Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Genesis » Chapter 29 » Verse 1-35

Genesis 29:1-35 King James Version (KJV)

1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.

2 And 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.

3 And 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.

4 And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.

5 And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.

6 And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.

7 And 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.

8 And 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.

9 And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep; for she kept them.

10 And 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.

11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father.

13 And 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.

14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favored.

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

19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

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

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

23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.

24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.

25 And 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?

26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.

27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.

28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.

29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.

30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.

31 And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.

32 And 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.

33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.

34 And 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.

35 And 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.


Genesis 29:1-35 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 Then Jacob H3290 went on H5375 his journey, H7272 and came H3212 into the land H776 of the people H1121 of the east. H6924

2 And he looked, H7200 and behold a well H875 in the field, H7704 and, lo, there were three H7969 flocks H5739 of sheep H6629 lying H7257 by it; for out of that well H875 they watered H8248 the flocks: H5739 and a great H1419 stone H68 was upon the well's H875 mouth. H6310

3 And thither were all the flocks H5739 gathered: H622 and they rolled H1556 the stone H68 from the well's H875 mouth, H6310 and watered H8248 the sheep, H6629 and put H7725 the stone H68 again H7725 upon the well's H875 mouth H6310 in his place. H4725

4 And Jacob H3290 said H559 unto them, My brethren, H251 whence H370 be ye? And they said, H559 Of Haran H2771 are we.

5 And he said H559 unto them, Know H3045 ye Laban H3837 the son H1121 of Nahor? H5152 And they said, H559 We know H3045 him.

6 And he said H559 unto them, Is he well? H7965 And they said, H559 He is well: H7965 and, behold, Rachel H7354 his daughter H1323 cometh H935 with the sheep. H6629

7 And he said, H559 Lo, H2005 it is yet high H1419 day, H3117 neither is it time H6256 that the cattle H4735 should be gathered together: H622 water H8248 ye the sheep, H6629 and go H3212 and feed H7462 them.

8 And they said, H559 We cannot, H3201 until all the flocks H5739 be gathered together, H622 and till they roll H1556 the stone H68 from the well's H875 mouth; H6310 then we water H8248 the sheep. H6629

9 And while he yet H5750 spake H1696 with them, Rachel H7354 came H935 with her father's H1 sheep: H6629 for she kept them. H7462

10 And it came to pass, when Jacob H3290 saw H7200 Rachel H7354 the daughter H1323 of Laban H3837 his mother's H517 brother, H251 and the sheep H6629 of Laban H3837 his mother's H517 brother, H251 that Jacob H3290 went near, H5066 and rolled H1556 the stone H68 from the well's H875 mouth, H6310 and watered H8248 the flock H6629 of Laban H3837 his mother's H517 brother. H251

11 And Jacob H3290 kissed H5401 Rachel, H7354 and lifted up H5375 his voice, H6963 and wept. H1058

12 And Jacob H3290 told H5046 Rachel H7354 that he was her father's H1 brother, H251 and that he was Rebekah's H7259 son: H1121 and she ran H7323 and told H5046 her father. H1

13 And it came to pass, when Laban H3837 heard H8085 the tidings H8088 of Jacob H3290 his sister's H269 son, H1121 that he ran H7323 to meet H7125 him, and embraced H2263 him, and kissed H5401 him, and brought H935 him to his house. H1004 And he told H5608 Laban H3837 all these things. H1697

14 And Laban H3837 said H559 to him, Surely H389 thou art my bone H6106 and my flesh. H1320 And he abode H3427 with him the space H3117 of a month. H2320

15 And Laban H3837 said H559 unto Jacob, H3290 Because thou art my brother, H251 shouldest thou therefore serve H5647 me for nought? H2600 tell H5046 me, what shall thy wages H4909 be?

16 And Laban H3837 had two H8147 daughters: H1323 the name H8034 of the elder H1419 was Leah, H3812 and the name H8034 of the younger H6996 was Rachel. H7354

17 Leah H3812 was tender H7390 eyed; H5869 but Rachel H7354 was beautiful H3303 H8389 and well H3303 favoured. H4758

18 And Jacob H3290 loved H157 Rachel; H7354 and said, H559 I will serve H5647 thee seven H7651 years H8141 for Rachel H7354 thy younger H6996 daughter. H1323

19 And Laban H3837 said, H559 It is better H2896 that I give H5414 her to thee, than that I should give H5414 her to another H312 man: H376 abide H3427 with me.

