Genesis 29:19
Genesis 29:19 in Multiple Translations
Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.”
And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
And Laban said, It is better for you to have her than another man: go on living here with me.
“Well it's better for me to give her to you than anyone else,” Laban replied. “So stay here and work for me.”
Then Laban answered, It is better that I giue her thee, then that I should giue her to another man: abide with me.
and Laban saith, 'It is better for me to give her to thee than to give her to another man; dwell with me;'
Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you, than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.”
And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
Laban answered: It is better that I give her to thee than to another man; stay with me.
Laban replied, “It is better for me to let you marry her than for her to marry some other man!”
Then Laban said, “All right. You are our relative, so it’s best for Rachel to marry you, not another man. Stay here and work for me for 7 years, and then I will give her to you to marry.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 29:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לָבָ֗ן
ט֚וֹב
תִּתִּ֣/י
אֹתָ֣/הּ
לָ֔/ךְ
מִ/תִּתִּ֥/י
אֹתָ֖/הּ
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ
אַחֵ֑ר
שְׁבָ֖/ה
עִמָּדִֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָבָ֗ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
ט֚וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
תִּתִּ֣/י
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתָ֣/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לָ֔/ךְ
Prep | Suff
מִ/תִּתִּ֥/י
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
אַחֵ֑ר
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
שְׁבָ֖/ה
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עִמָּדִֽ/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
with me
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:19
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָבָ֗ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
ט֚וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
תִּתִּ֣/י
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֹתָ֣/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לָ֔/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
מִ/תִּתִּ֥/י
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אַחֵ֑ר
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
שְׁבָ֖/ה
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עִמָּדִֽ/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
"with me"
Prep | Suff
Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.
Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 29:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 29:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:19
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:19
- Sermons on Genesis 29:19
Context — Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
17Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful.
18Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”
19Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.”
20So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. 21Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Grant me my wife, for my time is complete, and I want to sleep with her.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 6:11 | Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged, |
| 2 | Isaiah 6:5 | Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” |
| 3 | Psalms 12:2 | They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. |
Genesis 29:19 Summary
In Genesis 29:19, Laban agrees to give his daughter Rachel to Jacob, preferring to have her marry someone he knows and trusts rather than a stranger. This shows that Laban is a practical and possibly manipulative person who wants to keep Jacob, a hard worker, in his household. Just like Jacob, we often have to wait for the things we want, and it's in these times of waiting that we can learn to trust in God's plan and sovereignty (Psalm 27:14, Proverbs 3:5-6). As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can demonstrate our love and commitment to God, just as Jacob demonstrated his love for Rachel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Laban agree to give Rachel to Jacob?
Laban agreed to give Rachel to Jacob because he preferred to have her marry someone he knew and trusted, as seen in Genesis 29:19, rather than a stranger, which is a common theme in biblical culture, similar to the arrangement between Abraham and his servant in Genesis 24:1-4.
What does this verse reveal about Laban's character?
This verse shows that Laban is a pragmatic and possibly manipulative person, as he is willing to use his daughters as a means to keep Jacob, a hard worker, in his household, as also seen in his later actions in Genesis 29:25-28 and Genesis 31:7-16.
How does Jacob's love for Rachel influence Laban's decision?
Jacob's love for Rachel, as mentioned in Genesis 29:18, makes Laban more willing to accept Jacob's proposal, as he sees the potential benefits of having Jacob as a part of his family and the motivation it gives Jacob to work hard for him, as noted in Genesis 29:20.
What does this verse imply about the cultural norms of the time?
This verse implies that the cultural norms of the time allowed for the exchange of daughters for labor or other forms of compensation, as seen in the agreement between Jacob and Laban, which is similar to other biblical accounts, such as the story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24:1-67.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I prioritize my own desires over the will of God, and how can I learn to trust in His sovereignty, just as Jacob had to trust in God's plan for his life?
- How do I respond when God's plan for my life involves waiting or difficult circumstances, and what can I learn from Jacob's example of patiently waiting for Rachel?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love and commitment to God, just as Jacob demonstrated his love for Rachel by working seven years for her?
- What are some potential dangers of making decisions based solely on personal preference or emotions, and how can I seek to balance my desires with wisdom and discernment, as seen in Laban's calculated decision to give Rachel to Jacob?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:19
And Laban said,.... Deceitfully, as the Targum of Jonathan adds, pretending great respect for Jacob, and that what he had proposed was very agreeable to him, when he meant to impose upon him: [it is]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:19
And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:19
And, or therefore, ( as the particle is oft taken, i.e. because he was a priest of God), he (i.e. Melchizedek) blessed him, ( Abram,) which was one act of the priestly office. See Poole on "". See Poole on "". So it is a prayer for him, that God would confirm and increase the blessing which he had given him. Or, blessed is; so it is an acknowledgment of God’ s blessing conferred upon Abram both formerly, and in this late and great victory. Or, blessed shall be; so it is a prediction concerning his future and further blessedness, whereof this was only an earnest.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:19
Genesis 29:19 And Laban said, [It is] better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.Ver. 19. It is better that I give her to thee.] Indeed, he sold her to him for seven years’ service. This was Laban, or Nabal, choose you which. Their names were not more like than their conditions. Laban’ s daughters and Nabal’ s wife were alike handled by their unkind parents. "He hath sold us," said they, "and hath also quite devoured our money". And, He hath married me, might Abigail have said, to the money, and not to the man; and though he named me his joy, yet he hath caused me much sorrow. How many a child is so cast away by the covetous parents! It was better with Laban’ s two daughters; but no thanks to their father.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:19
(19) It is better that I give her to thee.—It is still the custom among the Arabs to prefer a relative as the husband of a daughter, and on giving a moderato dowry the elder cousins can claim the elder daughters in marriage, and the younger the younger. Thus Jacob, as the second son, had a claim upon Rachel. The Rabbins even say that Leah’s eyes were weak from weeping, because Esau had not come to marry her. This absurd idea bears witness, nevertheless, to the custom of the intermarriage of cousins being an established rule, and gives a reason for Laban’s acceptance of Jacob as the husband of his younger child. As Jacob offered seven years’ service for Rachel, and gave a second seven years’ service for her after he had been tricked into taking Leah, we may conclude that the length of time was not unreasonable.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:19
19. It is better] Laban means that it is in the interests of the family his daughter should be married to one of their own kindred. The marriage of first cousins is considered especially desirable among the Bedouin.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:19
19. Better… to thee, than… to another — Laban gladly accepts Jacob’s offer. It was worth more to him than gold.
Sermons on Genesis 29:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Some Comments on Netanyahu’s Election in Israel: A Prelude to Coming Disaster? by Art Katz | Art Katz discusses the implications of Benjamin Netanyahu's election in Israel, suggesting that it may not lead to any significant change in the nation's dire circumstances. He arg |
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How to Experience Personal Revival by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing revival in one's life. He explains that revival is a state of continuous, close communion with God. The founda |
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And They Crucified Him by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the av |
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Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah chapter 6 and highlights three key words: woe, love, and go. The first word, woe, represents confession and recognizing our own sinfu |
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Anahiem Talk on Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a three-fold vision. He shares a story about a Welshman named Stephen Jeffries who was able to elicit a response fro |
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The Enemy of Revival - Part 2 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson was a powerful man who performed great feats, such as ripping the gates of a cit |
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The Holiness of God - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the word of God and the need to regain a sense of reverence for the holy. The sermon references the book of Revelation, sp |