Old Testament
Genesis 31:41
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jacob reflects on his long and challenging time working for Laban.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"This is how I spent twenty years in your household. I worked fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your livestock, and you changed my wages ten times."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jacob reflects on his long and challenging time working for Laban. He spent twenty years in Laban's household, dedicating fourteen years to marry Laban's two daughters and six years tending to Laban's livestock. Despite his hard work and loyalty, Laban frequently changed Jacob's wages, showing a lack of fairness and appreciation. This experience highlights the struggles of working under someone who does not value your efforts. Jacob's story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and integrity, even when faced with unfair treatment. It also illustrates the complexities of relationships and the challenges that can arise in family dynamics. Ultimately, Jacob's journey is one of growth and resilience, as he learns to navigate these difficulties while remaining committed to his goals and family. His experience encourages us to reflect on our own challenges and how we respond to them, emphasizing the value of hard work and the pursuit of justice in our lives. Explore related action.
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How to apply Genesis 31:41 to your life
Consider your own work environment and relationships. Are you being treated fairly? Reflect on how you respond to challenges and unfairness. Use Jacob's story as inspiration to maintain your integrity and commitment, even when faced with difficulties. Remember, perseverance can lead to personal growth and positive change in your life and relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 31:41 mean?
Genesis 31:41 reflects Jacob's acknowledgment of the twenty years he spent working for Laban, detailing his commitment to Laban's daughters and livestock, while also highlighting Laban's unfair treatment through frequent wage changes.
What is the significance of Jacob's work in Genesis 31:41?
Jacob's work in Genesis 31:41 signifies his dedication and perseverance despite facing unfair treatment from Laban, illustrating the challenges of loyalty and hard work in difficult relationships.
What does the phrase 'changed my wages ten times' mean in Genesis 31:41?
The phrase 'changed my wages ten times' in Genesis 31:41 indicates Laban's inconsistency and lack of fairness in compensating Jacob for his labor, emphasizing the struggles Jacob faced during his time in Laban's household.
What lessons can we learn from Genesis 31:41?
Genesis 31:41 teaches us about the importance of perseverance and integrity in the face of unfair treatment, encouraging us to remain committed to our goals and values even when challenges arise.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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