20 And Jacob H3290 served H5647 seven H7651 years H8141 for Rachel; H7354 and they seemed H5869 unto him but a few H259 days, H3117 for the love he had H160 to her.

21 And Jacob H3290 said H559 unto Laban, H3837 Give H3051 me my wife, H802 for my days H3117 are fulfilled, H4390 that I may go in H935 unto her.

22 And Laban H3837 gathered together H622 all the men H582 of the place, H4725 and made H6213 a feast. H4960

23 And it came to pass in the evening, H6153 that he took H3947 Leah H3812 his daughter, H1323 and brought H935 her to him; and he went in H935 unto her.

24 And Laban H3837 gave H5414 unto his daughter H1323 Leah H3812 Zilpah H2153 his maid H8198 for an handmaid. H8198

25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, H1242 behold, it was Leah: H3812 and he said H559 to Laban, H3837 What is this thou hast done H6213 unto me? did not I serve H5647 with thee for Rachel? H7354 wherefore then hast thou beguiled H7411 me?

26 And Laban H3837 said, H559 It must not be so done H6213 in our country, H4725 to give H5414 the younger H6810 before H6440 the firstborn. H1067

27 Fulfil H4390 her H2063 week, H7620 and we will give H5414 thee this also for the service H5656 which thou shalt serve H5647 with me yet seven H7651 other H312 years. H8141

28 And Jacob H3290 did H6213 so, and fulfilled H4390 her week: H7620 and he gave H5414 him Rachel H7354 his daughter H1323 to wife H802 also.

29 And Laban H3837 gave H5414 to Rachel H7354 his daughter H1323 Bilhah H1090 his handmaid H8198 to be her maid. H8198

30 And he went in H935 also unto Rachel, H7354 and he loved H157 also Rachel H7354 more than Leah, H3812 and served H5647 with him yet seven H7651 other H312 years. H8141

31 And when the LORD H3068 saw H7200 that Leah H3812 was hated, H8130 he opened H6605 her womb: H7358 but Rachel H7354 was barren. H6135

32 And Leah H3812 conceived, H2029 and bare H3205 a son, H1121 and she called H7121 his name H8034 Reuben: H7205 for H3588 she said, H559 Surely H3588 the LORD H3068 hath looked H7200 upon my affliction; H6040 now therefore H3588 my husband H376 will love H157 me.

33 And she conceived H2029 again, and bare H3205 a son; H1121 and said, H559 Because the LORD H3068 hath heard H8085 that I was hated, H8130 he hath therefore given H5414 me this son also: and she called H7121 his name H8034 Simeon. H8095

34 And she conceived again, H2029 and bare H3205 a son; H1121 and said, H559 Now this time H6471 will my husband H376 be joined H3867 unto me, because I have born H3205 him three H7969 sons: H1121 therefore was his name H8034 called H7121 Levi. H3878

35 And she conceived H2029 again, and bare H3205 a son: H1121 and she said, H559 Now H6471 will I praise H3034 the LORD: H3068 therefore she called H7121 his name H8034 Judah; H3063 and left H5975 bearing. H3205


Genesis 29:1-35 American Standard (ASV)

1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the children of the east.

2 And he looked, and behold, a well in the field, and, lo, three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks. And the stone upon the well's mouth was great.

3 And 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 its place.

4 And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence are ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.

5 And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.

6 And he said unto them, Is it well with him? And they said, It is well. And, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.

7 And 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.

8 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well's mouth. Then we water the sheep.

9 While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep. For she kept them.

10 And 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.

11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son. And she ran and told her father.

13 And 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.

14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? Tell me, what shall thy wages be?

16 And Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 And Leah's eyes were tender. But Rachel was beautiful and well favored.

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

19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man. Abide with me.

20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel. And they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

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

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

23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him. And he went in unto her.

24 And Laban gave Zilpah his handmaid unto his daughter Leah for a handmaid.

25 And it came to pass in the morning that, 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?

26 And Laban said, It is not so done in our place, to give the younger before the first-born.

27 Fulfil the week of this one, and we will give thee the other also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.

28 And jacob did so, and fulfilled her week. And he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife.

29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her handmaid.

30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.

31 And Jehovah saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb. But Rachel was barren.

32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben. For she said, Because Jehovah hath looked upon my affliction. For now my husband will love me.

