### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV