Genesis 29:14

And Laban said to him, Surely thou [art] my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

And Laban {H3837} said {H559} to him, Surely {H389} thou art my bone {H6106} and my flesh {H1320}. And he abode {H3427} with him the space {H3117} of a month {H2320}.

Lavan said to him, "You are indeed my own flesh and blood." After Ya'akov had stayed with him for a whole month,

Then Laban declared, โ€œYou are indeed my own flesh and blood.โ€ After Jacob had stayed with him a month,

And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 29:14

This verse follows Jacob's dramatic arrival in Haran after fleeing from his brother Esau (Genesis 27:43). He has just met his cousin Rachel at the well (Genesis 29:10) and has been brought to Laban, his mother Rebekah's brother. Laban's immediate words express an acknowledgment of their close familial bond and a welcoming gesture, setting the stage for Jacob's extended stay.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Kinship and Family Ties: Laban's declaration, "Surely thou art my bone and my flesh," is a powerful ancient Near Eastern idiom signifying close blood relationship and belonging. It means "you are truly my family." This phrase underscores the importance of family connections in the patriarchal narratives, often serving as a basis for hospitality and obligation. Similar expressions of deep kinship can be found elsewhere in Scripture, such as when Adam recognizes Eve (Genesis 2:23) or when the tribes of Israel acknowledge David (2 Samuel 5:1).
  • Hospitality and Initial Acceptance: Laban's welcome, though later complicated by his deceptive nature, initially provides Jacob with a refuge. The "space of a month" likely served as a trial period for Jacob to demonstrate his value and for Laban to assess his new kinsman, a common practice before formalizing employment or long-term living arrangements in that culture.
  • Divine Providence: Despite Jacob's difficult circumstances and his past deception, God's providential care is evident as he finds acceptance and a temporary home among his relatives, fulfilling part of God's promise to be with him (Genesis 28:15).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bone and my flesh" (Hebrew: ืขึถืฆึฐืžึดื™ ื•ึผื‘ึฐืฉึธื‚ืจึดื™, etzmi u'b'sari) is a strong declaration of consanguinity. It conveys a deep sense of shared identity and belonging. For Laban to use this phrase indicates a genuine, if perhaps self-serving, recognition of Jacob as a true kinsman, deserving of immediate welcome and consideration.

Practical Application

This verse highlights the enduring value of family and kinship. Even in challenging circumstances, finding connection and acceptance within one's family or community can provide essential support and a sense of belonging. It also reminds us that initial impressions and declarations of kinship, while important, do not always reveal the full character of individuals, as Jacob would soon discover with Laban's later deceptions (Genesis 29:25).

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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

  • 2 Samuel 19:12 (8 votes)

    Ye [are] my brethren, ye [are] my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?

  • 2 Samuel 19:13 (8 votes)

    And say ye to Amasa, [Art] thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

  • Judges 9:2 (6 votes)

    Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether [is] better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, [which are] threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I [am] your bone and your flesh.

  • Genesis 2:23 (6 votes)

    And Adam said, This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

  • 2 Samuel 5:1 (4 votes)

    ยถ Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.

  • Genesis 29:12 (2 votes)

    And Jacob told Rachel that he [was] her father's brother, and that he [was] Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father.

  • Micah 7:5 (2 votes)

    Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.