Genesis 24:29 kjv

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

Genesis 24:29 nkjv

Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban, and Laban ran out to the man by the well.

Genesis 24:29 niv

Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he hurried out to the man at the spring.

Genesis 24:29 esv

Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban. Laban ran out toward the man, to the spring.

Genesis 24:29 nlt

Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, who ran out to meet the man at the spring.

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 29 Meaning

Genesis 24:29 describes Laban's swift reaction to Abraham's servant, Eliezer, immediately after his sister Rebekah informed him of the servant's encounter and gifts. Laban's haste to meet the man at the well is driven by the visible evidence of the servant's wealth—the valuable nose ring and bracelets on Rebekah—and by her account of the significant exchange. This verse sets the stage for the crucial family negotiations concerning Rebekah's hand in marriage to Isaac, highlighting Laban's eager, perhaps materialistic, interest.

Genesis 24 29 Context

This verse is part of the pivotal narrative in Genesis chapter 24, which details Abraham's search for a wife for his son Isaac from among his own kin. Abraham sends his trusted chief servant, Eliezer, on this vital mission, with strict instructions not to take a Canaanite wife. After a divinely guided journey and a successful encounter with Rebekah at the well in Nahor, the servant presents her with valuable gold jewelry. Rebekah, realizing the significance, immediately runs home to her mother's house to share the news. Genesis 24:29 describes the immediate reaction of Laban, Rebekah's brother, to this information and the tangible evidence of wealth, leading him to quickly approach Abraham's servant. This interaction paves the way for the servant to present his request to Rebekah's family, ultimately securing her as Isaac's bride. Historically, familial ties and marital alliances were crucial in the ancient Near East, often involving a bride-price or gifts to establish connections and validate lineage. Laban's quick response aligns with these cultural norms, albeit with an added hint of self-interest that will be fully unveiled in his later dealings with Jacob.

Genesis 24 29 Word analysis

• Then Laban (וַיָּבֹא לָבָן - vayyavo Lavan): Laban's name (Lavan) means "white." He is Rebekah's brother and Bathuel's son, first introduced here. The Hebrew וַיָּבֹא (vayyavo, literally "and he came") sets the scene for his arrival and subsequent actions described by וַיָּרָץ (vayya'ratz, "and he ran").
• ran out (וַיָּרָץ - vayya'ratz): This verb emphasizes swift movement and eagerness. It suggests a keen, perhaps over-eager, response to the news. This haste subtly hints at Laban's later opportunistic character when dealing with Jacob, contrasting with Abraham's servant's methodical and prayerful approach.
• to the man (אֶל-הָאִישׁ - el-ha'ish): Refers to Eliezer, Abraham's trusted servant. Laban's target is not just any man, but clearly the bearer of gifts and news of wealth.
• at the spring (אֶל-הָעַיִן - el-ha'ayin): The ayin refers to the "eye" or a "natural spring/fountain," highlighting the location where Eliezer first met Rebekah and where his camels were resting. This detail roots the narrative in a specific, known place of encounter.
• and when he saw (וַיַּרְא - vayyar): The Hebrew verb "to see" (רָאָה, ra'ah) highlights the visual stimulus for Laban's reaction. It wasn't just the words, but the visible proof that propelled his action.
• the nose ring (הַנֶּזֶם - hannezem): A piece of jewelry, potentially an earring or a prominent nose ornament. Its size and weight (mentioned in Gen 24:22 as half a shekel of gold) signify its considerable value. In ancient cultures, such jewelry represented wealth, status, and commitment, acting as a tangible part of the 'mohar' (bride price) or a preliminary gift from the prospective groom's family.
• and the bracelets (וְהַצְּמִידִים - vehatstsemidim): Plural, meaning multiple bracelets (also mentioned with weight: ten shekels of gold in Gen 24:22). These further amplify the displayed wealth and enhance the family's honor, indicating a serious proposition.
• on his sister (עַל-אֲחֹתוֹ - al-achoto): Identifying Rebekah as his blood relative and thereby placing her potential marriage into his immediate family's interest and domain for negotiation.
• and when he heard (וַיִּשְׁמַע - vayyishma): The Hebrew verb "to hear" (שָׁמַע, shama) indicates that the verbal report also contributed to Laban's decision to act.
• the words of Rebekah (דִּבְרֵי רִבְקָה - divrey Rivqah): Rebekah's report. Her concise recounting of the servant's encounter and proposal confirmed the visible evidence, making the servant's legitimacy and intent clear. Rebekah’s testimony validates the encounter.
• his sister (אֲחֹתוֹ - achoto): Reinforces the close family tie.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lemor): Standard introductory participle for direct speech or report.
• "Thus the man spoke to me" (כֹּה דִּבֶּר אֵלַי הָאִישׁ - ko dibber elay ha'ish): Rebekah’s brief summary. It conveys that the servant had an important, deliberate message regarding the purpose of his journey. It implies a significant, potentially life-altering conversation that had transpired.
• he came to the man (וַיָּבֹא אֶל-הָאִישׁ - vayyavo el-ha'ish): After his initial rush and observations, Laban physically approaches Eliezer, ready to engage in direct communication, signalling his readiness to receive and perhaps capitalize on this promising development.

