Genesis 24:29

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:29 introduces Laban, Rebekah's brother, whose immediate and energetic response to Abraham's servant at the well not only exemplifies ancient Near Eastern hospitality but also subtly hints at his shrewd and opportunistic character, thereby setting the stage for crucial interactions concerning Isaac's marriage and foreshadowing Laban's significant, often self-serving, role in the unfolding patriarchal narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Rebekah's swift return to her mother's household in [Genesis 24:28](/genesis/24-28 "Rebekah's Haste to Her Family"), where she excitedly recounts her encounter with Abraham's servant and the valuable gifts she received. Her report acts as the catalyst for Laban's action. The preceding narrative details Abraham's solemn charge to his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own kindred, emphasizing divine guidance throughout the journey, as highlighted by the servant's prayer and its immediate answer at the well in [Genesis 24:12-27](/genesis/24-12-27 "The Servant's Prayer and God's Provision"). Laban's appearance marks a pivotal moment, as the focus shifts from the servant's quest to the family's reception and negotiation, leading directly into the servant's detailed account of his mission to Rebekah's family in [Genesis 24:33-49](/genesis/24-33-49 "The Servant's Account to Laban's Family").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wells were far more than just water sources; they were vital social and economic hubs. They served as meeting places, centers for news exchange, and often the first point of contact for travelers. Hospitality was a paramount cultural value, obligating households to offer shelter and sustenance to weary strangers, especially those arriving with a large retinue, as Abraham's servant did with his ten camels in [Genesis 24:10](/genesis/24-10 "Abraham's Servant's Journey"). The display of wealth, such as the gold nose ring and bracelets given to Rebekah in [Genesis 24:22](/genesis/24-22 "The Servant's Gifts to Rebekah"), would have been immediately recognized and understood as a sign of the traveler's high status and the potential for a significant alliance or transaction, prompting a swift and eager response from the host family.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:29 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine providence and guidance**, as God orchestrates human actions, even those driven by mixed motives, to fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham regarding his descendants and the land, as first outlined in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant"). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **character revelation**, providing an early glimpse into Laban's personality—his proactivity, and perhaps his shrewdness—which will become more fully developed and problematic in his later interactions with Jacob in [Genesis 29-31](/genesis/29-31 "Jacob's Sojourn with Laban"). Finally, it highlights the **importance of family and kinship** in securing the lineage of promise, as the search for Isaac's bride is strictly confined to Abraham's relatives, ensuring the continuity of the covenant line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 24:29 marks the formal introduction of Laban, a character whose presence will significantly impact the patriarchal narrative. His actions in this verse are swift and telling, providing an initial insight into his character.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **brother (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** (H251) This primitive word denotes a male sibling but is used in the widest sense to include literal relationship, metaphorical affinity, or resemblance. Here, it establishes Laban's direct familial link to Rebekah, emphasizing the importance of kinship in the patriarchal society and the specific instruction from Abraham to seek a wife from his own kindred.
* **ran (Hebrew, _rûwts'_):** (H7323) This primitive root means "to run" for various reasons, often implying haste or urgency. In this context, Laban's "running" signifies a rapid, energetic, and perhaps even impetuous movement. It echoes Rebekah's own "running" to her household in the preceding verse, suggesting a shared dynamism or eagerness within the family.
* **out (Hebrew, _chûwts'_):** (H2351) This term, derived from a root meaning "to sever," properly refers to something separate by a wall, hence "outside" or "outdoors." When combined with "ran," it vividly depicts Laban's immediate departure from his dwelling to the public space of the well, indicating his prompt and decisive response to the news.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rebekah had a brother, and his name [was] Laban":** This clause formally introduces Laban, establishing his familial relationship to Rebekah. The name "Laban" (from H3837) means "white" or "pure," which stands in ironic contrast to his later actions, which are often characterized by deception and self-interest. His introduction here is crucial, as he will become a central figure in the subsequent events, particularly in the negotiations for Rebekah's marriage and later in Jacob's life.
