share torah logo

Genesis 31:41 - Laban's deceit, Jacob's endurance

Genesis 31:41 - בראשית 31:41

Hebrew Text

זֶה־לִּי עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה בְּבֵיתֶךָ עֲבַדְתִּיךָ אַרְבַּע־עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה בִּשְׁתֵּי בְנֹתֶיךָ וְשֵׁשׁ שָׁנִים בְּצֹאנֶךָ וַתַּחֲלֵף אֶת־מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּי עֲשֶׂרֶת מֹנִים׃

English Translation

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Transliteration

Zeh-li esrim shana beveitekha avad'tikha arba-esreh shana bishtei v'notecha v'shesh shanim b'tzonekha vatachaleif et-maskurtei aseret monim.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֶה־לִּ֞י עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָה֮ בְּבֵיתֶ֒ךָ֒ עֲבַדְתִּ֜יךָ אַרְבַּֽע־עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה שָׁנָה֙ בִּשְׁתֵּ֣י בְנֹתֶ֔יךָ וְשֵׁ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים בְּצֹאנֶ֑ךָ וַתַּחֲלֵ֥ף אֶת־מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖י עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת מֹנִֽים׃
זֶה־לִּ֞י עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָה֮ בְּבֵיתֶ֒ךָ֒ עֲבַדְתִּ֜יךָ אַרְבַּֽע־עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה שָׁנָה֙ בִּשְׁתֵּ֣י בְנֹתֶ֔יךָ וְשֵׁ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים בְּצֹאנֶ֑ךָ וַתַּחֲלֵ֥ף אֶת־מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖י עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת מֹנִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 31:41) is part of Yaakov's (Jacob's) impassioned speech to Lavan (Laban) after years of labor and deception. Yaakov recounts his twenty years of service—fourteen years for Lavan's two daughters (Leah and Rachel) and six years for his flocks—while emphasizing Lavan's repeated changes to his wages.

Yaakov's Twenty Years of Service

Rashi explains that Yaakov's statement, "This is my twenty years in your house," refers to the total time he spent working for Lavan. The fourteen years for the daughters are divided into seven years each for Leah and Rachel (see Genesis 29:18-30), while the additional six years were for the flocks (Genesis 31:41). The Sforno adds that Yaakov's labor was characterized by unwavering dedication despite Lavan's dishonesty.

Lavan's Deception: "You Changed My Wages Ten Times"

Rashi, citing Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (74:7), explains that Lavan altered Yaakov's wages ten times—either by switching the terms of their agreement or by manipulating the flocks to reduce Yaakov's rightful share. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 83b) discusses how Lavan's actions violated ethical labor practices, emphasizing the Torah's later prohibition against withholding wages (Vayikra 19:13).

Yaakov's Righteousness Amidst Exploitation

  • Ramban (Nachmanides) highlights that Yaakov's patience and adherence to honesty, despite Lavan's deceit, demonstrated his trust in Hashem's promise (Genesis 28:15).
  • Kli Yakar notes that Yaakov's mention of "ten changes" alludes to the Ten Commandments—suggesting that Lavan violated multiple ethical principles in his dealings.

Lessons in Labor and Integrity

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeitzei 12) draws a parallel between Yaakov's suffering under Lavan and the Jewish people's later exile, teaching that righteousness endures even under oppression. The verse ultimately underscores the importance of fair labor practices and divine justice, as Yaakov's perseverance is later rewarded with prosperity (Genesis 31:42).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 83a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about labor laws and the ethical treatment of workers, illustrating Jacob's complaint about Laban changing his wages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Genesis 31:41?
A: In Genesis 31:41, Yaakov (Jacob) is speaking to Lavan (Laban), recounting the 20 years he spent working for him. He explains that he worked 14 years to marry Lavan's two daughters (Rachel and Leah) and 6 years tending Lavan's flocks, during which Lavan repeatedly changed Yaakov's wages. This verse highlights Yaakov's struggles and Lavan's dishonesty.
Q: Why did Yaakov work for 20 years?
A: Yaakov worked for 20 years because he initially agreed to work 7 years for Rachel (Genesis 29:18), but Lavan tricked him into marrying Leah first, forcing him to work another 7 years for Rachel (Genesis 29:27). The additional 6 years were for wages to build his own flocks (Genesis 30:31-32). Rashi explains that Lavan constantly changed the terms of their agreement, making Yaakov's service difficult.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's experience with Lavan?
A: Yaakov's experience teaches perseverance and trust in Hashem despite unfair treatment. Despite Lavan's deception, Yaakov remained steadfast and was ultimately blessed (Genesis 31:42). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) highlights that righteousness prevails even in hardship, and Hashem protects those who remain faithful.
Q: How does this verse relate to honesty in business dealings?
A: This verse underscores the Torah's emphasis on fair business practices. Lavan’s repeated changes to Yaakov’s wages violate the Torah’s prohibition against withholding wages (Leviticus 19:13). The Rambam (Hilchos Sechirus 13:7) teaches that employers must honor agreements and pay workers fairly, as dishonesty damages trust and justice.
Q: Why does Yaakov mention 'ten times' that Lavan changed his wages?
A: Rashi explains that 'ten times' is not necessarily literal but signifies repeated deception. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 83b) discusses how Lavan altered their agreements to Yaakov’s disadvantage. This phrase emphasizes Lavan’s persistent dishonesty, contrasting with Yaakov’s integrity despite hardship.