Genesis 29:21

KJV

And Jacob said unto Laban, Give [me] my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} said {H559} unto Laban {H3837}, Give {H3051} me my wife {H802}, for my days {H3117} are fulfilled {H4390}, that I may go in {H935} unto her.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov said to Lavan, "Give me my wife, since my time is finished, so that I can start living with her."

Berean Standard Bible

Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Grant me my wife, for my time is complete, and I want to sleep with her.”

American Standard Version

And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 29:21 captures Jacob's forthright demand to Laban for his promised wife, Rachel, after diligently completing the agreed-upon seven years of labor. This pivotal moment underscores Jacob's expectation that the marital covenant be honored, highlighting his directness and setting the immediate stage for the unexpected deceptions and complex family dynamics that would profoundly shape the patriarchal narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of Jacob's initial seven-year commitment to Laban, which was agreed upon in [Genesis 29:18](/genesis/29-18 "Jacob's Agreement for Rachel"). Following Jacob's flight from Esau and his transformative encounter with God at Bethel ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel")), he arrived in Haran, where he met Rachel at the well. His immediate affection for her led to the unique arrangement with Laban. Jacob's declaration here marks the fulfillment of his side of the bargain, creating a moment of high anticipation for the marriage. However, this expectation is immediately subverted by Laban's cunning deception in the very next verses, introducing Leah into the narrative and complicating Jacob's family life for decades ([Genesis 29:23-25](/genesis/29-23-25 "Laban's Deception with Leah")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage agreements often involved a period of service or a bride-price paid by the prospective groom to the bride's family. Jacob's seven years of labor for Rachel exemplify this practice, serving as a form of "bride service." The consummation of marriage, expressed euphemistically as "going in unto her," was a crucial step, signifying the full establishment of the marital bond and the expectation of procreation, which was vital for family lineage and tribal continuity. The patriarchal culture also placed a high value on offspring, particularly sons, for the continuation of the family name and inheritance. This cultural backdrop illuminates Jacob's earnest desire to formalize his union with Rachel and begin building his family.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 29:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of **covenant fidelity and human obligation**, as Jacob honors his commitment, contrasting sharply with Laban's subsequent deceit. The verse also underscores the **divine design for marriage and family**, echoing God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" found in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Be Fruitful and Multiply") and the importance of establishing a household within the patriarchal narrative. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **deception and its consequences**, a recurring motif throughout the Jacob narrative, beginning with his own deception of Esau ([Genesis 27:1-40](/genesis/27-1-40 "Jacob Deceives Isaac and Esau")) and now experienced by him at the hands of Laban. Ultimately, despite human failings, the verse remains part of God's unfolding **sovereign plan** for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob")), through whom the covenant promises would be realized.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Hebrew, _yâhab'_):** Jacob's direct imperative, "Give me my wife," uses the Hebrew verb _yâhab_, a primitive root meaning "to give," "to put," or "to grant." This highlights the contractual nature of their agreement, where Jacob is now demanding the promised exchange for his seven years of labor. It's a formal request for Laban to fulfill his obligation, emphasizing the expectation of a just and timely reciprocation.
* **fulfilled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** The word _mâlêʼ_ signifies "to fill," "to be full of," or "to be at an end." In this context, "my days are fulfilled" indicates the precise and complete expiration of the agreed-upon seven-year period of service. It underscores Jacob's meticulous adherence to his part of the bargain and the completion of the stipulated time, making his demand for Rachel legitimate and overdue from his perspective.
* **go in (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** The Hebrew verb _bôwʼ_, meaning "to go or come," is used here as a common biblical euphemism for the consummation of marriage, specifically sexual union. This phrase respectfully conveys Jacob's desire to fully formalize the marital bond, including its physical intimacy, which was crucial for procreation and the continuation of the family line in ancient Israelite culture. It signifies the complete establishment of the marriage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob said unto Laban,"**: This opening phrase sets the scene, identifying the speaker and the recipient of the demand. It immediately establishes a direct, face-to-face confrontation or request, indicating Jacob's initiative in asserting his rights.
* **"Give [me] my wife,"**: This is the core of Jacob's demand, a direct and assertive statement. The possessive "my wife" indicates Jacob's claim to Rachel based on their prior agreement and his completed service. It reflects his expectation that Laban will honor the terms of their contract.
* **"for my days are fulfilled,"**: This clause provides the justification for Jacob's demand. The phrase "my days are fulfilled" signifies the precise and complete expiration of the seven-year period of labor Jacob had agreed to serve Laban for Rachel's hand. It underscores that Jacob has upheld his end of the bargain and the time for Laban to fulfill his promise has arrived.
* **"that I may go in unto her."**: This concluding clause expresses Jacob's ultimate desire for the marriage. "To go in unto her" is a common biblical euphemism for the consummation of marriage, the act of sexual union. It respectfully conveys Jacob's longing to fully establish the marital bond, which was essential for procreation and the continuation of the family lineage in ancient Israelite society.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and emotional weight. **Direct Speech** is prominently featured, allowing Jacob's assertive demand to be heard clearly and without ambiguity, emphasizing his expectation of immediate fulfillment. The phrase "my days are fulfilled" functions as a form of **Legal Language** or **Contractual Language**, highlighting the binding nature of the agreement between Jacob and Laban and Jacob's meticulous adherence to its terms. Furthermore, "that I may go in unto her" is a classic example of **Euphemism**, a polite or indirect expression used to refer to something considered too blunt or embarrassing to mention directly. This euphemism respectfully alludes to the physical consummation of marriage, which was a vital component of establishing a legitimate union and ensuring progeny in the ancient Near East.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 29:21 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical emphasis on integrity and the fulfillment of promises. Jacob's forthright demand, grounded in his completed service, underscores the divine expectation that agreements, whether formal covenants or personal commitments, should be honored. This principle of faithfulness, though immediately challenged by Laban's deception, remains a cornerstone of righteous living. The verse also implicitly affirms the sanctity and purpose of marriage within God's created order, highlighting both the physical and relational aspects essential for the establishment of family and the continuation of God's covenant people. Even amidst the unfolding human drama of expectation and betrayal, God's overarching plan for Jacob's lineage, through whom the twelve tribes would emerge, continues to advance, demonstrating His sovereignty over human actions and imperfections.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Fulfilling Vows")
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Lying Lips are an Abomination")
* [Malachi 2:14-15](/malachi/2-14-15 "God Hates Divorce")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's patient endurance of seven years of labor for Rachel, culminating in his confident demand in [Genesis 29:21](/genesis/29-21 "Jacob Demands Rachel"), offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His steadfastness in fulfilling his commitment, even when the reward was delayed, challenges us to cultivate perseverance and integrity in our own relationships and responsibilities. We are called to be people of our word, honoring our commitments, whether to God or to others, recognizing that our faithfulness reflects the character of God Himself. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that while we may fulfill our obligations and expect just outcomes, life often presents unexpected challenges and deceptions, much like Laban's trickery. In such moments, like Jacob, we are called to trust in God's overarching sovereignty, knowing that He can work His purposes even through human imperfection and adversity. Our ultimate hope and fulfillment are found not in perfect circumstances, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I being called to exhibit Jacob's patience and perseverance in pursuing a righteous goal?**
* **How does my commitment to fulfilling promises and acting with integrity reflect my understanding of God's character?**
* **In what situations have I experienced unmet expectations or deception, and how did I respond in faith to God's continued sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What does "my days are fulfilled" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "my days are fulfilled" (Hebrew: _mal'u_) signifies the precise completion of the seven-year period of labor that Jacob agreed to serve Laban in exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage, as detailed in [Genesis 29:18](/genesis/29-18 "Jacob's Agreement for Rachel"). It indicates that Jacob had fully discharged his contractual obligation, making his demand for Rachel legitimate according to their agreement and the cultural norms of the time.

