23. And she conceived and bore a son, saying, "God has taken away my reproach."
24. And she called his name Joseph, saying, "The Lord has added to me another son."
25. But when Joseph was born, Jacob said to his father-in-law: "Release me, so that I may return to my native country and to my land.
26. Give me my wives, and my children, for whom I have served you, so that I may depart. You know the servitude with which I have served you."
27. Laban said to him: "May I find grace in your sight. I have learned by experience that God has blessed me because of you.
28. Choose your wages, which I will give you."
29. But he responded: "You know how I have served you, and how great your possession became in my hands.
30. You had little before I came to you, and now you have achieved riches. And the Lord has blessed you since my arrival. It is just, therefore, that at sometime I also should provide for my own house."
31. And Laban said, "What shall I give to you?" But he said, "I want nothing. But if you will do what I ask, I will feed and guard your sheep again.
32. Go around through all your flocks and separate all the sheep of variegated or spotted fleece; and whatever will be darkened or blemished or variegated, as much among the sheep as among the goats, will be my wages.
33. And my justice will answer on my behalf tomorrow, when the time of settlement arrives before you. And all that is not variegated or blemished or darkened, as much among the sheep as among the goats, these will prove me to be a thief."
34. And Laban said, "I hold favor for this request."