Genesis 29:28

KJV

And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} did {H6213} so, and fulfilled {H4390} her week {H7620}: and he gave {H5414} him Rachel {H7354} his daughter {H1323} to wife {H802} also.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov agreed to this, so he finished her week, and Lavan gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jacob did just that. He finished the week’s celebration, and Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.

American Standard Version

And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 29:28 meticulously records Jacob's immediate and complete compliance with Laban's revised terms following the deception concerning Leah. This pivotal moment details Jacob's fulfillment of Leah's wedding week, after which Laban, as promised, gave Rachel to Jacob as his second wife, setting the stage for an additional seven years of labor. The verse underscores Jacob's profound devotion to Rachel and highlights the complex, divinely orchestrated family dynamics that would ultimately contribute to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 29:28 is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Jacob's life in Haran, immediately following the dramatic deception by Laban. Jacob had served seven years for Rachel, only to be tricked into marrying Leah on the wedding night ([Genesis 29:21-25](/genesis/29-21-25 "Jacob's Marriage to Leah")). Upon discovering the deceit, Jacob confronted Laban, who then offered Rachel under the condition that Jacob first complete Leah's bridal week and commit to another seven years of service ([Genesis 29:26-27](/genesis/29-26-27 "Laban's Justification and Offer")). This verse, therefore, marks Jacob's acceptance and execution of this new, burdensome agreement, solidifying his commitment to Laban's terms and setting the stage for the subsequent family rivalries and the births of his children. It directly precedes the account of Jacob's subsequent children born to Leah and Rachel, and their handmaids ([Genesis 29:31-30:24](/genesis/29-31-30-24 "Birth of Jacob's Children")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of a "wedding week" (or "bridal week") was a common custom in the ancient Near East, signifying the formal consummation and public recognition of a marriage. This period typically lasted seven days, during which the bride and groom were celebrated. Laban's insistence on Jacob "fulfilling her week" for Leah before receiving Rachel was not merely a cultural observance but a shrewd manipulation, leveraging tradition to bind Jacob further. Furthermore, polygamy, while not the ideal established in creation ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The Institution of Marriage")), was a recognized, albeit often problematic, practice in the patriarchal period, frequently driven by the desire for numerous offspring, especially sons. Laban's actions also reflect the patriarchal authority of the father over his daughters' marriages and the importance of the firstborn in succession and marriage customs, as he explicitly stated in [Genesis 29:26](/genesis/29-26 "Laban's Explanation").
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 29:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of **deception and its consequences**, as Laban's trickery mirrors Jacob's own earlier deception of Esau and Isaac ([Genesis 27:1-40](/genesis/27 "Jacob Deceives Isaac and Esau")), suggesting a divine poetic justice or the reaping of what is sown. The verse also powerfully illustrates the theme of **God's sovereignty amidst human imperfection and sin**, demonstrating how God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continue to unfold despite the complex and morally ambiguous actions of human agents. Finally, it underscores the theme of **divine providence in the formation of Israel's twelve tribes**, as the establishment of Jacob's dual marriage, however fraught with tension, was the means through which the patriarchs of the future nation would be born. The enduring **power of love and commitment** is also evident in Jacob's willingness to endure severe hardship for Rachel, contrasting sharply with Laban's manipulative opportunism.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ_ H4390):** This verb signifies "to fill, to be full of, to accomplish, or to complete." In this context, it denotes Jacob's act of bringing to completion the seven-day period of celebration and consummation for his marriage to Leah. It implies not just the passage of time, but the full observance of the customary rites and obligations associated with the wedding, thereby formalizing Leah's status as his wife before he could proceed with the arrangement for Rachel.
* **gave (Hebrew, _nâthan_ H5414):** This is a very broad and common Hebrew verb meaning "to give, to put, to place, to set, or to grant." Here, it describes Laban's action of bestowing Rachel upon Jacob as a wife. The use of this verb emphasizes Laban's patriarchal authority and his role in arranging the marriage, fulfilling his part of the new, albeit coercive, agreement. It highlights the transactional nature of the marriage arrangement from Laban's perspective.
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath_ H1323):** This noun refers to a female offspring. In this verse, it specifically identifies Rachel as Laban's "daughter," emphasizing her familial relationship to Laban and his right to give her in marriage. It also subtly underscores the patriarchal context where daughters were often seen as assets to be given in marriage, often for a bride price or, in this case, for labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob did so,"**: This opening clause indicates Jacob's immediate and decisive compliance with Laban's terms. Despite the profound deception and the emotional turmoil it must have caused, Jacob's deep love for Rachel compelled him to accept the additional seven years of service without hesitation. This phrase conveys his full and swift agreement to the new, burdensome conditions imposed by Laban, demonstrating a remarkable resolve driven by his affection.
* **"and fulfilled her week:"**: This refers to the completion of the traditional seven-day wedding celebration and consummation period for Leah. This "week" (Hebrew: _shavua_) was a customary duration for wedding festivities in the ancient Near East, signifying the formalization and public recognition of the marriage. For Jacob, fulfilling this week was not merely a cultural observance but a contractual obligation imposed by Laban, a prerequisite for receiving Rachel. It solidified Leah's position as Jacob's wife, even if she was not his intended bride, and created a temporary, forced acknowledgment of this reality.
* **"and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also."**: Following the completion of Leah's wedding week, Laban honored his part of the revised agreement by giving Rachel to Jacob. This marks the beginning of Jacob's polygamous marriage, a situation that would inevitably lead to significant tension, rivalry, and emotional distress within his household, yet providentially served as the means through which God's plan for the twelve tribes of Israel would unfold. The inclusion of "also" emphasizes that Rachel became a second wife, not a replacement for Leah, setting the stage for the complex family dynamics that follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Conciseness** is evident in the straightforward declaration of Jacob's actions, allowing the reader to grasp the immediate consequence of Laban's manipulation. The phrase "did so" functions as a **synecdoche**, representing the entirety of Jacob's compliance with the new, demanding terms without needing to explicitly state the additional seven years of labor again, as it was already established in the preceding verse. The narrative uses **juxtaposition** by placing Jacob's unwavering commitment to Rachel against Laban's deceptive and opportunistic character, highlighting the contrast in their moral standing. Furthermore, the mention of "her week" serves as a **cultural allusion**, referencing a widely understood ancient Near Eastern custom that would have been immediately recognizable to the original audience, grounding the narrative in its historical context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 29:28 is a profound illustration of God's sovereign hand at work even amidst human sin, deception, and complicated family dynamics. Jacob's willingness to endure further hardship for Rachel underscores the depth of his love, yet the circumstances highlight the far-reaching consequences of deception, both Laban's and Jacob's own previous actions. This verse sets the stage for the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel through Jacob's two wives and their handmaids, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan progresses through imperfect human agents and challenging situations, ultimately for His glory and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

