Genesis 29:5

KJV

And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know [him].

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, Know {H3045} ye Laban {H3837} the son {H1121} of Nahor {H5152}? And they said {H559}, We know {H3045} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked them, "Do you know Lavan the [grand]son of Nachor?" They said, "We do."

Berean Standard Bible

“Do you know Laban the grandson of Nahor?” Jacob asked. “We know him,” they replied.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 29:5 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey, recording his initial inquiry to local shepherds at a well in Haran: "Know ye Laban the son of Nahor?" This seemingly simple question is divinely orchestrated, immediately preceding his encounter with Rachel, Laban's daughter, and setting the stage for Jacob's extended stay with his mother's kin, fulfilling God's providential guidance for his life and the continuation of the covenant lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 29:5 is situated immediately after Jacob's arrival in the land of the people of the East, having fled from Esau and experienced the transformative dream at Bethel, where God reiterated the Abrahamic covenant promises to him ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Journey and Bethel Dream")). The narrative flow transitions from Jacob's solitary journey and divine encounter to his integration into human society and the commencement of his family life. This verse serves as the crucial opening dialogue that connects Jacob to his extended family, specifically Laban's household, which is the stated purpose of his journey as instructed by Isaac ([Genesis 28:1-2](/genesis/28-1-2 "Isaac's Charge to Jacob")). The well, a recurring motif in Genesis for significant encounters (e.g., Abraham's servant and Rebekah in [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Rebekah at the Well")), here functions as the divinely appointed meeting place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wells were far more than mere water sources; they were vital social and economic hubs. In arid regions, access to water dictated settlement patterns and daily routines. Shepherds, like those Jacob encounters, would gather their flocks at wells during specific times of the day for watering, making them natural places for communication, news exchange, and the formation of relationships. Familial ties and tribal loyalty were paramount in this patriarchal society, and endogamous marriage (marrying within one's kin group) was strongly preferred to maintain lineage purity and strengthen family alliances. Jacob's journey to Haran to find a wife from his mother's family ([Genesis 24:3-4](/genesis/24-3-4 "Abraham's instructions for Isaac's wife")) reflects this deep-seated cultural norm, ensuring the continuation of the covenant line through a recognized and acceptable source.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. It highlights **Divine Providence and Guidance**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly mundane human interactions to fulfill His grand purposes, as promised to Jacob at Bethel ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")). The theme of **Kinship and Covenant Continuation** is central, as Jacob's quest is directly tied to securing a wife from his own people to perpetuate the lineage through which God's promises to Abraham would be realized ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). Furthermore, the narrative emphasizes **The Significance of Wells as Meeting Places**, not just for physical sustenance but for pivotal life events and the forging of new relationships, a motif seen earlier with Rebekah and Eliezer in [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Rebekah and Eliezer at the Well").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This word (H3045) is a primitive root meaning "to know," but it encompasses a vast range of understanding, from simple acquaintance to intimate, experiential knowledge. Here, Jacob's use of "know ye" is a direct inquiry about their familiarity with Laban, implying not just knowledge of his existence but his whereabouts, reputation, perhaps even his character. The shepherds' affirmative response, "We know [him]," signifies their direct acquaintance and ability to confirm his presence in the region, which is crucial for Jacob's next steps.
* **Laban (Hebrew, _Lâbân'_):** This proper noun (H3837) refers to Laban, the son of Bethuel and brother of Rebekah, making him Jacob's uncle. His name means "white," possibly referring to his flocks or a personal characteristic. Jacob's specific inquiry about Laban indicates his precise knowledge of his mother's family, underscoring the purpose of his journey to find a wife from his kin in Paddan-Aram. Laban will become a central figure in Jacob's life for the next two decades, his character evolving from a welcoming relative to a shrewd and deceptive employer.
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** The Hebrew word _ben_ (H1121) literally means "son," but as the Strong's data indicates, it has a much broader semantic range, often signifying "descendant," "kinsman," or even "member of a group." While Laban was genealogically the *grandson* of Nahor (Abraham's brother) and the son of Bethuel ([Genesis 24:29](/genesis/24-29 "Bethuel, Laban's Father")), the phrase "Laban the son of Nahor" is a common biblical idiom for a close familial relationship or descent within a patriarchal line, rather than a strict direct father-son link. This usage emphasizes Laban's direct connection to Jacob's ancestral family through Nahor, solidifying his identity within the broader clan Jacob was seeking.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This simple introductory clause establishes Jacob as the speaker, initiating the conversation. It highlights his proactive approach upon encountering the local shepherds, immediately seeking information pertinent to his mission. This direct address underscores the urgency and singular focus of Jacob's quest.
* **"Know ye Laban the son of Nahor?"**: This is Jacob's direct and pointed question. It reveals his specific objective: to locate his mother's brother, Laban, in Haran. The inclusion of "the son of Nahor" serves to clearly identify Laban within the broader family lineage of Abraham's brother Nahor, ensuring that the shepherds understand precisely whom Jacob is inquiring about. This question is the linchpin that connects Jacob to his future.
* **"And they said, We know [him]."**: The shepherds' succinct and affirmative response confirms Jacob's successful arrival at the correct location and his immediate proximity to his relatives. This brief exchange is profoundly significant; it is the confirmation Jacob needed, opening the door to the next phase of his life and setting the stage for his encounter with Rachel, Laban's daughter, who arrives moments later.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Dialogue**, which is a fundamental literary device for advancing the plot and revealing character. Jacob's direct question and the shepherds' concise reply efficiently convey crucial information and establish the immediate setting for the unfolding narrative. There is a subtle use of **Foreshadowing** in the seemingly innocuous question about Laban; while it appears to be a simple inquiry, it subtly hints at the significant, and often challenging, role Laban will play in Jacob's life for the next two decades. The **Well Motif** itself is a symbolic device, frequently appearing in biblical narratives as a place of significant encounters, betrothals, and divine provision, here serving as the stage for Jacob's destiny-altering meeting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of God's meticulous **Sovereignty and Providence** working through seemingly ordinary human interactions. Jacob's journey, though fraught with danger and uncertainty, is divinely guided, leading him to the precise well at the opportune moment to connect with the very people he sought. This encounter is not coincidental but a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob at Bethel, assuring him of divine protection and guidance ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")). It underscores that God's plan unfolds even in the mundane details of life, directing steps and orchestrating meetings to achieve His redemptive purposes, particularly concerning the continuation of the covenant lineage.

