Genesis 29:18 - Jacob loved Rachel. He said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.”
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What does "Genesis 29:18" mean?
This verse from Genesis 29:18 is a simple statement with significant implications for the story that follows. Here's a breakdown:
"Jacob loved Rachel." This is the key point. Jacob felt strong affection for Rachel. This sets the stage for his subsequent actions and motivations.
"He said, 'I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.'" This reveals how Jacob intends to win Rachel's hand in marriage. In that time and culture, a dowry or bride price was often paid to the bride's father. However, Jacob, likely without significant wealth, offers his labor instead.
"Serve you seven years": He's offering to work as a servant for Laban, Rachel's father, for a substantial period. This demonstrates the depth of his love for Rachel and his willingness to make a significant commitment.
"For Rachel, your younger daughter": He's making it clear that his service is specifically for the right to marry Rachel. He understands and acknowledges that Laban has the power to decide who she marries.
In essence, the verse means:
Jacob was deeply in love with Rachel and offered to work for her father, Laban, for seven years in exchange for the right to marry her. This highlights Jacob's love and the custom of bride price or service as a substitute for wealth in securing a marriage. It also sets the stage for the trickery and complications that follow, as Laban ultimately deceives Jacob and gives him Leah instead.
Genesis 29:18 - Jacob loved Rachel. He said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.”
What does "Genesis 29:18" mean?
This verse from Genesis 29:18 is a simple statement with significant implications for the story that follows. Here's a breakdown:
"Jacob loved Rachel." This is the key point. Jacob felt strong affection for Rachel. This sets the stage for his subsequent actions and motivations.
"He said, 'I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.'" This reveals how Jacob intends to win Rachel's hand in marriage. In that time and culture, a dowry or bride price was often paid to the bride's father. However, Jacob, likely without significant wealth, offers his labor instead.
"Serve you seven years": He's offering to work as a servant for Laban, Rachel's father, for a substantial period. This demonstrates the depth of his love for Rachel and his willingness to make a significant commitment.
"For Rachel, your younger daughter": He's making it clear that his service is specifically for the right to marry Rachel. He understands and acknowledges that Laban has the power to decide who she marries.
In essence, the verse means:
Jacob was deeply in love with Rachel and offered to work for her father, Laban, for seven years in exchange for the right to marry her. This highlights Jacob's love and the custom of bride price or service as a substitute for wealth in securing a marriage. It also sets the stage for the trickery and complications that follow, as Laban ultimately deceives Jacob and gives him Leah instead.