Genesis 29:20

20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed * to him but a few days ¹because of his love for her.

Genesis 29:20 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 29:20

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel
The whole term of time, diligently, faithfully, and patiently. Reference is had to this in ( Hosea 11:12 ) :

and they seemed unto him [but] a few days, for the love he had to her;
for though to lovers time seems long ere they enjoy the object beloved; yet Jacob here respects not so much the time as the toil and labour of service he endured in it; he thought that seven years' service was a trifle, like the service of so many days, in comparison of the lovely and worthy person he obtained thereby; all that he endured was nothing in comparison of her, and through the love he bore to her: besides, the many pleasant hours he spent in conversation with her made the time slide on insensibly, so that it seemed to be quickly gone; which shows that his love was pure and constant.

Genesis 29:20 In-Context

18 Now Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, "I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel."

19 Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than to give her to another man; stay with me."

20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my time is completed, that I may go in to her."

22 Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast.

Cross References

• 1. Song of Songs 8:7