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Genesis 29:15 - Lavan's deceptive wage offer?

Genesis 29:15 - בראשית 29:15

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לָבָן לְיַעֲקֹב הֲכִי־אָחִי אַתָּה וַעֲבַדְתַּנִי חִנָּם הַגִּידָה לִּי מַה־מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּךָ׃

English Translation

And Lavan said to Ya῾aqov, Because thou art my brother, shouldst thou therefore serve me for nothing? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

Transliteration

Vayomer Lavan le'Yaakov hachi-achi atah va'avadtani chinam hagida li mah maskurtecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָבָן֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב הֲכִי־אָחִ֣י אַ֔תָּה וַעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִי חִנָּ֑ם הַגִּ֥ידָה לִּ֖י מַה־מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָבָן֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב הֲכִי־אָחִ֣י אַ֔תָּה וַעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִי חִנָּ֑ם הַגִּ֥ידָה לִּ֖י מַה־מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Lavan's Deceptive Generosity

Rashi (Bereshit 29:15) explains that Lavan's statement "הֲכִי־אָחִי אַתָּה" ("Because thou art my brother") is insincere. Though Lavan outwardly presents himself as concerned for Yaakov's welfare by offering wages, his true intent is exploitative. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 70:13) notes that Lavan's phrasing implies, "Should you serve me for free merely because we are relatives?"—revealing his transactional mindset even toward family.

The Term "חִנָּם" (For Nothing)

Ramban (Bereshit 29:15) highlights the irony in Lavan's use of "חִנָּם." While Lavan suggests Yaakov is working without compensation, Yaakov had already served him for a month (see Rashi on 29:14) without pay. The Kli Yakar adds that Lavan feigns magnanimity to manipulate Yaakov into formalizing an exploitative arrangement, as later seen in his changing of wages (31:7).

Lavan's Negotiation Tactics

  • Psychological Manipulation: Sforno observes that Lavan frames the offer as a favor ("should you serve for free?") to pressure Yaakov into naming modest terms.
  • Legal Implications: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 83a) derives from this verse that employers must clarify wages upfront, yet Lavan's delayed proposal (after a month of unpaid labor) violates ethical hiring practices.
  • Contrast with Rivkah: The Ohr HaChaim contrasts Lavan’s calculated speech here with his mother’s genuine hospitality to Eliezer (24:31), showing his moral decline.

Yaakov's Response in Context

Malbim notes that Yaakov, aware of Lavan's deceit (as foretold in Rivkah’s warning, 27:43), does not protest the delayed wages but strategically requests Rachel’s hand—a demand that would ultimately expose Lavan’s treachery (29:25). This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Pesachim 87b) that Hashem pits the cunning against the wicked to reveal their true nature.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lavan offer to pay Yaakov wages?
A: Lavan recognized that Yaakov was family ('my brother'), but understood it wasn't proper for Yaakov to work for free. According to Rashi, Lavan was hinting that even though Yaakov was family, he shouldn't expect special treatment - work deserves fair payment (Rashi on Genesis 29:15).
Q: What does this verse teach about employer-employee relationships?
A: This verse establishes an important Jewish principle that workers deserve proper compensation. The Rambam (Hilchos Sechirus 11:2) learns from here that employers must be clear about wages upfront, just as Lavan asked Yaakov to specify his desired payment.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Lavan called Yaakov 'my brother'?
A: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 70:12) explains that Lavan was being hypocritical - while calling Yaakov 'brother' to appear kind, his actions showed he didn't truly treat him like family. This teaches us that real kindness requires actions, not just words.
Q: How does this conversation between Lavan and Yaakov relate to Jewish work ethics?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 83a) derives from this exchange that workers should be properly compensated, and employers should not take advantage of familial relationships to avoid paying fair wages. This became a foundation for Jewish labor laws.
Q: What was unusual about Lavan offering payment when Yaakov was family?
A: Normally in Torah, family helps each other without expecting payment. Rashi notes that Lavan's offer revealed his true character - while pretending to be generous, he was actually calculating (Rashi on Genesis 29:15). This shows the importance of examining people's true intentions behind their words.