Genesis 29:8-18

8 They said, We can't, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well's mouth. Then we water the sheep."

9 While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she kept them.

10 It happened, when Ya`akov saw Rachel the daughter of Lavan, his mother's brother, and the sheep of Lavan, his mother's brother, that Ya`akov went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Lavan his mother's brother.

11 Ya`akov kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

12 Ya`akov told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rivka's son. She ran and told her father.

13 It happened, when Lavan heard the news of Ya`akov, his sister's son, that he ran to meet Ya`akov, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Ya`akov told Lavan all these things.

14 Lavan said to him, Surely you are my bone and my flesh. He lived with him for a month.

15 Lavan said to Ya`akov, "Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?"

16 Lavan had two daughters. The name of the elder was Le'ah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Le'ah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful and well favored.

18 Ya`akov loved Rachel. He said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter."

Genesis 29:8-18 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.