Genesis 29
BSB1 Jacob resumed his journey and came to the land of the people of the east. 2 He looked and saw a well in the field, and near it lay three flocks of sheep, because the sheep were watered from this well. And a large stone covered the mouth of the well. 3 When all the flocks had been gathered there, the shepherds would roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well. 4 “My brothers,” Jacob asked the shepherds, “where are you from?” “We are from Haran,” they answered. 5 “Do you know Laban the grandson of Nahor?” Jacob asked. “We know him,” they replied. 6 “Is he well?” Jacob inquired. “Yes,” they answered, “and here comes his daughter Rachel with his sheep." 7 “Look,” said Jacob, “it is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to gather the livestock. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture." 8 But they replied, “We cannot, until all the flocks have been gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep." 9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. 10 As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his mother’s brother Laban, with Laban’s sheep, he went up and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud. 12 He told Rachel that he was Rebekah’s son, a relative of her father, and she ran and told her father. 13 When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened. 14 Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month, 15 Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be." 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel. 17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful. 18 Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel." 19 Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me." 20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. 21 Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Grant me my wife, for my time is complete, and I want to sleep with her." 22 So Laban invited all the men of that place and prepared a feast. 23 But when evening came, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. 24 And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her maidservant. 25 When morning came, there was Leah! “What have you done to me?” Jacob said to Laban. “Wasn’t it for Rachel that I served you? Why have you deceived me?" 26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older. 27 Finish this week’s celebration, and we will give you the younger one in return for another seven years of work." 28 And Jacob did just that. He finished the week’s celebration, and Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife. 29 Laban also gave his servant girl Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maidservant. 30 Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years. 31 When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now." 33 Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon. 34 Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. 35 And once more she conceived and gave birth to a son and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah. Then Leah stopped having children.
Study Notes — Genesis 29
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 29
- Themes from Genesis 29
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 29
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis 29 begins with Jacob's arrival in Haran, where he meets Rachel, the daughter of his uncle Laban. Jacob falls in love with Rachel and agrees to work for Laban for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage. However, Laban deceives Jacob and gives him his older daughter, Leah, instead. Jacob then marries Rachel as well, and the chapter ends with the birth of several children to both Leah and Rachel. Key verses include Genesis 29:11, where Jacob kisses Rachel and weeps, and Genesis 29:25, where Laban reveals his deception to Jacob.
Context for the Chapter
Genesis 29 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which tells the story of creation, the early history of humanity, and the patriarchs of the Israelites. This chapter is a key part of the story of Jacob, who will play a central role in the rest of the book. The chapter also sets the stage for the next several chapters, which will explore Jacob's time in Haran and his eventual return to Canaan.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Genesis 29, we are reminded of the importance of honesty, integrity, and faithfulness in our relationships. We are also encouraged to trust in God's providence and guidance, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. May we learn to love and serve others with the same kind of selfless devotion that Jacob showed to Rachel.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis 29 tells the story of Jacob's journey to Haran, where he meets and falls in love with Rachel. Despite the challenges and complications that arise, Jacob's love for Rachel remains strong, and he is willing to work for seven years to marry her. This chapter teaches us about the importance of perseverance, loyalty, and faithfulness in our relationships, as seen in Genesis 29:11 and Genesis 29:25.
Voices from the Church
“The love of Jacob for Rachel is a beautiful picture of the love of Christ for His church. Just as Jacob was willing to work for seven years to marry Rachel, Christ gave Himself for the church, that He might present her to Himself in glory.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The deception of Laban is a reminder that we are all sinners, and that our hearts are prone to deceit and manipulation. But even in the midst of such sin and dysfunction, God is still at work, guiding and directing the course of human events.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Jacob Meets Rachel (Genesis 29:1-14) — Jacob arrives in Haran and meets Rachel, the daughter of his uncle Laban. He falls in love with her and agrees to work for Laban for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage.
- Laban's Deception (Genesis 29:15-25) — Laban deceives Jacob and gives him his older daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel. Jacob is upset and feels betrayed, but he eventually marries Rachel as well.
