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Bible >Genesis >Chapter 29 > Verse 15
◄ Genesis 29:15►
New International Version
Laban said to him, “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

New Living Translation
Laban said to him, “You shouldn’t work for me without pay just because we are relatives. Tell me how much your wages should be.”

English Standard Version
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”

Berean Standard Bible
Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

King James Bible
And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thouart my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, whatshall thy wagesbe?

New King James Version
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because youare my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, whatshould your wagesbe?”

New American Standard Bible
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”

NASB 1995
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”

NASB 1977
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”

Amplified Bible
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me, what should your wages be?”

Christian Standard Bible
Laban said to him, “Just because you’re my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Laban said to him, “Just because you’re my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

American Standard Version
And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

Contemporary English Version
Laban said to him, "You shouldn't have to work without pay, just because you are a relative of mine. What do you want me to give you?"

English Revised Version
And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Laban said to him, "Just because you're my relative doesn't mean that you should work for nothing. Tell me what your wages should be."

Good News Translation
Laban said to Jacob, "You shouldn't work for me for nothing just because you are my relative. How much pay do you want?"

International Standard Version
Later, Laban asked Jacob, "Should you serve me for free, just because you're my nephew? Let's talk about what your wages should be."

NET Bible
Then Laban said to Jacob, "Should you work for me for nothing because you are my relative? Tell me what your wages should be."

New Heart English Bible
Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And Laban said to Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

World English Bible
Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Laban says to Jacob, “Is it because you [are] my brother that you have served me for nothing? Declare to me what your hire [is].”

Young's Literal Translation
And Laban saith to Jacob, 'Is it because thou art my brother that thou hast served me for nought? declare to me what is thy hire.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Laban will say to Jacob, Because thou art my brother shalt thou serve me gratuitously? announce to me what thy reward.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He said to him: Because thou art my brother, shalt thou serve me without wages? Tell me what wages thou wilt have.

Catholic Public Domain Version
he said to him: “Though you are my brother, will you serve me for nothing? Tell me what wages you would accept.”

New American Bible
Laban said to him: “Should you serve me for nothing just because you are a relative of mine? Tell me what your wages should be.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Laban said to Jacob, Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore work for me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Laban said to Yaquuv, “Truly my brother, are you to work for me without charge? Tell me, what are your wages?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Laban said unto Jacob: 'Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Laban said to Jacob, Surely thou shalt not serve me for nothing, because thou art my brother; tell me what thy reward is to be.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
14Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month,15Labansaidto him,“Just becauseyou aremy relative,should you workfor nothing?Tellmewhatyour wages should be.”16Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.…

Cross References
Genesis 31:41
Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!

Genesis 30:25-28
Now after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can return to my homeland. / Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.” / But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” ...

Genesis 31:7
And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.

Genesis 31:38-40
I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. / I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.

Exodus 2:21
Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.

Exodus 21:2
If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything.

Leviticus 25:50
He and his purchaser will then count the time from the year he sold himself up to the Year of Jubilee. The price of his sale will be determined by the number of years, based on the daily wages of a hired hand.

Deuteronomy 15:12
If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free.

Judges 17:10
“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in

Ruth 4:5
Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.”

1 Samuel 18:17-27
Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” / And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” / So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. ...

1 Kings 11:28
Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.

2 Chronicles 2:10
I will pay your servants, the woodcutters, 20,000 cors of ground wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of olive oil.”

Matthew 20:1-16
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. / He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. / About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ...

Luke 15:19
I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’


Treasury of Scripture

And Laban said to Jacob, Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? tell me, what shall your wages be?

tell me.

Genesis 30:28
And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will giveit.

Genesis 31:7
And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

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Genesis 29
1.Jacob comes to the well of Haran.
9.He becomes acquainted with Rachel.
13.Laban entertains him.
18.Jacob covenants for Rachel.
23.He is deceived by Laban with Leah.
28.He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more.
32.Leah bears Reuben;
33.Simeon;
34.Levi;
35.and Judah.














