Genesis 31:6

Genesis 31:6, in plain English

Jacob reminds his wives that he's worked incredibly hard for Laban all these years, serving him faithfully and giving his best effort. He's establishing the truth: his departure isn't because he's lazy or disloyal—it's because he's been treated unfairly despite his dedication.

Why it's here

In Laban's culture, loyalty and hard work were the highest virtues expected of a hired servant. By reminding Rachel and Leah of his faithful service, Jacob is saying, 'I've done my part. I've honored your father. This isn't about me running away from responsibility.' This matters because it affects how his wives see both him and their father.

Who's speaking

Jacob continues speaking to Rachel and Leah.

Where it sits in the story

This establishes Jacob's integrity. Even though he's about to leave secretly, he's making clear that he hasn't abandoned his principles. He's been faithful. The problem isn't Jacob's character—it's Laban's greed and deception.

The scholarly reading

Jacob reminds his wives that he has fulfilled his obligation to Laban with complete dedication and honest labor.

Language and setting

The phrase 'with all my strength' (בְכָל־כֹּחִי) emphasizes the totality of Jacob's commitment—physical, intellectual, and spiritual. This is not idle boasting but rather the establishment of a moral foundation for his complaint in verse 7; he has done everything Laban could demand, yet has been treated with dishonesty.

Voice

Jacob, continuing his address to Rachel and Leah

Significance

Jacob's assertion of his own righteousness within the relationship serves as a counternarrative to Laban's accusations. It positions Jacob within the biblical tradition of the righteous sufferer and prepares readers to understand God's vindication of him through prosperity and protection.

4So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,

5and he told them, “I can see from your father’s countenance that his attitude toward me has changed; but the God of my father has been with me.

6You know that I have served your father with all my strength.

7And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.

8If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore speckled offspring. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then the whole flock bore streaked offspring.

Read all of Genesis 31 — After twenty years, Jacob finally runs from Laban. God has been at work even when Jacob wasn't looking.