Verse (Click for Chapter) 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.” Berean Literal Bible And Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my brother, then should you serve me for nothing? Tell me, what is your wage?” King James Bible And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be? New King James Version Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what should your wages be?” 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?” Berean Annotated Bible Laban (white) said to him (he grasps the heel), “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should 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 BibleLaban 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 VersionAnd 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].” Berean Literal Bible And Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my brother, then should you serve me for nothing? Tell me, what is your wage?” 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 BibleHe 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 BibleAnd 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 1917And 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 Rachel14Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month, 15Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” 16Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.… Cross References Laban said to him, Matthew 20:2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. Exodus 2:9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay your wages.” So the woman took the boy and nursed him. 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 “Just because you are my relative, Genesis 13:8 So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are kinsmen. Ruth 2:20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.” 2 Samuel 19:12 You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to restore the king?’ should you work for nothing? Jeremiah 22:13 “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, Malachi 3:5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. Leviticus 19:13 You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. Tell me what your wages should be.” Genesis 30:28 And he added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.” Matthew 20:8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last ones hired and moving on to the first.’ Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 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. 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 give it. Genesis 31:7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. Jump to Previous Declare Hire Jacob Kinsman Laban Naught Nought Relative Serve Shouldest Wages WorkJump to Next Declare Hire Jacob Kinsman Laban Naught Nought Relative Serve Shouldest Wages WorkGenesis 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 should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanLaban 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 IntegrityLaban'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 Labanלָבָן֙ (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 Links Genesis 29:15 NIVGenesis 29:15 NLT Genesis 29:15 ESV Genesis 29:15 NASB Genesis 29:15 KJV Genesis 29:15 BibleApps.com Genesis 29:15 Biblia Paralela Genesis 29:15 Chinese Bible Genesis 29:15 French Bible Genesis 29:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 29:15 Laban said to Jacob Because you (Gen. 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