Genesis 31:7

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

And your father {H1} hath deceived {H2048} me, and changed {H2498} my wages {H4909} ten {H6235} times {H4489}; but God {H430} suffered him {H5414} not to hurt {H7489} me {H5978}.

and that your father has belittled me and has changed my wages ten times; but God did not allow him to do me any damage.

And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.

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

Commentary

Context of Genesis 31:7

Genesis 31:7 is spoken by Jacob to his wives, Rachel and Leah, as he prepares to secretly depart from their father, Laban, after two decades of service. This verse encapsulates the tension and deceit that characterized Jacob's relationship with his uncle and father-in-law. Jacob, now speaking to his wives, recounts the long period of service under their father, Laban, which spanned twenty years. During this time, Laban repeatedly altered the terms of their agreement concerning wages, specifically the livestock Jacob earned, as detailed in earlier negotiations. This constant changing of terms highlights Laban's manipulative and greedy nature, seeking to exploit Jacob's labor for his own gain.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Protection and Providence: The central message is God's unwavering protection over Jacob. Despite Laban's repeated attempts to defraud and harm him, God intervened to ensure Jacob's well-being and prosperity. This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign protection over His people, even in the face of human malice.
  • Human Deception and Greed: Laban's character is clearly revealed through his "ten times" changing of wages. This emphasizes the pervasive nature of his dishonesty and his insatiable desire for wealth, even at the expense of his own family.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Covenant: God had promised Jacob at Bethel to be with him and to bring him back to the land (see Genesis 28:15). This verse demonstrates God's active fulfillment of that promise, safeguarding Jacob and enabling him to prosper despite adverse circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "but God suffered him not to hurt me" is significant. The Hebrew word for "suffered" (Χ ΦΈΧͺַן - natan) in this context means "gave," "allowed," or "permitted." The negative construction ("not to hurt") implies God's active restraint. It's not merely that Laban failed to hurt Jacob, but that God actively prevented him from doing so. This underscores God's direct and sovereign intervention, demonstrating His control even over the intentions and actions of wicked men. God's protective hand was evident, turning Laban's deceit into a means of Jacob's ultimate blessing, as God had promised.

Practical Application

Genesis 31:7 offers profound encouragement for believers today.

  • Trust in God's Oversight: In situations where you feel exploited, unfairly treated, or cheated by others, this verse reminds us that God is aware and actively involved. He limits what others can do to harm His children.
  • God's Plans Prevail: Human deception and malicious intent cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes for your life. Just as God protected Jacob and prospered him, He works all things together for good for those who love Him, as affirmed in Romans 8:28.
  • Perseverance in Adversity: Jacob endured years of hardship and injustice, yet he remained faithful to his work. This teaches us the value of perseverance, trusting that God will vindicate and provide in His perfect timing.

This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His active role as the protector and provider for His people, even amidst the most challenging and unjust circumstances.

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Cross-References

  • 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 31:29

    It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • Nehemiah 4:12

    And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us [they will be upon you].

  • Psalms 37:28

    For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

  • Numbers 14:22

    Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

  • Leviticus 26:26

    [And] when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver [you] your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.