Genesis 29:9-19

9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, because she took care of them.

10 When Ya'akov saw Rachel the daughter of Lavan his mother's brother, and the sheep of Lavan his mother's brother, Ya'akov went up and rolled the stone away from the opening of the well and watered the flock of Lavan his mother's brother.

11 Ya'akov kissed Rachel and wept aloud.

12 Ya'akov told Rachel that he was her father's relative, and that he was Rivkah's son; and she ran and told her father.

13 When Lavan heard the news of Ya'akov his sister's son, he ran to meet him, hugged him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Ya'akov told Lavan all that had happened.

14 Lavan said to him, "You are indeed my own flesh and blood." After Ya'akov had stayed with him for a whole month,

15 Lavan said to him, "Why should you work for me for nothing, just because you are my relative? Tell me how much I should pay you."

16 Now Lavan had two daughters; the name of the older was Le'ah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Le'ah's eyes were weak; but Rachel was good-looking, with beautiful features.

18 Ya'akov had fallen in love with Rachel and said, "I will work for you seven years in exchange for Rachel your younger daughter."

19 Lavan answered, "Better that I give her to you than to someone else; stay with me."

Genesis 29:9-19 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.