John Calvin Commentary Genesis 30:29

"And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle have fared with me." — Genesis 30:29 (ASV)

You know how I have served you. This answer of Jacob is not intended to increase the amount of his wages; but he wished to expostulate with Laban, and charge him with acting unjustly and unkindly in requiring a prolongation of the time of service. There is also no doubt that he was impelled, with every desire of his mind, towards the land of Canaan.

Therefore, a return there was, in his view, preferable to any kind of riches whatever. Yet, in the meantime, he indirectly accuses his father-in-law of both cunning and inhumanity, so that he might extort something from him if he must remain longer. For he could not hope that the perfidious old fox would, on his own, perform an act of justice. Neither does Jacob simply commend his own industry, but shows that he had to deal with an unjust and cruel man.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that although he had labored strenuously, yet he ascribes nothing to his own labor, but imputes it entirely to the blessing of God that Laban had been enriched. For though when men faithfully devote themselves to their duty, they do not lose their labor, yet their success depends entirely upon the favor of God.

What Paul asserts concerning the efficacy of teaching extends even further: he who plants and he who waters is nothing (1 Corinthians 3:7), for this analogy is taken from general experience.

The use of this doctrine is twofold.

1. Whatever I attempt, or to whatever work I apply my hands, it is my duty to ask God to bless my labor, so that it may not be vain and fruitless.

2. Then, if I have obtained anything, my second duty is to ascribe the praise to God, without whose blessing men in vain rise up early, fatigue themselves the whole day, take rest late, eat the bread of carefulness, and taste even a little water with sorrow.

With respect to the meaning of the words, when Jacob says, It was little that you had in my sight, Jerome has well and skillfully translated them “before I came.” For Moses uses the face of Jacob for his actual coming and dwelling with Laban.