* [Genesis 35:10-12](/genesis/35-10-12 "God Renames Jacob and Reaffirms the Covenant")
* [Deuteronomy 21:15-17](/deuteronomy/21-15-17 "Rights of the Firstborn Son")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 29:28 offers a compelling narrative of commitment, consequence, and divine sovereignty that resonates deeply with contemporary life. Jacob's enduring love for Rachel, which compelled him to accept an additional seven years of arduous labor, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of genuine affection and perseverance in the face of adversity. It challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitments—whether in relationships, vocations, or our faith—and whether we are willing to endure unexpected difficulties for what we truly value. Simultaneously, the chapter's broader context, marked by Laban's deception, serves as a poignant reminder of the ripple effects of dishonesty and manipulation. It illustrates how such actions can create intricate, painful, and long-lasting complications within families and communities, emphasizing the profound importance of integrity and truthfulness in all our dealings. Ultimately, the passage encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, recognizing that even amidst human failings, trickery, and personal hardship, His divine purposes are unfurling, and He can work through imperfect circumstances and individuals to bring about His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I called to demonstrate perseverance and commitment, even when circumstances are unfair or challenging?**
* **How do my actions, particularly those involving honesty and integrity, impact the relationships and dynamics within my family or community?**
* **In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty to work out His purposes, even when my own life circumstances feel complex or beyond my control?**

### FAQ
**What does "fulfilled her week" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Fulfilled her week" refers to Jacob completing the customary seven-day wedding celebration and consummation period for Leah. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, this "week" was a traditional duration for wedding festivities, essential for formalizing and publicly acknowledging a marriage. For Jacob, it was also a specific condition imposed by Laban, serving as a prerequisite for him to receive Rachel as his second wife, as detailed in [Genesis 29:27](/genesis/29-27 "Laban's Offer of Rachel").

**Why did Jacob agree to Laban's deceptive terms?**

Answer: Jacob agreed to Laban's terms primarily due to his profound and unwavering love for Rachel. Despite the profound deception and the imposition of an additional seven years of labor, his desire to marry Rachel was so intense that he was willing to endure the hardship and unfairness orchestrated by Laban. This deep affection is highlighted earlier in [Genesis 29:20](/genesis/29-20 "Jacob's Love for Rachel"), where his initial seven years of service "seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jacob's perseverance and the complex formation of his family, though steeped in human imperfection and deception, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate redemptive work of Christ. Jacob's lineage, born from these very marriages, forms the foundational nation of Israel, from whom the Messiah would ultimately descend, fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). Just as Jacob endured immense hardship and manipulative circumstances out of a deep, abiding love for his beloved Rachel, Christ, driven by an immeasurable, divine love, willingly endured the cross and the suffering of sin to secure His bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")). The unfolding of God's sovereign plan through flawed human instruments in Genesis, navigating deception and rivalry to bring forth a chosen people, beautifully anticipates the perfect and complete redemption achieved through Jesus. He establishes a new covenant and a spiritual family, not bound by human trickery or imperfection, but by His perfect sacrifice, divine grace, and enduring truth, uniting all who believe in Him as heirs of the promises ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise")).

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.