- The Birth of Jacob's Children (Genesis 29:26-35) — Leah gives birth to several children, including Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. Rachel, who is barren, becomes jealous of Leah's fertility and gives Jacob her maid, Bilhah, to bear children on her behalf.
- The Struggle for Fertility (Genesis 29:36-30:24) — Rachel and Leah struggle with fertility, and each gives Jacob a maid to bear children on their behalf. The chapter ends with the birth of several children to both Leah and Rachel.
- Conclusion (Genesis 29:25-30:43) — The chapter concludes with Jacob's decision to return to Canaan, and the beginning of his journey back home.
Core Doctrines
- Providence
- Genesis 29 teaches us about God's providence and guidance in the lives of His people. Despite the challenges and complications that arise, God is still at work, guiding and directing the course of human events.
- Love and Marriage
- The chapter highlights the importance of love and marriage in human relationships. We see that love can motivate us to make great sacrifices and overcome significant challenges, as Jacob's love for Rachel does.
- Deception and Sin
- The deception of Laban serves as a reminder that we are all sinners, and that our hearts are prone to deceit and manipulation. But even in the midst of such sin and dysfunction, God is still at work, guiding and directing the course of human events.
- Faithfulness and Loyalty
- The chapter teaches us about the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in our relationships. We see that Jacob remains committed to Rachel, despite the challenges and complications that arise, and that he is willing to work for seven years to marry her.
Lessons from Genesis 29
- The Importance of Perseverance — Jacob's love for Rachel teaches us about the importance of perseverance and loyalty in our relationships. We see that Jacob is willing to work for seven years to marry Rachel, and that he remains committed to her despite the challenges and complications that arise.
- The Dangers of Deception — Laban's deception of Jacob serves as a warning about the dangers of dishonesty and manipulation. We see that deception can lead to hurt feelings, damaged relationships, and unintended consequences.
- The Complexity of Family Relationships — The chapter highlights the complexities and challenges of family relationships. We see that even in the best of families, there can be conflict, jealousy, and competition.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter teaches us about the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in our relationships. We see that Jacob remains committed to Rachel, despite the challenges and complications that arise, and that he is willing to work for seven years to marry her.
- The Providence of God — The chapter reminds us of God's providence and guidance in the lives of His people. Despite the challenges and complications that arise, God is still at work, guiding and directing the course of human events.
Themes from Genesis 29
- Love and Relationships — The chapter explores the theme of love and relationships, highlighting the importance of perseverance, loyalty, and faithfulness in our relationships.
- Deception and Sin — The deception of Laban serves as a reminder that we are all sinners, and that our hearts are prone to deceit and manipulation. But even in the midst of such sin and dysfunction, God is still at work, guiding and directing the course of human events.
- Family and Community — The chapter highlights the complexities and challenges of family relationships. We see that even in the best of families, there can be conflict, jealousy, and competition.
- Providence and Guidance — The chapter reminds us of God's providence and guidance in the lives of His people. Despite the challenges and complications that arise, God is still at work, guiding and directing the course of human events.
- Redemption and Restoration — The chapter foreshadows the themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption that will be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We see that Jacob's love for Rachel is a beautiful picture of the love of Christ for His church.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Jacob's love for Rachel about the importance of perseverance and loyalty in our relationships?
- How does Laban's deception of Jacob serve as a warning about the dangers of dishonesty and manipulation?
- What can we learn from the complexities of family relationships in this chapter about the importance of communication, forgiveness, and reconciliation?