Word-Groups Analysis:

• "Then Laban ran out to the man at the spring": This phrase paints a vivid picture of Laban's immediate and energetic reaction. His 'running out' conveys eagerness, which in hindsight (considering his character development with Jacob), may hint at a mercenary motivation rather than pure hospitality. He is not just coming, he is rushing, propelled by curiosity and perhaps expectation.
• "when he saw the nose ring and the bracelets on his sister": The combination of 'seeing' (visual proof) and 'nose ring and bracelets' (tangible, valuable items) signifies the material basis for Laban's excitement. These costly gifts from the servant, adorning Rebekah, were indisputable evidence of Abraham’s wealth and serious intentions, representing significant financial gain and social status for the family. This immediate visual evidence acts as a primary catalyst for Laban's actions.
• "and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, "Thus the man spoke to me": This highlights the supplementary role of Rebekah's verbal testimony. Her concise report confirms the legitimacy and nature of the servant's visit and the substantial gifts. The spoken word validates and amplifies the visual evidence, completing Laban's understanding and prompting his full engagement.

Genesis 24 29 Bonus section

• The detail of "running out" is notable for its recurrence. Laban also "ran out" to Jacob upon his arrival (Gen 29:13), signaling a pattern of rapid, eager response to potential new relationships, particularly when there is a perceived benefit.
• The pairing of "seeing" and "hearing" is a common literary device in the Bible, signifying a complete and convincing understanding of a situation. Laban's full apprehension of the situation is based on both tangible proof and verbal confirmation.
• The gifts themselves (nose ring, bracelets) had specific weights in precious gold (Gen 24:22), emphasizing their concrete value and serving as a down payment or commitment from Abraham's household. They function as both proof of identity (as the servant of a wealthy master) and an enticement for the family.

Genesis 24 29 Commentary

Genesis 24:29 is a short yet remarkably insightful verse, unveiling Laban's character from his very first appearance. His rapid "running out" suggests an eagerness that is deeper than mere hospitality. While ancient Near Eastern culture valued hospitality greatly, Laban's haste is attributed directly to two things: seeing the substantial gold gifts (nose ring and bracelets) on his sister Rebekah, and hearing her succinct report of the stranger’s proposition.

This immediate, visually and verbally triggered response portrays Laban as acutely aware of and receptive to material wealth and the prestige it confers. The expensive jewelry was not just an offering of respect but a powerful signifier of the potential groom's (Isaac's) vast fortune and the secure future for Rebekah. For Laban, this represented an opportunity for family advancement and personal gain, which would become a defining characteristic throughout his later interactions with Jacob. This contrasts subtly with Abraham's focus on lineage and God's promise, and Eliezer's on divine guidance and obedience. Laban's initial impression here lays the groundwork for understanding his actions in future chapters. It signifies that from the outset, the Abrahams' servant's divine mission and the integrity of the proposed alliance were framed within a world that was sensitive, and in Laban’s case, susceptible, to material display.