Laban said to him
Laban, the brother of Rebekah and uncle to Jacob, is a key figure in the narrative of Jacob's life. His interactions with Jacob are marked by cunning and manipulation, reflecting a broader theme of deceit that runs through Jacob's story. Laban's character is introduced earlier in Genesis when he welcomes Abraham's servant, who comes to find a wife for Isaac. This sets the stage for his later dealings with Jacob.

“Just because you are my relative
In the ancient Near Eastern culture, family ties were significant, often dictating social and economic interactions. Laban acknowledges the familial relationship, which would typically imply mutual support and obligation. However, Laban's question suggests a transactional approach, indicating that he intends to formalize Jacob's labor through a contractual agreement rather than relying solely on kinship.

should you work for nothing?
This phrase highlights the expectation of fair compensation for labor, even among relatives. It reflects the broader biblical principle of fair treatment and justice in economic dealings, as seen in passages likeLeviticus 19:13, which prohibits withholding wages. Laban's question is rhetorical, setting the stage for negotiation, but it also foreshadows the complex and often exploitative relationship that will develop between him and Jacob.

Tell me what your wages should be.”
Laban's offer to let Jacob set his wages appears generous but is laden with ulterior motives. This moment is pivotal, as it leads to Jacob's agreement to work for seven years in exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage. The concept of wages and labor agreements is a recurring theme in Jacob's story, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of covenant and promise. This also prefigures the New Testament teaching on the laborer being worthy of his hire (Luke 10:7). The negotiation of wages here sets the stage for the subsequent events of deception and fulfillment of God's promises in Jacob's life.

Persons / Places / Events
1.Laban
Laban is the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's mother, making him Jacob's uncle. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, particularly during Jacob's time in Haran. Laban is known for his shrewdness and plays a significant role in the events that unfold in Jacob's life.

2.Jacob
Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham. He is in Haran to find a wife from his mother's family and has been working for Laban. Jacob's journey is marked by God's promises and his own personal growth.

3.Haran
This is the place where Laban and his family live. It is significant as the location where Jacob spends many years working for Laban and where he marries Leah and Rachel.

4.Service and Wages
The concept of service and wages is central to this verse. Laban's question to Jacob about his wages sets the stage for the agreement that leads to Jacob working for seven years for Rachel, only to be deceived into marrying Leah first.

5.Family Dynamics
The interaction between Laban and Jacob highlights the complexities of family relationships, especially in the context of ancient Near Eastern customs and expectations.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Fairness and Integrity
Laban's question about wages reminds us of the importance of fairness in our dealings with others. As Christians, we are called to act with integrity in all our relationships.

God's Sovereignty in Our Work
Jacob's experience with Laban shows that even when we face unfair treatment, God is sovereign and can use our circumstances for His purposes. We should trust in God's plan and remain faithful in our work.

Family Relationships and God's Plan
The account of Jacob and Laban illustrates the complexities of family relationships. Despite human failings, God's plan prevails. We should seek to honor God in our family interactions.

Perseverance in Adversity
Jacob's perseverance in serving Laban, despite the challenges, is a model for us. We are encouraged to persevere in our own trials, trusting that God is working for our good.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 29:15?

2.How does Genesis 29:15 highlight the importance of fair compensation for work?

3.What does Laban's offer reveal about his character and intentions in Genesis 29:15?

4.How can Genesis 29:15 guide us in valuing others' contributions today?

5.Compare Genesis 29:15 with Colossians 3:23-24 on work and reward principles.

6.How can we ensure fairness in our dealings, as seen in Genesis 29:15?

7.Why did Laban offer wages to Jacob for working with him in Genesis 29:15?

8.How does Genesis 29:15 reflect ancient Near Eastern labor practices?

9.What does Genesis 29:15 reveal about family dynamics in biblical times?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 29?

11.How did Jacob end up marrying both Leah and Rachel?

12.What is the historical significance of the Arameans?

13.What is the Bible's stance on polygamy?

14.Why does God allow polygamy in the Old Testament but forbid it in the New Testament?
What Does Genesis 29:15 Mean
Laban said to him

• The narrative pauses to spotlight the speaker. Laban—Jacob’s uncle, household head, and soon-to-be employer—takes the initiative (Genesis 29:13–14).

