Bereshis 29:20

20 And Ya’akov served sheva shanim for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few yamim, because of the ahavah he had for her.

Bereshis 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.

Bereshis 29:20 In-Context

18 And Ya’akov loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee sheva shanim for Rachel thy bat haketannah (younger daughter).

19 And Lavan said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another ish; abide with me.

20 And Ya’akov served sheva shanim for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few yamim, because of the ahavah he had for her.

21 And Ya’akov said unto Lavan, Give me my isha, for my yamim are completed, that I may go in unto her.

22 And Lavan gathered together all the anshei hamakom, and made a mishteh (feast).