King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ And Rebekah had a brother, and his name [was] Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Rivkah had a brother named Lavan. When he saw the nose-ring, and the bracelets on his sister's wrists besides, and when he heard his sister Rivkah's report of what the man had said to her, he ran out to the spring and found the man standing there by the camels.
Berean Standard Bible:
Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he rushed out to the man at the spring.
American Standard Version:
And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the fountain.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And Rebekah{H7259} had a brother{H251}, and his name{H8034} was Laban{H3837}: and Laban{H3837} ran{H7323} out{H2351} unto the man{H376}, unto the well{H5869}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 29:5
- And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know [him].
Genesis 24:55
- And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us [a few] days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.
Genesis 29:13
- 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.
Genesis 24:60
- And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou [art] our sister, be thou [the mother] of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 24:29
Genesis 24:29 is part of the narrative where Abraham's servant is sent to find a wife for Isaac from among Abraham's relatives. The verse introduces Rebekah's brother, Laban, who will later play a significant role in the lives of Isaac and Rebekah's son, Jacob.
**Themes:**
1. **Divine Providence:** The story illustrates God's guidance in the selection of a wife for Isaac, ensuring that the covenantal line continues according to God's plan.
2. **Hospitality:** Laban's swift response to the servant at the well demonstrates the cultural value of hospitality, which is a recurring theme in the Old Testament.
3. **Family Dynamics:** The verse hints at the importance of family relationships and alliances, which are central to the unfolding narrative involving Laban and the family of Abraham.
**Historical Context:**
- **Patriarchal Period:** This event occurs during the time of the patriarchs, a period characterized by nomadic lifestyles and clan relationships in the ancient Near East.
- **Betrothal Customs:** The narrative reflects the customs of the time regarding betrothal and marriage, where family approval and the exchange of gifts were significant.
- **Wells as Social Hubs:** Wells served as important gathering places for travelers and locals alike, making them central to social interactions and the finding of marriage partners.
Laban's character will later be developed more fully in the stories of Jacob, where his actions and decisions have lasting effects on Jacob's family and the unfolding of biblical history.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7259
There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רִבְקָה
Transliteration: Ribqâh
Pronunciation: rib-kaw'
Description: from an unused root probably meaning to clog by tying up the fetlock; fettering (by beauty); Ribkah, the wife of Isaac; Rebekah. - Strong's Number: H251
There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָח
Transliteration: ʼâch
Pronunciation: awkh
Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. - Strong's Number: H8034
There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁם
Transliteration: shêm
Pronunciation: shame
Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - Strong's Number: H3837
There are 47 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָבָן
Transliteration: Lâbân
Pronunciation: law-bawn'
Description: the same as לָבָן; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert; Laban. - Strong's Number: H7323
There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רוּץ
Transliteration: rûwts
Pronunciation: roots
Description: a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush); break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. - Strong's Number: H2351
There are 159 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חוּץ
Transliteration: chûwts
Pronunciation: khoots
Description: or (shortened) חֻץ; (both forms feminine in the plural) from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors; abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. - Strong's Number: H376
There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אִישׁ
Transliteration: ʼîysh
Pronunciation: eesh
Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); 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 אִשָּׁה. - Strong's Number: H5869
There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַיִן
Transliteration: ʻayin
Pronunciation: ah'-yin
Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).