33 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and said, Because Jehovah hath heard that I am hated, he hath therefore given me this `son' also. And she called his name Simeon.

34 And she conceived again, and bare a son. And said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have borne him three sons. Therefore was his name called Levi.

35 And she conceived again, and bare a son. And she said, This time will I praise Jehovah. Therefore she called his name Judah. And she left off bearing.


Genesis 29:1-35 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And Jacob lifteth up his feet, and goeth towards the land of the sons of the east;

2 and he looketh, and lo, a well in the field, and lo, there three droves of a flock crouching by it, for from that well they water the droves, and the great stone `is' on the mouth of the well.

3 (When thither have all the droves been gathered, and they have rolled the stone from off the mouth of the well, and have watered the flock, then they have turned back the stone on the mouth of the well to its place.)

4 And Jacob saith to them, `My brethren, from whence `are' ye?' and they say, `We `are' from Haran.'

5 And he saith to them, `Have ye known Laban, son of Nahor?' and they say, `We have known.'

6 And he saith to them, `Hath he peace?' and they say, `Peace; and lo, Rachel his daughter is coming with the flock.'

7 And he saith, `Lo, the day `is' still great, `it is' not time for the cattle to be gathered; water ye the flock, and go, delight yourselves.'

8 And they say, `We are not able, till that all the droves be gathered together, and they have rolled away the stone from the mouth of the well, and we have watered the flock.'

9 He is yet speaking with them, and Rachel hath come with the flock which her father hath, for she `is' shepherdess;

10 and it cometh to pass when Jacob hath seen Rachel, daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the flock of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob cometh nigh and rolleth the stone from off the mouth of the well, and watereth the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

11 And Jacob kisseth Rachel, and lifteth up his voice, and weepeth,

12 and Jacob declareth to Rachel that he `is' her father's brother, and that he `is' Rebekah's son, and she runneth and declareth to her father.

13 And it cometh to pass, when Laban heareth the report of Jacob his sister's son, that he runneth to meet him, and embraceth him, and kisseth him, and bringeth him in unto his house; and he recounteth to Laban all these things,

14 and Laban saith to him, `Only my bone and my flesh `art' thou;' and he dwelleth with him a month of days.

15 And Laban saith to Jacob, `Is it because thou `art' my brother that thou hast served me for nought? declare to me what `is' thy hire.'

16 And Laban hath two daughters, the name of the elder `is' Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel,

17 and the eyes of Leah `are' tender, and Rachel hath been fair of form and fair of appearance.

18 And Jacob loveth Rachel, and saith, `I serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter:'

19 and Laban saith, `It is better for me to give her to thee than to give her to another man; dwell with me;'

20 and Jacob serveth for Rachel seven years; and they are in his eyes as some days, because of his loving her.

21 And Jacob saith unto Laban, `Give up my wife, for my days have been fulfilled, and I go in unto her;'

22 and Laban gathereth all the men of the place, and maketh a banquet.

23 And it cometh to pass in the evening, that he taketh Leah, his daughter, and bringeth her in unto him, and he goeth in unto her;

24 and Laban giveth to her Zilpah, his maid-servant, to Leah his daughter, a maid-servant.

25 And it cometh to pass in the morning, that lo, it `is' Leah; and he saith unto Laban, `What `is' this thou hast done to me? for Rachel have I not served with thee? and why hast thou deceived me?'

26 And Laban saith, `It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the first-born;

27 fulfil the week of this one, and we give to thee also this one, for the service which thou dost serve with me yet seven other years.'

28 And Jacob doth so, and fulfilleth the week of this one, and he giveth to him Rachel his daughter, to him for a wife;

29 and Laban giveth to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his maid-servant, for a maid-servant to her.

30 And he goeth in also unto Rachel, and he also loveth Rachel more than Leah; and he serveth with him yet seven other years.

31 And Jehovah seeth that Leah `is' the hated one, and He openeth her womb, and Rachel `is' barren;

32 and Leah conceiveth, and beareth a son, and calleth his name Reuben, for she said, `Because Jehovah hath looked on mine affliction; because now doth my husband love me.'

33 And she conceiveth again, and beareth a son, and saith, `Because Jehovah hath heard that I `am' the hated one, He also giveth to me even this `one';' and she calleth his name Simeon.

