Genesis 31:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob accuses Laban of repeated wage manipulation but credits God with protecting him.
The Context of Genesis 31:7
Jacob rehearses Laban's dishonesty to justify his departure.
What Does Genesis 31:7 Mean?
Laban has repeatedly altered Jacob's compensation, showing deliberate dishonesty in their employment agreement. The phrase 'ten times' suggests persistent, habitual deception rather than isolated incidents.
Yet despite Laban's attempts to exploit Jacob, God intervened and prevented actual harm. Jacob ascribes his prosperity not to his own cunning or to Laban's justice, but to divine protection overriding human manipulation.
Genesis 31:7 in the Original Language
Changed (שׁנָּה, shana): altered, transformed—emphasizing deliberate revision of terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 31:7
What does Genesis 31:7 mean?
Jacob accuses Laban of repeated wage manipulation but credits God with protecting him.
What is the context of Genesis 31:7?
Jacob rehearses Laban's dishonesty to justify his departure.