Genesis 29:10-20

10 When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his uncle, and the flock of Laban, Jacob came up, rolled the stone from the well's opening, and watered the flock of his uncle Laban.
11 Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud.
12 Jacob told Rachel that he was related to her father and that he was Rebekah's son. She then ran to tell her father.
13 When Laban heard about Jacob his sister's son, he ran to meet him. Laban embraced him, kissed him, and invited him into his house, where Jacob recounted to Laban everything that had happened.
Laban said to him, "Yes, you are my flesh and blood."

Jacob marries Leah and Rachel

14 After Jacob had stayed with Laban for a month,
15 Laban said to Jacob, "You shouldn't have to work for free just because you are my relative. Tell me what you would like to be paid."
16 Now Laban had two daughters: the older was named Leah and the younger Rachel.
17 Leah had delicate eyes, but Rachel had a beautiful figure and was good-looking.
18 Jacob loved Rachel and said, "I will work for you for seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter."
19 Laban said, "I'd rather give her to you than to another man. Stay with me."
20 Jacob worked for Rachel for seven years, but it seemed like a few days because he loved her.

Genesis 29:10-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 29

This chapter informs us of Jacob's coming to a well near Haran, where meeting with some shepherds he inquires after Laban, Ge 29:1-8; and there also with Rachel his daughter, the shepherds made known to him, and acquainted her who he was, Ge 29:9-12; upon which she ran to her father, and told him who was at the well, who went forth and brought him to his house, and kindly entertained him, Ge 29:13,14; with whom he agreed to stay and serve seven years for Rachel his daughter, Ge 29:15-20; at the end of which Jacob demands his wife, but instead of Rachel, Leah was brought to him as his wife, Ge 29:21-25; which being discovered, and complained of, it was proposed he should have Rachel also, provided he would serve yet seven years more, to which he agreed, Ge 29:26-30; and the chapter is concluded with an account of four sons being born to Jacob of Leah, Ge 29:31-35.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Heb uncertain; perhaps Leah had poor eyesight
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