And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

GENESIS 31:7KJV
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Genesis 31:7 (KJV)

What does Genesis 31:7 mean?

Genesis 31:7 means that Jacob is telling Rachel and Leah that their father, Laban, has repeatedly deceived him and changed his wages ten times, but God did not allow Laban to harm him. Jacob is explaining that, despite unfair treatment, God protected him from real harm.

Jacob is speaking to his wives, Rachel and Leah, about the difficult relationship he has had with their father, Laban. Jacob describes how Laban kept changing the terms of his pay, trying to take advantage of him. However, Jacob points out that God was watching over him and did not let Laban's actions truly damage him.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 31:7

  • "Deceived" (הֵתֵל, hēṭēl) means to mock, trick, or deal deceptively. Jacob is saying Laban was not just unfair but intentionally misleading and manipulative.
  • "Changed" (חָלַף, ḥālaf) means to alter or switch. Laban kept altering Jacob’s wages, showing ongoing dishonesty, not just a one-time event.
  • "Wages" (מִשְׂכֹּרֶת, miskōret) refers to agreed payment for work. The focus here is on broken agreements, not just general mistreatment.
  • "Hurt" (רָעַע, rā‘a‘) means to do evil or cause harm. Jacob credits God with preventing Laban from causing him real injury or loss, not just inconvenience.

Why Genesis 31:7 matters

  • Genesis 31:7 clarifies that Jacob’s struggles were not just personal complaints but involved repeated, intentional deception by Laban.
  • The verse highlights God’s protective role, showing that even when people act unfairly, God’s care can limit the harm others intend.
  • This verse helps explain why Jacob feels justified in leaving Laban and taking his family with him, connecting to the larger story of God’s faithfulness to Jacob despite human opposition.

Where else these words appear

“times” Hebrew H4489 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 31:41 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.

“wages” Hebrew H4909 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 29:15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
  • Genesis 31:41 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.
  • Ruth 2:12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

“deceived” Hebrew H2048 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 8:29 And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, and I will intreat the LORD that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, to morrow: but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.
  • Judges 16:13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.
  • Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?

“me” Hebrew H5978 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 3:12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
  • 1 Samuel 10:2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?
  • Job 23:6 Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.