25. After the birth of Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Now let me go to my own home and country.
26. Give me my wives and my children and let me go. I have earned them by working for you, and you know that I have served you well.”
27. Laban said to him, “If I have pleased you, please stay. I know the Lord has blessed me because of you.
28. Tell me what I should pay you, and I will give it to you.”
29. Jacob answered, “You know that I have worked hard for you, and your flocks have grown while I cared for them.
30. When I came, you had little, but now you have much. Every time I did something for you, the Lord blessed you. But when will I be able to do something for my own family?”
31. Laban asked, “Then what should I give you?”Jacob answered, “I don’t want you to give me anything. Just do this one thing, and I will come back and take care of your flocks.
32. Today let me go through all your flocks. I will take every speckled or spotted sheep, every black lamb, and every spotted or speckled goat. That will be my pay.
33. In the future you can easily see if I am honest. When you come to look at my flocks, if I have any goat that isn’t speckled or spotted or any lamb that isn’t black, you will know I stole it.”
34. Laban answered, “Agreed! We will do what you ask.”