34 And she conceiveth again, and beareth a son, and saith, `Now `is' the time, my husband is joined unto me, because I have born to him three sons,' therefore hath `one' called his name Levi.

35 And she conceiveth again, and beareth a son, and saith this time, `I praise Jehovah;' therefore hath she called his name Judah; and she ceaseth from bearing.


Genesis 29:1-35 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And Jacob continued his journey, and went into the land of the children of the east.

2 And he looked, and behold, there was a well in the fields, and behold there, three flocks of sheep were lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks, and a great stone was at the mouth of the well.

3 And when all the flocks were gathered there, they rolled the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again on the mouth of the well in its place.

4 And Jacob said to them, My brethren, whence are ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.

5 And he said to them, Do ye know Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We do know [him].

6 And he said to them, Is he well? And they said, [He is] well; and behold, there comes Rachel his daughter with the sheep.

7 And he said, Behold, it is yet high day; it is not time that the cattle should be gathered together; water the sheep, and go, feed [them].

8 And they said, We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the mouth of the well, and we water the sheep.

9 While he was still speaking to them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she was a shepherdess.

10 And 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 mouth of the well, and watered the sheep of Laban his mother's brother.

11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept.

12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was a brother of her father, and that he was Rebecca's son; and she ran and told her father.

13 And 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.

14 And Laban said to him, Thou art indeed my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him a month's time.

15 And Laban said to Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou serve me for nothing? tell me, what shall be thy wages?

16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger, Rachel.

17 And the eyes of Leah were tender; but Rachel was of beautiful form and beautiful countenance.

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

19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they were in his eyes as single days, because he loved her.

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

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

23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in to her.

24 And Laban gave to her Zilpah, his maidservant, to be maidservant to Leah his daughter.

25 And it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done to me? Have I not served thee for Rachel? Why then hast thou deceived me?

26 And Laban said, It is not so done in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn.

27 Fulfil the week [with] this one: then we will give thee the other one also, for the service that thou shalt serve me yet seven other years.

28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled the week [with] this one, and he gave him Rachel his daughter to be his wife.

29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, Bilhah, his maidservant, to be her maidservant.

30 And he went in also to Rachel; and he loved also Rachel more than Leah. And he served with him yet seven other years.

31 And when Jehovah saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.

32 And Leah conceived, and bore a son, and called his name Reuben; for she said, Because Jehovah has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.

33 And she again conceived, and bore a son, and said, Because Jehovah has heard that I am hated, he has therefore given me this one also; and she called his name Simeon.

34 And she again conceived, and bore a son, and said, Now this time will my husband be united to me, for I have borne him three sons; therefore was his name called Levi.

35 And she again conceived, and bore a son, and said, This time will I praise Jehovah; therefore she called his name Judah. And she ceased to bear.


Genesis 29:1-35 World English Bible (WEB)

1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the children of the east.

2 He looked, and behold, a well in the field, and, behold, three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks. The stone on the well's mouth was great.

3 There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again on the well's mouth in its place.

4 Jacob said to them, "My relatives, where are you from?" They said, "We are from Haran."

5 He said to them, "Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?" They said, "We know him."

6 He said to them, "Is it well with him?" They said, "It is well. See, Rachel, his daughter, is coming with the sheep."

7 He said, "Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the cattle together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them."

8 They said, "We can't, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well's mouth. Then we water the sheep."

9 While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she kept them.

10 It happened, 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.

11 Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

12 Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son. She ran and told her father.

13 It happened, when Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister's son, that he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things.

14 Laban said to him, Surely you are my bone and my flesh. He lived with him for a month.

15 Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?"

16 Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful and well favored.

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

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

20 Jacob served seven years for Rachel. They seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had for her.

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

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

23 It happened in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him. He went in to her.

24 Laban gave Zilpah his handmaid to his daughter Leah for a handmaid.

25 It happened in the morning that, behold, it was Leah. He said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Didn't I serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?"

26 Laban said, "It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the first born.

27 Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you will serve with me yet seven other years."

28 Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week. He gave him Rachel his daughter as wife.

29 Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah, his handmaid, to be her handmaid.

30 He went in also to Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.

31 Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.

32 Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she named him Reuben. For she said, "Because Yahweh has looked at my affliction. For now my husband will love me."

33 She conceived again, and bare a son, and said, "Because Yahweh has heard that I am hated, he has therefore given me this son also." She named him Simeon.

