them to make good that which is not damaged by any default of theirs. This Laban did, Gen 31:39. Nay, if there has been a neglect, yet it is unjust to punish above the proportion of the fault. That may be an inconsiderable damage to the master which would go near to ruin a poor servant. 2. Those also are bad masters who deny to their servants that which is just and equal. This Laban did, Gen 31:41. It was unreasonable for him to make Jacob serve fro his daughters, when he had in reversion so great an estate secured to him by the promise of God himself; as it was also to give him his daughters without portions, when it was in the power of his hands to do well for them. Thus he robbed the poor because he was poor, as he did also by changing his wages.
V. The care of providence for the protection of injured innocence, Gen 31:42. God took cognizance of the wrong done to Jacob, and repaid him whom Laban would otherwise have sent empty away, and rebuked Laban, who otherwise would have swallowed him up. Note, God is the patron of the oppressed; and those who are wronged and yet not ruined, cast down and yet not destroyed, must acknowledge him in their preservation and give him the glory of it. Observe, 1. Jacob speaks of god as the God of his father, intimating that he thought himself unworthy to be thus regarded, but was beloved for the father's sake. 2. He calls him the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac; for Abraham was dead, and had gone to that world where perfect love casts out fear; but Isaac was yet alive, sanctifying the Lord in his heart, as his fear and his dread
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 36–42. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Hebrew Questions on Genesis
(Verse 41.) And you changed my reward to ten lambs. The same mistake as above: The word 'numerus' should be read instead of 'agnis'.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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. 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, 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.
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, 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), 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). 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).