* [Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "Abraham's Servant Praises God's Guidance")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 29:5 offers a profound lesson on the interplay between human initiative and divine providence. Jacob, having received divine promises, still actively engages in his journey, asking direct questions and seeking information. This reminds us that faith is not passive; it involves taking steps, asking for guidance, and engaging with the world around us, trusting that God is at work in our efforts. We are encouraged to seek wise counsel and information, recognizing that God can use the most ordinary conversations and connections to direct our paths. This verse also highlights the importance of community and shared spaces, like the well, where unexpected but divinely appointed connections can be made. It calls us to be attentive to the seemingly small details of our lives, for it is often in these moments that God's hand is most clearly seen, guiding us toward His purposes and connecting us with the people and resources we need for the next phase of our journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's providence in my everyday life?**
* **In what "ordinary" interactions or places might God be orchestrating significant connections for me?**
* **What "Laban" am I currently seeking, and how am I actively, yet trustingly, pursuing God's guidance in that pursuit?**

### FAQ
**Why does the KJV say "Laban the son of Nahor" when he was his grandson?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "son" (*ben*, H1121) has a broader meaning than its English equivalent, often referring to a descendant, including a grandson, or even a more distant kinsman within a patriarchal lineage. In biblical genealogies, this broader usage is common to emphasize familial connection rather than strict direct parentage. Laban was indeed the son of Bethuel, who was the son of Nahor ([Genesis 24:29](/genesis/24-29 "Laban's Father Bethuel")), making Laban Nahor's grandson. The phrase "Laban the son of Nahor" therefore accurately conveys his direct descent and close family relationship within Nahor's household, which was the family Jacob was seeking.

**What is the significance of Jacob asking about Laban specifically?**

Answer: Jacob's mother, Rebekah, was Laban's sister ([Genesis 24:29](/genesis/24-29 "Rebekah, Laban's Sister")). Jacob was following his father Isaac's instruction to find a wife from his mother's family in Paddan-Aram ([Genesis 28:2](/genesis/28-2 "Isaac's Instruction to Jacob")). Therefore, asking for Laban was the most direct and logical way to locate his mother's kin and fulfill the primary purpose of his journey: to secure a wife from his own people to continue the Abrahamic covenant lineage.

**Why were wells so important in ancient biblical times?**

Answer: Wells were absolutely crucial for survival in the arid climate of the ancient Near East, providing the essential water for humans, livestock, and agriculture. Beyond their practical utility, they served as vital social and economic hubs. People gathered daily at wells to water their flocks, exchange news, conduct business, and form relationships. Many significant biblical encounters, including betrothals (like Isaac and Rebekah in [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Rebekah at the Well") and Jacob and Rachel in [Genesis 29](/genesis/29 "Jacob and Rachel at the Well")), occur at wells, underscoring their importance as centers of community, sustenance, and the unfolding of life-altering events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's journey to find a bride from his own people, marked by divine guidance and culminating in his providential encounter at the well, profoundly foreshadows Christ's relationship with His Church. Just as Jacob was sent by his father to a distant land to secure a wife from his kin, so Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom, was sent by the Father from heaven to earth to gather His bride, the Church, from among all peoples ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ Loved the Church and Gave Himself for Her")). Jacob's seemingly ordinary question at the well, divinely orchestrated to lead him to Rachel, parallels the meticulous care with which God works out His redemptive plan, ultimately revealed in Christ. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus perfectly embodies the fulfillment of all God's covenant promises, gathering His chosen ones into an eternal union with Himself, making them "one flesh" with Him, just as Jacob and Rachel became one. The Church, as the spiritual offspring of Christ, continues the lineage of faith, fulfilling God's eternal purpose to have a people for His own possession, purchased by the precious blood of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 24:29

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

Genesis 24:24

And she said unto him, I [am] the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.

Genesis 31:53

The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.