Genesis 31:41

Dutch 1939 (De Heilige Schrift, Petrus Canisiusvertaling, 1939)

Twintig jaar lang ben ik nu in uw huis; veertien jaar diende ik u om uw twee dochters, zes jaar om uw kudde, en mijn loon hebt ge wel tienmaal veranderd.

Wat betekent dit?

In this verse, Jacob is speaking to Laban. Jacob explains that he has worked for Laban for twenty years, fourteen for Laban's daughters and six for Laban's cattle, but Laban has changed his wages ten times.

Uitgelegd voor kinderen

Imagine you work for a neighbor, helping them take care of their pets and house. They promised to pay you, but kept changing how much they would give you. This is how Jacob felt. He worked for Laban for a very long time, but Laban kept changing his pay.

Historische achtergrond

The book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. This passage is part of the narrative detailing Jacob's life and his dealings with Laban. The cultural setting is that of the patriarchal period, where family alliances and cattle were central to the economy and social structure.

Toepassing voor vandaag

In modern times, consider a scenario where an employee has worked for a company for many years but feels their salary has not been fairly adjusted despite their loyalty and hard work. This can lead to feelings of frustration and a lack of trust.

Onderwerpen

• justice
• loyalty
• trust
• labor
• fairness
• work ethic

Gerelateerde verzen

• Deuteronomy 24:14-15
• Proverbs 11:1
• Proverbs 20:10
• Luke 19:13-26
• 1 Corinthians 9:7-10

Veelgestelde vragen

Why did Laban keep changing Jacob's wages?

Laban may have felt he could exploit Jacob's loyalty and hard work. This behavior shows Laban's greed and desire to take advantage of Jacob's commitment.

What can we learn about trust from this verse?

This verse teaches us about the importance of trust in relationships and how constant changes and unfair treatment can erode trust over time.

How does this verse relate to modern workplace issues?

It mirrors issues of exploitation and unfair treatment in the modern workplace, highlighting the importance of fair compensation and treating employees with respect.

What does this verse say about the value of labor?

It underscores the importance of valuing labor and ensuring that those who work hard are compensated fairly, reflecting a broader theme of justice and fairness in the Bible.