* **"and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.":** This second clause describes Laban's immediate and energetic action. The verb "ran" (וַיָּרָץ, _vayyarats_) conveys a sense of urgency and eagerness. His destination, "unto the man" (referring to Abraham's servant, H376, _ʼîysh_), and "unto the well" (H5869, _ʻayin_, a common gathering place), highlights his direct intention to engage with the newly arrived stranger. This swift response is driven by a combination of customary hospitality and, as the narrative subtly implies, a keen awareness of the valuable gifts Rebekah had received, suggesting an underlying opportunistic motive.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Character Introduction** is primary, as Laban is formally presented to the reader, immediately establishing his relationship to Rebekah and his proactive nature. The **Repetition** of the verb "ran" (from Rebekah in [Genesis 24:28](/genesis/24-28 "Rebekah's Swift Action") to Laban here) creates a sense of shared family dynamism and eagerness, though their motivations may differ. There is also subtle **Foreshadowing** in Laban's swift and perhaps overly enthusiastic response; his eagerness to engage with the wealthy stranger hints at the shrewd, self-serving, and manipulative character he will fully reveal in later chapters, particularly in his dealings with Jacob. This initial portrayal, therefore, sets the stage for future narrative developments and character conflicts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:29, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It illustrates how divine providence can work through various human motivations—be they pure hospitality, curiosity, or even self-interest—to accomplish God's overarching plan. Laban's immediate response, while seemingly driven by pragmatic concerns related to wealth and social standing, ultimately serves God's purpose in bringing Isaac and Rebekah together, ensuring the continuation of the covenant line. This highlights God's sovereignty, demonstrating that His will is not thwarted by human complexity but rather seamlessly integrates it into His perfect design. The narrative implicitly teaches that God's hand is at work even in the seemingly mundane or self-serving actions of individuals, directing them toward His ultimate redemptive purposes.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works for Our Good")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "God Works in You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:29 offers a concise yet profound insight into human nature and divine providence. It reminds us that individuals often act from complex, sometimes contradictory, motivations—a blend of genuine kindness, curiosity, and self-interest. For believers, this highlights how God can sovereignly use various human actions, even those driven by less than pure intentions, to accomplish His overarching will. It encourages us to observe carefully the character of those we encounter, understanding that outward actions may mask deeper motivations, and to ultimately trust in God's guiding hand, which orchestrates events through ordinary human interactions to fulfill His divine plan. This narrative invites us to reflect on our own motivations, encouraging us to align them more fully with God's purposes, while simultaneously resting in the assurance that His sovereign plan will prevail regardless of human imperfection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Laban's immediate response to the servant challenge or affirm your understanding of human motivation in the context of divine plans?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly ordinary or even self-interested actions in your life or the lives of others to advance His greater purposes?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart that seeks to act with pure motives, even as we acknowledge God's ability to work through all circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why was Laban so quick to meet Abraham's servant at the well?**

Answer: Laban's swift response, indicated by the Hebrew word *vayyarats* ("ran out"), was likely a combination of customary ancient Near Eastern hospitality towards travelers and a strong element of self-interest. Having heard from Rebekah about the servant's valuable gifts—specifically the gold nose ring and bracelets mentioned in [Genesis 24:22](/genesis/24-22 "The Servant's Gifts to Rebekah")—and the obvious wealth of his caravan (including ten camels, as noted in [Genesis 24:10](/genesis/24-10 "The Servant's Journey")), Laban would have been eager to assess the situation and explore potential benefits for his household. This eagerness foreshadows his later opportunistic character, which becomes more pronounced in his dealings with Jacob in [Genesis 29-31](/genesis/29-31 "Jacob's Sojourn with Laban").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous divine orchestration seen in [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "The Search for Isaac's Bride"), particularly in God's guidance of the servant to find Rebekah for Isaac, serves as an Old Testament type pointing towards Christ's ultimate redemptive work. Just as a bride was sought for the son of promise, Isaac, so too does Christ, the true Son of Promise, actively seek and gather His bride, the Church, from among the nations, as described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ Loves the Church"). Laban's role, though mixed in motive, ultimately facilitated the union through which the messianic line would continue, culminating in the Incarnation of Jesus, who perfectly fulfills God's covenant promises. The divine providence that ensured Rebekah's arrival at the well and Laban's subsequent welcome, despite his character flaws, highlights God's sovereign ability to use all human agency to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, ultimately leading to the glorious marriage supper of the Lamb (cf. [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.