King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:15 Mean?

Genesis 29:15 in the King James Version says “And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shal...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?”

Genesis 29:15 · KJV

Context

13

And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. tidings: Heb. hearing

14

And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month. the space: Heb. a month of days

15

And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

16

And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17

Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָבָן֙2 of 12

“And Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

לְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב3 of 12

“unto Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

הֲכִֽי4 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָחִ֣י5 of 12

“Because thou art my brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אַ֔תָּה6 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וַֽעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִי7 of 12

“shouldest thou therefore serve”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

חִנָּ֑ם8 of 12

“me for nought”

H2600

gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage

הַגִּ֥ידָה9 of 12

“tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִּ֖י10 of 12
H0
מַה11 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָ׃12 of 12

“me what shall thy wages”

H4909

wages or a reward

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 29:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 29:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 31:7Genesis 30:28

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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