**What is the meaning of "that I may go in unto her"?**

Answer: "That I may go in unto her" is a common biblical euphemism for the consummation of marriage, referring to the sexual union between husband and wife. It respectfully acknowledges the physical aspect of marriage, which was essential for procreation and the continuation of the family line in ancient Israelite culture, fulfilling the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply" found in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Be Fruitful and Multiply").

**How does this verse foreshadow future events in Jacob's life?**

Answer: While Jacob's demand is based on a fulfilled agreement and an expectation of integrity, this verse immediately precedes Laban's significant act of deception. Instead of Rachel, Laban gives Leah to Jacob ([Genesis 29:23-25](/genesis/29-23-25 "Laban's Deception with Leah")), setting in motion decades of family strife, polygamy, and complex relationships. This deception profoundly shapes the early history of the Israelite patriarchs and the formation of the twelve tribes, highlighting the theme of human imperfection and God's sovereign work amidst it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 29:21, with Jacob's earnest demand for his promised bride after a period of faithful service, subtly foreshadows the ultimate Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Just as Jacob diligently served for Rachel, Christ served God perfectly, fulfilling all righteousness and completing His redemptive work on the cross, a "service" that procured His bride, the Church. His "days were fulfilled" not in a temporal sense of labor, but in the complete accomplishment of His mission, culminating in His death, resurrection, and ascension, thereby making His Church ready for the eternal union. The longing of Jacob for his bride mirrors Christ's own profound desire for His Church, for whom He gave Himself up ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ Loves the Church")). Furthermore, the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah passes directly through Jacob's family, highlighting how God's covenant promises, though often unfolding amidst human imperfection and struggle, are ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom who perfectly keeps His promises and will one day fully claim His redeemed people in glory ([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

Judges 15:1

¶ But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in.

Genesis 38:16

And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she [was] his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?

Genesis 29:20

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him [but] a few days, for the love he had to her.

Genesis 4:1

¶ And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.

Genesis 31:41

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Genesis 29:18

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

Matthew 1:18

¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.