And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
Read it in contextJacob's Arrival in Haran and Marriage to Leah and Rachel
Start reading at Genesis 29:1 (Genesis 29:1 to Genesis 29:35).
This unit describes Jacob's journey to Haran, his meeting with Rachel, his agreement to serve Laban for Rachel, the deception involving Leah, and the subsequent marriages and births of his first four sons.
29:1Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.
29:2And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.
29:3And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place.
29:4And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.
29:5And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.
29:6And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.
29:7And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.
29:8And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.
29:9And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them.
29:10And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.
29:11And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.
29:12And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father.
29:13And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.
29:14And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.
29:15And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
29:16And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
29:17Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
29:18And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
29:19And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
29:20And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
29:21And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
29:22And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
29:23And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.
29:24And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.
29:25And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
29:26And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
29:27Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
29:28And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
29:29And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.
29:30And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
29:31And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.
29:32And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
29:33And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.
29:34And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
29:35And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Moses is the traditional Jewish and Christian author of Genesis as part of the Pentateuch. Genesis itself does not explicitly identify its writer. Biblical references: John 5:46; Mark 12:26. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Genesis 29:1–30:43): Jacob, Laban, Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah are the main household participants in the marriages, births, and flock arrangements. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel, the covenant people descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were the first community for whom this account of their origins was preserved. An exact first circulation date or named recipient is not established. Biblical references: Genesis 12:1; Genesis 17:7; Genesis 35:10. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The main event is Jacob serving Laban for seven years to earn Rachel as his wife. The theme is the depth of Jacob's love for Rachel, which made the long period of service seem brief to him.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the human element within His divine plan, showing how personal desires and deep affections play a role in the lives of His chosen people, even as He orchestrates events for His covenant purposes. It also subtly reveals the challenges and deceptions that will arise within Jacob's family, despite his initial pure intentions.
What is the literary style? The literary style is narrative history.
When
When was it written? The book of Genesis was written approximately 1440 to 1400 B.C.
When does the event take place? The event takes place during the patriarchal period, specifically during Jacob's time in Haran, after his flight from Esau and before the birth of his children. The events of Genesis cover Creation to the death of Joseph.
Where
Where did it happen? This event happened in the land of the people of the east, specifically in Haran, where Laban lived. stated in the text
Where was the author located? The author, Moses, was located in the Wilderness of Sinai when the book was written. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Jacob's Arrival in Haran and Marriage to Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29:1 to Genesis 29:35).
Start reading at Genesis 29:1. This unit describes Jacob's journey to Haran, his meeting with Rachel, his agreement to serve Laban for Rachel, the deception involving Leah, and the subsequent marriages and births of his first four sons.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse is a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, marking the beginning of his family formation in Haran. It sets the stage for the birth of his twelve sons, who will become the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's covenant promise to Abraham regarding numerous descendants. It also highlights Jacob's deep personal desire for Rachel, which will lead to complex family dynamics and further deceptions by Laban. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? Jacob's seven years of service for Rachel, which seemed like 'but a few days' because of his great love for her, can be seen as a type of the immense sacrifice and enduring love of Christ for His church, His bride. Christ's work on the cross, though a great suffering, was undertaken out of a profound love for His chosen people, making the 'cost' seem insignificant in light of the joy of securing His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage illustrates the power of love to make difficult tasks and long waits seem bearable, even short. It encourages believers to cultivate a deep, enduring love in their relationships, especially in marriage, recognizing that true love is willing to serve and sacrifice. It also reminds us that commitment and perseverance, fueled by love, can overcome significant challenges and make the journey worthwhile. interpretation
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Elsewhere Scripture attributes the Law to Moses, and Jesus calls it the book of Moses. Exodus 17:14Joshua 8:31Mark 12:26John 5:46
Early traditionJewish tradition (Talmud, Baba Bathra 14b) and the early church assign the first five books to Moses.
What is debatedSome scholars propose several later sources behind the Pentateuch. A few notes appear to be written after Moses, such as the list of kings in Genesis 36:31.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Genesis 29
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Genesis introduces creation, the nations, and the ancestral family of Israel. It does not name a recipient or give a composition date. Read the promises to named people in their narrated settings before applying them to later readers. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Family rivalry, journeys, marriages, and reconciliation develop the promised line while also recording the related family of Esau.
Connection to the wholeFamily rivalry, journeys, marriages, and reconciliation develop the promised line while also recording the related family of Esau.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Family rivalry, journeys, marriages, and reconciliation develop the promised line while also recording the related family of Esau.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Genesis
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Genesis introduces creation, the nations, and the ancestral family of Israel. It does not name a recipient or give a composition date. Read the promises to named people in their narrated settings before applying them to later readers.
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes God as Creator, describes human rebellion and its consequences, and traces the nations before narrowing the account to Abram's family.
Connection to the wholeThe narrative concentrates on God's promises to Abraham, the birth of Isaac, and the continuation of the family through whom the earlier promise is carried forward.
Connection to the wholeFamily rivalry, journeys, marriages, and reconciliation develop the promised line while also recording the related family of Esau.
Connection to the wholeJoseph's experiences lead to the preservation of Jacob's family in Egypt. The book closes with confidence about a future return, preparing the setting of Exodus.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.