Genesis 29:18: Meaning Explained
And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
Jacob falls in love with Rachel! He's so in love that he offers to work for Laban for seven years if Laban will let him marry Rachel.
What’s Happening Here
Jacob is making a bold offer. In that culture, people paid a bride price to marry someone. Jacob is offering to work instead of paying.
Key Words
Why It Matters
Love makes us willing to work hard and make sacrifices. Jacob's offer shows how much he loved Rachel.
Did You Know?
Seven years is a really long time! Jacob must have loved Rachel very much to make this promise.
Tradition Spectrum
Word Study
Cross References
Frequently asked questions
What does Genesis 29:18 mean?
Jacob falls in love with Rachel! He's so in love that he offers to work for Laban for seven years if Laban will let him marry Rachel.
What is the context of Genesis 29:18?
Jacob is making a bold offer. In that culture, people paid a bride price to marry someone. Jacob is offering to work instead of paying.
Why does Genesis 29:18 matter?
Love makes us willing to work hard and make sacrifices. Jacob's offer shows how much he loved Rachel.
What's a surprising detail about Genesis 29:18?
Seven years is a really long time! Jacob must have loved Rachel very much to make this promise.
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
Commentary on Genesis 29:18
Verses 15–30 During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which to endow her, he promises seven years' service Love makes long and hard services short and easy; hence we read of the labour of love, Heb 6:10. If we know how to value the happiness of heaven, the sufferings of this present time will be as nothing to us. An age of work will be but as a few days to those that…