The Hebrew word maskôreth, represented by H4909, refers to wages or a reward. Derived from a root meaning to hire, this term appears 4 times across 4 unique verses. Its usage consistently relates to compensation, whether in the context of a human labor agreement or a divine recompense for faithfulness.
In the biblical narrative, H4909 is first used to establish a formal work agreement. Laban asks Jacob what his wages should be, setting a clear expectation of payment for service rather than working for nothing Genesis 29:15. This same context is later revisited when Jacob, after twenty years of service, accuses Laban of having changed his wages ten times, illustrating the unreliability of human contracts (Genesis 31:7, Genesis 31:41). The term's meaning expands in the book of Ruth, where it is used to describe the "full reward" that the LORD God of Israel is asked to provide for Ruth's faithful actions and trust Ruth 2:12.
Several related words help clarify the concept of wages and reward:
- H5647 ʻâbad (to work, serve): This word denotes the labor for which wages are earned. Jacob explicitly states, "I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle," connecting his service directly to the dispute over his wages Genesis 31:41.
- H2600 chinnâm (without cost, wages): This term is used as a direct contrast to H4909. Laban's question, "shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought?" establishes that work merits compensation Genesis 29:15.
- H7999 shâlam (to recompense, restore, reward): This verb describes the act of giving a reward. It is used when calling on the LORD to recompense Ruth's work, with the payment itself being a "full reward" H4909 Ruth 2:12.
The conceptual weight of H4909 is tied to justice in both human and divine realms.
- Labor and Compensation: The term establishes a foundational principle of just compensation for work. Laban's initial question implies that it would be improper for Jacob to serve without wages Genesis 29:15.
- Human Unreliability: The repeated changing of Jacob's wages by Laban serves as a narrative example of injustice and broken agreements in human transactions Genesis 31:7.
- Divine Recompense: The use of H4909 in Ruth shifts the focus from a transactional payment to a divine blessing. The "full reward" is not merely payment for a task, but a complete recompense from God for trust and loyalty Ruth 2:12.
In summary, H4909 is a specific term for wages that illustrates a broader biblical theme of just compensation. It moves from the context of flawed human agreements, where wages can be unfairly manipulated, to the realm of divine justice, where God provides a "full reward" for faithfulness. The word thus contrasts the fallibility of human dealings with the perfect and complete recompense that comes from the LORD.
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