Definition: And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou [art] my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what [shall] thy wages [be]?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 29:15. It’s a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage about God’s relationship with Jacob. Here's a simple explanation: The Core of the Verse: God is telling Jacob (who is in a difficult situation – he’s being treated poorly by Laban) that He wants him to work for him, but not too hard. He’s asking Jacob what his “wage” (payment) should be. Here's a breakdown of the meaning: “Because thou [art] my brother…” – This establishes a special relationship between God and Jacob. It’s a way for God to show affection and care for him. “…shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought?” – This is the key question. Jacob is being treated unfairly, and God wants to understand if he's going to do his best work for nothing . He's questioning if Jacob’s efforts are valued. “tell me, what [shall] thy wages [be]?” – This is a direct question from God. It’s asking Jacob what kind of compensation he will receive for his labor. What it suggests: This verse hints at a potential conflict between God and Jacob. It raises the possibility that Jacob isn't being treated fairly, and God might be concerned about how much effort he’s putting in. It’s a moment where God is observing and perhaps judging Jacob’s actions. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God’s displeasure with Jacob’s behavior. However, it's important to remember that the Bible doesn't explicitly say this is why God is angry. It simply describes a situation where He is concerned about how Jacob is treating his brother. In essence, it's a moment where God is observing and potentially questioning Jacob’s actions, highlighting a possible imbalance in their relationship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage (like the creation of humanity)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?