Genesis 31:41 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob summarizes his twenty-year service: fourteen years for his wives, six years for his livestock, yet Laban repeatedly altered his wages.
The Context of Genesis 31:41
Jacob catalogs his two decades of service, noting Laban's repeated wage manipulation.
What Does Genesis 31:41 Mean?
Jacob's accounting is explicit: out of twenty years, fourteen were contracted to gain Rachel and Leah as wives, and six additional years were worked to accumulate the livestock he now possesses. This represents an enormous investment of his labor and life.
Yet throughout this entire period, Laban has been dishonest. The phrase 'changed my wages ten times' reiterates the pattern of repeated deception. Laban's dishonesty has been habitual and systematic, not an isolated incident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 31:41
What does Genesis 31:41 mean?
Jacob summarizes his twenty-year service: fourteen years for his wives, six years for his livestock, yet Laban repeatedly altered his wages.
What is the context of Genesis 31:41?
Jacob catalogs his two decades of service, noting Laban's repeated wage manipulation.