Genesis 29:11-21

11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and cried with a loud voice and wept.

12 And he told Rachel that he was the near relative of her father, and the son of Rebecca; and she ran and reported to her father according to these words.

13 And it came to pass when Laban heard the name of Jacob, his sister's son, he ran to meet him, and embraced and kissed him, and brought him into his house; and he told Laban all these sayings.

14 And Laban said to him, Thou art of my bones and of my flesh; and he was with him a full month.

15 And Laban said to Jacob, Surely thou shalt not serve me for nothing, because thou art my brother; tell me what thy reward is to be.

16 Now Laban had two daughters, the name of the elder was Lea, and the name of the younger, Rachel.

17 And the eyes of Lea were weak. But Rachel was beautiful in appearance, and exceedingly fair in countenance.

18 And Jacob loved Rachel, and said, I will serve thee seven years for thy younger daughter Rachel.

19 And Laban said to him, better that I should give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man; dwell with me.

20 And Jacob served for Rachel seven years, and they were before him as a few days, by reason of his loving her.

21 And Jacob said to Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.

Genesis 29:11-21 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.