Genesis 24:29

ยถ And Rebekah had a brother, and his name [was] Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.

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}.

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.

Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he rushed out to the man at the spring.

And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the fountain.

Commentary

Genesis 24:29 introduces a pivotal character, Laban, Rebekah's brother, who quickly responds to the arrival of Abraham's servant at the well, setting the stage for significant interactions in the narrative of Isaac's marriage.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is situated during Abraham's quest to secure a wife for his son, Isaac, from among his own kindred in Mesopotamia. In the ancient Near East, wells were not merely sources of water but vital communal gathering places, often serving as social hubs for meeting strangers and conducting business. The custom of hospitality was paramount, and the arrival of a wealthy caravan, as indicated by the servant's gifts and camels mentioned in earlier verses, would have been a notable event. Laban's swift action reflects both the expected custom of welcoming travelers and perhaps an early glimpse into his pragmatic, self-interested nature that becomes more evident later in the biblical narrative concerning Jacob.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Laban's Introduction: This verse marks Laban's first appearance in the biblical narrative. His immediate and eager response to the servant's presence foreshadows his active, and often manipulative, role in the lives of Rebekah and later, Jacob.
  • Eagerness and Hospitality: Laban "ran out" to meet the man, indicating a swift and perhaps enthusiastic welcome. While this appears as an act of hospitality, it's also likely fueled by the sight of the valuable gifts Rebekah received (Genesis 24:22) and the servant's obvious wealth, hinting at Laban's shrewdness and opportunistic character.
  • Divine Orchestration: Even in human reactions like Laban's, the broader narrative of Genesis 24 emphasizes God's guiding hand in orchestrating events to bring Isaac and Rebekah together, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "ran out" (ื•ึทื™ึธึผืจึธืฅ, vayyarats) emphasizes Laban's swift and energetic movement. It suggests an immediate, perhaps impetuous, reaction rather than a casual stroll. This dynamism characterizes Laban's personality throughout his interactions in Genesis, mirroring Rebekah's own swift action when she "ran" to tell her mother's household in Genesis 24:28.

Practical Application

Genesis 24:29, though brief, offers insights into human nature and divine providence. It reminds us that people often act from mixed motivesโ€”a blend of genuine hospitality, curiosity, and self-interest. For believers, it highlights how God can use various human actions, even those driven by less noble intentions, to accomplish His ultimate purposes. It encourages us to observe carefully the character of those we encounter and to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem to unfold through ordinary human interactions, as seen in the search for a suitable partner for Isaac.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.
โ† Back