Genesis 30:28 kjv

And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.

Genesis 30:28 nkjv

Then he said, "Name me your wages, and I will give it."

Genesis 30:28 niv

He added, "Name your wages, and I will pay them."

Genesis 30:28 esv

Name your wages, and I will give it."

Genesis 30:28 nlt

Tell me how much I owe you. Whatever it is, I'll pay it."

Genesis 30 verses

Genesis 30 28 Meaning

Genesis 30:28 describes Laban's direct request to Jacob, after recognizing that God had blessed Laban for Jacob's sake (Gen 30:27). Laban, eager to retain Jacob and continue benefiting from this divine blessing, asks Jacob to state precisely what wages or compensation he desires. Laban promises to give Jacob whatever he names, indicating his willingness to establish a new contractual agreement to keep Jacob in his service.

Genesis 30 28 Context

Genesis chapter 30 concludes Jacob's extended service to Laban. After 14 years of labor for his wives, Leah and Rachel, and having had many children through them and their handmaids, Jacob approaches Laban in verse 25, expressing his desire to return to his own land. Jacob implies that he has fulfilled his contractual obligations for his wives and now seeks his own means and independence to provide for his large family. Laban, however, has greatly prospered due to Jacob's presence, as stated in verse 27 where Laban explicitly acknowledges that "the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake." Realizing the economic benefit of Jacob's divine blessing, Laban attempts to retain Jacob by offering to negotiate new terms for his continued service. This verse (Gen 30:28) marks Laban's invitation for Jacob to name his price, setting the stage for Jacob's ingenious proposal for his wages involving the spotted and speckled sheep, leading to Jacob's rapid accumulation of wealth. The historical context reflects a patriarchal society where agreements could be verbal but binding, and labor, even for kin, expected due compensation. Laban's acknowledgment of God's blessing upon him due to Jacob's presence highlights a recognition of divine providence, albeit for self-serving reasons.

Genesis 30 28 Word analysis

• And he said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer): A common Hebrew narrative conjunction, marking a shift to direct speech. It simply means "And he said," pointing to Laban as the speaker.
• Appoint me (נָקְבָה - naqbah): This is a form of the Hebrew verb נָקַב (naqav), which literally means "to pierce," "to prick," but idiomatically evolved to mean "to designate," "to specify," "to name precisely," "to appoint," or "to mark out." Here, Laban isn't saying, "Name anything," but "Mark out for me (or designate to me) your wages precisely." It suggests a demand for a clear, specific term, rather than a vague request. This is significant because it shifts the burden of establishing the new agreement onto Jacob, a move characteristic of Laban's shrewd and manipulative nature. He expects Jacob to propose a conventional and perhaps modest wage.
• thy wages (שְׂכָרְךָ - sekarkha): From the noun שָׂכָר (sakhar), meaning "wages," "hire," "reward," or "payment." The suffix -ךָ (-kha) means "your." This term refers to compensation for labor performed. In a pastoral society, this compensation was often livestock, but could also be agricultural produce or other goods. This highlights the economic aspect of their relationship, transforming Jacob from a relative working for his wives into a paid employee. Laban recognizes the tangible financial benefit Jacob brings and views Jacob as a valuable economic asset he wishes to retain through paid service.
• and I will give it (וְאֶתֵּן - v'etten): This phrase from the verb נָתַן (natan) means "and I will give" or "and I will bestow." It signifies Laban's commitment to honor Jacob's stated request for wages. At face value, it is a promise of fulfillment, aiming to establish a legally binding agreement. However, Laban's character (already demonstrated by changing Jacob's wages later, Gen 31:7) implies this promise is contingent on the terms being favorable to him. It reveals Laban's strategy to keep Jacob, believing that whatever Jacob asks, Laban will still benefit more by having Jacob's blessed presence than by letting him go.

Words-group analysis:

• "Appoint me thy wages": This phrase reflects Laban's cunning. By having Jacob name his desired compensation, Laban aims to avoid setting a precedent himself while securing Jacob's services. It's a calculated move to see if Jacob will undersell himself or suggest a modest standard wage, underestimating God's power to provide abundantly. It implies a degree of trust in Jacob's honesty but primarily serves Laban's own self-interest in securing a cheap, divinely blessed labor force.
• "and I will give it": This is Laban's immediate affirmation and promise. It seals the offer, intending to compel Jacob to stay. It shows Laban's strong desire to continue benefiting from God's favor on Jacob's behalf. While appearing generous, it is rooted in Laban's economic self-preservation and highlights his perception of Jacob as an asset rather than solely a family member.

Genesis 30 28 Bonus section

This verse not only highlights the negotiation of wages but also sets a precedent for how Jacob will build his wealth, moving beyond dependence on inheritance or immediate gifts from Laban. It represents a transition point where Jacob proactively seeks his economic independence. The ensuing agreement for Jacob's wages (Gen 30:32-33) introduces a seemingly impossible method of earning, further emphasizing that Jacob's coming prosperity is not due to mere cleverness or negotiation skills but a direct result of God's miraculous intervention and active blessing upon him. This challenges contemporary economic practices by showing a divine agency far superior to human contracts and cunning.

Genesis 30 28 Commentary

Genesis 30:28 serves as a pivotal moment, shifting Jacob's status from a dependent relative to an independent, wealthy patriarch under God's specific and active blessing. Laban, a pragmatic man, acknowledges the divine hand at work—not out of spiritual conviction, but out of personal economic benefit. His recognition that "the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake" (v. 27) directly prompts his invitation to Jacob to name his wages. Laban's offer to let Jacob set his own terms seems generous but is a subtle strategic move. He wants to leverage Jacob's indispensable divine favor while minimizing his own payout. Laban is confident that he can control or outwit Jacob in the negotiation, assuming Jacob will ask for something standard or meager. This sets the stage for Jacob's ingenious and divinely inspired counter-proposal, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty and ability to bless His chosen servant, even when circumstances seem engineered to benefit an unrighteous party. This verse exemplifies God's faithful provision for His people even in the midst of manipulative human relationships, allowing His blessing to transform an exploitative situation into one of profound increase for His servant Jacob, furthering His covenant promises.