- How does the chapter foreshadow the themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption that will be fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
- What can we learn from Jacob's decision to return to Canaan about the importance of trusting in God's providence and guidance?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jacob Meets Rachel (Genesis 29:1-14)
| 29:1 | Jacob arrives in Haran and meets Rachel, the daughter of his uncle Laban. |
| 29:2 | Jacob sees a well and three flocks of sheep, and he meets the shepherds who are waiting for the other flocks to arrive. |
| 29:3 | Jacob asks the shepherds why they are waiting, and they explain that they are waiting for the other flocks to arrive so that they can water their sheep. |
| 29:4 | Jacob asks the shepherds if they know Laban, and they reply that they do. |
| 29:5 | Jacob asks the shepherds to tell him about Laban, and they reply that he is doing well. |
| 29:6 | Jacob asks the shepherds to help him water the sheep, and they agree. |
| 29:7 | Jacob explains that it is still the middle of the day, and that it is not time to gather the flocks yet. |
| 29:8 | The shepherds explain that they cannot water the sheep until all the flocks are gathered. |
| 29:9 | While Jacob is speaking with the shepherds, Rachel arrives with her father's sheep. |
| 29:10 | Jacob is immediately smitten with Rachel and decides to help her water the sheep. |
| 29:11 | Jacob kisses Rachel and weeps, and explains that he is her cousin. |
| 29:12 | Rachel runs to tell her father about Jacob, and Laban is overjoyed to meet him. |
| 29:13 | Laban invites Jacob to stay with him, and Jacob agrees. |
| 29:14 | Laban explains that Jacob is his nephew, and that he should stay with him for a month. |
2. Laban's Deception (Genesis 29:15-25)
| 29:15 | Laban asks Jacob what he can do to repay him for his work, and Jacob explains that he will work for seven years in exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage. |
| 29:16 | Laban has two daughters, Leah and Rachel, and he explains that Leah is the older daughter. |
| 29:17 | Laban explains that Rachel has beautiful eyes, but that Leah has weak eyes. |
| 29:18 | Jacob explains that he loves Rachel and is willing to work for seven years to marry her. |
| 29:19 | Laban agrees to give Rachel to Jacob in exchange for seven years of work. |
| 29:20 | Jacob works for seven years, but they seem like only a few days to him because of his love for Rachel. |
| 29:21 | After the seven years are over, Jacob asks Laban to give him Rachel as his wife. |
| 29:22 | Laban prepares a wedding feast and gives Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel. |
| 29:23 | Jacob does not realize that he has been given Leah instead of Rachel until the morning after the wedding. |
| 29:24 | Laban explains that it is not customary to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older daughter. |
| 29:25 | Laban offers to give Rachel to Jacob as well, but only if he agrees to work for another seven years. |
3. The Birth of Jacob's Children (Genesis 29:26-35)
| 29:26 | Jacob agrees to work for another seven years in exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage. |
| 29:27 | Laban gives Rachel to Jacob, and he marries her. |
| 29:28 | Jacob loves Rachel more than Leah, and he works for Laban for another seven years. |
| 29:29 | Leah gives birth to a son named Reuben. |
| 29:30 | Leah gives birth to another son named Simeon. |
| 29:31 | Leah gives birth to another son named Levi. |
| 29:32 | Leah gives birth to another son named Judah. |
| 29:33 | Leah gives birth to a daughter named Dinah. |
| 29:34 | Rachel is barren and gives Jacob her maid, Bilhah, to bear children on her behalf. |
| 29:35 | Bilhah gives birth to a son named Dan. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jacob's love for Rachel?
Jacob's love for Rachel is a beautiful picture of the love of Christ for His church. Just as Jacob is willing to work for seven years to marry Rachel, Christ gave Himself for the church, that He might present her to Himself in glory (Ephesians 5:25).
Why does Laban deceive Jacob and give him Leah instead of Rachel?
Laban deceives Jacob because he wants to ensure that his older daughter, Leah, is married first. This is a cultural custom in ancient Near Eastern societies, where the older daughter is typically married before the younger daughter.
What can we learn from the complexities of family relationships in this chapter?
