Genesis 31:7 kjv

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

Genesis 31:7 nkjv

Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me.

Genesis 31:7 niv

yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me.

Genesis 31:7 esv

yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me.

Genesis 31:7 nlt

but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm.

Genesis 31 verses

Genesis 31 7 Meaning

Genesis 31:7 reveals Jacob's grievance against his father-in-law, Laban, for repeatedly deceiving him regarding his wages, implying financial manipulation and exploitation over a long period. Despite this sustained injustice, the verse emphatically declares God's protective intervention, preventing Laban from causing Jacob actual harm or further detriment, highlighting divine sovereignty over human malicious intent.

Genesis 31 7 Context

Genesis 31:7 is part of Jacob's monologue to his wives, Rachel and Leah, where he explains his decision to flee Laban and return to the land of Canaan as commanded by God. For twenty years, Jacob faithfully served Laban (Gen 31:41), enduring difficult labor and Laban's repeated trickery regarding his wages. This verse serves as a crucial justification for their departure, demonstrating that Jacob was not acting rebelliously but in response to Laban's injustice and God's directive and protection. The larger context of Jacob's life is a story of divine covenant faithfulness overcoming human weakness and deceptive interactions, first with Esau, and now with Laban, setting the stage for his re-entry into the Promised Land.

Genesis 31 7 Word analysis

• your father: Hebrew: ʾavīk (אָבִיךְ). This refers to Laban, highlighting the breach of filial trust and expected family ethics. Despite being father-in-law, a close familial bond was expected, which Laban continuously violated. The emphasis here is on the relationship that should have ensured fair treatment, yet became the very source of exploitation.
• deceived me: Hebrew: remâni (רְמָנִי). From the root ramah (רָמָה), meaning to mislead, deceive, defraud, trick, or betray. This is a strong word indicating intentional, repeated, and strategic treachery. It is not an accident or misunderstanding but a calculated act of dishonesty, showing Laban's character.
• and changed: Hebrew: wa·yahălēf (וַיַּחֲלֵף). From the root ḥalaf (חָלַף), meaning to pass on, change, exchange, renew. It conveys the deliberate and repetitive alteration of the terms of agreement. It highlights Laban's ongoing violation of contracts.
• my wages: Hebrew: maśkurtî (מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּי). From sakar (שָׂכַר), meaning hire, wages, recompense. This term refers to the payment for labor, underscoring the economic exploitation Jacob suffered. Laban, being economically minded, would typically be reliable with payments, yet even here, he demonstrated untrustworthiness.
• ten times: Hebrew: ʿeser peʿamîm (עֶשֶׂר פְּעָמִים). Literally, "ten times." While it could refer to a precise count of changes, "ten" in biblical contexts often denotes completeness, frequently, or repeatedly. Here, it conveys a profound and undeniable pattern of Laban's deceit, signifying the full measure of his unscrupulousness over the twenty years, rather than just isolated incidents.
• nevertheless, God: Hebrew: wê·ʾlō·hîm (וְאֱלֹהִים). The conjunction "nevertheless" introduces a profound contrast to Laban's treachery. ʾElohim (God) refers to the Sovereign Creator, acting with divine authority and power. This highlights the supreme nature of God's intervention, transcending human wickedness.
• did not permit him: Hebrew: lō nětānô (לֹא נְתָנוֹ). Literally, "did not give him." From natan (נָתַן), meaning to give, place, permit. Here, it denotes God's active restraining hand, not merely passive disapproval. God withheld permission, demonstrating divine control over even the intentions and actions of an unrighteous man. This is a powerful statement of God's providential care.
• to do me harm: Hebrew: lēhā raʿlî (לְהָרַע לִי). From the root raʿaʿ (רָעַע), meaning to break, afflict, hurt, do evil. It signifies physical, financial, or spiritual harm. This emphasizes that Laban's intent was not just deceit, but active detriment to Jacob, and God prevented it.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "But your father has deceived me and changed my wages": This phrase sets the tone of prolonged abuse and contractual infidelity. It underscores Jacob's difficult servitude and Laban's relentless, unrighteous economic dealings. It demonstrates the conflict between human promises and divine purposes, revealing how human treachery plays a role in God's broader plan for Jacob.
• "ten times": This numeric phrase emphasizes the pervasive and extensive nature of Laban's dishonesty. It builds a powerful cumulative case, leaving no doubt about Laban's character and the justification for Jacob's departure. It implies a pattern, not an isolated incident, providing the depth of grievance.
• "nevertheless, God did not permit him to do me harm": This is the turning point and the theological crux of the verse. It shifts the focus from human malice to divine sovereignty. Despite the repeated attempts to exploit and harm Jacob, God's providential hand acted as a barrier. This statement underscores the principle that human evil is ultimately bounded by God's will and purpose. It reveals God's active care for His covenant people even amidst trials.

Genesis 31 7 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "God," Elohim, is a plural form often used with singular verbs in the Old Testament, indicating the singular Divine Person, yet conveying majesty, power, and fullness. Its use here reinforces the idea of God's absolute power and authority to override any human attempt at malevolence.

This verse subtly underscores the theme of divine providence over human free will and malice. While Laban exercised his freedom to be deceitful, God's overarching will and purpose limited the effect of that deceit, ensuring no lasting harm came to Jacob. This concept is a consistent thread throughout biblical narratives where God's purposes for His people prevail despite adversarial human or demonic opposition.

The situation with Laban foreshadows Israel's later experience of oppression in Egypt, where despite harsh slavery, God preserved and multiplied His people. Both scenarios demonstrate God's long-suffering patience but ultimate commitment to deliver His covenant people from the hands of oppressors.

Genesis 31 7 Commentary

Genesis 31:7 is a powerful declaration of God's active protection over His chosen servant, Jacob, despite the relentless human injustice he faced. Laban, a shrewd and manipulative relative, epitomized the dangers Jacob encountered outside the Promised Land. The phrase "deceived me and changed my wages ten times" vividly paints a picture of systemic, calculated fraud, showing that Laban exploited Jacob's contractual obligations to his own advantage. "Ten times" is likely a hyperbolic expression emphasizing the sheer frequency and completeness of Laban's unethical behavior over two decades, signifying not just one or two incidents but a habitual pattern of treachery.

Yet, the profound truth of this verse lies in the interjection "nevertheless, God did not permit him to do me harm." This testifies to the invisible hand of divine providence. Even though Laban had every intention to maximize his gain at Jacob's expense and perhaps even inflict deeper economic or physical detriment, God sovereignly intervened. This demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant with Jacob, ensuring that His chosen one, who would be a key patriarch of Israel, remained protected. It illustrates that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human greed or deceit; rather, He actively restrains and deflects malicious intent to serve His greater purpose. Jacob's testimony here is not about his own cunning or resilience, but about God's faithfulness and ultimate control, setting the foundation for trusting God even when facing injustice.