This verse, Genesis 29:21, signifies Jacob's demand for the fulfillment of his agreement with Laban. Let's break it down:
"Jacob said to Laban, 'Give me my wife...'": Jacob is specifically referring to Rachel, the woman he loves and for whom he worked seven years. This is not ambiguous to them.
"...for my days are fulfilled...": This means that the time period that Jacob agreed to work for Laban in order to marry Rachel has now been completed. He has served his term of service.
"...that I may go in to her.'": This is a euphemism for sexual intercourse. Jacob is stating his desire to consummate the marriage with Rachel. In ancient Hebrew culture, this was the expected next step after marriage.
In summary: Jacob is reminding Laban that he has kept his part of the bargain (seven years of labor) and is now demanding that Laban uphold his end of the agreement by giving him Rachel as his wife so that they can be married and begin their life together.
This verse is significant because it sets the stage for Laban's deception. While Jacob expects to be given Rachel, Laban will trick him into marrying Leah instead, leading to further complications and a longer period of service for Jacob.
This verse, Genesis 29:21, signifies Jacob's demand for the fulfillment of his agreement with Laban. Let's break it down:
"Jacob said to Laban, 'Give me my wife...'": Jacob is specifically referring to Rachel, the woman he loves and for whom he worked seven years. This is not ambiguous to them.
"...for my days are fulfilled...": This means that the time period that Jacob agreed to work for Laban in order to marry Rachel has now been completed. He has served his term of service.
"...that I may go in to her.'": This is a euphemism for sexual intercourse. Jacob is stating his desire to consummate the marriage with Rachel. In ancient Hebrew culture, this was the expected next step after marriage.
In summary: Jacob is reminding Laban that he has kept his part of the bargain (seven years of labor) and is now demanding that Laban uphold his end of the agreement by giving him Rachel as his wife so that they can be married and begin their life together.
This verse is significant because it sets the stage for Laban's deception. While Jacob expects to be given Rachel, Laban will trick him into marrying Leah instead, leading to further complications and a longer period of service for Jacob.