34 She conceived again, and bare a son. Said, "Now this time will my husband be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons." Therefore was his name called Levi.

35 She conceived again, and bare a son. She said, "This time will I praise Yahweh." Therefore she named him Judah. Then she stopped bearing.


Genesis 29:1-35 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 Then Jacob went on his journey till he came to the land of the children of the East.

2 And there he saw a water-hole in a field, and by the side of it three flocks of sheep, for there they got water for the sheep: and on the mouth of the water-hole there was a great stone.

3 And all the flocks would come together there, and when the stone had been rolled away, they would give the sheep water, and put the stone back again in its place on the mouth of the water-hole.

4 Then Jacob said to the herdmen, My brothers, where do you come from? And they said, From Haran.

5 And he said to them, Have you any knowledge of Laban, the son of Nahor? And they said, We have.

6 And he said to them, Is he well? And they said, He is well, and here is Rachel his daughter coming with the sheep.

7 Then Jacob said, The sun is still high and it is not time to get the cattle together: get water for the sheep and go and give them their food.

8 And they said, We are not able to do so till all the flocks have come together and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the water-hole; then we will get water for the sheep.

9 While he was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she took care of them.

10 Then when Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother, coming with Laban's sheep, he came near, and rolling the stone away from the mouth of the hole, he got water for Laban's flock.

11 And weeping for joy, Jacob gave Rachel a kiss.

12 And Rachel, hearing from Jacob that he was her father's relation and that he was the son of Rebekah, went running to give her father news of it.

13 And Laban, hearing news of Jacob, his sister's son, came running, and took Jacob in his arms, and kissing him, made him come into his house. And Jacob gave him news of everything.

14 And Laban said to him, Truly, you are my bone and my flesh. And he kept Jacob with him for the space of a month.

15 Then Laban said to Jacob, Because you are my brother are you to be my servant for nothing? say now, what is your payment to be?

16 Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 And Leah's eyes were clouded, but Rachel was fair in face and form.

18 And Jacob was in love with Rachel; and he said, I will be your servant seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.

19 And Laban said, It is better for you to have her than another man: go on living here with me.

20 And Jacob did seven years' work for Rachel; and because of his love for her it seemed to him only a very little time.

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, Give me my wife so that I may have her, for the days are ended.

22 And Laban got together all the men of the place and gave a feast.

23 And in the evening he took Leah, his daughter, and gave her to him, and he went in to her.

24 And Laban gave Zilpah, his servant-girl, to Leah, to be her waiting-woman.

25 And in the morning Jacob saw that it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What have you done to me? was I not working for you so that I might have Rachel? why have you been false to me?

26 And Laban said, In our country we do not let the younger daughter be married before the older.

27 Let the week of the bride-feast come to its end and then we will give you the other in addition, if you will be my servant for another seven years.

28 And Jacob did so; and when the week was ended, Laban gave him his daughter Rachel for his wife.

29 And Laban gave Rachel his servant-girl Bilhah to be her waiting-woman.

30 Then Jacob took Rachel as his wife, and his love for her was greater than his love for Leah; and he went on working for Laban for another seven years.

31 Now the Lord, seeing that Leah was not loved, gave her a child; while Rachel had no children.

32 And Leah was with child, and gave birth to a son to whom she gave the name Reuben: for she said, The Lord has seen my sorrow; now my husband will have love for me.

33 Then she became with child again, and gave birth to a son; and said, Because it has come to the Lord's ears that I am not loved, he has given me this son in addition: and she gave him the name Simeon.

34 And she was with child again, and gave birth to a son; and said, Now at last my husband will be united to me, because I have given him three sons: so he was named Levi.

35 And she was with child again, and gave birth to a son: and she said, This time I will give praise to the Lord: so he was named Judah; after this she had no more children for a time.

Commentary on Genesis 29 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 29

Ge 29:1-35. The Well of Haran.

1. Then Jacob went, &c.—Hebrew, "lifted up his feet." He resumed his way next morning with a light heart and elastic step after the vision of the ladder; for tokens of the divine favor tend to quicken the discharge of duty (Ne 8:10).

and came into the land, &c.—Mesopotamia and the whole region beyond the Euphrates are by the sacred writers designated "the East" (Jud 6:3; 1Ki 4:30; Job 1:3). Between the first and the second clause of this verse is included a journey of four hundred miles.

