King James Version

What Does Genesis 30:26 Mean?

Genesis 30:26 in the King James Version says “Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have d...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee.”

Genesis 30:26 · KJV

Context

24

And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son. Joseph: that is, Adding

25

And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.

26

Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee.

27

And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

28

And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.

Read Genesis 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my se... 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. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
תְּנָ֞ה1 of 17

“Give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת2 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נָשַׁ֣י3 of 17

“me my wives”

H802

a woman

וְאֶת4 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְלָדַ֗י5 of 17

“and my children”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

אֲשֶׁ֨ר6 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֲבַדְתִּֽיךָ׃7 of 17

“which I have done”

H5647

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

אֹֽתְךָ֛8 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּהֵ֖ן9 of 17
H0
וְאֵלֵ֑כָה10 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כִּ֚י11 of 17
H3588

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

אַתָּ֣ה12 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָדַ֔עְתָּ13 of 17

“for thou knowest”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת14 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲבֹֽדָתִ֖י15 of 17

“my service”

H5656

work of any kind

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֲבַדְתִּֽיךָ׃17 of 17

“which I have done”

H5647

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

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 30:26 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 30:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 12:12Genesis 29:30Genesis 31:38-41Genesis 31:26Genesis 31:31Genesis 31:6

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