Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 30:28 mean when Laban says 'Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it'?
A: In Genesis 30:28, Laban is speaking to Jacob after recognizing that Jacob's work has brought blessing to his household. Laban asks Jacob to name his wages, showing he wants Jacob to stay and continue working for him. Rashi explains that Laban saw his flocks prosper under Jacob's care and wanted to retain his services by offering fair compensation.
Q: Why is Genesis 30:28 important in the story of Jacob and Laban?
A: This verse is important because it marks a turning point in Jacob's relationship with Laban. After years of working for Laban (initially for Rachel's hand in marriage), Jacob now has the opportunity to negotiate his own wages. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 83a) discusses fair labor agreements, and this verse sets the stage for Jacob's later prosperity through his own flocks.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 30:28 about employer-employee relationships?
A: This verse teaches the importance of fair compensation for work. Laban acknowledges Jacob's contributions and offers to pay him properly. The Rambam (Hilchos Sechirus 13:7) derives from such biblical examples that employers must be prompt and fair in paying workers. The verse shows that recognizing an employee's value leads to mutual benefit.
Q: How does Jacob respond after Laban says 'Appoint me thy wages' in Genesis 30:28?
A: In the following verses (Genesis 30:29-34), Jacob reminds Laban how much he has done for him and proposes a wage agreement where he would take the speckled and spotted sheep and goats as his payment. This leads to Jacob eventually becoming wealthy through his own flocks, as explained by Rashi and other commentators.
Q: What is the deeper meaning behind Laban's offer in Genesis 30:28?
A: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 73:7) suggests that while Laban appeared generous in offering wages, his true nature was deceptive. Earlier, he had tricked Jacob in marriage (giving Leah instead of Rachel), and later he would change Jacob's wages repeatedly (Genesis 31:7). The verse thus introduces the ongoing tension between Jacob's honesty and Laban's deceitfulness.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Genesis 30:28) appears in the narrative of Yaakov (Jacob) and Lavan (Laban), where Lavan acknowledges Yaakov's contributions to his household's prosperity and asks Yaakov to name his wages for continued service. This follows Yaakov's 14 years of labor for Lavan's daughters, Rachel and Leah.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Lavan's phrasing "נָקְבָה שְׂכָרְךָ עָלַי" ("Appoint me thy wages") indicates Lavan's recognition of Yaakov's righteousness and the divine blessing upon his work. Rashi notes that Lavan, though deceitful in earlier dealings (e.g., switching Leah for Rachel), here acknowledges Yaakov's merit and the need to fairly compensate him.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra highlights the legal and contractual nature of Lavan's proposal. The term "נָקְבָה" (appoint) implies a formal agreement, suggesting Lavan sought to bind Yaakov to a clear, mutually understood wage rather than leave the arrangement ambiguous.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:17) contrasts Lavan's words here with his earlier behavior, noting the irony that Lavan, who previously exploited Yaakov (Genesis 31:7), now seeks to formalize fair wages. The Midrash suggests this shift reflects divine intervention, ensuring Yaakov would eventually receive his due.
Halachic Perspective (Rambam)
Rambam (Hilchos Sechirus 9:1) derives from this verse principles of employer-employee obligations in Jewish law. The phrase "וְאֶתֵּנָה" ("and I will give it") underscores the employer's duty to pay wages promptly, a foundational concept in halachah (e.g., Vayikra 19:13).
Key Themes