Genesis 29:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Ya'akov had fallen in love with Rachel and said, "I will work for you seven years in exchange for Rachel your younger daughter."

Berean Standard Bible:

Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”

American Standard Version:

And Jacob loved Rachel; and he said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Jacob^{H3290} loved^{H157} Rachel^{H7354}; and said^{H559}, I will serve^{H5647} thee seven^{H7651} years^{H8141} for Rachel^{H7354} thy younger^{H6996} daughter^{H1323}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 29:18

1. **Themes:**
- **Love and Commitment:** The verse highlights Jacob's deep affection for Rachel, as he is willing to commit to seven years of service to secure her hand in marriage. This demonstrates the theme of love's power to motivate significant personal sacrifice.
- **Covenant and Contract:** Jacob's proposal to serve seven years reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of a bride-price or service in exchange for a wife, emphasizing the theme of covenantal agreements and the importance of honoring one's word.
- **Patience and Perseverance:** The verse introduces the idea of enduring a lengthy period of labor out of love, showcasing the themes of patience and perseverance in the face of long-term goals.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Patriarchal Society:** The narrative is set in a patriarchal society where marriages are often arranged, and a bride's family could expect compensation for the loss of their daughter's labor and presence in the household.
- **Mesopotamian Customs:** Jacob's offer of service reflects Mesopotamian customs of the time, where a suitor could work for the bride's father to earn the right to marry. This practice was a form of social security for the bride and her family.
- **Family Dynamics:** The verse is part of the larger story of Jacob, who is part of the patriarchal lineage of Israel. His marriage to Rachel (and subsequently to her sister Leah) sets the stage for the complex family dynamics that will influence the narrative of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- **Journey to Haran:** Jacob's arrival in Haran is part of his flight from his brother Esau, to whom he had deceitfully acquired the birthright and blessing. His time in Haran, including his service for Rachel, is a period of exile and personal growth.

In summary, Genesis 29:18 reflects the themes of love's commitment, covenantal agreements, patience, and perseverance, set against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern social customs and the personal journey of Jacob, a key patriarch in Israel's history.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3290
   There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
   Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
   Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
   Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob.
   
2. Strong's Number: H157
   There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָהַב
   Transliteration: ʼâhab
   Pronunciation: aw-hab'
   Description: or אָהֵב ; a primitive root; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7354
   There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָחֵל
   Transliteration: Râchêl
   Pronunciation: raw-khale'
   Description: the same as רָחֵל; Rachel, a wife of Jacob; Rachel.
   
4. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); 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.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5647
   There are 263 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָבַד
   Transliteration: ʻâbad
   Pronunciation: aw-bad'
   Description: a primitive root; to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc.; [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper,
   
6. Strong's Number: H7651
   There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁבַע
   Transliteration: shebaʻ
   Pronunciation: sheh'-bah
   Description: or (masculine) (שִׁבְעָה); from שָׁבַע; a primitive cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number; ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare שִׁבְעָנָה.
   
7. Strong's Number: H8141
   There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁנֶה
   Transliteration: shâneh
   Pronunciation: shaw-neh'
   Description: (in plural or (feminine) שָׁנָה; from שָׁנָה; a year (as a revolution of time); [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly).
   
8. Strong's Number: H6996
   There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָטָן
   Transliteration: qâṭân
   Pronunciation: kaw-tawn'
   Description: or קָטֹן; from קוּט; abbreviated, i.e. diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance); least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est).
   
9. Strong's Number: H1323
   There are 499 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בַּת
   Transliteration: bath
   Pronunciation: bath
   Description: from בָּנָה (as feminine of בֵּן); a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively); apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village.