2. And he looked, &c.—As he approached the place of his destination, he, according to custom, repaired to the well adjoining the town where he would obtain an easy introduction to his relatives.

3. thither were all the flocks gathered; and a stone, &c.—In Arabia, owing to the shifting sands and in other places, owing to the strong evaporation, the mouth of a well is generally covered, especially when it is private property. Over many is laid a broad, thick, flat stone, with a round hole cut in the middle, forming the mouth of the cistern. This hole is covered with a heavy stone which it would require two or three men to roll away. Such was the description of the well at Haran.

4. Jacob said, My brethren—Finding from the shepherds who were reposing there with flocks and who all belonged to Haran, that his relatives in Haran were well and that one of the family was shortly expected, he enquired why they were idling the best part of the day there instead of watering their flocks and sending them back to pasture.

8. They said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered—In order to prevent the consequences of too frequent exposure in places where water is scarce, the well is not only covered, but it is customary to have all the flocks collected round it before the covering is removed in presence of the owner or one of his representatives; and it was for this reason that those who were reposing at the well of Haran with the three flocks were waiting the arrival of Rachel.

9-11. While he yet spake with them, Rachel came—Among the pastoral tribes the young unmarried daughters of the greatest sheiks tend the flocks, going out at sunrise and continuing to watch their fleecy charges till sunset. Watering them, which is done twice a day, is a work of time and labor, and Jacob rendered no small service in volunteering his aid to the young shepherdess. The interview was affecting, the reception welcome, and Jacob forgot all his toils in the society of his Mesopotamian relatives. Can we doubt that he returned thanks to God for His goodness by the way?

12. Jacob told Rachel, &c.—According to the practice of the East, the term "brother" is extended to remote degrees of relationship, as uncle, cousin, or nephew.

14-20. he abode a month—Among pastoral people a stranger is freely entertained for three days; on the fourth day he is expected to tell his name and errand; and if he prolongs his stay after that time, he must set his hand to work in some way, as may be agreed upon. A similar rule obtained in Laban's establishment, and the wages for which his nephew engaged to continue in his employment was the hand of Rachel.

17. Leah tender-eyed—that is, soft blue eyes—thought a blemish.

Rachel beautiful and well-favored—that is, comely and handsome in form. The latter was Jacob's choice.

18. I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy daughter—A proposal of marriage is made to the father without the daughter being consulted, and the match is effected by the suitor either bestowing costly presents on the family, or by giving cattle to the value the father sets upon his daughter, or else by giving personal services for a specified period. The last was the course necessity imposed on Jacob; and there for seven years he submitted to the drudgery of a hired shepherd, with the view of obtaining Rachel. The time went rapidly away; for even severe and difficult duties become light when love is the spring of action.

21. Jacob said, Give me my wife—At the expiry of the stipulated term the marriage festivities were held. But an infamous fraud was practised on Jacob, and on his showing a righteous indignation, the usage of the country was pleaded in excuse. No plea of kindred should ever be allowed to come in opposition to the claim of justice. But this is often overlooked by the selfish mind of man, and fashion or custom rules instead of the will of God. This was what Laban did, as he said, "It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the first-born." But, then, if that were the prevailing custom of society at Haran, he should have apprized his nephew of it at an early period in an honorable manner. This, however, is too much the way with the people of the East still. The duty of marrying an elder daughter before a younger, the tricks which parents take to get off an elder daughter that is plain or deformed and in which they are favored by the long bridal veil that entirely conceals her features all the wedding day, and the prolongation for a week of the marriage festivities among the greater sheiks, are accordant with the habits of the people in Arabia and Armenia in the present day.

28. gave him Rachel also—It is evident that the marriage of both sisters took place nearly about the same time, and that such a connection was then allowed, though afterwards prohibited (Le 18:18).

29. gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah to be her maid—A father in good circumstances still gives his daughter from his household a female slave, over whom the young wife, independently of her husband, has the absolute control.

31. Leah … hated—that is, not loved so much as she ought to have been. Her becoming a mother ensured her rising in the estimation both of her husband and of society.

32-35. son … his name Reuben—Names were also significant; and those which Leah gave to her sons were expressive of her varying feelings of thankfulness or joy, or allusive to circumstances in the history of the family. There was piety and wisdom in attaching a signification to names, as it tended to keep the bearer in remembrance of his duty and the claims of God.