Genesis 30:28

Genesis 30:28, in plain English

Laban offers Jacob the chance to name his own wages—whatever payment Jacob wants, Laban will pay it if Jacob stays.

Why it's here

This is a clever negotiating move by Laban. By asking Jacob to name his own price, Laban puts the burden on Jacob to make the request. It also leaves the door open for Laban to negotiate if the ask seems too high.

Who's speaking

Laban is making his offer to Jacob.

Where it sits in the story

This moment sets up the next phase of the Jacob-Laban relationship. Instead of simply leaving, Jacob will now enter into a new arrangement that will test both his faithfulness and his cleverness.

The scholarly reading

Laban offers Jacob the opportunity to name his own wages, attempting to retain him through a more favorable compensation arrangement.

Language and setting

This offer represents a significant concession: rather than dictating terms as a master to a servant, Laban invites negotiation, suggesting his recognition that Jacob might otherwise depart and take the source of his blessing with him; the gesture implies both economic desperation and a tacit acknowledgment of Jacob's value—a reversal of the original power imbalance when Jacob arrived destitute.

Voice

Laban, in direct discourse

Significance

Laban's willingness to negotiate wages sets the stage for Jacob's brilliant counteroffer, which will demonstrate that the patriarch's success stems not from coercive power or superior resources but from an almost shamanic ability to manipulate natural and commercial systems—a quality that will define his entire character arc.

26Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.”

27But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”

28And he added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.”

29Then Jacob answered, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock have thrived under my care.

30Indeed, you had very little before my arrival, but now your wealth has increased many times over. The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot. But now, when may I also provide for my own household?”

Read all of Genesis 30 — Children born in rivalry and heartbreak. But these names — Reuben, Judah, Joseph — will become the twelve tribes of a nation.