The chapter highlights the complexities and challenges of family relationships. We see that even in the best of families, there can be conflict, jealousy, and competition. However, we also see that God is still at work, guiding and directing the course of human events, even in the midst of such sin and dysfunction.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 29:11 → John 1:1 | The love of Jacob for Rachel is a beautiful picture of the love of Christ for His church, as seen in John 1:1. |
| 2 | Genesis 29:25 → Ephesians 5:25 | The deception of Laban serves as a reminder that we are all sinners, and that our hearts are prone to deceit and manipulation. But even in the midst of such sin and dysfunction, God is still at work, guiding and directing the course of human events, as seen in Ephesians 5:25. |
| 3 | Genesis 29:18 → 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 | The love of Jacob for Rachel is a beautiful picture of the kind of love that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, which is patient, kind, and selfless. |
| 4 | Genesis 29:20 → Galatians 2:20 | The fact that Jacob works for seven years for Rachel, but they seem like only a few days to him because of his love for her, is a reminder that when we are doing something that we love, time seems to fly by, as seen in Galatians 2:20. |
| 5 | Genesis 29:22 → Matthew 19:4-6 | The marriage of Jacob and Leah is a reminder that marriage is a sacred institution that was established by God, as seen in Matthew 19:4-6. |
| 6 | Genesis 29:24 → 1 Timothy 2:13-14 | The fact that Laban gives Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel, and then gives Rachel to Jacob as well, is a reminder that God is sovereign over all things, including our marriages and relationships, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:13-14. |
| 7 | Genesis 29:27 → Hebrews 13:4 | The marriage of Jacob and Rachel is a reminder that marriage is a sacred institution that is worthy of honor and respect, as seen in Hebrews 13:4. |
| 8 | Genesis 29:31 → Romans 9:10-13 | The fact that Leah gives birth to several sons, while Rachel is barren, is a reminder that God is sovereign over all things, including our fertility and childbearing, as seen in Romans 9:10-13. |
| 9 | Genesis 29:34 → Psalm 127:3 | The birth of Dinah, Leah's daughter, is a reminder that God is the giver of all life, and that He is sovereign over all things, including our families and relationships. |
| 10 | Genesis 29:35 → Psalm 113:9 | The fact that Bilhah, Rachel's maid, gives birth to a son named Dan, is a reminder that God is the giver of all life, and that He is sovereign over all things, including our families and relationships, as seen in Psalm 113:9. |
Sermons on Genesis 29
| Sermon | Description | |
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Perils and Sorrows of a Contrite Heart by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob finds himself in a difficult situation with two wives who are arguing and accusing each other. He is |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He explains that Joseph, at the age of 17, was a rather gullible and naive boy who had been sheltered by |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:38-41 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his experiences with his uncle Laban. The preacher highlights how Laban was a hard taskmaster, making Jacob work tire |
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Genesis #18 Ch. 27-29 God's Principle of Retribution by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the author of the Bible, just as in business, it's not what you know but who you know. The story of Jacob and Esau |
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Divinely Lead by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the cycle of bondage and captivity that the nation of Israel experienced due to their disobedience to God. The speaker highlights specific ins |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob's journey to the land of Heron. Jacob arrives at a well where three flocks of sheep are gathered to be watered. The preac |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:11-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and his journey to his uncle Laban's house. Jacob had a lonely trip, traveling through difficult terrain and facing variou |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:6-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob arriving in a new land and encountering his cousin Rachel. Jacob immediately takes charge and instructs the shepherds on h |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob serves his uncle Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, as his love for her is so |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:30-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the book of Genesis. Jacob had deceived his father and brother, and now he finds himself deceived by his uncle Laban |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 29
In this chapter, we see the providence of God at work in the life of Jacob, as he journeys to Haran and meets his future wife, Rachel. We also see the sin and deception of Laban, as he gives Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel. Despite the challenges and complications that arise, God is still at work, guiding and directing the course of human events. We are reminded of the importance of faithfulness, loyalty, and perseverance in our relationships, as Jacob remains committed to Rachel despite the obstacles that they face. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the Lord was with Jacob, and he prospered in all that he did,' (Genesis 39:2) and we see this same principle at work in the life of Jacob, as he trusts in God's providence and guidance. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Power of Love
Jacob's love for Rachel is a powerful force that drives the plot of the chapter. We see that love can motivate us to make great sacrifices and overcome significant challenges.
The Danger of Deception
Laban's deception of Jacob serves as a warning about the dangers of dishonesty and manipulation. We see that deception can lead to hurt feelings, damaged relationships, and unintended consequences.
The Complexity of Family Relationships
The chapter highlights the complexities and challenges of family relationships. We see that even in the best of families, there can be conflict, jealousy, and competition.