• Scripture shows him as a man whose hospitality is real yet mixed with self-interest (Genesis 24:29–31; 29:19; 30:27).

• God Himself later intervenes in their dealings, reminding us that every conversation of ours unfolds under divine oversight (Genesis 31:24;Proverbs 15:3).

• From a literal reading we learn that authority figures set the tone in work relationships; their words carry weight and carry consequences.

Just because you are my relative

• Family ties do not erase the need for clear agreements. Kinship can breed presumption, so Laban voices what many silently assume.

• Compare Abram’s gracious approach to Lot—“We are brothers” (Genesis 13:8)—with Laban’s more calculating spirit. Both acknowledge kinship, yet motives differ.

• Scripture warns against exploiting the vulnerable just because they are close (Leviticus 25:35–43;Proverbs 17:17). Christ’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) rests on the same principle.

• The text reminds believers today that blood relationships must still reflect God’s justice and fairness.

Should you work for nothing?

• God’s Word consistently defends the laborer’s right to compensation.

–Leviticus 19:13: “Do not hold back the wages of a hired man overnight.”

–Deuteronomy 24:15: “Pay his wages each day before sunset.”

–1 Timothy 5:18;Luke 10:7;James 5:4 echo the same standard.

• By raising the question, Laban unwittingly appeals to a divine principle: work deserves reward.

• For modern readers, this underlines the biblical ethic of honest pay and respect for workers, whether relatives, employees, or volunteers in ministry.

Tell me what your wages should be

• Laban invites Jacob to name terms, setting in motion the seven-year service for Rachel (Genesis 29:18–20).

• Later events expose Laban’s unreliable follow-through (Genesis 30:28; 31:7), yet the offer itself models the concept of negotiated, transparent wages.

• Scripture repeatedly urges masters to act justly (Colossians 4:1;Ephesians 6:9).

• For employers and leaders, this phrase challenges us to clarify expectations and honor commitments; for workers, it encourages honest communication about needs and boundaries.

summary

Genesis 29:15 records Laban’s opening bid in the employer-employee side of his relationship with Jacob. Each phrase highlights a timeless truth: authority should speak forthrightly; family bonds do not nullify fair dealing; labor merits compensation; and clear, agreed-upon terms protect both parties. Taken literally, the verse affirms God’s concern for justice in everyday work and calls believers to mirror that justice in every agreement we make.

(15)What shall thy wages be?--As Jacob had given upon his arrival a full account of himself (Genesis 29:13), Laban probably expected the very answer he received; nevertheless, the proposal was fair and upright. Doubtless he had seen, during Jacob's stay of a month, that his services would be very valuable.

Verse 15. -And Laban said unto Jacob (probably at the month's end),Because thou art - literally,is it not that.thou art (cf.Genesis 27:36;2 Samuel 23:19) -my brother, - my kinsman (vide on ver. 12) -shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught? (literally,arid thou server me gratuitously)tell me, what shall thy wages be? A proof of Laban's generosity and justice (Kalisch); of his selfishness and greed (Keil); of his prudence and sagacity in opening up the way for a love-suit (Large).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Laban
לָבָן֙(lā·ḇān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3837:Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say

to him,
לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב(lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

“Just because
הֲכִי־(hă·ḵî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

you are
אַ֔תָּה(’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you

my relative,
אָחִ֣י(’ā·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )

should you work
וַעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִי(wa·‘ă·ḇaḏ·ta·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslave

for nothing?
חִנָּ֑ם(ḥin·nām)
Adverb
Strong's 2600:Gratis, devoid of cost, reason, advantage

Tell
הַגִּ֥ידָה(hag·gî·ḏāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuous

me
לִּ֖י(lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

what
מַה־(mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely what

your wages should be.”
מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָ׃(maś·kur·te·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4909:Wages, a reward


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OT Law: Genesis 29:15 Laban said to Jacob Because you (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 29:14
Genesis 29:16
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